Perkolator-Support

Inspect Your Percolator

Remove your COLETTI Percolator from the packaging along with the glass top and check for any unsatisfactory defects or damages. For replacements contact us at support@coletticoffee.com or 866-798-4492. Our US-based customer support is available Monday to Friday. 

Cleaning a New Percolator

Removing Factory Build-Up and Suggested Sanitation

Method #1: Baking Soda or Cream of Tartar

1. Fill the pot with water
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda (or cream of tartar)
3. Use your choice of heating source to bring your Bozeman to percolate
4. Let the water cool down completely
5. Scrub the pot with a nonabrasive tool, like a dishcloth.
   If the stains are being particularly stubborn, try using a plastic scrubber – but only if you absolutely need to, as these tools can sometimes scratch stainless steel surfaces.
6. Rinse well 

Method #2: Vinegar

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl
2. Fill your percolator with the vinegar and water solution
3. Use your choice of heating source to bring your Bozeman to percolate
4. Let the water cool down completely
5. Pour out the used solution
6. Repeat steps (1) through (5) once more
7. Fill your percolator with clean water
8. Heat your Bozeman to percolate
9. Let the water cool down completely
10. Pour out the water
11. Add one-half cup of baking soda 
12. Slowly add white vinegar until the mixture begins to bubble.
13. Cover the percolator and shake gently for a minute or two. 
14. Rinse thoroughly

Other Cleaning Tips

To make sure your percolator is ready for everyday use, wash it out immediately after each use, and don’t allow the coffee to dry out inside. When cleaning, regular dish detergent (for the sink, not the dishwasher) should work just fine. 

If your percolator still smells of coffee after cleaning, then it needs a more thorough clean. It may require several tries or you might need to use more dish soap while cleaning.

Also, keep your coffee pot clean by discarding unwanted, unused coffee right away.  Best not to let hot coffee stand in the pot for long, as this can “bake in” that pesky java color. Allowing coffee to linger in the pot can “cement” the coffee into the metal, and greatly complicate removing stains and smells.

Stainless steel percolators will resist staining as long as you do not scratch the surface. To keep from dulling the surfaces in the pot, basket, spreader, and well stem, avoid scouring with any abrasive cleansers, pot scrubbers, steel wool pads, and bathtub cleaning agents. Any sort of scrubbing device made of metal, such as wire brushes or burnishing tools, should be avoided at all costs.

Even plastic or Nylon scrubbers should be used sparingly on stainless steel parts. Save these for the really tough stains, and rely primarily on your dishcloth for routine cleanup.

When cleaning the well tube, be sure to remove those pesky little coffee granules that often embed themselves behind the washer at the bottom of the tube.  You can use a small knife, needle, pin, or toothpick to dislodge them. Too much buildup here can degrade the seal that the pump tube forms with the well in the bottom of the coffee pot, and decrease perking efficiency. This can be the reason behind weak or foul tasting coffee from your percolator.

We’re sure we don’t need to tell you this, but always unplug electric percolators before cleaning and never submerge them. We probably don’t have to tell you why.

And, when in doubt, keep in mind that little brown never hurt anyone. Keeping your percolator clean is essential for preserving your system and making the best coffee possible, but some stains and smells aren’t going to ruin your machine! Truthfully, these come with the territory of a coffee maker, no matter which kind you prefer.

How to Brew Coffee with a COLETTI Percolator

1. Fill Percolator with Water
   Add water to your pot before inserting the basket assembly. Do not fill past the pouring holes behind the spout. 
   This will ensure your coffee does not boil out through the spout or come into contact with the grounds more than required.
2. Add Filter to Basket
   Place the brew basket on the perk stem, and then place a filter in the bottom of the basket.
   The filter is not required, but will keep the grounds out of the coffee and minimize the amount of off bean oil in your final pot. The oil may improve the flavor, but also adds cholesterol. 
3. Add Ground Coffee 
   Scoop grounds into the basket, being careful not to pour any grounds down the steam. 
   If you are grinding your own beans, use a coarse setting. As a guideline, start with 1 tablespoon for every cup of water, and then adjust to taste. 
4. Add Basket Assembly
   Place the metal basket lid on top of the basket, and then palace the perk assembly into the pot.
5. Add Heat
   Turn your stove on low to medium heat and place the Bozeman on the heating element. Lower heat creates the optimal extraction temperature. 
6. Monitor Percolation
   You will see the water begin to perk through the globe (the glass knob on top). Allow the coffee to perk for 4-7 minutes, or to your desired strength. 
7. Enjoy Your Coffee
   When pouring the coffee, place your thumb under the cover hinge, and apply pressure upward to ensure the lid stays shut, which will prevent any grounds from pouring into your cup.
   You may wish to let the pot cool before handling, or use an insulated pad or oven mit.