Proctor-Silex drip coffee maker

[justjunque]

Hi all,

I made another unnecessary purchase recently. While I also recently bought a Mr. Coffee JR, I didn't have a full-size drip machine that uses basket style filters. I've been on the lookout for a vintage one, but without much luck. The thrift stores seem to be well stocked with Keurigs and newer, electronic control brewers, but no simple, older units.
When I saw this 12-cup Proctor-Silex A607A for $4, I picked it up; even though it's not really "vintage". It does have that simple, older style that I was going for.
Then, when I got to the register, I was surprised to find that it was half price! So, for $2, I could hardly complain!
Obviously, the carafe is not original. It's an older, ten-cup carafe, which I believe is also from a Proctor-Silex.
I'm wondering if anyone else has any experience with this coffee maker. This one brews just fine. But, I notice that the warmer doesn't keep the coffee as hot as I'd like.
I don't know if that's just how this machine is designed, or if there's something wrong with the warming plate. I do notice that I hear a noticeable but not loud hum when the warmer cycles on. Again, I don't know if that's a problem, or just a characteristic of these machines. I'm pretty sure it was a very low priced unit, even when new. So, I wouldn't be surprised if it was always a little bit rough around the edges.
I like it, in general. And I've always liked the style of this older carafe. I'll probably buy a correct, 12-cup carafe for this unit some day. And, I wouldn't mind having the older coffee maker that this carafe actually goes to!
Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me about it!

Barry

 

[tomturbomatic]

Congratulations!

Do you have the cover for the carafe? That helps keep the coffee warm. It's possible that the original carafe was taller so the little stream of coffee did not drop as far through the air and cool on the trip. Have you checked to see if the warmer is operational? If it does not operate any time the unit is plugged in, you would need to put something like the Pyrex wire grid or a pot holder between the carafe and the warming plate to make sure that it works when the coffee maker is brewing and then afterwards so that you are not detecting heat transferred from the hot carafe's hot coffee. You could use a cover from some other container after the brewing cycle is finished. Playing with appliances is so much fun.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks, Tom!
The correct carafe is definitely taller than this one. But, I do have the cover for this carafe. It's on in the picture, but you can't really see it.
That's such a good idea to put something between the carafe and the warmer, too see if it's actually working, or if the heat from the coffee is just transferring to it. I'll have to investigate that.
Like I said, I do hear it cycle on and off. It makes a hum when it cycles on.

 

[ea56]

I’ve owned about 4 of these Proctor-Silex Auto Drip pot over the years and they are good coffeepots. Its possible that the bottom of the carafe that you are using is slightly larger in diameter than the warming plate and that may be why the coffee isn’t staying as hot as you’d like it to. The bottom of the carafe needs to make complete contact with the warming plate for the contents to stay piping hot. I always found these coffeemakers kept the coffee plenty hot.

If you place the tip of an instant read thermometer on the warming plate surface for several secs you will find out how hot its getting. It ought to be about 180F, just below boiling. But if you can hear it cycling on and off its working.

Go to a thrift store and I’m pretty sure that you’ll be able to find the correct size carafe for your Proctor-Silex.

Eddie

 

[justjunque]

Thanks, Eddie!
The base of this carafe definitely sits flat on the warmer, even though it's not exactly the same shape carafe as the correct one.
I'm keeping my eyes open for one at a thrift store. No luck yet. But, it seems to be a popular coffee maker, so maybe.
I can find them all day long on eBay, but I hate to pay that much for one. Plus, risk it getting broken in shipping.
Did you ever notice that you could hear the warmer sort of hum on any of yours? I've never owned this exact kind before, but I have had other drip coffee makers. I don't remember them making a hum; just sort of a click when they cycle on and off.

 

[ea56]

Barry you’re welcome! I’ve owned probably 35 or more different auto drip coffeemakers over the years. I used to collect all kinds of coffeepots, both electric and manual.

My experience is that if I listened closely I could hear most of them cycle off and on. Some would make a clicking sound, some a faint hum, but in all honesty for the life of me I don’t recall what kind of sound my Proctor-Silex coffeepots made. But the sound you are describing would indicate that the burner is cycling on and off.

Good luck finding the correct carafe with the correct lid, that may make a big difference in the temp of the leftover coffee.

Eddie

 

[justjunque]

Okay. Tested and confirmed; the warming plate definitely gets hot.
I guess it's just a matter of waiting to find a correct carafe.
It does seem like a nice coffee maker!
Thanks again for the replies!

Barry

 

[justjunque]

New question

Hey all,

Well, I was lucky enough to find a correct carafe for this coffee maker. I got one for $4.99 at a thrift store, instead of $20-$25 online. Granted, it's used, but it's in very good condition.
However, unlike the older carafe that came with the machine, the correct one has white plastics.
The lid is slightly stained from contact with coffee.
It's perfectly acceptable the way it is. And, I'm aware that it's just going to get stained again as I continue to use it.
But, I'm wondering if anyone has a good method for getting coffee stains out of white plastic.
Thanks!

Barry

 

[sudsmaster]

Googled it:

 

<blockquote>
<h2 id="Rubbing-Alcohol">1. Rubbing Alcohol</h2>
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean coffee, tea, tomato sauce and tomato paste, juice and soda stains, and discoloration caused by most types of food dyes.

Usually, the discoloration can be removed if you rinse the item immediately after applying the alcohol, or by washing it with water and dish detergent afterwards. If the blemish doesn’t disappear, then pour the rubbing alcohol into the container instead and let it soak for a few minutes.

If the item isn’t a container, you can pour the alcohol into something that can hold whatever needs to be soaked. When the item is stain free, wash it, rinse it thoroughly, and dry.

 

</blockquote>
See link below for 10 other methods.

 

 

11 Ways to Remove Stains from Plastic | Foodal

Annoyed by all the stains on your plastic containers, cutting boards, and utensils? Fight the stains by learning the best methods for removal. Read more.

foodal.com