Hamilton Beach 40616 12-Cup Percolator

by Bill Thompson
(Minnesota)

Hamilton Beach 40616
12-Cup Percolator

I bought my Hamilton Beach percolator at the local Mills Fleet Farm while it was on sale. I had just purchased a home and wanted a coffee pot. My girlfriend and I both enjoy strong black coffee, and we knew that a conventional coffee pot just couldn’t brew it that strong.

We looked into some of the high-end coffee and espresso makers, but didn’t want to spend that much money. I had remembered the strong black cups of coffee we used to make when camping, and so I started looking into percolators. This model seemed pretty basic, works quickly and efficiently, and can make up to twelve cups of coffee at a time.

It takes about a minute per cup of coffee you’re making, and then keeps it warm as long as it’s plugged in. I love the fact it has a permanent filter, so I don’t need to keep buying those things! Remember to wet the inside of the filter before filling it otherwise your grounds may spill a little out of the bottom.

It’s a little difficult to clean the unit “easily”, because you can’t submerge the main unit. I’ve gotten to the point where I can get it clean in about 10 minutes, so you’ll learn over time.

The biggest complaint I have by far is the horrible top handle for the lid. Mine practically disintegrated within the first year of owning it.
The good news is I can still use the unit, but occasionally a single drip will come out of the top holes where the screws for the handle stick through.

I wish they would have kept the old-style stovetop percolator glass top handle. It was always fun as a child to watch the coffee popping up through the clear handle. I think if I were to replace it I would be willing to try another percolator by this maker, but I’m going to keep my eye out for one that has a better handle!