Coffee Maker FAQs:
Interior discoloration : When heating water, the metal discolors. How can I clean this and why does this happen? The aluminum interior will discolor due to minerals present in water, which is normal and does not affect the coffee brewed nor does it indicate a material defect. To remove or help lighten the discoloration, fill coffee maker with water to the level of discoloration (at least to minimum cup level, but not past maximum cup level). Place stem and empty basket in place. For every 12-15 cups of water in coffee maker, add 2 teaspoons cream of tartar to basket. Secure cover in place, plug in and turn on if model has a switch. Allow to complete perk cycle, then let stand 15-20 minutes or until discoloration is lightened. Unplug, drain and allow to cool before cleaning parts as normal. Do not immerse coffee maker base in water or other liquid.
What's the size of a cup of coffee? The standard used in the coffee maker industry for a "cup" of coffee is 5 liquid ounces. To ensure a 5 ounce cup of brewed coffee, the cup markings on the coffee makers represent 5 1/2 ounces per cup as some water is absorbed by the coffee grounds and some is lost in steam during the brewing cycle.
What temperatures do coffee makers reach? Large capacity coffee makers will reach between 180-200 degrees fahrenheit at the end of the brew cycle and will keep the coffee hot for serving in about the same temperature range. If your coffee is not hot enough be sure to keep the well unit clean. If the well unit is not clean the thermostat will not sense correctly and the coffee will not be as hot as it should be.
What type of coffee should I use? Use Regular/Electric Perk ground coffee or "Coffee Ground for All Coffee makers" for best results. DO NOT USE DRIP OR FINELY GROUND COFFEE as flooding of the basket can occur. There are some coffees that state they can be used for both drop and perk coffee makers, however through our testing it was found that this is ground too fine and can cause flooding the percolator style coffee makers. As a guideline, use the following amounts of ground coffee for the number of cups being prepared. Use standard measuring cups ( as used to measure flour, sugar, etc.) to measure the coffee. The amounts of coffee below will brew mild to medium strength coffee which most people prefer.
The amount of coffee can be adjusted to suit personal preference. As a guide, there are about 5 cups of coffee to a pound (16 ounces).
- 12 - 18 Cups Coffee = 1 to 1-1/4 Cups Grounds
- 20 - 25 Cups Coffee = 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 Cups Grounds
- 28 - 36 Cups Coffee = 1-1/2 to 2 Cups Grounds
- 40 - 45 Cups Coffee = 2 to 2-1/2 Cups Grounds
- 50 - 60 Cups Coffee = 3 to 4 Cups Grounds
- 70 - 80 Cups Coffee = 4-1/2 to 5 Cups Grounds
- 90 - 100 Cups Coffee = 5-1/2 to 6-1/4 Cups Grounds
Brewing Time How long does it take to make coffee? For 12 to 45 cups allow about 1 minute per cup. For 50 to 100 cups, allow about 45 seconds per cup (50 cups - about 40 minutes, 100 cups - about 1 hour and 15 minutes).
What are the amps, watts and volts of my urn? 22 to 42 Cup Urn 10 AMPS 1090 WATTS 120 VOLTS 55 to 100 Cup Urn 14 AMPS 1500 WATTS 120 VOLTS 55 Cup Stainless Steel Urn 10 AMPS 1090 WATTS 120 VOLTS
Do I need to use a filter in my urn? Paper filters are not necessary in the large capacity coffee makers as the bottom of all baskets are designed with a built-in filter. If you prefer to use a paper filter, you can, just be sure it fits into the bottom of the basket. Measure bottom diameter of basket to ensure proper fit.
Can apple cider, hot chocolate, tea or hot beverages be made in coffee makers? No. The coffee makers should only be used to brew coffee or heat water for instant beverages. Preparing other hot beverages such as apple cider, hot chocolate or tea can damage the heating unit and voids the warranty.
Do I need the stem and empty coffee basket? We recommend that the stem and empty coffee basket be used when heating water as these parts ensure even heating of the water. If these parts are not used, the coffee maker will be noisier during use and the water may not be heated as hot as it should be to dissolve instant powders or make hot tea. |