Saeco 4045 Vienna Plus 15-Bar-Pump Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver

 

Saeco 4045 Vienna Plus 15-Bar-Pump Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver

Product By Saeco       (4 customers reviews)

Lowest Price : $599.00 

 

 

Technical Details

• 1250-watt super-automatic espresso machine with built-in adjustable conical burr grinder
• 15-bar pump; removable brew group for tamping, brewing, and dispensing all in one cycle
• 12-ounce bean container; Opti-Dose adjustable doser; 15-puck-capacity dreg drawer
• Removable 57-ounce water tank; stainless-steel boiler; Pannarello frothing device
• Measures 14 by 15 by 15-1/2 inches

Product Description

The Vienna's put Saeco's patented removable brew group technology into an easy-to-use interface. You can now make espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and tea all from one machine that grinds, tamps and brews gourmet coffee. The pump driven steam and hot water wand has an exclusive Pannarello to make frothing milk simple. The adjustable conical burr grinder creates the perfect grind for gourmet coffee. The OptiDose adjustable doser feature enhances your flexibility to make an ideal cup of coffee. Not only can you change the fineness of the grinds and the amount of water used but also the amount of ground coffee used to make each individual cup from 6 to 9 grams. The easy access front service door simplifies general maintenance and cleaning. the iconic design and reliability of the Vienna machine make it a continuous favorite.

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Great machine" 2010-08-16
By Aynur (WA state)
This is my first automatic machine, I had bought a manual one before this one but it was a pain to use. It may not look as fancy as some other ones, but it does an excellent job. It's relatively easy to clean, and Saeco's customer service is excellent if you have any issues. I had contacted them about the panarello (frothing wand) that I was having issues with and they sent me a new one under the 1-year warranty within 3 days! I use it mainly for making lattes, mochas, and caramel machiattos. All of which turn out even better than Starbucks, even though I use their beans, mocha powder, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce. All in all, I give this machine a 4, not because of how it works but only because it is a little plastic-looking.

  
"Saeco Vienna Plus Expresso Machine" 2010-05-04
By I. Pelofsky (Los Angeles, CA)
Easy to use machine that works well making espresso or just an single cup of coffee. The only complaint I have is if you are using a large cup for regular coffee you have to angle putting in and removing the cup since the bottom of the drip spouts are not high enough even when adjusting the pull-down or push-up spout that is provided. This is a well priced unit for what it provides you. You can adjust the grind of the beans but it comes manufacturer set for a medium grind. It comes with lights that once turn solid green let you know that you are ready to use whatever function you choose and dial for adjusting espresso to a full cup of coffee is clearly marked and easy to read. Steam is provided when pressing the 3rd button on - when it is off you get very hot water dispensed. The area for grinding the beans handles a lot so if you like switching types of coffee then you have to keep only the amount for what you are using in the grinder since there is no way of easily switching coffee beans once the container is full. Overall I would recommend it for anyone who likes to prepare their own coffee because of it's price and ease of use.

"I love this espresso machine!" 2010-04-13
By Always Shopping
We had a Saeco Vienna Deluxe for several years. The machine finally died on us. In searching for a new machine, I saw the Saeco Vienna Plus and knew this would be the next machine. It is very similar to our previous model. It is much cheaper than when we had purchased our first unit. I feel there is value in what we are getting. It saves us a fortune from having to run to the more expensive coffee shop chains to pick up a mocha when it can easily made at home. At the touch of a button or two, the coffee is ready to go. The ease of use is amazing. Clean up is easy. I would definitely recommend this machine for those who want to be able to make espresso with ease.

  
"Best value in Automatic Espresso machines" 2010-04-05
By Donna Tate (Alameda, CA)
Vienna Plus is my third fully automatic machine. I loved my first, Saeco original Vienna, hated the second, Saeco Incanto classic. The original Vienna worked for 3 years every day, making consistently good espresso before the pump gave. I should have paid for repair, but I succumbed to that stainless steel twinkle and went for Saeco Incanto classic. More expensive for sure. Worse, better said inconsistent, coffee quality, constant small problems relating to built quality concerning the brew group, the grinder and the steamer wand. After a year of irritation a pump seal has failed while making espresso, nothing like a small explosion in the kitchen in the morning, I tell ya. Well, gone back to the trusted Vienna, now with the plus in the name. Good old days are here again .... Compared to previous- it is a lot quieter, when both grinding and steaming, it is also a lot quicker to warm up then before, steam is ready a mere 15 seconds after pushing the button. Espresso has a beautiful rich crema right out of the box, I didn't have to experiment with grind setting at all. The steaming wand (Panarello) has been redesigned and is now foolproof maker of perfect frothed foam. For the newbie I would like to add that I spent a lot of effort to find the right roast - tasted more than a few before I settled on one (Peerless Coffee Espressp Perfection) that I buy now in 5 lb. bags and keep in the freezer. I should for fairness add that I never want any other coffee through the machine like some decaf or flavored stuff, so I don't miss the alternate ground coffee option that Incanto had. My priority has always been flavor and consistency and that the Vienna Plus delivers. My friends drive miles to "see me" and, by the way, get a cup of espresso, praising each one as "this is the best espresso in the world". If that is what you desire, don't get mesmerized by stainless steel shine or computerized display magic and save yourself some money by getting this machine. You won't regret it. And I am unanimous in that. ;)

Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Platinum

 Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Platinum 

 

 

Technical Details

• Removable grinding chamber for easy filling and dishwasher cleanup
• Great for coffee and spices
• Hands-free grinding
• Precise cup & fineness settings for perfect results
• Hidden cord storage

Product Description

Hamilton Beach one touch coffee bean grinder . Hands free operation with five different automatic coffee flavor settings. Grinder chamber makes up to 12 -cups of coffee beans at a time. Internal cord storage & cleaning brush included. Removable & dishwasher safe stainless grinding chamber .

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Love this coffee grinder!" 2010-08-28
By Jeanie Breedlove (Tarpon Springs, FL, US)
I love this coffee grinder. I haven't had the problem some others have had with beans left unground. It's very easy to use and if you're considering moving up from a grinder where you have to hold a button and count off seconds or if this is your first grinder purchase, this is the grinder for you. Put in your beans, choose your grind and number of cups, push the button and prep your pot. You will soon have the perfect grind for French Press, Espresso, Cuban, Spanish, or regular coffee. And what a great price, too. I also love that you can take the grinder apart to clean it in the dishwasher or the sink and the cord stores safely in the base when not in use.

  
"Great Grinder" 2010-08-11
By William Kovacs II (Fairborn, OH USA)
This is a good little grinder I use for coffee but may be used with spices too. It has great features like settings for coarseness of grind and number of cups. It is quieter than other grinders of the same size. This is a replacement for the same model which initially failed after two years. I was able to repair it by by resoldering a broken power resistor lead. After another repair of the power resistor lead the resistor finally failed (it wasn't marked) and I decided to replace the unit.

  
"Replaced workhorse Braun with this grinder" 2010-07-21
By Irene Innes
We have owned this grinder for several months. It was purchased to replace a Braun grinder, which finally had two broken blades after 20+ years of reliable service. So far, the Hamilton Beach grinder does a good job, but I miss the Braun (see CONS).

PROS: size, reliable grind based on settings, lid locks during grinding (an improvement over the Braun), removable grinding cup for easy cleaning (another improvement over the Braun), low price

CONS: tapered at the bottom, so not as stable as it ought to be (important with young, active children around); to wrap up the cord, you must pop the bottom down, and wrap it "just so" so that the plug fits through a small opening, then push the bottom back up (the Braun was slightly wider at the bottom and had a simple indentation for wrapping the cord quickly); little cleaning brush falls out of holder easily (ours has been lost already); metal blades thinner than the old Braun (hope it holds up!); I also liked the style of the Braun - this one is not stylish (IMO).

  
"Great coffee grinder!" 2010-07-11
By hornsfan
Bought this grinder on a clearance rack at a Wal-Mart in a town we were visiting. Have used this grinder 4-6 times per week for 3 years now and love it. Hands-free feature, adjustable grind and time of grind, and hidden cord storage make this product a 5-star repeat buy in my opinion. Although I know I won't find it on clearance again for $15!

  
"excellent for a very inexpensive grinder" 2010-06-30
By D. Lynd (Colorado Mountains)
I have the earlier, very similar model 80355 grinder, and it has given me great service for about 5-6 years.

I originally used it to grind just coffee, just 4-8 cups worth of beans once a day.

We like strong coffee, so I put in on the longest espresso setting.

That amount of coffee beans is enough for our 2-4 big cups of coffee.

About 2 years ago, I started grinding about 1/2 cup of flax seeeds twice a day for my two big dogs.

Not having to hold the button down is such a huge convenience.

It takes over 30 seconds to grind the seeds.

To keep the coffee out of the flax seeds, I bought a Krupps grinder that I found on sale. The Krupps sounds powerful, but it takes longer to gring my coffee, and I have to hold the button for 30-40 seconds.

The cover interlock switch on this Hamilton Beach finally started acting up.

I took it apart and I had to over ride the cover switch to get it to work.

It works, but it's dangerous, as it will start with no cover now.

I deceided to buy a new Hamilton Beach, and this is the one.

Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew, Brushed Chrome

 

Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew, Brushed Chrome

Product By Cuisinart    (805 customers reviews)

Lowest Price : $79.99 

 

 

Technical Details

• Grinds coffee beans and brews coffee at preset time
• Charcoal filter eliminates chlorine and odors from tap water
• Brushed stainless steel, double-wall insulated thermal carafe keeps up to 10 5-ounce cups of brewed coffee
• Grinder removes for easy clean-up; brew-pause for mid-brew pour
• Measures 15 by 8 by 7-1/2 inches, 3-year warranty

Product Description

With its sleek Italian styling, brushed stainless finish and "loaded" feature package, you'd expect nothing less than a fabulous cup of coffee. And you won't be disappointed! From filtering the water, to grinding the beans, to keeping your brew hot, not to mention having it ready and waiting for you first thing in the morning, this handsome machine does it all, and then some.

Amazon.com Review

When the aroma of freshly brewed coffee--from freshly ground beans--wafts into your bedroom in the morning, you won't need your alarm clock. Preset this coffeemaker for your desired wake-up time, add coffee beans to the grinder, and in the morning the beans are ground to a medium grind and hot coffee awaits in the 10-cup stainless steel, double-wall insulated thermal carafe. You can also program the machine to start brewing at the end of a dinner party to avoid having to get up from the table, or to have hot coffee waiting after a brisk winter walk. When making fewer than five cups of coffee, use the 1-to-4-cups setting to improve extraction and heat; coffeemakers without this setting often lack the time to heat up properly, and coffee comes out cooler. A disposable charcoal filter removes chlorine and odors from tap water, improving coffee flavor, and should be changed every few months. Other features include a gold-tone commercial-style filter (or use No. 4 basket-style paper filters); capacity to use preground coffee instead of beans; 30-second Brew Pause, which allows a cup be poured before brewing is complete; and an audible tone to indicate the pot is ready. The grinder removes for easy cleaning, and all removable parts can be washed safely in the upper rack of a dishwasher. The Cuisinart Grind and Brew measures 15 by 8 by 7-1/2 inches, and comes with a three-year warranty. --Ann Bieri

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"4 stars for now" 2010-09-10
By Kacey
My cheap-'ol coffee pot that I've been using for the last year and a half was recalled- so I took it back. Perfect excuse for a brand new- top of the line coffee pot. My last one was a "General Electric®-branded 12-cup digital coffee makers"- so the quality and taste is a huge improvement. This thing is a beast, and so far I love it! I really wanted the Cuisinart DTC-975BKN, but there was NO way I was going to wait close to a week for process/shipping, or spend 50$ extra for next day delivery. $150 for a coffee pot marked at $100? No thanks. I was really hoping to find a Cuisinart coffee maker somewhere in a store. Living out in the middle of the country, it's at least a 1 hour drive for that. Oh well, better then a weeks wait. So we went to Best Buy and there were quite a bit. The one I was looking at next to the 12 cup thermal one was there (Cuisinart DCC-1200BW) but it's not a thermal. My husband spotted this one, and liked it. He wanted me to have a thermal one- knowing that I chase after my 2 year old all day and my 6 month old is a constant distraction... it takes a while to get back to my coffee, and I didn't want cooked coffee any more. It has the grinder, which is a ++ because sometimes I like to buy the beans (I switch around).

I did the required preps for it per instructions, and then made my first brew. Only 4 cups because it was 10pm and I breastfeed, I wanted a new fresh pot in the morning. NO problems. The coffee was steaming hot. For the 4 cups, I used 3 scoops with the spoon that came with it (seems smaller then my usual scooper). The coffee was PERFECT. I didn't have spills, I didn't have leaking from the carafe. I don't really see where the problems are coming from that everyone is complaining about.. the lid is very easy to get evenly twisted on the lock position... the last 2 years I've been washing bottles and then sippy cups, so it's not hard to wash the carafe for me. After we drank the coffee, I went in and rinsed off the required appliance pieces. It's not hard. I even hand dried them with a paper towel so I could prep the machine for the morning brew. Seriously, when I purchased this $125 dollar machine I was preparing to keep it cleaned at all times. It's just how it works. If you want something to work well, you have to keep it clean. You keep it clean, it'll work. It's a few minutes out of my day, not bad at all. It's like my camera, I didn't purchase a 1k camera and 1k lens and two other lesser valued lens and expect them to keep performing well without cleaning and maintenance. It's part of the price of having a top performing machine.

My second brew this morning I tried making the 10 cups, no problems with leaks and stuff, it was set up last night and I used 6 scoops from the spoon that came with it... and as some of the others have said, the coffee was a bit bitter and watery. My fault, I didn't expect to get the correct coffee to water ratio on the first real try. The programming worked perfectly, btw. So I drank the coffee anyways. 2 hours later into the morning, and the coffee was still hot enough to burn my lip. 4 hours later, and it was hot enough to make my tongue still numb from the heat. Fantastic!

I then made a 2nd brew, just to get an idea of coffee to water ratio that would work for me. I put away the tiny scoop that comes with the coffee pot and pulled out my larger one again. 3 scoops from that thing with 8 cups water and the brew is STRONG! It could be used with less beans then this, and taste fine, but I like it strong. So if I were to go for 10 cups, I would use the 3-4 scoops from my normal scooper. You just have to mess around with the amount of beans and such. There is no watery taste to this. I also put the 1-4 on even though I brewed 8 cups. I figured, I like stronger coffee, it wouldn't hurt for it to keep the water in the filter basket to make it a bit stronger even with the more cups. Apparently, I did something right.

I'm totally impressed with this coffee pot so far. I'll come back and give an update when I have it longer.

For those complaining about the noise...seriously? It's a GRIND and brew, what did you expect? Grinders are loud, this grinder is quieter then the external grinder I have. I haven't used beans in it yet, but I've turned it on to see how it works. I'll have pumpkin spice coming my way, so I'll know how the grinder works soon. Can't wait!

  
"Grinds My Gears" 2010-09-10
By Chris (New York City)
I received this machine as a gift, so I'm elated that I didn't have to pay for it. The things that I hate about this machine are pretty much what everyone else here is saying, like epic cleaning procedure, the nasty condensation issue and jarringly loud grinder that could embarrass a 747. Mine has also overflowed (four times) for no reason. Sure, it's nice to look at with all that stainless steel, but there are so many stupid design elements on this thing that could have been avoided had the designer been forced to use it for a year before releasing it to the public.

1. Lesser Cuisinart models have an outside gauge to show the water level. With this model, one must use a flashlight to see inside the incredibly dark reservoir.
2. Pouring in whole beans is a delicate maneuver. If you're not careful, you will drop whole beans inside the water reservoir and in the black hole surrounding the grinder mechanism. Good luck fishing them out - if you can spot them in the darkness. A split cover (one for the water, one for the coffee grinds) would have made more sense here and possibly avoided the condensation issue.
3. This machine will not operate unless all the stupid grinder parts are in place. It would be nice if you could take out the gummy grinder, pulverize it with a hammer, run the pieces over with your car, burn them, and then use the machine with pre-ground beans.
4. Even after holding the grinder under scalding hot water, you'll still need to wipe out the gummy mess with multiple paper towels. The condensation makes putting on a second pot a real hassle. Not good for entertaining.
5. I really wish coffee makers would be honest about cup size already. 10 "cups" only amount to about four 12 ounce cups, because the cup size is only 5 ounces. Who the hell drinks 5 ounce cups of coffee? No one.
6. When I recently bought whole beans by mistake, I was forced to use the grinder. I'm sure I gave my two cats a heart attack when I turned the stupid thing on right after feeding them.
7. I have managed to alleviate the grinder basket popping open by ditching the black cover.
8. Recently, it has developed a strange leak where I have a small puddle of coffee UNDER the machine after brewing. I think the stainless steel carafe itself might be leaking. This machine will be the death of my butcherblock counter top.

I think this model should be recalled and destroyed. Really. Launch them all into the sun so that they can never return.

If you want to impress someone you secretly hate with an expensive looking gift, give them this thing.

  
"Love this coffeemaker, even after 2.5 years!" 2010-09-09
By 7kate9
I have had this coffeemaker for two and a half years and I still love it. My husband and I make coffee with it every day and we have never had any problems. The coffee we make with this machine is so good, that when we visit friends and family, my husband has to go out and buy coffee from Starbucks because that is the only thing that compares to what we make at home. We always buy whole beans and we always clean it out and make it that morning. I am actually about to buy another one for work, which is how I came back here to review it in the first place. So, I am off to buy my second Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew, I hope this review helps you find what you are looking for!

  
"watch yourself with this one" 2010-09-07
By coffee lover at large
I bought at Cuisinart DGB600BC Grind and Brew coffee machine over a year ago.Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew, Brushed Chrome. When it began to swing open during the grind or brew stage I thought it was my fault. After a year of observing, I can report that when it swings open during grinding, you get a coffeepot covered with grinds. When it swings open during the brew cycle, you get a counterful of coffee stains to mop up. There is no cutoff device to stop the machine when these mishaps take place. So you have to stand over it, or take your chances. An old time coffee pot on the stove is more reliable

"Looks Good Bad Design" 2010-09-05
By Norma Lehmeierhartie (New York, USA)
The Cuisinart Coffee machine looks good, but is idiotically designed. At 5'3", I am too short to pour coffee into the reservoir without spilling it all over the --standard height--counter. So, I set up the rest of the coffee and my husband pours it. Idiotic! Pouring coffee is a pain, too--you can pour it with lid on, but it pours REALLY slowly. Remove lid and pour and coffee spills all over. Cleanup is also a pain with all the parts. The coffee tastes fine, however. The other day I put beans in and the machine began to beep out of nowhere. I had to unplug it for awhile, then reprogram. What a pain! Finally, when setting timer, not that PM comes up first--completely counter intuitive if you ask me--so you must cycle through to AM. It was expensive, so I will hang onto it for at least awhile--unless I throw it out the window because I get pissed at it.

Proctor Silex E160B Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder, White

Proctor Silex E160B Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder, White

Product By Proctor Silex    (77 customers reviews)

Lowest Price : $10.99 

 

 

Technical Details

• Retractable cord
• Safety on/off button
• Stainless steel blades
• Easy to clean
• Compact Euro-Style design

Product Description

This Proctor Silex Fresh Grind Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder features a unique internal cord wrap, a safety on/off button, stainless steel blades and a compact Euro-Style design. Easy to clean. Model number on packaging may be listed as either E160B or 45802BY. Product is identical.

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Perfect, nifty grinder. I use every morning" 2010-08-30
By Chuck
Delivered promptly. No issues at all. Very happy with my daily grind for my morning coffee. Had it about 5 months will report back in 5 years.

Worth the money for sure.

  
"Eh" 2010-08-24
By Joel Rakes
It was great for about 5 months then it fell apart and won't work at all now. Keep in mind I only used it for small quantities of coffee beans 1-2 times a week. Pathetic reliability.

  
"caffeine is on the way..." 2010-08-06
By Brian Henley (Houston, TX USA)
This is a basic coffee grinder. You put in the coffee beans, grind, and turn it upside down to empty the grounds into a conveniently sized lid (which has a line around it that equals the exact amount of coffee I need. It also has a cord that can be manually retracted by spinning the grinder around it's base. I didn't give it 5 stars, because it does have a habit of allowing the grounds to stick to the side and fall onto the counter - not a major issue, easily cleaned with a quick wipe of a towel, but still worth a star.

  
"grinder" 2010-07-20
By David B. Tabor (Boise, ID, USA)
Not a bad grinder. I use it for flax seed, but it would work for anything similar like coffee beans. This is my second one. The first one just quit. I think it was an electrical problem, but except for that it worked good, and so I got another one just like it. The chord winds up into the body of the grinder so it stores neatly.

  
"great product for the money" 2010-05-22
By Neversink (New Jersey)
I wanted to get a grinder for flax seeds and spices when my Braun and Krup grinders broke. Braun stopped running and the blade broke off from Krup. In fact I should give them credit because they have served us well for over ten years. PS E160B is a great little machine. Though I was skeptic since it was very cheap, but it proved to be otherwise. It is quiet and grinds so well, I bought two of them and plan to buy two more for my daughters. Needless to say that we are more than pleased and would highly recommend to any one who needs a "spice grinder". I don't know about coffe, because I do not use it to grind coffee. I had it for over a month and have used it frequently.

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

Product By Gaggia      (29 customers reviews)

Lowest Price : $474.95 

Technical Details

• Coffee/espresso machine with 72-ounce removable water reservoir
• Stainless-steel housing; brass portafilters and grouphead for temperature stability
• 17-1/2-bar pump with high-voltage boiler; hot-water dispenser; frothing wand
• Single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, tamper, and measuring scoop included
• Measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches

Product Description

Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop

Amazon.com Review

Combining advanced technology with a classic design, this coffee/espresso machine for making hot drinks at home includes all the benefits of a commercial system. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the espresso industry, the unit uses standard 58 mm filters to provide ample room for brewing rich, full espresso. Its commercial-grade construction includes stainless-steel housing, a high-power 17-1/2-bar pump with a high-voltage boiler for quick warm-up times, and an independent expansion valve. A three-way solenoid valve is also included, providing immediate pressure release from the grouphead once an espresso pull is completed, allowing the portafilter to be removed and the next shot to be prepared instantly. For excellent temperature stability, its portafilters and grouphead are made of heavy-duty marine-grade brass with chrome plating. The machine works with coffee pods and is designed to deliver two cups at once. Other convenient features include a hot-water dispenser for tea, a frothing wand for crema, and a cup warmer. A single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, coffee tamper, and 7-gram measuring scoop are included. Its 72-ounce water reservoir is removable for easy filling or cleaning. To keep the espresso machine clean, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. The unit measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches. --Catie Unger

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Customer Reviews

"Great machine; NOT for beginners and ONLY for espresso drinkers" 2010-09-01
By A. Martin
I've had this machine over a year now, so I can put a review after extensive use of the machine.

The espresso quality you can get is truly exceptional. As you will quickly find out, you need to have a great burr grinder, which will cost you at least $300. Make sure you follow the known rule of having a better grinder than the espresso maker. The main secret for a great espresso is the grinder.

This machine does not pressure automatically the coffee in the porta filter, which means you'll have to put the exact quantity and pressure to the coffee. Most consumer machines will do that automatically, but not the Gaggia Classic. This machine is not consumer, but really pro-sumer, which is why I don't recommend this machine for a novice or casual drinker. If you are not ready to mess with the tamper and grain coarseness, this machine is not for you. Of course, if you are, you are going to drink a superior espresso than with a consumer machine.

I would not recommend this machine for latte and cappuccino lovers: it takes too long. Although the boiler is quickly hot enough to use the steam (2 min): 1) the wand is way too low and creates a mess, in addition to frustration 2) you'll have to wait for the machine to cool down or to purposefully run out of steam in order to make coffee. Which is why this machine is better made for an espresso than a milk-make espresso. I do wonderful cappuccinos with this machine, but it takes time.

Overall, an excellent machine. It is robustly built, good looking, not too noisy, and makes excellent coffee. My review wanted to stress a few points that only comes through having using it. Ask yourself the two questions: when you go to Starbucks, do you order an espresso or something else? Are you ready to spend $800 ($350-500 machine, $300-$500 grinder, $100 accessories)? I truly hope this helps you make a better purchase decision. This review will be posted on different sites. AM.

"Quick, Easy, Great Espresso" 2010-08-11
By mousecall
A bit pricy but quick and easy to use. Can turn out cup after cup continuously. I don't use the steamer but have been told it can be messy to clean. Recommended to all espresso lovers.

  
"I feel like I am back in Italy when I drink my espresso and cappucino at home" 2010-08-02
By anon
I have never used a coffee maker before in my life and this is very easy to use. I do not like and do not drink American style coffee but came to love espresso and cappuccino while in Italy a couple of months ago. When I came home I wanted to have it at home too. I was very nervous about foaming the milk for cappuccino after reading other reviews on foaming. Yes, it does take a time or two to get it perfected but it is very easy and the results are fantastic. My husband, who drinks all coffee types, thinks it is as good as what we drank in Italy. Make sure to let the machine heat up for 5 minutes or so even though the light comes on to say it is ready to make coffee, so it will be hot coffee. If foaming milk, make sure the black attachment is on as far as it will go and tightly so it doesn't blow off. Enjoy!!!

  
"great machine with one design flaw" 2010-07-22
By Michael Ehlers
The machine makes great coffee, and although the instructions are a tad obtuse, I'd heartily recommend it to anyone. However.............what sensible designer would incorporate a tiny black plastic part that fits---loosely---into the bottom of the filter holder, and is virtually guaranteed to be lost when the basket is cleaned? Unless the idea is to sell more tiny black plastic replacement parts, I would recommend doing things differently, or at least including a spare one with the $500 espresso machine. Michael Ehlers

  
"This is a great espresso machine" 2009-11-05
By Books4me
This is one of the last honest home espresso units you can find.If you get the MDF grinder that Gaggia also offers you will be very happy.

Hamilton Beach 43254 Ensemble 12-Cup Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe, Black

 

Hamilton Beach 43254 Ensemble 12-Cup Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe, Black

Product By Hamilton Beach     (88 customers reviews)

Lowest Price : $34.94 

 

 

Technical Details

• 12-cup coffeemaker with user-friendly control panel and digital display
• Programmable clock/timer for "wake-up" coffee; brew-pause function
• Glass carafe with stay-cool handle, measuring marks, and drip-free pour spout
• Nonstick hot plate; 2-hour automatic shut-off for safety; easy-to-clean removable parts
• Measures approximately 11 by 8 by 14 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Product Description

Combine function and fashion with the Hamilton Beach 12 cup Classic Stainless Steel accented coffee maker. The coffee maker has accelerated brewing and chlorine removing water filter to enhance the taste of your morning beverage. The drip free carafe eliminates spills.

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Warning!!! Item Leaks While You Sleep..." 2010-09-04
By Carl Kottmeier (Canada)
We're into our 2nd year of ownership and everything had been pretty good up until recently. Before, the coffee maker always made a decent pot of hot coffee and it was quite reliable in that it would be on and waiting for us when we woke up each morning.

Recently the coffee maker has started leaking from the cold water reservoir and so each morning we find a large puddle of water (not coffee) on our counter top - wonderful. The reservoir isn't totally leaking, not yet anyway. I may open it up and see if I can make a repair otherwise it will be tossed....another cheap piece of disposable junk. Caveat emptor!

  
"Received new and in a timely fashion - thanks!" 2010-08-31
By Rob
Received new and in a timely fashion - thanks! Only been able to use it twice but it has worked great both times! Great buy for a basic stainless steel coffee maker!

  
"Nice coffee, nice price" 2010-08-19
By eaochoac
I've tested it today, everything is ok, the shipping from amazon is double-boxed, because It was shipped oversears. The coffee has good taste, i really missed the permanent filter, but the paper filters are very cheap.
It's a little bigger than I expected, and the glass seems a little delicate.
The programmable timer works perfect, a nice price quality combination.
I recommend Colombian Coffee

  
"nice maker" 2010-08-07
By Spike's daddy (pennsylvania)
Seems a nice maker,just started using,IT DOESN'T LEAK and the carafe doesn't DRIP when i pour it,It replaced a ONE YEAR OLD Mr.Coffee that did both.

  
"Very nice Coffee maker!" 2010-07-26
By Keith in Nashville
I was looking for a coffee maker with 1) an automatic 2 hour shut off 2) got the water nice and hot 3) that didn't spill when I was pouring. Well this Hamilton Beach does the job and as an added benefit, is easy to take care of.

Now oddly enough, I don't use my coffee maker to make coffee! I use it to make my tea. Here's what I do. I take 2 one qt tea bags, lay them at the bottom of the carafe, and then pour the sugar on top of the bags. If the water doesn't get hot enough then the sugar doesn't melt and I'm left with a rock-hard sugar substance on the bottom the the carafe! If the carafe doesn't clean easily, then it is a mess to take care of. And if it doesn't turn itself off, then I get burnt tea!

I would recommend this to anyone looking for an affordable, well built coffee maker, even if they only ever use it to make great tea.

Cuisinart DCC-1150BK 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker, Black

Cuisinart DCC-1150BK 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker, Black

Product By Cuisinart       (221 customers reviews)

Lowest Price : $64.73 

 

 

Technical Details

• Fully automatic 10-cup coffeemaker with 24-hour programmability
• 1- to 4-cup setting for brewing a smaller amount without compromising flavor
• Brew-pause function; auto shutoff at the end of the brewing cycle; 60-second reset
• Double-wall insulated thermal carafe, charcoal water filter, and gold-tone filter included
• Measures approximately 8 by 9 by 13 inches; 3-year limited warranty

Product Description

The sleek, attractive thermal carafe and stainless accents blend seamlessly to achieve a classic look with modern conveniences. With easy 24 hour programmability to ensure a fresh pot of coffee anytime, and a 1-4 cup setting to maintain the delicious coffee taste when making a smaller pot, this 10-cup coffeemaker is a smart addition to the countertop. And the gold-tone coffee filter and charcoal water filter always ensure fresh, great tasting coffee.

 

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Customer Reviews

  
"Great coffee maker" 2010-09-04
By D. Anderson (USSA)
I will start by saying that I have only owned this product for a few days, and that all my previous coffee makers have been the sub $20 variety from the local store. On weekends I make 2-4 cups in the morning and I like to enjoy them over a period of a few hours. However the burner has usually destroyed the flavor by the time I return for a second cup, and I set out to find a better alternative.

After reading some reviews on this particular model I finally ordered one, and although I have only used it a few times so far, I could not be more pleased with it. Some reviews stated that their coffee was cold, the machine was hard to fill, the beeps were noisy, and the pot poured slowly. My experience has been as follows

The filling area is smaller than my previous coffee maker, and is located on the right side of the machine. I am left handed and can still fill it easily, although due to the design of the pot it must be tilted further upside down than a glass pot in order to empty it. Not an issue.
The unit is very quiet while brewing, more so than the one it replaced.

When I make coffee I use the 1-4 cup setting, and I preheat the pot by using hot water to fill the coffee maker. When the coffee is finished brewing it is piping hot. I will further this by saying that I made 1-4 cups at 4:30 pm, and finished only 2 cups. When I returned at 10:30 pm to clean the pot before bed I found that the remaining coffee was still very hot and would not have required any reheating had I chose to drink it. This situation has been easily repeatable, and since no burner is involved the first cup tastes as good as the last, even 6 hours later.

This machine seems to be about the same speed as my previous coffee makers, and I use the slower 1-4 cup setting.

It has an area for a water filter, and came with one to get me started. I cannot taste any difference with or without it so I cannot comment on its effectiveness, although it is nice to have that as an option. It also comes with a few paper filters to get you started, or you can simply reuse the metal filter which is also included.

It beeps a few times when its finished brewing. The tone reminds me of a wristwatch beeping except it is slightly louder. It it not loud enough to be a nuisance, but I can easily hear it when I am in the adjacent room watching tv or working on the pc. It lets me know when my coffee is ready for consumption, and I like it.

Some say the pot pours slowly into the cup. It actually does, but unless you are pouring coffee in a combat zone and under fire, does 2 to 3 extra seconds really make that much of a difference? Again, not an issue. There is also no need to turn the lid in order to pour or fill the pot as with other products. Very nice.



All said and done, I am very satisfied with this product, and would gladly purchase it again.

  
"Not refreshing to wake up to coffee all over your counter" 2010-08-28
By W. LaMorey
Worked great for a year and then I experienced the same issue as other reviewers.
Spills coffee all over the counter/floor. You wake up to a hot mess instead of hot coffee!
Was great while it lasted.

  
"not well designed" 2010-08-24
By Joyce Ann Jacobs (Jersey Girl)
I got this coffee maker in July 2010 to replace a Capresso that is no longer made. I have not been happy with it. The pouring spout is poorly designed so that it pours very, very slowly. The water reservoir is not removable and so is hard to fill properly. The brown funnel stopped working today so I could not make my morning coffee. Cuisinart is sending me a new funnel but this should not have broken while the machine is this new. Also, the thermal top is hard to clean unless you put it in the dishwasher. Start over Cuisinart.

  
"very good" 2010-08-13
By NAZELLI ABDOOL
very good. only thing is i sometimes forget to put back the cover on the carafe and well a hugh mess ensues. which they would make it so that it would not work if the cover is off.otherwise i highly recommend it!!!!

  
"Works fine but could be better" 2010-08-10
By C. Ermlich (San Antonio, TX)
While the coffee maker works fine and does everything as advertised (e.g. timer, clock, setting for 1-4 cups) I wonder if the people designing these things really drink coffee ? The opening for the water reservoir is a very small corner in the top right part. In order to add water one has to open the top lid which only opens to a 90 degree angle. It is virtually impossible to pour all the water from the carrafe into the small opening without twisting the caraffe and spilling some into the filter (or outside the coffee maker). Come on, people. This is not rockect science, this is a coffee pot. Have the lid open all the way or be able to take it off instead of just flipping it up 90 degrees would solve the problem. Other than that, everything works nicely. One plus: Once the coffee is done it stays hot in the caraffe for a long time.

Mr. Coffee DRX5 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Black

 

Mr. Coffee DRX5 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Black

Product By Mr. Coffee     (224 customers reviews)

 

 

Technical Details

• On/off indicator light lets you know when your coffeemaker is on or off
• Removable filter basket lifts out for fast and easy filling and cleaning
• Brewing pause 'n serve lets you pour a cup of coffee while the coffeemaker is still brewing
• Dual water window shows the amount of water in the reservoir for accurate filling
• Cord storage safely stores excesscord to keep your counter neat

Product Description

Set the Delay Brew feature up to 24 hours in advance and get ready to wake up to a freshly brewed pot of hot, delicious coffee.

 

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Customer Reviews

"Great Little Pot" 2010-09-05
By Deborah A. Barrett (Lansdale, PA United States)
I ordered the Mr. Coffee 4 cup brewer so that my husband could have his "high test" in the morning and I could have my decaf. The brewer is easy to use and makes a good cup of coffee.

  
"Makes great coffee." 2010-08-27
By Terry E. Decker (Louisville, Ky. USA)
It makes great coffee.
I mean, it's a coffee machine and it works-
What else do you need to know?

"Works well, but TINY" 2010-08-25
By James Morris
This is a nice coffee-maker for the price, but don't expect to be able to fill more than a travel mug and part of another. I got this for my son and I to have coffee ready-made before we head off to work, but I had to run a second batch to fill our mugs (which are not the big ones, pretty much standard size).

  
"Back to Basics - 12 cup Mister Coffee" 2010-08-25
By Linda J. Bork (Leesburg, FL USA)
We had been using Hamilton Beach brew station coffee makers for years. They are great because they do not have a carafe. You just press your cup against a lever and it fills with coffee. BUT they always developed leaks within 2 years.
When our last one gave out, we decided to go back to basics and get a Mister Coffee. We have the 12 cup. It is great.
It keeps the coffee much warmer than the Hamilton Beach did, because the carafe sits on the hot plate. The coffee tastes great. We have not had any problem with it dripping on the counter.

I wish they would have designed the basket so that it had a flat bottom to make it easier to fill on the counter.
I definitely recommend this coffee maker!

  
"LEAKS" 2010-08-23
By anniewilkes (northeast)
I like this machine..small compact..enough for one person... BUT....it leaks like crazy!!! Would need a towel folded for machine to sit on to collect approx. 1/3 cup of water each time coffee is brewed.