1. Product Overview
The Farberware Stainless Steel Electric Percolators (available in 2-4 cup and 12 cup capacities) are designed to deliver robust, flavorful coffee quickly and efficiently. Crafted from premium stainless steel, these percolators offer durability and a classic aesthetic for any kitchen. They feature an automatic "keep warm" function to maintain coffee temperature after brewing and a detachable power cord for convenient serving and storage.
Image: The Farberware 2-4 Cup (left) and 12 Cup (right) Electric Percolators, showcasing their sleek stainless steel design and black handles.
Key Features:
- Premium Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures durability and a stylish appearance.
- Robust Aroma and Flavor: Brews coffee the traditional percolating way for a rich taste.
- Fast Brewing: Produces approximately one cup per minute.
- Automatic Keep Warm Function: Automatically switches to keep warm mode after brewing to maintain optimal coffee temperature.
- Detachable Power Cord: Allows for easy pouring and compact storage.
2. Setup and First Use
- Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Wash Components: Before first use, wash the percolator pot, cover, stem, and basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Do not immerse the base of the percolator in water.
- Fill with Water: Fill the percolator with cold, fresh water up to the desired cup marking inside the pot. Ensure the water level is below the bottom of the coffee basket.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee basket onto the stem, then insert the stem into the percolator. Add desired amount of coarse-ground coffee to the basket. For best results, use coffee specifically ground for percolators.
- Assemble: Place the cover onto the percolator, ensuring it is securely seated.
- Connect Power: Attach the detachable power cord to the percolator and plug it into a standard electrical outlet.
Image: A top-down view inside the percolator, showing the stainless steel coffee basket filled with coffee grounds, ready for brewing.
3. Operating Instructions
Brewing Coffee:
- After completing the setup steps, the percolator will automatically begin brewing once plugged in.
- The brewing process typically takes about one minute per cup. You will hear the characteristic perking sound as the water cycles through the coffee grounds.
- Once brewing is complete, the percolator will automatically switch to the "keep warm" function. The indicator light (if present) may change color or turn off to signify the change in mode.
Serving Coffee:
- Carefully unplug the detachable power cord from the percolator.
- The stay-cool handle and cover knob are designed for safe handling.
- Pour coffee directly from the spout into your cup.
Image: Freshly brewed coffee being poured from the spout of the Farberware 2-4 Cup percolator into a white coffee mug.
Image: The larger Farberware 12-Cup percolator pouring coffee, demonstrating the ease of serving with the detachable cord.
4. Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Farberware Electric Percolator.
- Daily Cleaning:
- Always unplug the percolator and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Remove the cover, stem, and coffee basket. Discard used coffee grounds.
- Wash the cover, stem, and basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Wipe the interior and exterior of the percolator pot with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the percolator base in water or place it in a dishwasher.
- Dry all parts completely before reassembling or storing.
- Deep Cleaning / Descaling:
Over time, mineral deposits from water can build up, affecting performance. Descale your percolator periodically (e.g., monthly or as needed based on water hardness).
- Fill the percolator with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Run a brewing cycle with this solution (without coffee grounds).
- After the cycle, unplug and let it cool. Discard the solution.
- Rinse the percolator thoroughly several times with fresh water to remove any vinegar residue.
- Run 1-2 cycles with fresh water only to ensure all vinegar taste is gone.
5. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Percolator does not turn on. | Not plugged in; power outlet issue; faulty cord. | Ensure cord is securely plugged into percolator and a working outlet. Check household fuse/breaker. |
| Coffee is too weak. | Not enough coffee grounds; grounds too coarse; insufficient brewing time. | Increase coffee amount; use medium-coarse grounds; ensure proper water level. |
| Coffee is too strong. | Too many coffee grounds; grounds too fine. | Reduce coffee amount; use coarser grounds. |
| Percolator not perking. | Insufficient water; stem not properly seated; clogged stem/basket. | Ensure water is above heating element; re-seat stem; clean stem and basket thoroughly. |
| Coffee grounds in brewed coffee. | Grounds too fine; basket overflowed. | Use coarser grounds; do not overfill coffee basket. |
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Farberware |
| Models | FCP240 (2-4 Cup), FCP412 (12 Cup) |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Special Feature | Automatic Keep Warm Function |
| Coffee Maker Type | Percolator |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Recommended Uses | Brewing coffee |
| Date First Available | April 6, 2022 |
7. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Farberware website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Online Support: Visit the Farberware Store on Amazon
