Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffeemaker
Review by Candy P. : Makes a great cup of coffee every time

Coffee is the beginning of my day, and a great way to start it is with my Presto Percolator coffee pot. I'm not kidding, it is rich without being overpowering, and strains the grounds really well. The ratio of water to grounds is perfectly balanced each time. I converted from drip coffee pot and mini espresso makers to this one.

Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffeemaker
Review by chuck "S" : A hint about longer brewing times

I've had this pot for about 2 yrs now and love it.
However I have recently noticed the 12 min brewing time was getting longer, up to 20 min. I thought I had to replace it as being defective.
Turns out the 2 screws on the bottom of the unit were coming loose, I just tightened them up and now it's back to a 12min brew cycle.

EDIT...Update...
Another 12 months have passed aprox and I have noticed that the brewing time is getting longer again. Aprox 16 min instead of 12.
I also noticed the 'click' of the temperature sensors (thermistors) happens more frequently and the pot not 'perking' as much.
So one of the 2 sensors is getting weak and shutting off early, cycling the heating element more often and extends the brewing time
as the water doesn't heat as fast if it keeps shutting off.

UNPLUG UNIT>>>
Remove the two screws on the bottom and lift off the black base and you will see 2 brown sensors held down on the bottom of the pot by a metal band.
One is closer to the center and mounts on the side of the center heating unit.

If your brewing time is getting longer, gently lift that sensor (or unscrew the one hold down screw) and slide a small piece of Aluminum foil (1 layer thickness) between the sensor and the pot Make the foil the same size as the bottom of the sensor (aprox)so it doesn't contact any electrical contacts.
There is some white grease that conducts heat more efficiently, which in this case you don't want so don't worry about it.
The foil still conducts the heat but makes the sensor 'less' sensitive. And this will bring your brewing time back to the 12 min point.
You will also notice that during the 12 min brew cycle the pot Perks more like it did when it was new!!!

The other Sensor (furthest from the center) mounted on the bottom of the pot still turns off the pot when the overall temp of the coffee reaches it's limit.
I tested the pot with just water and it brings the temp to 178 deg which is the same as it was before the (aluminum foil) fix.

Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffeemaker
Review by G. Moore : Great tasteing coffee from a perc

This makes great tasting coffee. I used Auto drip for years, but nothing beats the taste of a perc. Bought this on another site.
I put the water in, then I use a standard auto drip filter, push the filter down kinda center, til it pokes a hole in the filter, then form around, then add your coffee,keeping a finger over the tube hole, to not let coffee down the tube. or use one of the flat disk filters. When its perked, you also can carefully remove the basket and tube, and put top back on, then when you pour the coffee, you should have no coffee grounds at all. Using a filter media is a must to keep from having the small holes clog up in the metal basket, and if it does, it takes forever to unclog each hole with a needle or pin or toothpick. So use the filter trick. I set this up and plug it in, and then take my shower every morning, and when i get out its ready to drink. Less than 10-12 mins for a perc is fantastic, and well worth it. Wish they made autotimers for percs, but you could set this up, and use a on off plug timer to have this auto kick on, and perc, and shut off at certain times. I only drink columbian coffee and I cant tell you the difference it makes when made in a perc and not a auto drip.
Had this product for over a year and use it every day. Still percs great hot coffee. Would buy again. If you want clean the inside, use a cascade dishwasher packet, put it in the basket without a filter, and run it with the full 12 cups like your making coffee, then after it sets a few mins. unplug it, rinse it well. And the coffee stains residue is gone.

Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffeemaker
Review by Valdenny : Sure beats the other brands

I thought my Hamilton Beach percolator was decent for the price, I even wrote a review about it in December, 2006. One week later, this 1-year old coffee maker was barely keeping the coffee hot. Then I visited my son in Alaska at Christmas and noticed that his 6-yr old Presto percolator was still delivering great, hot coffee in record time. I returned home, ordered my Presto 12-cup percolator and am highly impressed. It's lighter, easier to load, easier to pour, easier to clean, perks ultra-fast and makes a great, hot cup of coffee. Because of its lighter stainless steel pot, it cools down faster if you want to make a second batch of coffee right away. (We make two pots and pour the first batch into a thermos for back-up when company comes) Based on its performance, I'm surprised the price is so reasonable.

Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffeemaker
Review by CJ "MiniDiva" : What's Old is New

I'm not an every day coffee drinker, so I didn't want to invest in a programmable coffee maker. I selected the Presto coffeemaker for three reasons: (1) it can brew small batches of coffee as well as large servings; (2) it doesn't require much counter space in my kitchen; (3) it is easy to use. I brewed two cups of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee on first use, and I was not disappointed. The coffee was rich, hot, and fast. I recommend using coffee filters to prevent grounds from settling as well as for easy clean up.