Petromax Tea and Coffee Percolator User Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Petromax Stainless Steel Percolator is designed for brewing coffee and tea with a unique and gentle method, ensuring a rich and aromatic beverage. Its robust stainless steel construction makes it suitable for both indoor use on various stoves (electric or gas) and outdoor adventures over a campfire.

The percolation principle involves boiling water rising through a central tube, flowing over the coffee or tea grounds in a sieve container, and then mixing with the remaining water. This continuous circulation extracts the flavors, intensifying the taste the longer the process continues. A clear glass knob on the lid allows you to monitor the brewing progress.

A shiny stainless steel percolator with a glass knob on top, featuring the Petromax logo.

2. Product Features

• Versatile use: Suitable for campfires, electric stoves, and gas stoves.
• Percolator brewing method: Ensures gentle extraction and intense flavor.
• Durable construction: Made from high-quality stainless steel and glass.
• Transparent glass knob: Allows visual monitoring of the brewing process.
• Available in multiple sizes: Offered in 9-cup and 18-cup capacities.

Disassembled view of the percolator showing the main pot, the central tube, and the coffee basket with its lid.

A close-up view of the clear glass knob on the percolator lid, used to observe the brewing process.

Two Petromax percolators, illustrating the available 9-cup and 18-cup capacities.

3. Setup

1. Disassemble: Remove the lid, the coffee basket, and the central tube from the percolator pot.
2. Fill with Water: Fill the percolator pot with cold water up to the desired level, ensuring it does not exceed the bottom of the coffee basket.
3. Add Coffee/Tea Grounds: Place the central tube into the pot, ensuring it sits securely. Then, place the coffee basket onto the central tube. Fill the coffee basket with your desired amount of coarse-ground coffee or loose-leaf tea. Do not overfill.
4. Reassemble: Place the lid back onto the percolator pot, ensuring the glass knob is securely in place.

4. Operating Instructions

Once assembled, the percolator is ready for brewing. Place it on your chosen heat source, whether it's a campfire, electric stove, or gas stove.

1. Apply Heat: Place the percolator directly on the heat source. For campfires, ensure it is stable and not directly in the largest flames to prevent scorching.
2. Monitor Brewing: As the water heats, it will begin to bubble up through the central tube and trickle over the coffee/tea grounds. You can observe this process through the glass knob on the lid.
3. Adjust Brew Strength: The longer the water circulates, the stronger the brew will become. For a milder taste, remove from heat sooner. For a stronger taste, allow it to percolate for a longer duration. Typical brewing time is 5-10 minutes after percolation begins.
4. Serve: Once the desired strength is achieved, carefully remove the percolator from the heat source. Allow it to sit for a minute or two for the grounds to settle before pouring.

The Petromax percolator suspended over an open campfire, ready for brewing.

5. Maintenance

1. Cleaning: After each use, allow the percolator to cool completely. Disassemble all parts. Wash the stainless steel components with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Glass Knob Care: Handle the glass knob with care to prevent chipping or breaking. Clean it gently with a soft cloth.
3. Drying: Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling or storing to prevent water spots or mineral buildup.
4. Storage: Store the percolator in a dry place.

6. Troubleshooting

• Coffee is too weak: Ensure you are using enough coffee grounds. Try a finer grind if the coffee is too coarse, or allow it to percolate for a longer period.
• Coffee is too strong/bitter: Reduce the amount of coffee grounds, use a coarser grind, or shorten the percolation time.
• No percolation: Ensure there is enough water in the pot and that the central tube is properly seated. The heat source might not be strong enough to bring the water to a boil.
• Grounds in coffee: Ensure the coffee grounds are not too fine, as they might pass through the sieve. Check that the coffee basket is properly seated.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Warranty information for your Petromax Tea and Coffee Percolator is typically included with the product packaging. Please refer to the documentation provided at the time of purchase for specific warranty terms and conditions.

For any questions, technical support, or assistance with your product, please contact Petromax customer service. You can find contact details on the official Petromax website or through your retailer.