The Elite Gourmet EC008 is an 8-cup stovetop stainless steel percolator designed for household, indoor use. This appliance is used to brew coffee by continuously cycling hot water through coffee grounds until the desired strength is achieved. Its construction emphasizes durability and ease of use, with a focus on safety during operation and maintenance.
Function Description:
The percolator operates by heating water in its base, which then travels up a pump tube and is dispersed over a basket containing coffee grounds via a spreader. The hot water extracts flavor from the grounds, and the brewed coffee then drips back into the main body of the percolator. This process repeats until the coffee reaches the desired strength. The EC008 is specifically designed for stovetop use, making it versatile for various kitchen setups. It is not suitable for microwave use.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Capacity: 8 cups
- Material: Stainless steel construction for the main body, basket, spreader, and pump tube. The cover knob and handle are made of heat-resistant materials.
- Model Number: EC008
- Heat Source: Designed for stovetop use (gas or electric burners).
- Components: The percolator consists of a cover with a knob, a spout, a handle, a body with cup measuring marks, a pump tube, a basket for coffee grounds, a spreader, and a pump base with a spring.
Usage Features:
- Before First Use: It is crucial to wash all components (cover, basket, spreader, pump tube) in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
- Water Filling: Fill the percolator with cold, fresh tap water according to the internal markings for the desired number of cups. Ensure the percolator is at least half full of water before placing it on the stovetop to prevent boiling dry, which can cause damage and injury. The maximum water level should be below the spout.
- Coffee Grounds: Wet the coffee basket before adding coffee grounds. This helps prevent small particles from sifting through. Coarse ground coffee is recommended to avoid grounds settling at the bottom of the percolator. If finer grounds are used, a coffee filter disc must be employed.
- Coffee-to-Water Ratios: A guide is provided for different brew strengths:
- 8 cups: 4 tbsp (mild), 6 tbsp (medium), 8 tbsp (strong)
- 6 cups: 3 tbsp (mild), 4 tbsp (medium), 6 tbsp (strong)
- 4 cups: 2 tbsp (mild), 3 tbsp (medium), 4 tbsp (strong)
These ratios can be adjusted to personal taste.
- Assembly: Place the pump tube with the basket into the percolator, ensuring the bottom of the tube rests on the percolator bottom. Position the spreader on top of the basket and securely snap the cover onto the percolator body.
- Heating: Place the percolator on a correctly sized burner; the burner should not be larger than the base of the percolator. Heat on medium to medium-high heat. Once the water boils, reduce the burner to low or medium heat. Allow 5-7 minutes for the water to percolate through the coffee grounds.
- Safety Precautions During Use:
- Never remove the lid during the brewing cycle to avoid scalding from hot water and steam.
- Always use a potholder or oven mitt when handling the hot percolator, as the sides and handle can become very hot.
- Pour hot coffee or water away from your body at a low angle to prevent splatters and burns.
- Do not leave the percolator on a hot burner after brewing.
- Allow the percolator to cool on a heat-resistant surface before handling or cleaning.
- Never fill above the maximum level to prevent overflow of hot foaming coffee.
- Keep children away from the stove during cooking.
- Avoid sliding or dragging the percolator on stovetops, especially glass-top ranges, to prevent scratches.
- Post-Brewing: For best flavor, remove the pump tube, basket, and spreader after brewing is completed. Use caution and a potholder/oven mitt when removing these hot parts.
- Reheating: If reheating coffee, use only low heat.
Maintenance Features:
- After Each Use: Empty the percolator and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Washing: Wash the coffee basket, spreader, and pump tube carefully. All parts, except the cover knob, can be cleaned in a dishwasher. The exterior should be washed with warm, soapy water, rinsed, and dried.
- Removing Coffee Oil/Stains: An accumulation of coffee oil or stains can impair taste. To remove, add 1/3 cup automatic dishwasher detergent to the basket and fill with water to the 8-cup marking. Percolate for 5 minutes.
- Exterior Cleaning: Do not use harsh abrasives or steel wool on the exterior to prevent scratching. For spotted white film, dip a brush or sponge in vinegar or lemon juice and rub the affected area, then wash, rinse, and dry. Use a stainless steel cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge for discoloration.
- Mineral Deposit Removal: If hard water causes mineral deposits inside, fill the percolator with equal amounts of water and white vinegar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for ten minutes. Pour out the solution and rinse well. Repeat if necessary.
- Storage: Store the percolator with the cover off.
- Damage: Do not use the percolator if it has a damaged spout or handle.
Warranty and Support:
The Elite Gourmet EC008 comes with a one (1) year limited warranty valid with a dated proof of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use and conditions for the original purchaser, excluding the cord. It does not cover damages from unreasonable use, neglect, commercial use, improper assembly, shipping, or unauthorized repairs. For support, customers are advised to contact Elite's customer service team via their website, shopelitegourmet.com, or by mail to Maxi-Matic, USA, 18401 E. Arenth Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748. A QR code is provided for easy access to product information, manuals, videos, and recipes online.