Farberware Electric Coffee Percolator, FCP240, Stainless Steel Basket, Automatic Keep Warm, No-Drip Spout, 4 Cup, Black/Silver
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 4-cup stainless steel electric percolator with automatic keep-warm is for individuals wanting a simple, traditional brew without digital features.
This percolator is a situational fit for those specifically seeking a small-capacity, traditional percolator experience. Its 4-cup (20 Fluid Ounces) stainless steel construction and automatic keep-warm function deliver a straightforward brew, but the limited capacity and lack of modern features like a timer narrow its appeal. It's built for simplicity and the classic percolator taste.
If 4 cups is too small, look for percolators with 8-12 cup capacities, or consider a drip coffee maker for higher volume and faster brewing.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Constructed with durable stainless steel for the body and basket.
- Includes an automatic keep-warm function to maintain coffee temperature after brewing.
- Features a cool-touch handle and lid knob with rolled edges for safe handling.
- Brewing speed is approximately 1 cup per minute, completing a 4-cup pot in 5-10 minutes.
- Equipped with a no-drip spout for cleaner pouring.
- The power cord is detachable, aiding in pouring and storage.
Cons
- The 4-cup capacity (20 Fluid Ounces) is limiting for brewing for more than one or two people.
- Lacks a digital display or timer, requiring manual monitoring of the brewing process.
- Some users report the "4 cups" capacity yields closer to 2 cups of actual coffee.
- The brewing process, while consistent, is not as fast as some drip coffee makers.
- The unit does not have an indicator light to signal when brewing is complete.
Dimension Scores
It brews at 1 cup per minute and includes an automatic keep-warm function, but some users report less than stated yield and sensitivity to grind size [3, Product Data].
The design is simple with a cool-touch handle, no-drip spout, and detachable cord, making it straightforward to operate and pour.
It features durable stainless steel construction for the body and basket, which is praised by users for longevity.
The 1000-watt heating element and automatic keep-warm function are standard for electric percolators, but continuous warming consumes power.
Best For
- Individuals brewing 1-2 servings of coffee at a time.
- People who prefer the traditional taste of percolated coffee.
- Kitchens with limited counter space due to its compact size (2.64 pounds weight).
- Users prioritizing simple operation over programmable features.
Not Recommended For
- Households needing to brew more than 4 cups (20 Fluid Ounces) of coffee regularly.
- Users who expect fast, instant coffee brewing.
- Anyone requiring precise control over brewing temperature or time via digital settings.
Watch Out For
- One user reported the unit tripping a GFCI circuit breaker after 17 months of use.
- A user noted that the "4 cups" capacity often yields only just over 2 cups of coffee, retaining significant water.
- The lack of a brew complete indicator light means you have to listen for the percolating sound to stop.
- Achieving the desired coffee strength requires careful attention to grind size and coffee amount, as too coarse a grind or too little coffee can lead to inadequate pressure [Product Data].
- The absence of a built-in timer means you can't set it to brew at a specific time.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 632051030028 |
| ASIN | B00008ELEA |
| Brand | Farberware |
| Color | Black/Silver |
| Style | 4-Cup |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Capacity | 20 Fluid Ounces |
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Model Name | FCP240 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 2.64 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Spectrum Brands |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Cup Warmer, Durable, Keep Warm Function |
| Coffee Input Type | Ground |
| Coffee Maker Type | Percolator |
| Item model number | FCP240 |
| Product Dimensions | 8"D x 5.3"W x 8.8"H |
| coffee_filter_size | #2 |
| Included Components | Hot Beverages;Coffee Machines;electric-coffee-percolators |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Human Interface Input | Touchscreen |
| Specific Uses For Product | Coffee brewing |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00632051030028 |
What Buyers Say
Users frequently praise this percolator for its ability to deliver a traditional, hot cup of coffee, often noting its stainless steel build and simple operation. However, a recurring complaint is that the advertised 4-cup capacity often translates to a smaller actual yield, sometimes closer to 2 cups, which can be frustrating for those expecting more. The lack of modern features like a brew-ready light or timer is also a common point of discussion, pushing users to rely on the sound of the percolating process. Some owners have also experienced issues with the unit tripping GFCI outlets after extended use.
“Honestly, it makes a decent cup, but don't expect 4 full mugs, more like 2, and you gotta listen for it to stop perking, no fancy lights or anything.”
Common Praise
- The stainless steel construction feels sturdy and looks good.
- Coffee stays hot for an extended period thanks to the automatic keep-warm function.
- The cool-touch handle and lid knob make handling safe after brewing.
- It consistently brews coffee with a classic percolator flavor.
- The detachable power cord simplifies pouring and storage.
- Simple, no-frills operation is appreciated by users who dislike complex coffee makers.
Common Complaints
- The 4-cup capacity is often insufficient for more than one person, with actual yield sometimes being less.
- There's no indicator light to show when the coffee is finished brewing.
- Some users find the brewing process slow compared to drip coffee makers.
- The unit can trip GFCI outlets, as reported by one user after 17 months.
- It retains a noticeable amount of water, reducing the actual coffee volume.
- The absence of a timer or digital display is a drawback for some users.
Ownership Tips
- The actual brewed volume can be less than the stated 4 cups, sometimes yielding only 2-3 cups.
- You need to listen for the percolating sound to stop as there's no visual indicator for brew completion.
- Using a regular basket filter instead of the disc filter can make cleanup easier.
- The unit's simplicity means there are fewer parts to break, contributing to its longevity for some users.
- The coffee can get very hot due to the keep-warm function, which some users prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual capacity of this percolator?
The percolator has a stated capacity of 4 cups, which is approximately 20 Fluid Ounces. However, some users have reported that it yields closer to 2 cups of brewed coffee in practice.
Does this percolator have an automatic shut-off?
No, it does not have an automatic delay shutoff. It automatically switches to a "keep warm" function after brewing is complete, but it does not power off entirely.
Is the FCP240 made of stainless steel?
Yes, the percolator features durable stainless steel construction for both the body and the coffee basket.
How long does it take to brew a full pot?
The unit brews at approximately 1 cup per minute, so a full 4-cup pot will take around 5 to 10 minutes to brew.
Does it have a light to indicate when the coffee is done?
No, this model does not have an indicator light to signal when brewing is complete. It will stop percolating and then enter a keep-warm mode.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a percolator like this, you're buying into a specific kind of coffee experience. You're not getting the speed of a single-serve machine or the programmability of a drip maker. What you are getting is a method that cycles hot water through coffee grounds repeatedly, which many believe extracts a richer, hotter brew. Think about how much coffee you actually drink in one sitting, because a 'cup' here is often smaller than your average mug, and the total yield might be less than you expect.
Capacity (4 Cup / 20 Fluid Ounces)
This tells you how much coffee it can make. A 4-cup percolator is really designed for one or two people, not a crowd. If you typically drink more than two standard mugs of coffee, this might feel too small, especially since actual yield can be less than stated.
Stainless Steel Construction
This impacts durability and taste. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, and it won't impart unwanted flavors to your coffee, unlike some plastic components. It also generally means the unit will last longer.
Automatic Keep Warm Function
This feature keeps your coffee hot after it's brewed without you having to do anything. It's handy if you don't drink your coffee immediately, but it also means the unit stays on and consumes power, and some find the coffee gets too hot or over-extracted if left for too long.
Alternatives
If this 4-cup model is too small or lacks features, search for electric percolators with 8-12 cup capacities for larger batches, or consider drip coffee makers if you need faster brewing and programmable timers.
You Might Also Like
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033M, Black
This 3.64-pound, 2033-watt corded vacuum converts to handheld, best for quick pickups on hard floors and surface debris on low-pile carpets.
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pet Hair in Bedroom, Covers Up to 1073 ft² by 56W High Torque Motor, AHAM VERIFIDE, 3-in-1 Filter with HEPA Sleep Mode, Remove Dust Smoke Odor, Core300-P, Black
This 56W air purifier with 143 CFM CADR and 24dB sleep mode is for small to medium rooms needing quiet, AHAM-verified air cleaning.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
This 10-liter, 1700-watt air fryer bakes, roasts, dehydrates, and rotisseries, making it a countertop oven for families needing multiple cooking functions.
Keurig K- Slim Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with 3 Brew Sizes, Multistream Technology, 46oz Removable Reservoir, Scarlet Red
This 4.76-inch wide, 6.22-pound single-serve brewer with a 46oz reservoir is for K-Cup users who need counter space.