Not only do they allow you to adjust the strength of the coffee brewed (by extending the brewing process time/ re-percolating), but they also provide one of the best alternatives to spending vast amounts of time and money getting your caffeine kick from your favorite coffee shop.
Since all coffee percolators are not made the same, this review will analyze the West Bend 54159 Classic Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Percolator in terms of its size and capacity, design, and quality of the unit’s build.
I will also provide in-depth information regarding any other additional features the unit may have such as ease of use and whether it’s easy to clean.
After reading this review, you will be in a better position to decide whether or not the West Bend 54159 will be a good fit for you brewing needs (assuming that you are reading this review because you are searching for the best percolator in the market).
If you landed on this page and want a closer look at the West Bend 54159 Classic Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Percolator and not read review, click HERE to go straight through to Amazon.com or click on link below to check this out.
West Bend 54159 Classic Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Percolator Review
Brewing Capacity
Of course, not all coffee percolators are designed to be the same size. Some percolators can only brew single cups whilst others (like the West Bend 54159) can brew as few as 2 and many as 12.
The brew amount can be controlled easily by varying the amount of water poured into the pot and amount of coffee grinds placed in the basket. Be sure to follow the exact measurements indicated in the instruction manual or your brew will be shockingly bitter or simply brown coffee-smelling water!
This should be relatively easy since the unit is designed with a see-through coffee measuring indicator located in its handle so you can see how much water is being contained inside the perk pot.
Size
Measuring 6.2 x 9.2 x 12.2 inches, the West Bend 54159 is quite competitively sized in comparison to its brand alternatives. However, it is worth noting that as far as the average 12-cup coffee percolators sizes go, this unit is actually slightly bigger (more coffee for more less the same price as normal-sized percolators? Yes please!)
This feature also allows it to be easily packed (for those who feel they cannot rely on any other coffee brewer while on a trip). Moreover, it makes the unit quite space-friendly as it doesn’t pose a problem for those who have low cupboards or little counter space in their kitchens.
Design and Quality of Build
The West Bend 54159 style and design makes the unit quite aesthetically appealing.
The outer part of the percolator is made out of shiny stainless steel whilst the unit’s base and handle are made out of cool black plastic. The shininess of the steel against the black gives the West Bend 54159 a contemporary modern look.
Safety Features
The unit is equipped with a heat resistant, easy grip, stay cool handle which makes the serving process not only safe but also very easy.
The West Bend 54159’s base is also made out of heat resistant plastic (which I think is truly ingenious because the unit takes care of some of the typical problems associated with other brand models available in the market) and works to ensure that the surface upon which it is placed does not get scorched.
Produces a High Quality Brew (Always!)
This is perhaps the most important beneficial aspect of the West Bend 54159 (and one that I can vouch for!).
The main reason why this particular unit always brews the best tasting coffee can be attributed to the fact that it does not need disposable filters. Filters bring about 2 specific problems, the first relates to how they affect the taste of the coffee brewed and the second relates to the risk of having dioxin seep into the freshly brewed coffee from the paper filter.
Luckily, the West Bend 54159 uses a metal filter during the process which means that the taste of the brew cannot be compromised in any way. It is worth noting that this specific feature also saves you a ton of cash.
Why? Consider this Math…
A single use paper filter costs between $0.01 and 0.1 (approximately, depending on the brand of filter papers bought and the model of one’s percolator). Assuming that you use your percolator to brew some coffee only once a day, the paper filter you will use over the course of one year will amount to between $18 and $36 approximately.
If you are a true coffee lover and most likely brew more than two pots a day, you can only imagine the cost associated with single use paper filters! Ridiculousness!
Additional Beneficial Features
The unit’s spout is perfectly designed to ensure that one does not spill the fresh brew while pouring.
In addition, the West Bend 54159 is well equipped with an indicator light which lets you know when the brew is done percolating and ready to serve.
It also has an automatic keep-warm feature which is activated once the percolator has finished the brewing process.
Customer Opinion
Generally, client reviews give the West Bend 54159 Classic Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Percolator a 5 star rating. Of course, there are also critical reviews of the unit but these are few (but I will be including a summation of these critics in the “The Bad” section of this review).
The Good
– Can brew between 2 and 12 cups of (the best-tasting) coffee via an easy, idiot-proof brewing method
– Easy to clean since the unit has a metal filter (which also makes owning the unit super cost-effective in the long run)
– The unit comes equipped with several safety features including stay cool plastic handle, heat resistant plastic base, and precision-pour no drip spout
– Automatic keep-warm feature which is activated once the percolator has finished the brewing process
The Bad
– According to several critical customer reviews, the most notable issue with the unit is its short power cord which measures approximately 2 meters only (I wonder why a person would need a longer power cord when it’s easily detachable to make the unit quite portable…)
– Not dishwasher safe (but aren’t they all anyway?!)
Final Verdict
All in all, the West Bend 54159 Classic Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Percolator makes a great purchase for individuals who enjoy rich, flavourful, coffee, have limited counter space in their kitchens and are searching for a coffeemaker which is affordable and built to last.
In this review I have analyzed for you the West Bend 54159 Classic Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Percolator in terms of its size and capacity, design, and quality of the unit’s build.
I have also provide in-depth information regarding any other additional features the unit may have such as ease of use and whether it’s easy to clean.
After reading this review, you should be in a better position to decide whether or not the West Bend 54159 will be a good fit for you brewing needs.
To have a closer look at this unit and also to read the customer reviews. Click HERE to go through to Amazon.com or click the link below.