Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Capresso 565 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel

 
Capresso 565 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel
Product By Capresso    (620 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $95.00 
 
 

Technical Details

  • Measures 7-2/3 by 5-2/5 by 10-4/5-inch; 1-year limited warranty.
  • Heavy-duty zinc die-cast housing; built-in timer; easy to clean
  • Bean container holds 8-1/2-ounce; ground container holds 4-ounce
  • Commercial-grade conical burrs ensure maximum coffee flavor
  • 100-Watt conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings

Product Description

For grinding larger quantities of coffee beans for a coffee-drinking crowd, Capresso's commercial-grade Infinity grinder handles 8-1/2 ounces of beans at a time. Sixteen different settings--four each in the four categories of extra fine, fine, regular, and coarse--let you adjust the grind to the specific blend of coffee and method of brewing. The finest setting is ideal for preparing Turkish coffee, which is a rare feature to find in a grinder. A built-in timer sets the grind for anywhere between 5 and 60 seconds so you can walk away without having to constantly press a button to continue the grinding process. The Infinity has an advanced conical burr design made of steel that is usually only found on commercial grinders. This burr design slows down the gears and reduces the amount of friction and heat to preserve coffee's flavor and aroma. The coffee container holds up to 4 ounces of grounds and remains sealed during grinding. For safety, the bean container also needs to be locked into place for the Infinity to operate. Also, for easy cleaning, the bean container and upper burr lift off so you can clean the grinding chamber with the included brush and wipe down the and heavy-duty zinc die-cast housing with Stainless Steel finish.


Amazon.com Review

For grinding larger quantities of coffee beans for a coffee-drinking crowd, Capresso's commercial-grade Infinity grinder handles 8-1/2 ounces of beans at a time. Sixteen different settings--four each in the four categories of extra fine, fine, regular, and coarse--let you adjust the grind to the specific blend of coffee and method of brewing. The finest setting is ideal for preparing Turkish coffee, which is a rare feature to find in a grinder. A built-in timer sets the grind for anywhere between 5 and 60 seconds so you can walk away without having to constantly press a button to continue the grinding process. The Infinity has an advanced conical burr design made of steel that is usually only found on commercial grinders. This burr design slows down the gears and reduces the amount of friction and heat to preserve coffee's flavor and aroma. The coffee container holds up to 4 ounces of grounds and remains sealed during grinding. For safety, the bean container also needs to be locked into place for the Infinity to operate. For easy cleaning, the bean container and upper burr lift off so you can clean the grinding chamber with the included brush and wipe down the heavy-duty zinc die-cast housing. The 100-watt burr grinder measures 7-2/3 by 5-2/5 by 10-4/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde
 

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Customer Reviews


"Decent entry-level grinder" 2010-08-23
By Donne Donne (Morningside Heights)
If you were to go just on Amazon reviews, this grinder would seem like a slam dunk. I bought it and quickly realized that it's not.

It's a decent value. Ninety bucks gets you a fairly slow speed (thereby minimizing heat that could sully your beans' flavor) and a grind much better than any blade grinder.

I don't like it because the grind isn't *that* consistent. If you like your coffee with cream and sugar, this thing will get the job done. If you drink your coffee black, you'll be able to taste the subtle effects of over- or under-extraction or both. You'll get a decent cup but you're not getting anything near the best you can get out of your beans.

It's also a pain to clean and rather wasteful: because the grind mechanism is comparatively far behind the grounds bin, a lot of coffee gets left up top. Whacking it will release some of it but far too much is left. The waste adds up. I probably lost a couple of mugs of coffee each week.

At this price point I'd recommend the Baratza Maestro, which is great unless you're grinding oily beans (and why are you grinding those over-roasted things in the first place?) If you really want the *best* value in coffee grinding (especially for non-espresso), I'd highly recommend the Baratza Virtuoso. It's double the cost but in my opinion twice as good.

  
"Been using this for 2.5 years, and quite content." 2010-08-22
By Joseph Morris (Berkeley, California)
Most likely everything has already been said in the other 618 reviews for this product; the only thing I wanted to add that mine is still truckin' two and a half years after I bought it (Jan 08-Aug 10). I'm guessing it's done maybe 25-50 lbs of coffee in that time? I have no complaints.

  
"Works well...while it lasts" 2010-08-21
By WordSmith
I ordered the Capresso 565 Grinder because I had owned a Capresso coffee maker and grinder combination which I loved until it quit on me after a few years (a problem with the grinder; maker was fine). I received this item excitedly, and immediately put it to use.

After about 5 months, it suddenly stopped grinding. The motor would run but the blades would not move. I had a mechanically-inclined family member look at it, and he couldn't determine the problem.

I don't know if this is a fault of this model that it ceased to work so soon. Because of my previous experience with the grinder in my coffee maker, I'm wary of purchasing Capresso again. It now sits, useless, in a box for donations. I don't know if I can still return it after 7 months.

I bought a Kitchen Aid pro grinder and seem happy enough with that, although the grind for espresso is still too coarse, in my opinion.

If anyone has any suggestions about how to repair the Capresso I'd appreciate it. Otherwise it's going to the local VVA.
 

"Awesome grinder!" 2010-08-20
By musicmom (Watford City, ND USA)
I bought this grinder when I purchased my first new coffee maker in 19 years! The burr grinder definitely brings out more of the coffee flavor. We enjoy our coffee very strong and I am using less coffee for a stronger taste. The machine is very easy to clean. Because it does have a lot of residue left in machine, I clean it before each use. Again, very easy to do. The great coffee flavor is worth every cent spent on this unit. The only minor complaint I have is I have forgotten to put the basket back in to catch the ground coffee. A friend of mine has a grinder that will not operate unless that is in place. This unit still works therefore, it is quite a mess. I have found the coffee grind that works for my coffee tastes and I haven't moved it. We don't own a french press right now so can't comment on other grinds.

  
"The Best Daily Grind Just Got Better" 2010-08-18
By Dr. Dennis P. Mohney (Miami Lakes, FL USA)
I took the recommendation of Men's Health Magazine (my Bible) and bought the Capresso 565. Men's Health said it was excellent, and they were right. I had two concerns in mind when searching for a new coffee grinder. The first was the noise factor. I like to grind the coffee without waking up the entire neighborhood. The Capresso does the job with a very acceptable noise level. The second issue was the messy factor. I've had expensive grinders which leave a big patch of grounds under the unit. The Capresso is very clean indeed. Also, it is very easy to adjust the 'type' of grind you want from coarse to ultra fine. And you can actually tell the difference, unlike other units I have owned. I am very happy with my purchase and I would recommend it highly. Since I plan to give the Capresso plenty of use, I also purchased a warranty to cover anything that I am bound to wear out.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine - New 2009 Model V3

 
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine - New 2009 Model V3
Product By Rancilio    (6 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $648.95

 

Product Description

This is the very latest edition of the widely popular Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine. It still has the powerful brass boiler and durable pump that have made the Silvia stand head and shoulders above the competition. New enhancement and upgrades for the Rancilio Silvia V3 include: a commercial grade, fully articulating steam wand with 1-hole tip for improved milk frothing, a new ergonomic grip for the steam wand to make it easier to open and close, a new ergonomic handle for the already heavy-duty porta-filter. 1 Year Warranty.

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Rancilio Silvia" 2010-07-03
By E. schmitt (United States)
Good machine even though it is very difficult to make espresso with crema on it. Kind of finicky machine in that aspect. Every other aspect it is a gret machine.

  
"Demanding Deserving Prima Donna" 2010-06-11
By Harrington S. Nejad (Essex Fells, NJ USA)
I have owned my Miss Rancilio (MR) for 5 years. Agree with most of the other comments on Amazon about MR. Once you learn how to use it perfectly, it will give perfect results. Need a proper grinder to decide exactly what grind works best for your beans. The temperature can be finely tuned by turning the steamer function on to raise the heat temporarily for a perfect temp. If you leave the steam function on too long, the temp can get too high and you will have splatter (hence the art). I have very high mineral content in my town's water system, so I use mineral water to avoid excess build up in the system. Despite this, a good clean up (you can purchase the appropriate solutions online) once every year or two (depending on useage) is a good idea. A few tips if you want the most amazing results: After the system has been heated for a few minutes, with the steam function on, do a QUICK flush to get 40-50 cc hot water / steam coming out - i.e from the MAIN outlet without the coffee attachment on. This will help regulate the temperature and clean the shower head (I think this is what it's called i.e. the part on the machine side coming in contact with the ground coffee). A quick wipe of this area after this maneuver will also help get the old "burnt" taste out of the system. Now you are ready to load the coffee. Pack the coffee fairly tightly- the system is powerful enough to push through this and give you a perfect crema. If you are making cappucino, be sure to push some steam through the nozzle after you are done, otherwise the milk will block the outlet when it dries. This is a FANTASTIC system that is clearly not as easy to use as a Nespresso machine, BUT the pleasure of the results is something else. I HIGHLY recommend Danesi beans. Cheers. HSN

  
"Happy V2 owner" 2010-05-19
By C. Hill (Seattle, Wa)
I have owned Miss Silvia for about 6 years and still use her at weekends to treat ourselves to the wonderful coffee she makes. Some of the reasons I chose Miss Silvia were due to the construction, performance, amount of steam, looks, and feedback from others. She has proven to be a very reliable machine and continues to give us much pleasure.

Upgrades - It looks like the only changes between V2 and V3 are cosmetic - brew group handle, drip tray design and the steam knob. I guess why change something if it is working very well. The inside of the machine is built very well, marine brass boiler with a 1Kw heater bring her up to temperature quickly, and a 3 way solenoid to stop spit back.

There are a couple of areas to watch, which other reviewers have alluded to -

Grind - I started off with a Braun bur wheel grinder and I got intermittent results with the quality of the tamp. A couple of years ago I upgraded to Rocky her brother and the quality of the tamp improved greatly. (Once you work out the right setting for the coffee you are using)

Tamping tool - The one that came with Miss Silvia was too small, I have never understood why they shipped the unit with the wrong size tamping tool. This also impacted how even the pressure was on the tamp. I upgraded that as well to one that fit the filter and now I get reliable and excellent results

Leaks - As mentioned above, one of the other reasons why I purchased this unit is that it has a built in 3 way solenoid to stop spit back through the brew group when using the steam wand or visa versa. Even though when I used her last I completely close the steam valve, as she is warming up for the next use, I get spits and dribbles from the steam wand and I have to turn the steam valve once again to close it off. This might be just due to expansion and contraction, but it is annoying so I have to remember to turn the steam valve off again before I turn her on again.

Drip tray - It is good that they have improved the design of this, since on V2 the tray had some very sharp edges and looked like it came out of a fabrication shop without the finishing touches.

One improvement I wish they would make with it is to be able to hook it up to the water supply instead of having to keep refilling a tank, but that is a minor consideration and probably keeps the price down.

Steam - I wish they would have gone with a bigger boiler and a slightly larger element. After making one lot of steamed milk, she runs out of steam, so I have to fake making another brew and then turn the steam back on again for the boiler to build up to temp again for another lot of milk, but it does make wonderful foam even without a tool on the end, just comes down to technique again.

I have found that there is a method to warming her up quicker -
Turn her on
When the light goes out run brew through her without coffee until the light comes on again to warm the brew group up
When the light goes out again, she is ready.
The other upgrade I made was to purchase a butcher block and varnish it to raise both Silvia and Rocky up about 2-3 inches to allow for a larger container for steamed milk or a tall cup when making Americano

In summary Silvia is a great machine and probably the cheapest entry into the semi-professional units, she is built like a tank, when you get all the variables right she makes exceptional coffee. Where the fun of this unit comes is that it takes some skill and experience to get the best results and once you buy this wonderful unit bring her home and start to enjoy her you will see this is a marriage made in coffee heaven.

  
"Excellent!" 2009-10-03
By Fnorgby (oakland, ca)
I've now had the RS for two days, and my wife and I are in love with it.
I did a lot of research into espresso makers before deciding on this one. What caught my attention were comments from people who had owned the unit for many trouble-free years. Previously we tried different semi-automatic makers and got good coffee but found the units to be unreliable (notably the Cappresso Ultima). This time, we wanted barebones simplicity and reliability. So far, we feel we've got that with this maker.

As other reviews have said, it's a bit cantankerous and takes practice to get things right. It seems to be a bit inflexible as to the amount of grounds to use, and the tamping needs to be firm or it sputters. Sometimes it can be wonky getting the portafilter in right.

But those are minor things that should become habit over time. We're very excited and are hoping that the legwork pays off.

  
"Quality and built to last" 2009-09-21
By Make Myday (minneapolis, MN USA)
This is a beautiful machine! I started learning about brewing espresso at home with a Gaggia Coffee. I've since stepped up to the Silvia and I wish I had bought it right away. The espresso I produce with it is far superior, never sour or bitter if I use the right amount and tamp it properly, and I can make microfoam. I also appreciate its heaviness, good looks, quiet operation and metal steam wand.

Many say - and it bears repeating - that you will only get the results you are looking for at home if you invest in a burr grinder of at least Rancilio Rocky or Gaggia MDF quality, grind right before brewing and use beans roasted within weeks, not months! I have had disappointing results with other grinders and all preground espresso including expensive Illy, etc.

Shop around and be sure to get free shipping, because this thing weighs a ton. I have seen good package deals where you can get the Silvia and Rocky together; with no tax and free shipping plus some free goodies such as a stainless steel tamper, you will be in business and might have some cash left over for the beans. Of course the instruction booklet is nearly worthless, but you can find some great videos on YouTube to show you what to do with all that stuff once you get it home.

If you have better things to spend your money on, like mortgage and groceries, or if you aren't too picky, look elsewhere; maybe try a stovetop moka pot. If you think you will be making espresso for years to come get this machine, a good grinder and a water filter, and some freshly roasted beans from Intelligentsia; then you will want a collection of little cups for serving your creations, and your friends might begin to think you are an insufferable coffee snob... and at that point, you will be. Trust me, your buddies most likely do not want to hear about your machine's brass portafilter and temperature stability.

This is NOT a cheap hobby. Maybe you should consider supporting your local coffee shop instead! As for me, I'm in too deep. Let me know if someone starts a twelve step program for espresso addicts. Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Cuisinart DTC-975BKN Programmable Automatic Brew-and-Serve 12-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker, Black



Cuisinart DTC-975BKN Programmable Automatic Brew-and-Serve 12-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker, Black
Product By Cuisinart     (409 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $89.99 

Technical Details

  • Fully automatic, 12-cup coffeemaker with 24-hour programmability
  • Patented brew-through lid and pour-through lid for easy serving
  • Double-wall insulated, stainless-steel carafe
  • Includes #4 paper-filter starter kit and instruction book
  • Measures 16 by 7-1/2 by 11-1/4 inches; limited 3-year warranty

Product Description

Now you can enjoyed piping hot, full-flavored coffee in style. This handsome coffee maker from Cuisinart features a good-looking brushed stainless steel carafe that keeps coffee hot for 12 hours. The patented brew-through and pour-through lid means coffee means less mess. Totally programmable, this coffee maker can be started any time during a 24-hour cycle. Loaded with useful features like Brew Pause, automatic shutoff, brewing complete alarm and a #4 paper filter starter kit. Covered by a three-year limited warranty. Model DTC-975

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Customer Reviews

  
"Perfect pot for working from home." 2010-08-18
By Ernie (Connecticut)
We bought this brewer 8 or 9 years ago. Over the previous 20 years, we had tried Mr. Coffee, Krups, Gevalia, Braun, and others. Most were adequate brewers with fragile glass pots. Coffee had to be decanted to avoid tasting like old rubber tires after an hour.

With the Cuisinart, there is a stainless steel pot - inside and out. This not only stops breakage. It keeps the coffee hot for many hours. We work at home, so this is important. Brewed at 7 a.m. a cup is drinkably hot in the afternoon. What's more, if there is any left in the pot overnight, that neat "gravity seal" system keeps the coffee tasting (I know you don't believe me, but it's true) pretty decent. I often dump that last bit into a mug and microwave it. It's still better than most restaurant coffee.

The brewer works great. Not fast, but the grounds are well used and the coffee if full bodied. We have indeed had "flooding" on 3-4 occasions. It was caused by either A) an individual not screwing the cover on straight or B) not pushing the filter basket all the way in. Yes, the beeping is louder than we'd like, but after nearly a decade, we often don't even hear it.

Bottom line: If you want good coffee in an indestructible unit at a decent price, you can't go wrong with this unit!


"Good Coffee maker purchase" 2010-08-15
By Chris May
I needed to replace my Krups 10 cup thermal coffee maker as it had some real problems, after 6 years. I purchased the 12 cup Cuisinart thermal coffee maker. I am extremely pleased with the purchase. As long as you close the top correctly (pour at the pour spout) and make sure the coffee basket is closed securely, this coffee maker is a charm. The coffee stays hot for a long time. I usually make it in the early morning and my husband will drink a cup in the late afternoon. It is always still hot. Better than the Krups.

  
"It's just OK" 2010-08-14
By Douglas P. Bauer (Clearwater, Fl.)
Not much I really like about it other than it's a 12 cup thermal brewer. Things I don't like. When you take the pot out after brewing the basket drips some. The pot has a very small opening. You can't get your hand inside to wash it. Not even my wife's very tiny hand. You have to have man like hands to open the pot. The top outside diameter is huge. The water level is on the back side. You can't see it from the front. The water tank isn't removable making it more difficult to fill. I have not experienced the thing peeing coffee all over the counter top as many have mentioned. It is no where close to being the complete thermal brewer my beloved Starbucks Baristta, RIP, was. I'll probably end up giving it to my daughter-in-law.

Not sure what I would buy.

  
"Coffee Tastes Terrible" 2010-08-13
By Harold Paulson
If you read the manual that comes with this product, they ask you to use 2TB of coffee per cup of water. That's about a cup and a half of coffee for the full 12 cup run. That's double what any other drip machine recommends. I can't imagine that much coffee even fitting in the basket. What they know about their coffee maker is that it makes WEAK coffee. Either the water doesn't get hot enough, or the water doesn't get spread over the grounds evenly enough, but the upshot is it comes out like tea. That would be enough to recommend against this coffee maker. However, the worst part is that the coffee this machine makes also has a horrible metallic taste. This machine makes horrible, undrinkable not-coffee.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1)

 
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1)
Product By Cuisinart    (523 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $36.99 
 
 

Technical Details

  • Elegantly styled, heavy-duty, automatic coffee mill
  • Burr grinding mechanism for uniform grounds and optimum flavor
  • 18-position grind selector, from ultra fine to coarse
  • Slide dial from 4 to 18 cups; capacious grounds chamber with lid
  • Measures 6-3/4 by 9-3/4 by 5 inches; 18-month warranty

Product Description

Elegant SS styling


Amazon.com Review

A stylish grinder for the serious coffee buff, this Cuisinart Supreme Grind automatic burr mill provides plenty of options and good results in an attractive and tidy structure. This makes it a great appliance for houses where coffee is a steady dietary staple and preferences vary from espresso to French drip. Outfitted with a heavy-duty motor, the machine has 18 grind settings ranging from fine to extra-coarse, which are controlled by a clearly marked, pleasantly clicking dial. Rotate the hopper to personal preference, and the machine does the rest, using burr plates for a highly uniform grind that protects bean oils and releases more flavor. Automatic operation in this grinder covers quantity as well--simply set the amount slide control anywhere from 4 to 18 cups. The grinder shuts off when the desired level is reached. Transfer of ready grounds to a coffee pot or espresso group is quick and tidy, because the grind chamber slides out with its clever lid in place. Smart and elegant, the grinder has brushed stainless steel housing and black accents in durable plastic. The hopper, hopper lid, grinding burr, and grind chamber all remove easily for cleanup, and a safety feature keeps the grinder from operating without the hopper and chamber in place. Standing 6-3/4 by 9-3/4 by 5 inches, the unit has built-in power cord storage at its base. Cuisinart includes a coffee scoop/cleaning brush in one and covers the machine with an 18-month warranty. --Emily Bedard

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Acceptable Result" 2010-08-20
By Toga1K (San Francisco, CA USA)
We bought this product for our office use. So far it does the job competently. The 1/2 lbs load is a nice feature so you don't need to load the beans for every use. The grind quality is acceptable, but we do not go down to the finest grind level. It is quite noisy though.

  
"Great but......." 2010-08-20
By Deanna D. Lykins
I've had this grinder for about two years. It has been without a doubt very dependable and does it's job extremely well. I use it about 5-7 days out of the week. However in the last month or so I've notice grinder would slow and not grind, but motor would still run. I just thought the beans weren't falling down into the grinding chamber. So I'd turn it off give it a little shake and viola it would continue grinding with no problems. But today it broke ;o( The v shaped chamber that holds the beans completely broke off inside the lower chamber where the grinding takes place. I ended up with plastic shards in my ground coffee. I have to say I was so disappointed when it broke. Not sure how long grinders are supposed to last as this was the first one i've ever owned. I'm now faced with replacing this grinder. Although I loved this machine very much, I'm debating trying to find one with better construction, something not all plastic on the inside.


"Don't buy if you need for espresso" 2010-08-19
By David Misiak (Bedminster, NJ United States)
Bought this to replace a Breville. Less money, but does NOT grind fine enough for Espresso. If you really need a variety of grinds, spend more money.

  
"Great Grinder" 2010-08-15
By Monarch
I love this new grinder. The grind is consistant from start to finish. No more whole beans in the filter basket after I brew a pot of coffee. I get a fresher product every day.

  
"Yes it's LOUD" 2010-08-07
By K. CARLSON (Midwest USA)
Yes this grinder is loud...but for the price it's a great little appliance. If you can't handle 30 seconds of noise then you obviously need to spend $180 on an insulated model. The grind size is consistent and we haven't noticed major issues with static. We have been using for almost two years and had no issues with performance.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder, Black

Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder, Black
Product By Krups
Lowest Price : $17.99 
 
 

Technical Details

  • Electric grinder with 200-watt motor provides fast grinding
  • Grinds up to 3 ounces of coffee beans at a time
  • Oval design and stainless-steel blades ensure uniform grinding
  • Also can easily be used for spices, nuts, and grains
  • Measures 6 by 3-1/6 by 3-5/9 inches; 1-year limited

Product Description

Capture the total experience of coffeemaking. Buy fresh beans and grind your own coffee. Nothing will compare to the fresh taste and aroma.


Amazon.com Review

Nothing beats a freshly ground, freshly brewed cuppa joe to start the day, and with this grinder, you can have up to 20 cups' worth of beans at a time. The understated black color and contemporary oval design fit in well with any kitchen décor, while the small size (just 6 inches high) doesn't take up too much premium counter space. Stainless-steel blades guarantee a long life and an even grind, whether you use this grinder for coffee, spices, nuts, or even whole grains. --Jill Lightner
 

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Customer Reviews

  
"a lovely gift item" 2010-08-06
By linda grossman
As a house guest.... I arrived with very special Free Trade coffee beans that had just been roasted locally. To my surprise and dismay, my hosts did not have a coffee grinder. So, after I returned home, I went to Amazon.com and found the perfect "follow up" gift... the Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder. This item has been in my kitchen for years.... I love it.... and the price was very reasonable. It arrived in a timely fashion.... and.... was happily received.

  
"Terrible Grinder" 2010-08-06
By Amber Tjemsland (Seattle, WA United States)
We have owned this grinder for a little over one year, used it occasionally and it fails to start anymore. Had a slight metal smell when it used to run. Stay away from this grinder. Our old Melitta grinder is over 20 years old and has never missed a beat.


"great as a spice grinder!" 2010-08-06
By OneValkRider (LANCASTER, PA United States)
While I wouldn't use this for coffee (the blade speed is super fast & the blade seems like it would scorch coffee) it makes a great spice grinder. The lid works great to catch the ground spices & you push the lid to activate, and it is easy to pulse to control the coarseness of the grind that you want.

  
"very happy with this," 2010-08-05
By Louise McGee (wyoming)
My old grinder had "bit the dust" and this was just what I was looking for. I like to grind my own beans for flavored coffees that I use,but as a older consumer, I don't need a larger unit and this is just what I wanted.Easy to use, easy to store.

  
"Perfect for Ginding Coffee" 2010-08-04
By N. Riley
If you like to use a french press and like to grind your own beans than this is the right for you. I have had mine for about 4 years and it works every morning without fail. This little machine has become an integral part of my morning ritual. Allows for a much more precise grind than I usually get if I have the store or coffee shop. I know people who use it to mix spices as well but I just stick to the coffee.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder

Hamilton Beach 40729 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with Pod Holder
Product By Hamilton Beach
Lowest Price : $45.03 
 
 

Technical Details

  • Café quality made easy
  • Powerful 15 bar pump
  • No-fuss frother
  • Easy-fill reservoir
  • Works with pre-measured pods or ground espresso

Product Description

Making cafe-quality coffee drinks is quick and easy with this Italian-style espresso machine, which features 1100 watts of power and a 15-bar pump. The unit works with ground espresso or pre-measured pods and offers simple push-button operation. Its 2-cup removable water reservoir is easy to fill, and the adjustable steam/frothing dial allows for quickly steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes. For added convenience, the appliance provides a cup-warming plate, an "on/off" switch, a power indicator light, a thermostat indicator light, a pressure safety valve, and a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. Accessories include a measuring scoop/tamper, two stainless-steel filters, an instructional video, and laminated recipe cards. The espresso machine measures 9 by 7-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
Product By Delonghi
Lowest Price : $656.06 
 
 

Technical Details

  • Automatic espresso/coffee machine with integrated coffee grinder
  • Beans-to-brew system; 2 stainless-steel boilers; 3-hour auto shutoff
  • Electronic steam and coffee thermostat; adjustable-height coffee spigots
  • Heated cup tray; removable water tank and bean container for easy filling
  • Measures 17 by 13 by 18 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Product Description

The DeLonghi Esclusivo Magnifica Super-Automatic Machine brews perfect coffee, espresso, latte, and cappuccino. The compact and patented Direct-to-Brew System with Thermo Block technology provides excellent heat distribution, and it's removable for easy cleaning. The beans are ground instantly to ensure the freshest espresso or coffee brewed under 15 bars of pressure. Professional-quality integrated burr grinder produces consistent, fresh, and aromatic espresso or coffee. Grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of beans. The instant reheat function heats the core of the machine, ensuring that Magnifica maintains an ideal temperature for brewing. The patented cappuccino system frother includes a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth. It's perfect for making the ideal cappuccino, latte, or any other frothy milk coffee beverage. Automatic decalcification indicator lights let you know when it's time to clean the machine. Removable 60-ounce water tank with water-level indicator allows for convenient filling and easy cleaning. Removable used coffee container and drip tray for convenient cleaning and easy disposal of coffee waste. Two separate, easy-to-use control dials allow you to make adjustments to coffee strength and brewed amounts. Choose the one-cup option for a large mug or small espresso, or choose the two-cup option for two large mugs or two small espressos. Three-hour automatic shutoff for safe operation. Adjustable spouts let you brew directly into espresso, demitasse, or 12-ounce cups.

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Customer Reviews

  
"Was A Nice Machine, But Look Out If It Stops Working--Out of Warranty Nightmare" 2010-07-17
By B. Cherry (Annapolis, MD)
I purchased the Delonghi Magnifica Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine from Amazon in November 2006. It just died one month ago, out of warranty of course. When I called Delonghi to inquire as to how I could get it repaired, they informed me that they have only two places in the US that fix them. One on the east coast, and one on the west coast. So you have to ship it at your expense and insured to the appliance repair shop. I shipped mine the same day it broke to the east coast location; it went to Cross-Bay Appliance in Howard Beach, NY. It took them an entire month to look at the machine and they have a very casual, unconcerned approach. They will say, "I'll try" to look at it for weeks until you start to get a little heated in your tone, then they will take a look at it. Well, after waiting the entire month, they looked at it only to tell me it will cost almost as much as it would to purchase a new one to repair it. I asked them to ship it back and not to bother adding the cost to insure it since, now, it's nothing but piece of junk. Well, they insist on charging over twice as much as it would cost to resend it back to me.

Delonghi apparently does not care in the least about your out of warranty repair needs. Even if you have a small problem, you better give your beloved espresso machine a long kiss goodbye because you won't see if for a while. In my case, it's junk. I've heard of others having mechanical failures with these machines, but if they are out of warranty, which is only one year, you are screwed. I searched and searched for a appliance repair shop locally, there is NO ONE who knows about these machines but Delonghi knows and they will send you to this operation which does not have to try to get business, could care less about the customers and you can tell they know the drill. I'm tempted to let them keep it, but then realized that probably many people do that and they end up probably refurbishing them and then selling them, which I will not allow.

So, as much as I loved the machine, I would never purchase another one from Delonghi simply because there is no way to reasonably get it repaired in a decent amount of time and for a fair cost. So, your machine, once something goes wrong with it, will end up in the garage until you or someone else you know decides to go to the Espresso Machine Repair School for broke down Delonghi Machines.

I was shocked that this was my ONLY option, and the repair shop Delonghi sent me to has unprofessional and callous morons running it. They know you either pay what they ask for or pay whatever they want to ship it back regardless of the actual cost to ship it back to you, which further aggravates you because you have no choice. It's abusive. I will be filing a BBB complaint for this repair shop and giving Delonghi two thumbs down. Your purchase will be short lived. I'm looking into the Pasquini Espresso machine now, but I will find out what process I will have to go through if it needs any type of repairs in the future--post-warranty. These machines are not cheap. At first I loved Delonghi, but now that I know I'm buying their products only to put them in the garbage later because of outrageous repair costs and inconvenience by the morons Delonghi sends you too, I will never buy another one.


"Great Machine" 2010-06-12
By L. Eckert (Long Island, NY)
This machine works very well. I have had it for about 2 months now without any problems. The only thing that I'm not overly thrilled with is the prep & clean up needed after each time you use the machine. Other than that it works very well. Oh, I also wish it had a larger water tank.

  
"It does the job, and does it well" 2010-06-02
By David C. Knieriem (Ballwin, MO USA)
I'm at the six month mark for using this machine. First, for context: I do not sip coffee out of a mug in the morning looking out over San Francisco Bay as I contemplate life's wonders. Instead, I want my mocha latte in the morning (and just about every morning) before I go to work. In addition, I am not a frustrated barrista faling back on my Starbuck's training; I don't even use the frothing wand because it is too much of a pain in the rear to deal with. Instead, I bought something that does it automatically, which kind of fits the theme of this machine.

I used a Gaggia Classic until it died. I was happy with it, but in a sense, I think this machine has it beat for one very important reason: consistency. You get the same cup of coffee every morning with good crema. And that is, to me, the only upside that matters. Is it noisy? It is quieter than my burr grinder. Do you have to clean it? Sure, about once a week, but it takes about 30 seconds. Do you have to decalcify it? I only use distilled water, and I haven't had to yet. Does it break down? Not mine, but I don't leave it on all the time. I turn it on, it takes about a minute to get ready, I make my coffee, then I turn it off. No problems. Is it super hot? I use a double-walled Bodum cup, and it stays hot for 20-25 minutes with the foam on top. The trick is to either make the coffee right away, or pre-warm the dispenser (it can be done).

All in all, it does what it is supposed to do. What more can you ask?

  
"Magnificant!" 2010-05-25
By My Cat's Name Is Bernie (San Francisco, CA)
I waited until I had my machine 1 year to write this review. I chose it because, based on reviews, it appeared to be the best low price fully-automatic espresso machine. I am really happy with it.

I use a frothing thermometer to tell how long to steam the milk for. This results in perfect cappucino every time!

Pros:

- Makes great coffee
- Fool-proof milk frother
- Easy to clean - don't need any special cleaning tablets

Cons:

- Manual controls for bean and water quantity
- My machine jams once every couple of months. However, the jams always clear themselves - no service has ever been needed

  
"Go see one first" 2010-05-18
By W. Kirkpatrick (Philadelphia, PA USA)
I drink a lot of coffee. Roast my own beans, etc. The idea of just pushing a button is very appealing. But... For the cost of a upper-mid range major appliance (washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove, etc.) I think I should be able to expect a device with at least some degree of quality. Not so this machine. It is, well, just cheaply made. Cheap plastic. Cheap controls. Cheap, cheap, cheap. Ok, I guess $800 in plastic junk is what the market will bear. $800 will buy a pretty decent stainless steel range, with a life expectancy of 10s of years. Lucky if you get a few years out of one of these coffee makers, and other reviews seem to highlight that fact. Many talk of how great their previous machine of a "few years" was and now they're onto buying another one...

Go look at one first. Don't reward manufacturers that have neither shame, nor pride, in their work.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Black & Decker DCM2500B SmartBrew Coffeemaker

Black & Decker DCM2500B SmartBrew Coffeemaker
Product By Black & Decker
Lowest Price : $24.09 
 
 

Technical Details

  • 12-cup coffeemaker features digital clock and delayed start
  • Wake up to a pot of freshly brewed coffee
  • Perfectly drip-free pouring spout; 2 water windows
  • Sneak-a-cup feature; automatic shut-off after 2 hours
  • 13 inches tall, raised lid requires 22 inches; 1-year warranty

Product Description

Black & Decker SmartBrew coffeemaker in black. Includes 12-cup capacity, lighted on/off switch, removable brew basket, water window, cord storage and Perfect Pour carafe.


Amazon.com Review

This is one programmable coffeemaker that's actually very easy to program. The touch-pad buttons are intuitive, and the printed directions clear, so there's no excuse for not waking up to the aroma of a freshly brewed pot of java. To prepare for making a pot at any hour, the lid lifts up (hinges in rear), exposing the brew basket: add a flat-bottomed paper filter and the ground coffee of your choice. There's ample pour space for water, the level of which you can view through a convenient window on either side. Simply close the lid and push the On button. Auto/On and the clock buttons set the time for delayed start. The most satisfying thing about the glass carafe is that the wide lip pours without a single drip. In addition, the broad bottom on the carafe affords good surface contact with the stay-hot plate for up to two hours; at that point, the machine shuts off automatically for safety. Those who can't wait for a sip before the entire pot is brewed will appreciate the Sneak-a-Cup feature. While the coffeemaker stands 13 inches tall, it must be pulled forward on a counter to clear most cabinets since the raised lid requires 22 inches. The DCM2500B features a sleek hourglass shape, comes in black or white, and is covered by a one-year warranty. The brew basket and carafe are dishwasher-safe in the top rack. --Ann Bieri

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Good coffee maker" 2010-08-02
By Karen Vetter (Sparks, NV)
This is a great simple easy to use and clean coffee maker. Just wish it was a cone or V drip instead of basket style.

  
"No more drips" 2010-07-29
By JoAnne Strausner (Mercersburg, PA, US)
I love this coffee maker especially the no drip pouring.I had a cheap coffee maker before this and had more coffee on the counter and floor than in the cup.The timer and clock were very easy to program,I would recommend this coffee maker to any one.

  
"Only lasted 4 months" 2010-07-29
By Jennifer Young
The machine broke after only 4 months of use. As the on/off button no longer works, the piece is essentially useless.

  
"Don't hesitate to buy" 2010-07-28
By Ivadell Bryant (United States)
This is a great little coffeepot. The carafe doesn't drip while you are half-blindly pouring the first cup of coffee in the morning, and it's super easy to set up and use. You do need to think about where you are going to put it on the counter, because to fill it with water requires some counter clearance (there is a nice long power cord though). Easy to clean, easy to operate, makes delicious coffee...about the only way they could improve this design would be to have the clock on it automagically know the correct time after a power outage.


"A Great Coffee Maker" 2010-07-26
By eman
Had this for a month now and it is easier to use, and more consistant than the higher cost one it replaced.

Brew time is fairly fast and adding the right amount of water is made easier by the dual water marks on the pot.(One mark tells you how much water to add for the linked amount of brewed coffee.). The warmer keeps it warm but it's noy too hot so as to overcook the potted brew.

The pots no spill feature is a nice touch as is the way the carafe places on the warmer.
Yes it pops a bit when the tank is near empty but, so what. The coffee is what counts.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Cuisinart DCC-2600 Brew Central 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe

 
Cuisinart DCC-2600 Brew Central 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe
Product By Cuisinart
Lowest Price : $89.95 
 
 

Technical Details

  • 14-cup (5 ounces each) programmable coffeemaker with glass carafe
  • Brew-pause function; 1- to 4-cup setting; regular and bold flavor-strength settings
  • Heater plate with adjustable temperature; 0- to 4-hour automatic shut-off
  • Permanent Gold Tone filter, charcoal water filter, and instruction book included
  • Measures approximately 11 by 9-3/5 by 16-1/5 inches; 3-year limited warranty

Product Description

Brew Central Coffeemaker provides Coffee lovers will all their favorite features in this extra-large capacity coffeemaker. Flavor is a matter of taste, so Cuisinart now offers both regular strength and bold settings. And since temperature is important, too, we've included an adjustable heater plate that keeps coffee at the temperature selected. With a built-in 60-second memory in case the power goes out, and full programmability, this is a coffeemaker that's easy to love.

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"2nd Cuisinart 14-Cup" 2010-07-22
By Big-D (Lake Havasu City, AZ United States)
This is my second purchase of this very same coffee maker. My first Cuisinart DCC-2600 14-cub coffee maker lasted three years. That's the longest I've ever had a coffee maker last me. In fact, I'm lucky if I get a full year out of them. My wife and I are avid coffee drinkers and really put our coffee makers to the test. This coffee maker is great. We have absolutely no complaints or negative things to say about it. We are 100% satisfied with this product. It's attractive, easy to clean and offers lots of whistles and bells too!

  
"FYI, this is a 7-cup coffee maker, not a 14-cup coffee maker" 2010-07-16
By D. Kim (Pittsburgh, PA)
I bought this to replace a BUNN coffee maker. I think it brews much better tasting coffee. One thing you should know, what Cuisinart defines as a cup is actually half a standard measured cup of coffee. So if you brew a full pot, you'll be able to pour 7 standard cups full of coffee and no more. The 14 number really isn't accurate. This is still an excellent coffee maker.

  
"Cuisinart DCC-2600 Review" 2010-07-13
By Barbara Filippone
I have always purchased the Braun 12 cup programmable coffeemaker in the past. It was the only coffeemaker that I felt brewed great hot coffee and kept it hot. I found other coffeemakers had a problem brewing coffee that was hot enough in the past. Braun has since had the brilliant idea of no longer manufacturing a 12 cup coffee maker (DUH!-what a great marketing department!).

I searched online and found mostly great reviews of the Cuisinart DCC-2600 Brew Central 14 cup coffeemaker. I decided to give it a try and I am no longer lamenting not being able to find my Braun. This Cuisinart has exceeded my expectations. The coffee is brewed hot and it will be kept at various temperatures of your choice for up to 4 hours. The taste of the coffee is great and there is also a regular and strong brew setting. I highly recommend this coffeemaker. If I had to find one thing that could be improved, it would be how the coffee pot lid snaps on. You have to get it just in the right place but it does snap on. Thank You Cuisinart and Amazon.

Former Braun Loyalist

  
"cuisinart dcc 2600 brew center" 2010-07-05
By bey
I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE COFFEE MAKER. GOOD COFFEE, EASY TO USE, AND NICE LOOKING.

  
"Great Coffeemaker" 2010-07-05
By F. Valliant
Brews fast, great tasting coffee. No problem filling the reservoir, some have complained about awkward filling. The chimes at the end of the brewing cycle are very quiet, apparently the company's response to complaints about the chimes being too loud. We don't use the timer, so can't comment on that...we assume that it works OK. We use paper filters inside the metal basket, just makes cleanup easier. One big plus; the last several coffeemakers we have owned always overflowed the paper filter, the filter would collapse and grounds would get into the brewed coffee. The Cuisinart fills within a half inch from the top of the filter, but has never overflowed, and the paper filter has never collapsed. The 14 cup capacity is a big plus. My only complaint about this Cuisinart (and every other coffeemaker we have owned) is that the coffee splashes upward against the "shower head" when brewing. This makes cleanup difficult. Just wiping the coffee grounds off the "shower head" forces the grounds and sludge into the water outlet holes, and will eventually clog them. It would be great if that piece unfastened from the coffeemaker and could be rinsed under running water to get it clean. Very happy with the product, and would buy it again.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System

Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System
Product By Keurig
Lowest Price : $119.00 
 
 

Technical Details

  • 1500-watt single-cup brewing system for gourmet coffee, tea, or cocoa
  • Uses patented K-Cups; no messy grinding or clean up
  • Removable 48-ounce water reservoir; removable drip tray
  • 2 brew-size options; 2-hour automatic shut-off; descale indicator
  • Brewer requires 4 minutes of priming before being ready to use. See Product Manual below

Product Description

The Special Edition Brewing System is our mid-luxury home brewing system that offers a blend of styling and convenient features. The Special Edition features chrome accents, a blue, back lit LCD display and three brew size options. Programmable features include a Digital Clock, Adjustable Temperature and Auto On/Off. The 48-ounce removable water reservoir holds up to eight cups before refilling and for the removable drip tray allows for easy cleaning and the use of travel mugs.At initial set up, once the machine is filled with water, it will take approximately 4-minutes for the water will be heated. During the heating period the red light next to ‘HEATING’ on the LED Control Center will become illuminated. Once the water is heated, the red light will turn off and the Small Mug Button will flash. Press the Small Mug Button to start a cleansing brew. Pour the hot water into the sink. The Brewer may take 15 seconds to reheat water between brews during which time the red light next to ‘HEATING’ on the LED Control Center may be illuminated. When the water has heated, the red light will turn off. The one-time set-up process is now complete and you are ready to brew!

 

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Monday, August 2, 2010

BUNN NHBX-B Contemporary 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer, Black

 
BUNN NHBX-B Contemporary 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer, Black
Product By Bunn
Lowest Price : $84.94 
 
 

Technical Details

  • Reservoir-style home brewer for up to 10 cups of coffee in just 3 minutes
  • Stainless-steel water tank; internal thermostat keeps water at ideal temperature
  • Sprayhead improves coffee-flavor extraction; hot water for tea; warming plate
  • Sliding lid makes it easy to add brew water; glass decanter; vacation switch
  • Measures 11-3/5 by 9 by 13-2/3 inches; 3-year limited warranty

Product Description

Nothing brews like a Bunn! Using coffee brewing technology perfected in over 40 years of service to the restaurant industry, Bunn has built the perfect home brewing system. Bunn's unique reservoir-style unit brews up to 10 cups (50-oz) of coffee in just 3 minutes --- and keeps hot water available for tea or other uses, as you need it. This Canada.-assembled unit features the Contemporary Bunn home brewer design, is constructed of commercially-rated materials with stainless steel accents and comes complete with an internal stainless steel water tank and a durable glass decanter. The built-in warming plate helps keep brewed coffee at the optimal serving temperature for hours. A 3-year limited warranty helps ensure satisfaction.

 

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

Zojirushi EC-BD15 Fresh Brew Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker


Zojirushi EC-BD15 Fresh Brew Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker
Product By Zojirushi  (686 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $85.95 

Technical Details

  • Stylish automatic coffee brewer with 1.5-liter thermal carafe
  • Stainless-steel carafe keeps coffee hot for hours
  • 1025 watts; electronic clock/timer with preset function; auto shut-off for safety
  • Clever brew-and-serve lid design; easy-to-read water gauge
  • Measures 15 by 12 by 9 inches; 1-year warranty

Product Description

Zojirushi's EC-BD15BA 1.5 Liter Fresh Brew Coffee Maker with Vacuum Stainless Steel Carafe is gorgeous and functional and will look spectacular on your countertop. It has many wonderful features.

Amazon.com Review

Lots of folks dislike the burnt flavor that coffee gets when it sits in a glass pot over a heating element. To avoid this, coffee shops often brew right into large thermal pots to keep the coffee warm without it becoming overcooked. The Zojirushi Fresh Brew does that, too, but in home-sized batches. It looks great, too, with a glossy black body and stainless steel carafe and brew basket. To brew, lift the lid and swing the water outlet spout to one side while the filter is being loaded; the spout will return to its proper position when the lid is closed. A small red ball in the water gauge makes it extra simple to read. And an electronic clock module also serves as a timer that will start the brewer at a specified time. The carafe's lid is designed to be on during brewing, with a small cap to help keep the heat in after it's ready. The Fresh Brew also has a pause-and-serve function that stops the flow for 30 seconds while a cup of coffee is served.
To clean the brewer unit, use a solution of white vinegar and water, following the instructions in the accompanying booklet. The unit is not immersible. The exterior can be wiped with a damp soft rag; do not use abrasives or scouring pads. The filter reservoir is removable; clean with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. The coffee brewer measures 15 by 12 by 9 inches (includes carafe handle when unit is completely assembled), and it uses #4 cone-shaped disposable paper filters. The Fresh Brew comes with a detailed instruction booklet. Zojirushi guarantees its products with a one-year limited warranty. --Garland Withers

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Customer Reviews

  
"Great Taste But Not User Friendly" 2010-07-28
By C. D. Cornett (Atlanta)
Replaced a glass thermal carafe machine. This unit makes great tasting coffee, but I find it less easy to use. One big issue is the filter bowl. It is too short requiring you to force a # 4 filter down into it. It also barely accepts the needed amount of coffee grinds for strong coffee (5 scoops) and it does not keep coffee hot for more than about an hour, due to the aluminum carafe. Aluminum can never hold heat as well as glass.

All in all, we went back to the old Krups brewer. If taste is the higher priority, this is definitely the brewer to buy.

  
"Owned 1 for 2 years, bought another!" 2010-07-20
By Laurie Sweeney (Meadow Vista, CA USA)
I looked for a large thermal carafe, metal filter, reliable coffee maker, and this was where my research took me.

I'm very happy with the performance of this machine. So much so that we have just purchased another one.

  
"Stopped working after 6 months" 2010-07-18
By D. Ohrt (Marietta , GA USA)
makes acceptable coffee when it works. The cap for the carafe is a poor design and is easily lost as it has no place to store when coffee is brewing. Stopped brewing at only six months. Contacted company but no weekend support so will update when if hear back.

  
"Satisfied" 2010-07-17
By R. Armstrong (CT, USA)
I have had this unit for about 1-2 months now and so far it has performed well. The carafe keeps the coffee hot but we don't like how far you have to tip the carafe in order to pour the coffee into your mug. Brewed coffee temperature is more than hot enough. Very cool sleek design.

  
"Great Coffee Maker" 2010-07-16
By Yorkie Artist
Well, I received mine and was worried because there were many things that seemed troublesome. One being the filters. Well, I frankly don't understand why a #3 Filter is needed since the book says #4 and the 4 gold filter and #4 Melitta cone filters fit right in. Yes, you do have to

push the filter down inside because the seam causes it to sit up outside the basket. I use the same filter that my Starbucks maker used and it is fine.

It produces very hot coffee. The pot sits directly under the filter basket and will do so in any position. Just make sure it is directly under the pour area.

This pot is 2 inches higher than my previous one, but fits on my counter just fine. It is very light weight. I am unsure if that is good or bad. I got a new one because I thought my 10 year old Starbucks was nearing its end. Not so. It is fine or so I discovered and did not need a new one. What I like about this one is that you can take the entire filter area off to clean. It just lifts right out. That is an area that can get fairly grundgy over time and since you can take it off to clean each time you use it (or every few times), that to me was worth the price.

I found the pot a little awkward at first as the lid is sort of unique to the pot and at first hard to open. Now it is easy. This piece has a smaller top that plugs the filling hole after it is brewed. It is recessed just enough that the whole pot does fit under the brew basket after you have brewed a pot. I have seen comments regarding this. I just think people may not as in the filter be able to figure some of this out.

The vacuum pot (Tested on first use) kept my coffee hot for 8 hours. Not scalding, but enough that was drinkable.

It is a good pot and recommend purchasing. I am going to keep my Starbucks as it is heavier and I like that. The water reservoir is removable which I found convenient for filling, yet the brew basket ... it was more difficult to keep clean.

Just run vinegar water through every so often and you will have this pot for some time.

Oh, it programs effortlessly.. I had my first programmed pot at 3:15 am this morning and it was wonderful.

Enjoy!