Brewing Old School: My Month with the Farberware Percolator
There’s something deeply satisfying about the gentle burbling sound of a percolator at work. I’ve spent the last month with the Farberware 8-Cup Percolator, and I have to say, it’s brought a touch of nostalgic coffee ritual back to my mornings. If you’ve never used a percolator before (or perhaps you remember one from your grandparents’ kitchen), this stainless steel beauty combines old-school brewing methods with modern convenience. The result? A robust, piping hot cup of coffee that, I think, puts my regular drip machine to shame on those mornings when I need an extra kick.
Classic Meets Practical
The first thing that struck me about this Farberware percolator was its surprisingly attractive design. It’s got this timeless, almost retro look with a mirror-finish stainless steel body that somehow manages to fit in with just about any kitchen style. The percolator isn’t too bulky either – it sits comfortably on my somewhat cramped countertop without demanding too much real estate. I particularly appreciate the stay-cool handle, which actually delivers on its promise (I’ve been burned by false promises before, literally).
The clear plastic knob on top doubles as a brewing indicator, which is oddly mesmerizing to watch as coffee begins circulating. It’s these little design touches that make using it feel like a bit of an experience rather than just another way to make coffee.
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: Premium percolator constructed with stainless steel for a durable appliance that looks great in your kitchen; Stainless Steel Coffee Basket designed to extract maximum flavor from your favorite grounds
- ROBUST AROMA AND FLAVOR: Percolating is the fast and easy way to enjoy the full flavor of aroma of your favorite ground coffee.
- CUP-A-MINUTE: The speedy percolator produces about one cup per minute of delicious coffee, and no-drip pour spot minimizes clean-up
- AUTOMATIC KEEP WARM: Once brewing is complete, the kettle automatically switches to its “keep warm” function.
- DETACHABLE CORD: Serving is simple thanks to the detachable cord that simplifies moving and pouring the kettle.
Brewing Power House
Let’s talk performance. This percolator brews surprisingly quickly – I timed it at about a minute per cup, which means a full pot takes around 7-8 minutes. The coffee comes out piping hot, and I mean HOT. Probably the hottest home-brewed coffee I’ve experienced. If you’re someone who hates lukewarm coffee or likes to add cold milk without ending up with a tepid drink, you might really appreciate this aspect.
The “keep warm” function works decently, though I’ve noticed if you leave it for more than an hour, the coffee can develop a slightly bitter taste. That’s probably more about the percolation method than a flaw with this specific model, though. The detachable cord makes serving and storage convenient – a feature I didn’t think would matter much but ended up appreciating.
The brewing process itself produces a strong, robust cup that has more body than what you get from a drip machine. It can be a bit intense if you’re used to pour-over or other gentler methods. I’ve found using a slightly coarser grind helps prevent it from becoming too bitter.
Numbers & Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 cups (approximately 40 oz) |
| Material | Stainless steel body |
| Power | 1000 watts |
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 6.3 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 2.9 pounds |
| Cord | Detachable |
| Special Features | Keep warm function, ready indicator light |
| Warranty | Limited warranty |
The Good & The Bad
Pros:
- Brews exceptionally hot coffee
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Makes rich, strong coffee with good body
- Relatively quick brewing time
- No paper filters needed (environmentally friendly)
- Simple to operate
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Detachable cord for convenient serving
Cons:
- No auto shut-off feature
- Coffee can become bitter if left on warming mode too long
- Not programmable like modern coffee makers
- No defined markings inside for water levels
- Base can get hot during operation
- May be too strong for those used to drip coffee
What Real Users Are Saying
Looking through the Amazon reviews, this percolator has earned a pretty impressive reputation with a 4.5+ star average from thousands of reviews. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many customers expressing delight at the coffee quality and durability.
One reviewer noted: “I have had this for six years. Use it every day. I have never had a problem with it. Makes great coffee and it’s hot! Perfect for two people.”
Another commented: “Makes the best coffee. Easy to clean. Been using it for years with no problems. When my husband broke the knob on top, I contacted the company and they sent a replacement free of charge.”
The critical reviews mainly mention concerns about longevity, with some users reporting that their units stopped working after a year or two of daily use. A few also mentioned issues with the plastic knob cracking or the heating element failing.
Who’s It For?
For Beginners: If you’re new to coffee making, this percolator is actually pretty approachable. There aren’t complicated settings to figure out – just add water, add coffee, and plug it in. However, you might need to experiment with grind size and coffee amount to avoid overly bitter brews, which could be frustrating for complete newcomers.
For Intermediate Users: This is perhaps the perfect audience for this percolator. If you appreciate good coffee but aren’t obsessive about precise extraction techniques, you’ll likely enjoy the robust flavor and simplicity. It’s also great for coffee drinkers who prioritize very hot coffee.
For Advanced Users: Coffee connoisseurs might find this percolator lacks the control they desire for perfect extraction. That said, many advanced users keep a percolator like this in their arsenal specifically for those times when they want a particularly strong, hot brew or need to make coffee for a group.
You Might Also Like
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Ready for Richer, Hotter Coffee?
If you’re tired of lukewarm, weak coffee and want to experience a more robust brewing method with a touch of nostalgic charm, the Farberware 8-Cup Percolator might be exactly what your morning routine needs.
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: Premium percolator constructed with stainless steel for a durable appliance that looks great in your kitchen; Stainless Steel Coffee Basket designed to extract maximum flavor from your favorite grounds
- ROBUST AROMA AND FLAVOR: Percolating is the fast and easy way to enjoy the full flavor of aroma of your favorite ground coffee.
- CUP-A-MINUTE: The speedy percolator produces about one cup per minute of delicious coffee, and no-drip pour spot minimizes clean-up
- AUTOMATIC KEEP WARM: Once brewing is complete, the kettle automatically switches to its “keep warm” function.
- DETACHABLE CORD: Serving is simple thanks to the detachable cord that simplifies moving and pouring the kettle.
