How many cups does it actually brew?

It is rated at 8 cups, which in percolator terms means small 5-ounce cups. Expect roughly 40 ounces of brewed coffee.

Does it work on an induction cooktop?

Stainless steel percolators generally work on induction, but check that the base is magnetic before buying. It also works on gas, electric coils and open flame.

Do I need paper filters?

No. The basket and stem do the filtering. A paper filter in the basket can reduce fine grounds in the cup if that bothers you.

How fine should the coffee be ground?

Use a coarse to medium-coarse grind, similar to French press. Fine espresso-style grounds slip through the basket and cloud the coffee.

How do I keep the coffee from getting bitter?

Pull it off the heat once percolation starts bubbling steadily, and let it stop on its own. Leaving it on the burner keeps cycling the coffee and makes it bitter.

Is it dishwasher safe?

The stainless body and basket generally tolerate dishwasher cleaning, but hand washing preserves the finish. Wash the stem and basket soon after use so oils do not build up.