I ran without water too

Chandra A the likelihood of this being a bad thermostat is low. The thermostat usually works be being in touch with the liquid (water). No water no measurements so a non-issue for that. What most likely happens is that the heating element burns out. These are not good for tryin to heat up air and thus burn out. You could try and measure the resistance across the heating element and see what is shows you. I’d suggest that you try and find/replace the element. Post some good pictures of your percolator etc. so we all cann see what you see. Also, let us know the exact model number.

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