The West Bend 13500 is a 55-cup electric percolator built for large gatherings, running on 1,500W with a reusable basket and a polished aluminum body. It covers high-volume needs at a fraction of the cost of commercial drip setups.
Church halls, office meetings, catering events, or any situation where you need to brew 55 cups in one cycle. At $131.72 and 4.4 stars across 259 reviews, it hits a practical price point for occasional large-batch use.
Skip if
You're brewing for a household of two to four people, or you prefer drip-style clarity over percolator-style boldness. Also skip if you want a carafe-style server, this is a standalone urn.
Capacity 55.0 cups
Type Percolator
Coffee input Reusable Basket
Pods K-Cup
Filter Reusable
Wattage 1500 W
Capacity of 55.0 cups - larger than 100% of the 87 models we track
Wattage of 1500 W - higher than 79% of the 87 models we track
Weight of 16.0 lb - heavier than 75% of the 87 models we track
Our scorecard
4.3/5overall
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 259 owner ratings
Popularity1.7/5
259 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other coffee makers, kettles and brewers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The 13500 uses a reusable basket filter, so there are no paper filters to stock. It lists K-Cup compatibility, which is unusual for a percolator-style urn and worth verifying against your specific use case. The 1,500W element on 120V heats the full 55-cup load and keeps it warm automatically.
Pros
55-cup capacity handles large gatherings without multiple brew cycles
1,500W on 120V provides solid heat-up speed for the volume
4.4 stars across 259 reviews indicates solid buyer satisfaction
Polished aluminum finish is durable and easy to clean
Cons
Percolator brewing produces a different flavor profile than drip, bolder and sometimes more bitter
16 lb unit at 19 x 25 x 34 in is large and hard to store
Not dishwasher safe
No smart features or programmable timer
Performance notes
1,500W element on 120V powers a 55-cup percolator cycle. Reusable basket means no filter waste. Polished aluminum body at 16 lb. Dimensions of 19 x 25 x 34 in make this a large-footprint unit suitable for countertop or table placement at events. Fully automatic operation with button controls.
What buyers say
Among 259 reviewers, the 4.4-star average reflects satisfaction with capacity and ease of use for group settings. Common themes in large-batch percolator reviews include appreciation for the no-filter setup. Some buyers may find the percolator flavor stronger than expected.
Can the West Bend 13500 brew smaller batches than 55 cups?
Percolators generally work best when filled to at least a minimum fill line. Check the product manual for the minimum brew level before attempting small batches.
Does the West Bend 13500 really work with K-Cups?
The specs list K-Cup compatibility, but this is unusual for a percolator-style urn. Verify with the product listing or manufacturer before purchasing if pod brewing is your intent.
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