How a Farberware Percolator Works

A Farberware percolator brews coffee by cycling hot water up through ground coffee repeatedly until the brew reaches the strength you want. Water in the bottom chamber heats on the stove or electric heating element. As it boils, pressure forces the water up a tube in the center, where it spreads over the coffee grounds in a basket at the top. The brewed coffee drips back down into the lower chamber, and the cycle repeats every few seconds. You stop the process by removing the percolator from heat or turning off the electric element.

The key difference from a drip coffee maker is that percolators recycle the water through the grounds multiple times, which is why the coffee gets stronger the longer it brews. This also means you can't just walk away—you need to watch it and decide when to stop based on how dark the brew looks through the glass knob on top (if your model has one).

Key Takeaways

  • Fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the fill line, then insert the stem, basket, and spreader before adding ground coffee.
  • Use medium-coarse ground coffee, about one tablespoon per cup of water, and spread it evenly in the basket without packing it down.
  • Place the percolator on medium heat (stovetop) or plug it in (electric), and watch the glass knob on top—brewing usually takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on how strong you want it.
  • Remove the percolator from heat as soon as the brew in the knob reaches your preferred color, because it will keep darkening even after you turn off the heat.
  • Let the percolator cool slightly before pouring, and always remove the basket and stem before serving to prevent grounds from settling into cups.

Filling the Water and Setting Up the Basket

Start with a clean, dry percolator. Fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the fill line marked on the inside—do not overfill, or water will boil out of the top. The fill line is usually near the base of the center tube.

Insert the stem (the long tube in the center) into the hole at the bottom of the chamber. It should fit snugly. Place the perforated basket on top of the stem—the basket is the small cup-shaped piece with holes in the bottom. Some Farberware models include a spreader, a flat piece that sits on top of the basket to distribute water evenly; if yours has one, place it on the basket now.

Add your ground coffee to the basket. Use medium-coarse grounds—finer than drip coffee but coarser than espresso. A common measure is one tablespoon of ground coffee per cup of water, but you can adjust this to taste. Spread the grounds evenly in the basket without pressing or packing them down. Packing restricts water flow and can cause uneven brewing.

Brewing on a Stovetop Percolator

Place the percolator on a burner set to medium heat. Do not use high heat—it causes the water to boil too violently, which can force grounds up into the upper chamber and make the coffee taste bitter or gritty.

Most Farberware stovetop percolators have a glass knob on the lid so you can watch the brewing without lifting the lid. After about 30 seconds to 1 minute, you will see the first bit of brewed coffee bubble up into the knob. The coffee will darken as it cycles. Watch the color in the knob—when it reaches the shade you prefer, remove the percolator from the heat when ready. Brewing usually takes 5 to 10 minutes total, depending on how strong you like your coffee and how much water you started with.

If your percolator does not have a glass knob, listen for the percolating sound—a rhythmic bubbling that starts after the first minute. Once you hear it clearly, begin timing. Check the color by carefully lifting the lid and looking at the brew in the bottom chamber. This is less convenient, so if you use your percolator often, a model with a glass knob is worth the investment.

Brewing in an Electric Farberware Percolator

Electric Farberware percolators work the same way as stovetop models, but the heating element is built in. Fill the bottom chamber with cold water to the fill line, insert the stem and basket, add ground coffee, and place the lid on top. Plug the percolator into an outlet and turn it on—usually there is a straightforward on/off switch or a dial.

The percolator will begin heating when ready. Watch the glass knob on the lid (if present) for the brew color to darken. Most electric models have an automatic shutoff that kicks in after 10 to 15 minutes, but do not rely on it to stop the brewing at your preferred strength. Remove the percolator from the outlet or turn off the switch as soon as the brew looks right. If you wait for the automatic shutoff, the coffee will be over-extracted and taste harsh.

Some electric models have a "keep warm" setting that maintains a low temperature after brewing stops. This is useful if you are not serving the coffee right away, but keep warm settings can scorch the coffee if left on for more than 30 minutes, so turn the percolator off completely if you are done brewing.

Pouring and Cleaning After Brewing

Let the percolator cool for 1 to 2 minutes before pouring—the handle and lid will be very hot. Before you pour, always remove the basket and stem from the bottom chamber. If you leave them in, grounds will settle into the pot and end up in your cup. Lift the lid, grab the stem with a cloth or heat-resistant glove, and pull it straight up. The basket will come with it.

Pour the coffee slowly into your cup. If you see grounds in the pot, you can strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter as you pour, though this is usually not necessary if you removed the basket in time.

After you finish pouring, empty any remaining coffee from the bottom chamber into the sink. Disassemble the percolator completely—remove the lid, stem, basket, and spreader if you have one. Rinse all parts under warm running water and scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Do not use an abrasive scouring pad, which can scratch the interior. Dry all parts thoroughly before storing or reassembling. If your percolator is electric, wipe the outside with a damp cloth but do not submerge the base.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Coffee tastes bitter or burnt: You brewed too long. Remove the percolator from heat as soon as the brew reaches your preferred color in the glass knob. If your model does not have a knob, start checking the color after 5 minutes and remove from heat sooner next time.

Coffee tastes weak or watery: You did not brew long enough, or you used too little coffee. Try brewing for another minute or two, or increase the amount of ground coffee next time. Remember that one tablespoon per cup is a starting point—you can adjust up or down to taste.

Grounds are in the cup: You did not remove the basket and stem before pouring, or the basket was overfilled. Always remove the basket first. If you overfill the basket, grounds can escape through the perforations. Use less coffee or a larger percolator.

Water boils out of the top: You used too high heat (stovetop) or overfilled the water chamber. Fill only to the line, and use medium heat. If you are using an electric model, make sure the lid is seated properly—a loose lid allows steam to escape and water to boil over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular drip coffee grounds in a Farberware percolator?

Drip grounds are usually too fine and will pass through the basket holes into your cup. Percolators work best with medium-coarse grounds. If you only have drip grounds on hand, you can use them, but expect some sediment in your coffee. Grind your own beans to medium-coarse if possible, or ask your coffee shop to grind for percolator.

How long does a Farberware percolator last?

Stovetop percolators last 20 to 30 years or longer if you care for them properly—they have no electrical parts to fail. Electric models typically last 5 to 10 years before the heating element wears out. Rinse and dry all parts when ready after use to prevent mineral buildup and corrosion, which shortens the lifespan.

Can I brew a smaller amount of coffee than the percolator's full capacity?

Yes. Fill the bottom chamber with water to the appropriate level for the number of cups you want, and use the same ratio of coffee to water. The percolator will work fine with less water—you do not have to fill it completely every time.

What is the difference between a Farberware percolator and a Farberware drip coffee maker?

Percolators cycle water through the grounds multiple times, creating a stronger, darker brew. Drip makers pour hot water through grounds once and collect the coffee below. Percolators take longer but require less equipment. Drip makers are faster and produce a lighter cup. Both are made by Farberware, so the choice depends on your taste and how much time you have.