GE "Immersible" Percolator

[ptcruiser51]

Mine is avocado outside/stainless inside, circa 1981. It has the "cup guide" which is a plastic tube built into the handle that is open on top. It also has a mini-brew basket. It has a knob to adjust strength on the base.

Just one question: Can it go in the dishwasher?

 

[joeekaitis]

Most likely, NO

Dishwasher detergent is caustic and could eat away at the seals that make it immersible. That's why immersible electric skillets and griddles are always marked as NOT dishwasher safe.

 

[whirlaway]

Perc in DW

I wouldnt put it in the dishwasher,it may take the paint off of it and force water into the element.If its real dirty inside get some percolater cleaner at the grocery store it will remove the oils and stain from the inside,just perc it through just like making a pot of coffee. I use dip-it,its a destainer. Good Luck!

 

[westie2]

After using the dipit and the tube is or has some of the coffee unk in it get a package of pipe cleaners at dollar store or craft store and use them to run down the tube. Just stiff enoung to glide back and forth to help clen the unk out.

 

[xraytech]

I would never put it in the dishwasher.
I do however sprinkle some Finish powder detergent in filter basket and run through a brewcycle to clean

 

[ptcruiser51]

Sanks-a-lot

for the responses. I never thought of pipe cleaners for that little tube!

 

[tomturbomatic]

We had a GE immersible perk, black base & handle, Peek a Brew gauge, chrome outside and aluminum inside. We always put it in the KA and it lasted for years, but it was new at the time so I would not want to tell you to do that with an ancient treasure.

 

[danemodsandy]

Uh.....

There is a little gadget - not seen everywhere these days - known as a perc tube brush. They do a far, far better job of cleaning a perc tube than a pipe cleaner can, because they're exactly the right size to fit the inside of the tube. When you use one for the first time, you will not believe all the nasties it will scour out of the tube.

There are two brands. One is by Quickie, which can be found at True Value Hardware stores. The other is by Rubbermaid, easy to get at your local Ace Hardware.

Of the two, I recommend the Rubbermaid version; it is very sturdy and lasts and lasts. I think the Quickie is named for how fast it wears out.

Also, Windex (or its generic equivalents) will dissolve coffee oil as effectively as Dip-It. Spray into the percolator, let sit, rinse out. A little brushing may be necessary for a perc that's been improperly cleaned for a while.

Once you have a perc really clean, normal washing of its parts, plus use of the tube brush, will keep it sparkling with very little effort. No dishwasher necessary.

 

[danemodsandy]

P.S.:

One of the prime reasons vintage percs are so often encrusted with coffee oil buildup is that vintage dishwashing liquids were often not as good as today's. Today's Dawn and Ajax are capable of leaving Tupperware so clean it squeaks, which was very hard to do back in the day. I hand-washed dishes for a family of five for quite a number of years, and I well remember the groans I let out when plastics were in the sink; Texize just didn't cut grease all that well.

Also, a lot of housewives back then just didn't care, or didn't know about Dip-It. Many a midcentury mom was just going through the motions, hating housework but not yet seeing a career as a possibility.