West Bend Electric Percolator Classic Style Coffee Maker

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your West Bend Electric Percolator, Model 54159. This 12-cup stainless steel percolator is designed to brew coffee quickly and keep it warm automatically, ensuring a fresh cup every time.

Important Safeguards

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

• Read all instructions before using the appliance.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electrical hazards, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the appliance in water or other liquid.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to “off,” then remove plug from wall outlet.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended use.

Product Overview

The West Bend Electric Percolator is constructed from durable stainless steel with a chrome mirror finish. It features a heat-resistant handle and base for safe handling.

Image: West Bend Electric Percolator with its dimensions clearly marked: 9.57 inches wide, 5.91 inches deep, and 11.82 inches high. The percolator is silver with a black base and handle.

Components:

• Percolator Pot: The main body of the coffee maker.
• Lid: Features a clear knob to observe the percolation process.
• Percolator Stem: The vertical tube that carries hot water to the coffee grounds.
• Coffee Basket: Holds the coffee grounds.
• Spreader: Sits on top of the coffee grounds in the basket.
• Detachable Power Cord: For easy serving.

Image: The West Bend Electric Percolator disassembled, showing the main pot, the lid with its clear knob, the percolator stem, the coffee basket, and the spreader plate.

Setup

1. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the percolator pot, lid, stem, basket, and spreader in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
2. Fill with Water: Fill the percolator pot with cold, fresh water to the desired level. The pot has internal markings or a water level indicator on the handle for 2 to 12 cups. Ensure water does not exceed the maximum fill line.


Image: A hand pouring water into the percolator. The internal markings for cup measurements (4, 6, 8, 10, 12) are visible inside the stainless steel pot.

3. Insert Percolator Stem: Place the percolator stem into the pot, ensuring the bottom of the stem is securely seated in the heating element.
4. Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee basket onto the percolator stem. Add your desired amount of medium-coarse ground coffee to the basket. For best results, use approximately one level tablespoon of coffee for every cup of water. Place the spreader on top of the coffee grounds.


Image: A hand using a spoon to add coffee grounds into the stainless steel coffee basket, which is placed on the percolator stem.

5. Secure the Lid: Place the lid firmly onto the percolator pot.

Operating Instructions

1. Connect Power: Attach the detachable power cord to the percolator and then plug it into a standard 110V AC electrical outlet. The percolator will begin brewing automatically.
2. Percolation Process: Water will heat and rise through the percolator stem, showering over the coffee grounds. You can observe the brewing process through the clear knob on the lid.


Image: A close-up view of the percolator's handle, highlighting the coffee level indicator window and the cool-touch design of the handle.

3. Ready Indicator: A ready-to-serve indicator light will illuminate when the coffee is brewed to perfection.
4. Keep Warm Function: Once brewing is complete, the percolator automatically switches to a 'keep warm' temperature, maintaining the coffee at an ideal serving temperature without scorching.
5. Serving: Unplug the detachable cord from the percolator for convenient, cord-free serving directly at the table. The heat-resistant handle ensures safe pouring.

Image: A close-up of the percolator's base, showing the detachable power cord being unplugged, enabling cordless serving.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your percolator.

1. Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the percolator and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Disassemble: Remove the lid, percolator stem, coffee basket, and spreader.
3. Dishwasher Safe Parts: The lid, percolator stem, and coffee basket are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Image: The stainless steel percolator stem, coffee basket, and spreader are displayed on a white surface, emphasizing their dishwasher-safe nature.
4. Hand Wash Pot: The percolator pot should be hand washed with warm, soapy water. Do not immerse the base of the percolator in water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
5. Descaling: Periodically descale the percolator to remove mineral deposits. Fill the pot with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Brew as usual, then discard the solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and brew a pot of plain water before making coffee.

Troubleshooting

• Coffee is too weak: Ensure you are using the correct ratio of coffee grounds to water. Use a medium-coarse grind suitable for percolators.
• Coffee is too strong: Reduce the amount of coffee grounds used.
• Sediment in coffee: Ensure coffee grounds are not too fine. A medium-coarse grind is recommended for percolators to prevent grounds from passing through the basket.
• Percolator not brewing: Check that the power cord is securely plugged into both the appliance and the wall outlet. Ensure the percolator stem is correctly seated in the heating element.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

This West Bend Electric Percolator comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. For warranty claims, technical support, or replacement parts, please contact West Bend customer service. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

For further assistance, please visit the West Bend Store.