Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I bought this coffee maker to replace my 12 cup electric Farberware percolator, which replaced my stovetop 12 cup Farberware (loaned it out for a friend's party and never made it back home but that's another story). Before I began to shop online, I found it difficult to replace my 12 cup stovetop, so I bought a 12 C. electric, which also made great coffee. When the electric element began to go, I replaced it with this one (why did Farberware stop making 12 C. versions?) and I'm very happy with it. I kept the still-serviceable electric for those get-togethers when 10 cups are insufficient. On with the review: First of all, anyone viewing this review forum obviously doesn't need to be reminded that THERE IS NO COFFEE LIKE PERKED, HOT COFFEE, period!!! This coffee maker makes perfect coffee in my opinion. If I had to rely on those drip type of coffee makers, I would shave my head, put on an orange robe, sneak into Tibet and live in a monastery (no offense intended - I highly respect and love the religion). I'd buy it again, though I don't foresee the need to buy another one since there are no moving parts and no electric elements to worry about. The only negative from my perspective is that it doesn't come in a 12 cup version. As when reading reviews on any item, one has to take into consideration many factors. First of all, when the reviews are so staggeringly overweighted in in one direction or another, the choice should be obvious. As of this writing it's: 572 five-star reviews to 34 one-star reviews. Now I'll cover some of the negatives from other reviewers, mainly for young people starting out who may be new to the subject. "The plastic top melts.": I've had this percolator for 11 months and no such thing has happened (and no one likes coffee as hot as I like it). "Coffee spurts out on stove.": Hasn't happened yet. Are they over-filling it and not lowering the flame once it starts to perk as directed? "Some coffee grounds at bottom.": Hasn't happened yet. For as many years as I've brewed coffee, I always wet the coffee holder element. This stops coffee grounds from seeping through. The only way they can seep through is if you don't wait a minute or so to allow the coffee in the filter element to empty out into the bottom. Well worth the wait and the coffee is still piping hot. "The rinse water doesn't empty out entirely.": The curvature on top does retain a small amount of water. For what water remains, they have these things out there called "dish towels" that with one swipe that water disappears. Really folks, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to deal with these very minor items. "Don't buy it. This is junk.": "Junk???" Folks, even the negative reviews mention that it makes great coffee. Be governed accordingly. Some coffee brewing tips from an oldster: Never buy those extra-large coffee cans on sale, unless you can use it within ten days. All coffee (included coffee beans you purchased just after your vendor roasted them) begins to become stale after 10-11 days. Vacuum packing slows down the process. Always wet the metal filter element to stop the grounds from seeping through. Once the coffee begins to perk (you can see it from the see-through top), lower the heat about half-way. The coffee should continue to perk at a good pace. How long do you let it perk? My starting point is one minute per cup (i.e., 4 minutes for 4 cups. You can vary it according to your preference. Just remember, perking it too long can make coffee bitter. If you like a stronger-tasting coffee taste, just add more coffee in the filter. The great coffee flavor comes from the initial stages, what remains is the bitter elements in the coffee. All coffee makers suggest one tablespoon coffee per one cup (6 oz.) as a starting point. Start your coffee before beginning with the rest of your breakfast so it will be ready for you vs. making breakfast, then waiting for the coffee. Don't remove the see-through top unless necessary. We have not had to remove it yet. Don't remove it to clean it. You may be grinding metal against the plastic top and creating leaks. By the way, glass see-through tops can break more easily. So wash the metal parts as rough as you care to, but simply use a wet, soapy sponge on the plastic and rinse it well.