Percolators of this type are made by the manufacturer from sheet copper spun in perfect shape, and also aluminum spun. The latter makes an especially desirable percolator. [Illustration: FIG 10.--X-RAY SHOWING THE VALVELESS MECHANISM, ELECTRIC PERCOLATOR The above gives a comprehensive insight into the general construction, equipment and operation of valveless Percolators. 1--Glass globe. 2--Aluminum coffee basket. 3--Element, with German-silvershell--completely surrounded by water. (Highly efficient.) 4--Interchangeable switch-plug. 5--Ebonized wood--always-cool handle. 6--Copper body--nickeled and highly polished. 7--White metal spout. 8--Lid--securely fastened hinge.] [Illustration: FIG. 11.--ELECTRIC MACHINE TYPE VALVELESS PERCOLATOR] Machine Type Percolator. Because some prefer to draw coffee from a faucet rather than pour it from a spout, manufacturers have made a percolator of this type called the machine style. These are sold in various patterns from the Colonial design, like the illustration shown (Fig. 11), to those patterned after the Grecian urn. We have already mentioned how an electrical engineer, shortly after placing irons in the homes of his customers, followed them with a number of small stoves and ovens. These required special wiring, as the wattage was too heavy to allow of their operation from the light socket. Principally, they were used in the kitchen on one end of the table or on a small shelf. This method necessitated carrying considerable food to the dining room after it was cooked, and brought out the thought of a means of preparing breakfast or a luncheon at the dining table. For this purpose a small stove seemed desirable, and the result was a small disc stove made of cast iron, highly nickel plated and polished. On this little stove, herewith illustrated (Fig. 12), minor cooking operations can be performed, such as frying, boiling, etc., and it is used by many for toasting bread by placing a piece of metal screen on top. It is also very serviceable for frying hot cakes. The heating element is of the same construction as that in the iron; the mica is clapped tightly against the metal top and below this is a plate of asbestos which prevents the downward radiation of the heat. [Illustration: FIG. 12--ELECTRIC DISC STOVE] This disc stove was first made in single heat, but the later improved stoves of this same type are made in three-heat style. Many improvements have been made on the disc stoves and they are sold not only as single, but as double or twin, and triple discs. One often finds it inconvenient, when traveling, to obtain hot water whenever needed. The light four-inch disc stove has proved to be a very desirable possession in cases of this kind. Its size makes it very convenient to pack in trunk or grip, and since it operates from any light socket, it is very handy, not only for the traveler and in the kitchen, but is a boon to many a bachelor man or maid.