How to Troubleshoot a Percolating Coffeepot

Because percolating coffeepots have a simple design, problems with these coffee makers should occur rarely. They are available in both stovetop and electric models and have similar components except that the electric model has a self-contained heating element that you plug into an outlet. Primarily, you may notice the grounds overflowing or a bitter taste or your electric percolator may not turn on. You can troubleshoot and resolve some of these issues on your own.

Instructions

1. Plug your percolator into an appropriate electrical outlet if your model has a power cord. Electrical percolators generally require a 120 volt standard household outlet.

2. Assemble the percolator properly based on the percolator's owners manual before brewing. The stem is placed through the basket inside the percolator where it sits near the bottom of the percolator. The spreader is placed on top of the basket so that it covers the basket opening. Fill the basket with the appropriate amount of coffee grounds based on your manufacturer's instructions -- usually about 1 tbsp. per cup of water used in the percolator.

3. Clean accumulated oil and coffee stains from the percolator if your coffee has a bitter taste. Use a special percolator cleanser, available at home and grocery retailers, and follow the package directions for using it appropriately.

4. Use coffee that is more coarsely ground the next time you use the percolator if it overflows. Finely ground coffee can cause the coffee basket to overflow. Medium to coarsely ground coffee should work the best in most percolators.

5. Ignore small amounts of smoke and odors when the percolator is heating as well as expansion sounds. All are normal during the heating process.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your percolator's manufacturer directly if you are unable to troubleshoot a problem on your own. Find its number on your owners manual or on its website.

References

• Fantes.com: Farberware Millennium Use and Care Instructions
• West Bend: 12 Cup Electric Percolator Instruction Manual
• Fantes.com: Coffee Percolators