I was delighted to have perked coffee this morning but am disappointed somewhat in a percolator that retails for $40+.  Farberware found a way to make what should be an almost  indestructible item  cheaply.  It's sad that they used high quality stainless steel, then added a plastic perk top and rather than making the pole with a notch to hold the coffee grounds cup, they put a stupid little spring that will not last.  But don't worry, they have replacements!!!  This was nothing other than to try and guarantee continuing revenue from this item.  The first cup of coffee poured contained dripped coffee from around the plastic perk top.  Another thing that was disappointing is the engineering and construction of the bottom of the percolator.  Farberware obviously realized that the bottom needed to be at least as large as the small element on electric stoves to alleviate energy waste.  They did make the bottom bigger, but all they did was add an approximately 3/8 inch edge around the bottom of the percolator.  This edge is higher than the actual bottom of the percolator and does not make contact with the stove element.  Therefore, it is just as energy-wasteful as the older models.  Also, the perimeter of the bottom of the pot on the inside is a tiny space when coffee grounds can linger  and it's all but impossible to get them out. Farberware might do well to replace it's engineering staff!!!  I have an aluminum percolator that I've had since 1970 with nothing on it that could go bad other than the handle, which it has not.  I just thought I'd like a new shiny stainless steel percolator for the kitchen, which I did get.  I did buy a glass replacement perk top and will sauder a piece of metal on the pole when the spring goes bad.  I would not recommend buying this or any percolator online; go to the store and inspect it, inside and out, before buying.  There MAY be a better alternative than this one.

UPDATE 11/08.  Using the Fitz-all glass perk top makes a great difference -- it's works wonderfully.  I use the pot about twice a week (I use an electric percolator on weekdays) and haven't had any problems.  Farberware should just put a glass perk top on this thing.  Plastic can actually release properties during perking that are possibly not healthy.
I was delighted to have perked coffee this morning but am disappointed somewhat in a percolator that retails for $40+. Farberware found a way to make what should be an almost  indestructible item  cheaply. It's sad that they used high quality stainless steel, then added a plastic perk top and rather than making the pole with a notch to hold the coffee grounds cup, they put a stupid little spring that will not last. But don't worry, they have replacements!!! This was nothing other than to try and guarantee continuing revenue from this item. The first cup of coffee poured contained dripped coffee from around the plastic perk top. Another thing that was disappointing is the engineering and construction of the bottom of the percolator. Farberware obviously realized that the bottom needed to be at least as large as the small element on electric stoves to alleviate energy waste. They did make the bottom bigger, but all they did was add an approximately 3/8 inch edge around the bottom of the percolator. This edge is higher than the actual bottom of the percolator and does not make contact with the stove element. Therefore, it is just as energy-wasteful as the older models. Also, the perimeter of the bottom of the pot on the inside is a tiny space when coffee grounds can linger  and it's all but impossible to get them out. Farberware might do well to replace it's engineering staff!!! I have an aluminum percolator that I've had since 1970 with nothing on it that could go bad other than the handle, which it has not. I just thought I'd like a new shiny stainless steel percolator for the kitchen, which I did get. I did buy a glass replacement perk top and will sauder a piece of metal on the pole when the spring goes bad. I would not recommend buying this or any percolator online; go to the store and inspect it, inside and out, before buying. There MAY be a better alternative than this one. UPDATE 11/08. Using the Fitz-all glass perk top makes a great difference -- it's works wonderfully. I use the pot about twice a week (I use an electric percolator on weekdays) and haven't had any problems. Farberware should just put a glass perk top on this thing. Plastic can actually release properties during perking that are possibly not healthy.