Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This pot is very sturdy, paint is high quality, strong handle, lid is attached so it won't fall out. Comes in blue or red. I have never had to replace a stove top percolator because it was broken, but have owned countless expensive drip coffeemakers. Breakable carafes, clock to reset, takes up counter-space, buttons to fuss with, filters to replace. My simple pot lasts years longer, and the clean-up and maintenance is simpler. Now you can buy paper filters for percolators, but I think that is a waste of money. Like a drip, there is a learning curve. This type of pot does not have a water marker for example. But there is a simple instruction sheet in the box. But for taste, I get a full bodied dark coffee, and I do not need to buy the high dollar coffee I used to buy to get the same robust flavor. My opinion anyway. CONS: Many of the new percolator pots have strainer baskets that are really flimsy in design, including both the Coleman and the GSI brand. The real problem is the upright stem, it tilts over if you know what I mean. You can bend it back, but I worry it will break over time. If they improved the basket assembly with a heavier grade aluminum like they used to make, or a stainless steel basket, I think it would solve the problem. I replaced the upright stem and basket in my enamel pot with a sturdy one from a old pot I found at a yard sale. Next issue, on models with the glass dome, some folks can break them. They sell replacements in 2 sizes at Amazon.com for less than a pack of paper filters and they work fine. I wish it had the additional bail handle, it would make pouring easier. TIPS: Wet the inside of the basket before you put grounds in, to help prevent grounds from going through the holes. Use a medium ground blend. If you plan to use it on a camp fire, soap the outside of the pot and let dry for a minute before placing on the fire, to prevent soot stains. If you do it every time, it will stay looking like new. Don't cram the coffee grounds down into the basket either. Some folks like to heat the water good and hot, and then put the basket in, I don't as that is a good way to get burned. RECOMMENDATION: Also good for heating water for tea, hot chocolate, and dishes. Great pot, has the attached lid which Coleman does not. Coleman sells a 12 cup (stainless steel with stainless basket), 14 cup (enamel), and a 9 cup (enamel)in this shape.