What is a Percolator?
A percolator works by using the natural movement of heated water. Water is heated at the base of the percolator, as it warms it will rise up a special tube toward the top of the unit. Once it reaches the top, then the force of gravity takes over and it sends the heater water over the coffee grounds and back into the pot. The cooler water naturally sinks to the base of the unit while the warmer water stays near the top.For an electric coffee maker, the process stops automatically when the brew cycle is complete. For a stove top percolator the glass top is essential for knowing when the coffee is ready. Simply watch the color of the coffee as it percolates at the top. You then remove the pot from the heat when the color of the coffee is where you wish it to be. Percolate longer or a stronger brew, or shorter for a mild brew.
Eric says
I would like to invite all to join the group on facebook, Percolator Love. It is open to the public, and will hopefully prove invaluable in promoting use of the percolator.
Karen says
Does anyone know what type of percolator a PYREX stem pump marked C-AA would be for? It is 7.5 inches tall, which is taller than most stems. Thanks in advance for your help! Karen
Terri says
I recently bought an old stove top coffeemaker that I thought was a percolator. It does not have the pump stem and I am not sure exactly how to get it to brew a good cup of coffee. I LOVE perc’d coffee, so I would like to figure this out. Any tips or ideas?
Thanks!
Dana Eyraud says
Hi. I need help locating a top and cord for an old Hamilton Beach coffee percolator- model # 21CM
It looks like a giant egg and holds about 36 cups of coffee. This was my mothers. It is in great shape and it still works like a champ. Just need the top and cord. This is very frustrating. I can send pictures.
Thanks for your help.
Dana…
Carla says
Terri, does it have a basket for the grounds? If it does, does the basket has its own stem? If id does, then your purchased percolator unit is not complete. The pump stem is missing and it won’t work without it. You’d need to find a replacement.
Without the stem however, it’s not a total waste. You can take the filter basket out, and either use the carafe to boil water or make coffee the cowboy way. Do a google search on cowboy coffee for more information.
Carla says
Dana, have you tried to call Hamilton Beach or search the parts on eBay?
Barry Meyers says
I have an unusual copper urn/coffee percolator that also has a copper tray + sugar & creamer in copper with brass lining. The coffee urn has a black bakelite handle on each side. I am missing the stem & basket though I have found a cord. Also the small glass top is broken at the bottom. There is no brand identification though on the bottom of the urn it states it was patented in 1951. I bought in decades ago in a collectible store. Any clue as to who made it or where I might seek out parts?………Thank you.
David 4575 says
I am fairly new to the percolator world. As with anything time, trial and error makes coffee better. Those who say percolate coffee is bitter not doing it right. People who have had my coffee like it a lot. They ask the name brand of coffee and are surprised to see cheap or no name brand coffee. At times I even grind to a fine powder like for an espresso. I put a paper filter in , but it makes a good strong brew that I can blast off with. The maker I use is new Chinese, in which I found out it is brushed aluminum. I am not a fan of drinking aluminum from cans or coffee. First is there a USA made electric stainless steel percolator? Next question is there an all stainless steel electric percolator made anywhere? Sorry, I don’t have time to go to estate sales, flea markets etc…. Thank You for Your Time
PATRICIA GLOVER says
I have a vintage Kenmore electric percolator without a cord. I believe it needs a 11/16 two prong cord. Where can I purchase a replacement cord? The model is 329-6715. Does anyone know when it was manufactured?
JANE SHARPE says
I have a Vintage Universal Landers Frary and Clark Silver Plate Coffee Percolator. I need a cord.
The pin == center to center == is 5/8″. A 1/2″ does not work. Any suggestions as to where to find a cord? Many thanks.
Michelle A says
Jane you can get these two or three prong cords at just about any hardware store. I got mine at Ace Hardware but they can also be found on eBay and most likely Amazon.
Grady Bledsoe says
Hello everyone,
Why no GE listed here? Is that another brand listed here? Just wondering. I am looking for the sight glass and the 2 rubber elbows in the handle of my late mother’s Walmart GE. I took it apart to clean it and the rubber crumbled and the glass broke.
CATHY A. MARTIN says
I need a replacement top and washer for a Model 138, Serial number 1323922. I ordered one but it did not fit.
Julie says
Love my 4cup Faberware percolator(s). I have one for travel, one for the kitchen and one for my trailer, and an extra one on hand., plus and 8c just in case. Just thought I would brag. Great coffee.
I clean the inside stains with a weak chlorox soak…faster than vinegar and baking soda. Shines up real nice.
Sandra H says
I Have small assemblage of vintage percolators, and assorted parts for other ones. Want to place in good home of someone who either fixes them, restores them. I will pay for shipping. If you can use these, send me shipping address and I will pack them up and send them to you. Not asking for money, just someone who can upcycle these parts. All in good shape, from non-smoking, no pets, clean home.
Thank You. Sandra H
Patricia Bilec says
Need to know what I’m getting pics would be nice
Charles & Kathi Beasley says
Hello my wife and I just purchased a Robeson Royal Rochester model 2051 percolator. We know nothing about the unit other than it heated the water and vinegar solution we used to clean it.
We got no manual and do not know how many cups since there are no internal markings.
A Google was not helpful. Where can we get a manual or more information on this coffee maker?
Brian Meade says
I was wondering if you happen to have a spreader for our farberware percolator Model FCP280G?
Let me know.
Thank you! 🙂