This is because in this specific how to use Faberware percolator article, I have opted to discuss the important safeguards you ought to know before, as well as during the process of using the unit to make a fresh home brew.
Also, I will discuss the unit’s cleaning and maintenance instructions since most individuals tend to ignore the manufacturer’s instructional guide (don’t you just hate the fine print these guys use?) and fall for some common user-errors that ultimately lead to their unit’s unintentional and untimely demise.
To start off this instructional how to use Farberware percolator guide off, I will first state some of the important unit safeguards to follow. Please keep in mind that although you may find some the safeguards to be common sense, there might be someone out there reading the article and getting some serious AHA! Moments so bear with me…
– DO NOT immerse the unit’s power plugs, plastic base, or power cord in water in order to prevent any electrical hazards. Water (or any other liquid for that matter!) and electricity do not go well together (duh!)
– If you have children in your household, particularly those who love to run around from room to room including the kitchen area, maintain very close supervision during the unit’s brewing action. This will go a long way in preventing unnecessary burns or scalds that may cost you much time in the emergency room
– If the unit is not in use (i.e. not actively percolating or keeping a fresh brew warm), make sure it is unplugged. This also applies to when you want to clean the unit.
– DO NOT (and this specific safeguard applies to all Mr. Fix-its and Handy Manny’s out there) operate the unit if its cord or power plug is damaged or if the unit malfunctions in any way! The best thing you can do is return the appliance to the nearest Farberware service facility (please, please check to find out whether the facility is authorized or you may be duped out of some cash) in order to have it examined, repaired, or otherwise replaced. According to the manufacturer’s warranty, the appliance is warranted for a year from the unit’s original purchase date.
– Use only the accessory attachments recommended or sold by the unit’s manufacturer. Failure to follow this simple BUT VITAL safeguard may result in electric shock, fire, or health-risking injury! This especially applies to the unit’s power cord.
– This unit is to be used ONLY INDOORS (duh) and should not be placed near open fires (remember that the unit’s handle and base are made out of plastic and being placed near an open fire may cause these areas to melt).
– Never, and I repeat, NEVER, uncover the unit when it is actively percolating. If you do so, the pressurised steam and hot water will scald you.
– Another additional safeguard that is closely related to the one mentioned above is that you should ALWAYS use the unit’s top knob to uncover/ replace the cover on the unit’s top rim. Using your fingers to pry the cover open will cause scalding
How to Use Farberware Percolator: The Key to Unit Durability Lies in Cleaning and Maintenance
– DO NOT use a dishwasher to clean this unit body. It is not a stove top percolator and functions on electricity (which you know does not mesh with liquids)!
– Always make sure that the unit is unplugged from the electricity port and that the base is detached before you start the manual cleaning process
– Always make sure the unit is cool before you start the cleaning process
Now you are well-informed and can learn more about the unit’s cleaning and maintenance!
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Step 1 – Remove the unit’s cover, spreader, basket, and pump tube. It is important to note that these are the only parts of the unit that are dishwasher safe (and can be placed in one for cleaning)
Step 2 – Next, use warm soapy water (your typical dish-washing fluid mixed with some warm water will do) and a sponge to wash the unit’s interior. Remember not to use the scrubbing part as this will only scour off the essential coffee oils that give your brew its distinct coffee-full flavor. If you do scrub it clean, you will have to repeat the “curing” process (click here to read through the article containing the information regarding how to cure your unit)
Step 3 – Rinse it out thoroughly using cold, fresh water.
Step 4 – Use a soft, dry, dishcloth to wipe each component dry. Although leaving some water does not cause a lot of damage apart from some minor discoloration (like percolators made out of aluminum), wiping it dry ensures that your unit will be completely ready to use for the next brewing session.
Step 5- Replace all the unit’s components, leaving the cover off. By leaving the unit uncovered, you are sure it won’t have a musty smell next time you use it (this will not only preserve the essential coffee oils in the unit’s interior but also ensure that your next brew will taste fantastic!)
Also, make sure that when you replace the unit’s pump funnel, the bottom part (the washer) remains loose. In addition, check if the washer and center well do not have any coffee bits lodged in them as this causes the unit to malfunction and produce very weak brews.
To remove any noted grounds, rinse under running tap water. If this measure fails, get a wooden pick (a toothpick will do) and pick at them until they are loose enough to be dislodged by the running water.
Step 6- If you have used your unit several times, it is essential that you eliminate the accumulation of coffee oils as well as any coffee stains in any of the unit’s interior components. An over-accumulation of this tends to make a brew bitter and ghastly-tasting. There are special percolator cleansers that are great for this job (my personal favorite is Dip-It
After a thorough rinse, use the unit to percolate plain water (that is, do not place any coffee grinds in the basket) in order to completely eliminate any traces of the cleanser. After this cleansing, cure your unit using my recommended unit curing instructions (click here to access “how to cure a new/ over-cleansed coffee maker” information located in my how to use Farberware Coffee Maker article).