I scored an electric Sunbeam vacuum pot and would like some advice.  It has
a High-Low switch, which I think is not only manually setable, but is driven
by a thermostat.  My first effort involved starting with cold water and
after a long wait, I abandoned that effort.  I then preboiled some water and
poured it in the bottom, as I do with my Hario.  Some water went up and then
down.  What I don't know is this:  I found the switch set at low and am
wondering if by pouring very hot water in, I caused it to switch to low?
Could be I brushed against it causing it to go to the low value.  Is the
idea that you preheat the water without taking the water too high and let
the pot finish it off?
The coffee was excellent.  I wanted this pot to take on trips.  Not as
breakable as the glass ones.
Mike Geis

Mike, I have a C30A in perfect working condition.  You just put cold water
in the bottom pot, set the switch to "high" and the machine will switch the
heating element to "low" after the water goes to the upper brewing chamber.
The problem with my unit, which produces harsh, overextracted coffee, is
that the temp of the brewing water is nearly 212 degrees F.  Let us know if
you find a way to lower the brewing temperature!
--Hugh

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I'm interested in vacuum pots too.  I have seen several at antique shops,
but have not bought one so far due to somewhat deteriorated rubber parts.
Prices ranged from $25 for a Cory chrome and glass pot with glass filter
rod and electric hot pad, to $10 for a Cory glass pot and no electric.  I
also saw a Sunbeam electric vac pot (metal) for I think $10.  All of these
had slight problems with the rubber parts that could concievably have
prevented them from achieving a good seal.  
1.  Are these prices reasonable?
2.  Are rubber parts still available?
3.  Is the coffee better/different than what I can produce with a
conventional French press?
Paul Goelz
Rochester Hills, MI
pgoelz at eaglequest dot com
Videoastronomy and music (UnFest) web site:http://www.eaglequest.com/~pgoelz

From: "Paul Goelz" 
<Snip>
Very reasonable if they are in good workable condition
<Snip>
I seriously doubt it.  They are like parts for old cars.
<Snip>
Dunno.  Not as good as I can get from my Hario.  But, when on the road,
the glass will break.
Mike Geis

From: "Hugh Solaas" 
<Snip>
if
<Snip>
This morning, I immediately unplugged the machine the moment the water got
completely
to the top.  I didn't find the coffee too harsh.  I will test the temp soon
and report.
The machine will definitely be good for making coffee on the road, if
combined with the
device for preheating the water.
Mike