Help with Farberware Superfast Percolator

[ea56]

I recently aquired a new to me Farberware Superfast 12 cup Percolator, model 142. It is in beautiful cond. and makes a great pot of coffee. I believe that it is at least 40 yrs. old as it has the gold and silver badge on the base and a glass top on the lid. The problem is that I believe the warming element is bad. The coffee doesn't stay as hot as it should after brewing, even though the finished brew is very hot. I have experienced this problem in the fast with other Farberware Superfast percs., and I just got rid of them, or returned them to the store if still under warranty, but this one I would really like to keep and use. Has anyone here ever replaced the warming element on one of these Farberware's and if so, can you tell me how to do it? I have located the part online, but haven't ordered it yet. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[stevet]

Easy as pie!

Buy the element..maybe two especially if you intend to use the pot as a daily driver. Then remove the bottom black cover and you will see the element wrapped around the bottom of the unit crimped down by aluminum tabs.
You will have to unscrew the warming element and I would suggest a few DROPS of pb- blaster to loosen the screws. Work them gently with a screwdriver and take out the old element from under the tabs and install the new one in its place. Should last you a few years if not more and it will keep that coffee nice and hot.

BTW, if you know where to get the glass(or plastic)top for the lid. I would appreciate the lead.

Hope this helps
Steve

 

[ea56]

Thanks so much Steve for the advice. I took the base off this morning and found that the main element is rusted very badly, will probably go out soon too. I could see just what you were talking about for replacement of the warming element, it does look like it will be very easy. But I'm afraid that getting the main element out will be somewhat difficult. I'll need a socket and long extension to reach into the bottom of the pot to get it out. Any suggetions are appreciated. Now for the top, I don't know where you can get an exact replacement for the plastic top, but the Fitz-All Percolator Top model 135, it's glass, and works very well. You'll want to get the red labled package, it fits the Farberware perfectly. I recently bought one at my local True Value Hardware, cost $3.29. You can also buy them on ebay, or online at Goodman's or Cerini's. I've also bought them at outdoor supply store, as camper often use percolators when camping. I found them by Googling Farberware Percolator replacement parts.

 

[jkbff]

I am reviving this because I have a 142b that I kidnapped from a garage sale my mother was having years ago.

I have started relying on this unit for iced tea.

Anyways, since it's been in my possession, I've never plugged or unplugged the cord from the unit while plugged into the wall. The last few times of use i noticed there seemed to be an odd amount of play and the last time the plug was very hot... Well, one of the prongs broke through the board that holds the prongs. I was going to reinforce the prong since I'm having problems finding parts and noticed a weird break in the warming element.

My question is to parts, can I use the unit with the warming element disabled and do you guys know where i could find parts?

As always, thank you.

-Josh

 

[jkbff]

I guess I should have dug further with generic terms, I guess goodmans.net sells universal parts?

I was gonna ask if anyone had experience with them but I found their listings on amazon, so I'll risk the few bucks and see what shows up in the mail.