Percolator/coffee maker collection

[lordkenmore]

>you posted your Insta-Hot a couple of posts

Trying to upstage my Insta-Hot? LOL

More seriously...it's fun seeing yours, and how the design apparently evolved (like the thermostat lever on one, wheel on the other).

I'm not sure mine is exactly harvest gold, but it's definitely a goldish color. I assume it's probably older--almond seems like a later color, although one never knows.

And I unfortunately know all too well that feeling of not being able to walk past something like this in a thrift store!

 

[fan-of-fans]

Plastic hot pot

Heating soup or other things of various flavors in plastic always seemed a bit of a bad idea to me. Wouldn't it cause flavor transfer or staining?

I have one or two of those Rival Hot Pot Express plastic pots and I never used them except for water, because of this.

 

[justjunque]

I know...that's what I would think.
But, I've looked at a few Poly Perks and Insta-Hots on eBay that have their original boxes.
Coincidentally, one of the claims that they make is that one of the benefits of the new polypropylene material is that it doesn't transfer any taste to the coffee or whatever you're heating in it.
I don't know about something like soup or something tomato based staining the plastic.
Again, the claim is that it resists staining and cleans up easily.

Barry

 

[justjunque]

I filled the Insta-Hot with a water/vinegar mix, and plugged it in.
I was surprised by how fast it heated up!
Once it reached the lowest temperature, I turned it up about halfway. It seemed to be close to boiling at that setting. Then, I turned it all the way to boil.
Man! That escalated quickly! I thought I'd let it boil for a bit with the lid on.
But, I had it filled to the "max" line. At a full rolling boil, it started spewing boiling hot vinegar water out of the spout.
Fortunately, I had it right next to the sink. I held it over the sink while turning the heat down.
I guess I can say it works!
I didn't notice any hot plastic smell; but that might be because of the smell of boiling vinegar.
I'll probably put it to use in some capacity at some point.
It seems like a fun little item!

Barry

 

[brainardcooper]

Corning Ware Electric Percolator

I had people over for dinner last night (not "Hyacinth Bucket-style"). After dinner, with dessert, I served coffee made in my Corning Ware 10 cup percolator. They could not get over how much better they thought the coffee tasted than their Keurig. I let them know this percolator was the only way I made coffee!!!

 

[justjunque]

I've acquired a Poly Perk!

Knowing me, it won't be my only one.
But, I've welcomed my first Poly Perk into my home and heart.
It's a little travel kit!
John, I believe it's exactly like the one in your Poly Perk group shot.
It was listed as used, but I'll be darned if I can see any sign that it's ever been used.
Of course, since I want to eventually try making coffee in a Poly, that means that I'm going to have to bring home at least one more. Oh darn!
If this one has remained spotless and unused all these years, I'm not going to be able to bring myself to be the one who undoes that.

Barry

 

[lordkenmore]

Barry--your Poly Perk does look like mine. Even with the two cups. I don't have a bag (I assume that bag came with your Poly Perk), though.

[There is now a sound of Lord Kenmore sobbing.]

I think I got a manual--I can't remember for sure--but I don't think there was as much paperwork with mine.

In any case, congratulations!

I don't blame you for wanting to keep it unused. I'd probably do the same thing. And it's not like there aren't plenty of truly used Poly Perks out there that can be used without thoughts of "ruining the unused time capsule!"

 

[lordkenmore]

>how much better they thought the coffee tasted than their Keurig

It's fun when that sort of thing happens! I love reactions along the lines of: "You mean this obsolete technology works better than the new thing that I use?!?"

Then, I'm not a fan of Keurig. I've had coffee from more than one type of coffee variety, and more than one sample machine, and none of it was particularly great. It can be drinkable--but I can make coffee using other coffee makers that is both better, and also less expensive per cup.

 

[justjunque]

John,

Yes. The little vinyl carrying bag came with it.
It all stacks up and fits (snugly) in the bag.
I guess it was sold as a travel kit.
No sobbing necessary! There are several up for sale with the bag.
When you feel the need to add another one to the collection, grab one with the bag!

Barry

 

[fan-of-fans]

Like the Poly Perk "Travel Kit"

Isn't it neat when things come complete like that, and with their instructions and advertising tags?

 

[justjunque]

Cole,

I'm a sucker for stuff like that.
There was another one listed, almost identical, but without the tags and such.
I paid more for this one because of it.
As I always do, when I find something new that appeals to me, I've gone a little nutty with the Regal "Poly" products.
I've acquired several versions of the Insta-Hot/Hot Pot; including some badged for Sears. Some have a temperature control, some don't.
And I have a 4-8 cup Poly Perk on the way. That one shows definite signs of use, but still looks nice.
I bought it specifically for that reason. (John)
It was cheaper than the minty ones, and I can actually bring myself to use it without feeling guilty; like I'm destroying a perfectly preserved piece of history.
I'll post a "group shot" when they've all arrived.

Barry

 

[harry13potter14]

Percolators

I have a small collection, I use the orange regal poly-perk everyday

 

[justjunque]

Nice little collection, Adam.
I have a couple of Poly Perks myself. One "full size" in beige, and a smaller one that's part of a travel set. It comes with plastic cups, and it's all in its own little vinyl travel bag.
I also have a few of the "hot pots" that look like the small percolator, but they're just for heating water, soup, etc.
I like that orange color, but I never found one in good shape that the seller wasn't asking more than I was willing to pay. One of my hot pots is that color though.
Glad to hear that you're putting it to good use! I don't perk regularly. But, when I do, my "go to" is my stainless steel Presto. I don't know why. That's just the one I gravitate towards. You've inspired me to break out the Poly Perk next time though!
I went on my little Poly Perk buying spree as soon as I found out that they existed. Which, of course, I learned from this site. I just fell in love with the vintage look, and the almost unbearably cute name!

Barry

 

[gfm8959]

Poly Perks

Are they BPA free?

 

[justjunque]

Hi Jerry

Sorry, I can't answer that question. Maybe someone else has more knowledge on the subject.
For me personally, I use mine so infrequently, I choose to just enjoy it and not worry about it.
I worry about too many things as it is.

Barry