When I first bought this perculator I opened it and tested it to make sure it worked with only water for a full cycle.  It seamed to work fine.  I didn't have a use for it until six months later.  Still in it's original packaging I used it at a party I catered and to my GREAT disappointment it would not heat enough to perculate.  BUMMER!  I was sooooo disappointed.  It's too late now to return and it's just as expensive to fix as for what I bought it for.  I tried taking it apart and followed the exact recommeded cleaning methods.  It's clear to me this machine is a dud and I'm stuck with it.  I have a 100 cup West Bend Perculator which still works great.  Not sure if this is just a model problem.  You are taking a chance when you buy this one.
When I first bought this perculator I opened it and tested it to make sure it worked with only water for a full cycle. It seamed to work fine. I didn't have a use for it until six months later. Still in it's original packaging I used it at a party I catered and to my GREAT disappointment it would not heat enough to perculate. BUMMER! I was sooooo disappointed. It's too late now to return and it's just as expensive to fix as for what I bought it for. I tried taking it apart and followed the exact recommeded cleaning methods. It's clear to me this machine is a dud and I'm stuck with it. I have a 100 cup West Bend Perculator which still works great. Not sure if this is just a model problem. You are taking a chance when you buy this one.