The Cuisinart Classic 12-Cup Stainless Percolator (PRC-12 Series) is designed to brew coffee through a traditional percolation process, delivering a perfectly percolated cup of coffee. This appliance is intended for household use and can brew between 4 and 12 cups of coffee.
Function Description:
The percolator operates by heating water in the well at the base of the unit. This heated water is then forced up a pump tube, where it showers over ground coffee held in a basket. The brewed coffee then drips back into the carafe, and the process repeats until the desired strength is achieved. A transparent percolator knob allows the user to visually monitor the percolating process. Once the brewing cycle is complete, an indicator light illuminates to signal that the coffee is ready. The unit is designed for convenience with a removable power cord for easy pouring and serving, and a stay-cool base to prevent heat damage to surfaces.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Capacity: 4 to 12 cups of coffee (1.75 L maximum).
- Power: Operates on standard household 120 volt AC wall outlet.
- Brewing Rate: Approximately one cup per minute.
- Body Material: Stainless steel.
- Cover: Stainless steel with a lock-down mechanism for safe pouring.
- Cord: Removable power cord.
- Base: Stay-cool base.
Usage Features:
- Preparation: Before first use, all parts (cover, basket, lid, pump tube with spring) should be thoroughly washed.
- Water Filling: Fill the percolator with cold water according to the measurement markings located inside the body. For 4 cups, use the small circular marking as the 4-cup level.
- Coffee Basket: Run cold water over the coffee basket before placing it on top of the pump tube. Add the desired amount of ground coffee according to the level markings on the basket. A coarse grind is recommended for percolator coffee to prevent grounds from sifting through the holes.
- Assembly: Place the basket and pump tube assembly into the percolator, ensuring the bottom of the tube fits into the well. Place the coffee basket lid on top of the basket and push the cover onto the top of the percolator.
- Brewing: Plug the unit into a standard 120V AC wall outlet. Brewing begins within seconds and continues at approximately one cup per minute.
- Readiness Indicator: An indicator light illuminates when the brewing cycle is complete, signaling that the coffee is ready.
- Serving: Once brewing is complete, carefully remove the cover (using a mitt or potholder) and then remove the basket and pump tube. The stainless steel parts will be hot. Replace the cover so it snaps into place. The removable plug allows for easy serving, and the plug can be reinserted to keep coffee hot.
- Brew Strength Guide: A chart is provided to guide users on the number of coffee measures (1 level tablespoon) for different brew strengths (mild, medium, strong) across various cup quantities (4, 6, 8, 10, 12 cups). For example, 12 cups of coffee would require 12 measures for mild, 16 for medium, and 20 for strong.
- Safety Precautions:
- Always unplug the unit when not in use and before cleaning.
- Allow to cool before handling parts.
- Do not touch hot surfaces; use handles and knobs.
- Do not immerse the cord, plug, or base unit in water or other liquids.
- Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug, or if the appliance malfunctions.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near hot gas or electric burners, or in a heated oven.
- Never open the top cover during the brewing cycle, as extremely hot water/coffee can spill out. If water/coffee is not draining, unplug the unit and wait 10 minutes before opening the cover.
- The base panel should not be removed by users; repairs should only be done by authorized personnel.
- When storing in an appliance garage, always unplug the unit to prevent fire risk.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning:
- Always remove the plug from the electrical outlet before cleaning.
- The percolator cover, basket, lid, and pump tube (with spring) are dishwasher safe (upper rack) or can be washed in warm soapy water and rinsed thoroughly.
- The percolator body and power cord should never be washed in a dishwasher or immersed in water or other liquids.
- To clean the body, wipe with a clean, damp cloth and dry before storing.
- Do not use scouring agents or harsh cleaners.
- Ensure the washer at the bottom of the pump tube moves freely. If coffee grounds are trapped, loosen them with a toothpick and rinse under tap water.
- Store the percolator with the cover off.
- Decalcification:
- Decalcification is necessary to remove calcium deposits that accumulate on the metal parts over time. The frequency depends on water hardness and usage.
- To decalcify, fill the percolator with vinegar to the 3-cup level, then add water to the 12-cup level (total mixture not exceeding 12 cups).
- Ensure all parts are in place and the lid is securely on.
- Plug the power cord into the unit and an electrical outlet.
- Allow the unit to run through its normal cycle.
- Discard the vinegar and water mixture.
- Run one cycle of fresh, cold water (without vinegar) through the unit after decalcification before brewing coffee again.
Warranty:
The Cuisinart Classic 12-Cup Percolator comes with a limited three-year warranty for consumers in the U.S. and Canada, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal home use from the date of original purchase. Product registration is recommended via www.cuisinart.com but proof of purchase is required for warranty benefits. If the product is defective, Cuisinart will repair or replace it. For warranty service, contact Customer Service at 1-800-726-0190. A $10.00 fee for shipping and handling is required (California residents only need proof of purchase for shipping instructions). It is recommended to use a traceable, insured delivery service for returns. The warranty excludes damages from accident, misuse, shipment, use with a converter, unauthorized accessories or parts, or non-ordinary household use, and does not cover incidental or consequential damages.
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