First of all, the reason we bought this is because, in general, percolators make great tasting coffee. They can turn even the worst quality beans into a good cup of coffee. Initially, the Presto lived up to our expectations. And after doing the following, it is once again making great cups of coffee.
Tip #1 Grind your coffee using the appropriate setting.
After some usage, we would at times get a mouthful of grinds. We realized it was important to use the percolator setting on the coffee grinder at the supermarket. Since then, an occasional coffee grind finds its way into our cup.
Tip #2 Clean the filter basket with a brush.
Despite cleaning the pot before each usage, the coffee was gradually getting weaker each day. We then realized that the holes in the bottom of the filter basket were clogged. We could not unclog them using a sponge so I started poking each one individually with a toothpick before deciding there was no way we would have the time or patience to do it every day. So, we tried a brush with plastic bristles and, within seconds, the basket was completely unclogged. So, we bought a small brush with a long handle and use it to clean the filter basket and the bottom of the pot.
I thought my Hamilton Beach percolator was decent for the price, I even wrote a review about it in December, 2006. One week later, this 1-year old coffee maker was barely keeping the coffee hot. Then I visited my son in Alaska at Christmas and noticed that his 6-yr old Presto percolator was still delivering great, hot coffee in record time. I returned home, ordered my Presto 12-cup percolator and am highly impressed. It''s lighter, easier to load, easier to pour, easier to clean, perks ultra-fast and makes a great, hot cup of coffee. Because of its lighter stainless steel pot, it cools down faster if you want to make a second batch of coffee right away. (We make two pots and pour the first batch into a thermos for back-up when company comes) Based on its performance, I''m surprised the price is so reasonable.
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I''ve used every type of coffee maker around. I look for all stainlessthat means NO plastic or aluminum contacting the water----this has been a great product for me--I love perked coffee. When I''m not using this I use a Cona glass vacuum maker-- I''m a purist about materials and coffee making. Presto has been the most reliable of all my electric percs. It''s all stainless.
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I am a coffee drinker, and have been for decades. I have tried most systems out there-French Press, Filters of all kinds, stovetop espresso pots, etc. Of all of those, French Press makes pretty good coffee. But this Presto percolator extracts more flavor than any of them to my taste.
Here are some clues. The kitchen fills with the smell of coffee brewing. It''s nice, and I haven''t smelled that wonderful, welcoming smell in a long time. The coffee comes out rich and thick. For those of you that use cream or milk, you will still have a decent coffee flavor after the addition.
The pot itself is a fairly simple device. I am sure there is a micro-processor thermostat under the black base, but still a simple device. All parts are Stainless Steel. The pot, the basket holder, the basket and the basket top. No plastic touches the coffee. Parts, should they become damaged for any reason are easily available from the Presto site. But with reasonable treatment these are sturdy, workable pieces of coffee brewing goodness.
The brew cycle is regulated by the amount of water in the pot. I have tried making four cup, six cup, eight cup, and ten cup batches. Following the directions that come with the pot or that area available on the Presto site will yield weaker or stronger brews according to your taste. One just has to experiment a bit to get a feel for it.
The brew cycle ends with a flourish of percing. Then the light on the front goes off. Here''s what they don''t tell you. Wait another minute or so till the last batch of water filters through the basket, then open the top take out the basket top and then the basket and brewpipe. Pop the top back on. The coffee will stay hot for as long as you leave the pot plugged in. And at a good hot temp, too.
This holding part of the cycle is a double edged sword. Coffee definitely looses its full flavor after a while, but the coffee will stay hot for as long as the pot is plugged in. I recommend making several smaller batches over the day rather than just brewing a big one. That hassle aside, I haven''t yet let the pot burn with no coffee in it.
All in all, this Presto pot brews a great cup of coffee in batches from four to twelve cups. Best purchase to my quality of life I have made in some time. Highly recommended.
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I originally purchased this percolator to throw in my suitcase for business and vacation travel because I can''t stand those funky hotel coffee brewers and cheap single-serving coffee packets. But, this Presto percolator is such a fast brew, the coffee is so much better, and it is so easy to take care of, that it has become my daily brewer, even when I am home. There are no gaskets to remove (stove-top espresso makers), there is nowhere for mold to build up (have you ever looked at the area where the coffee comes out of the electric coffee makers after a few days?), and all of the parts are stainless steel or plastic. Plus, it doubles as a teapot while traveling; just wash it, add water, and plug it in! In less then 5 minutes, you can have a hot cup of tea in your hotel room. The parts are all solid, sturdy, and fit together perfectly, too.
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This water filter is very easy to set up and use. The faucet looks and works very well. I have had reverse osmosis systems before and have loved them but the maintenance was difficult. The water from this filter is almost (very close) to the same water I got from the reverse filter and this one is a lot easier to do maintenance, pop of the old filter and stick in the new. Easier done than said in this case.
