Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo, Black


Product Description

Indulge creating your specialty coffee drinks at home. You can have fun serving Espresso, Cappuccinos and Lattes to your guest while conveniently being able to also make regular black coffee. Show off with your Combination Coffeemaker and Espresso/ Cappuccino Maker machine. Coffeemaker has a removable cone filter basket, removable water reservoir and 8 cup capacity. Espresso/ Cappuccino Maker is a steam-driven unit with a variable steam control, powerful frothing aid and 4 cup capacity.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1482 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Black
* Brand: Mr. Coffee
* Model: ECM21
* Released on: 2004-10-19
* Dimensions: 11.60 pounds

Features

* Espresso/coffee machine brews up to 8 cups of coffee and 4 cups of espresso
* Brew-strength setting; variable steam control for frothing or steaming milk
* Removable cone filter basket; removable water reservoir; brew-pause function
* Dishwasher-safe glass carafe; removable drip tray; measuring scoop included
* Measures approximately 10 by 12 by 11 inches; 1-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
Ideal for entertaining or everyday use, this convenient two-in-one appliance can brew up to 8 cups of coffee or up to 4 cups of espresso at the same time. The espresso/coffee machine's removable cone filter basket and removable water reservoir provides easy filling, while its brew-strength setting accommodates individual preferences. And frothing or steaming milk for cappuccino and lattes is quick and easy with the variable steam control and swivel steam valve. Other useful features include a lighted "on/off" switch, a pressure safety valve, and a pause-n-serve function for pouring a cup midbrew. The unit's dishwasher-safe glass carafe and removable drip tray make cleanup a snap. A measuring scoop is included. The espresso/coffee machine measures approximately 10 by 12 by 11 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.


Customer Reviews

Style AND Substance - A GREAT Coffeemaker5
I have had this machine since February and use it nearly every day. This is definitely one of the best coffeemakers I have ever owned, and I haven't had one single problem with it.

When I was deciding whether or not to buy it, some of the negative reviews had me a little skeptical. But I am SO glad that I took a chance. It was absolutely worth it for me.

I honestly don't see how some of the reviewers have had some of the problems that they have. Reviewer 'Joan of Arc' seemed to have quite a bit of leakage problems. It must have been a defective machine, because ours hasn't leaked one time -- not even a little drop. I'll go over a few of the issues she and some others had:

- The removable water reservoir (or "bucket" as she called it) for the coffeemaker is easy to remove and replace. If you don't want to take it out to fill it with water, just pour water into it. It is marked clearly and is easy to read even when stationed on the machine. No problem.

- The showerhead over the filter basket swivels outward to allow you to change the coffee filter. When you're done, you just swivel it back into place. I don't see how you can forget to do it, because the lid is designed so that you can't even close it if the showerhead isn't moved back into place. It really isn't even something you have to think about.

- Some people have had problems with the carafe lid. It doesn't open fully, but opens wide enough for me to clean it with little problem. We haven't had any problems with it dripping or leaking at all. It's like any other carafe that I've used over the years.

- 'Joan of Arc' mentioned that it was easy for her to forget to put the 1st lid on the espresso side before putting down the second lid. I'm not exactly sure what she was referring to, but I think she meant the water reservoir cap and lid. Again, I don't see how you could forget to screw the cap back on after you fill it with water. I suppose it's a learning curve. The first few times I used the machine, I referred to the instruction manual to make sure I did everything right. Now I can crank out good espresso and cappuccino in minutes without really even thinking about it. It just takes a little practice, like with anything else.

- Some people wished for a frother that was a little more accessible to make it a little easier to froth milk in a larger pitcher. That would have been a nice feature. It isn't too difficult to use, however, and seems to work just fine. The milk is always steaming hot, and the froth doesn't get cold for us.

- The coffee and espresso COULD be a LITTLE hotter. I don't like scalding hot coffee anyway, so it doesn't bother me too much, but for someone that does, it might be a small issue. Again, it doesn't seem like a deal-breaker, though.

- A clock or timer would have been a nice addition as well, but not having it doesn't affect the quality of the machine. It would have made a good product even better.

We have used both the coffee side and espresso side many times, and have yet to have any problems. I think some people may have received defective machines, but any product can be purchased defective. Some issues can easily be resolved with a little practice in getting used to the controls and operation of the whole machine, but once you do, it's more than easy to make good quality coffee and espresso.

I would definitely have to say that I got a great deal on a sleek, stylish machine that also works very well and makes good quality coffee. If you 'get what you pay for', then I made out like a bandit. Perfectly satisfied and VERY happy I bought it.

So far so good!4
I purchased this coffee maker a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed many good coffees since. I am Italian, and I find the espresso as good as a good espresso prepared with a moka. This is good enough for me, but don't expect a REALLY good espresso, the kind you can have in that special little bar in a hidder corner of an Italian city. I did not have any trouble with leaks anywhere, so far (as some reviewer complained about). Only small complain, the espesso sometimes has a "metallic" flavor coming from the high temperatures reached by the water container. But no big deal, overall I am happy I purchased this product so far.

P.S. I posted the review in May 2007 and I am writing this PS one year later, in April 2008. The machine still works perfectly, with no leaks. I have also used the milk frother several times, and it makes a pretty good cappuccino! Maybe I should upgrade my rating to 5 stars!

P.P.S. In February 2009, everything still works fine!

better than i expected5
i ordered my coffeemaker after reading the reviews below.. since they were mixed, i went for it anyway- i had a good experince, the coffee was good and i did not spill when i poured - overall id have to agree that i am pleased with my decision to purchase this coffeemaker

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Mr. Coffee DR4MC 4-Cup Coffeemaker, White


Product Description

Back to basics. Most people need that transition from sleep to wakefulness. The most popular answer is a cup of coffee. When it comes to delicious, easy-to-make cup of coffee, the Mr Coffee DR4 4-Cup Coffeemaker. Based at 5 ounces per cup, you may prefer more. This is perfect for two large mugs of coffee.
Can't wait for the brewing to finish? The DR4 has a Pause-n-Serve feature that lets you pour some before the end of the 4-cup process. Based on the ground beans you use, coffee can be as mellow and as robust as you prefer.
Save power! Lighted on/off switch lets you know when your coffeemaker is "On" and "Off".


Customer Reviews

Surprisingly good!4
I am a self proclaimed coffee snob with the tastes of Starbucks, coffee and high-end Cuisinart and Krups makers.

The price was so good at walmart on this one, I had to try it - and I'd been looking for a cute little 4 cup, so I could have caffinated in one pot and decaf in another.

Had tried Mr coffee in the past and not liked it. Got it home an made my 1st 4 cups. It brewed a perfect pot, without leaks. The caraffe poured with no spills on the counter.

Cheap, small, cute, lightweight and brews a good pot. I am pleased


6 years and going strong!5
I got my little 4 cup brewer as a high school graduation present. This thing has made it through the dorms, through several apartments and terrible roommates, and finally into my new home! I have had this thing for over 6 years and it is still completely fabulous. It is so easy to use, and has never given me any problems. I don't even clean it as often as I should and the quality of the coffee is still excellent. I am going to be sad when it comes time to stop using this, because it's so easy to use and makes great coffee! I would definitely recommend this to anyone. It was perfect for the small dorms and perfect for a home.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Keurig B70 Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System


Product Description

Never deal with the mess of grinding, measuring coffee and the wet filter. The Keurig single cup system brews a single cup of fresh coffee or tea at the touch of a button. Choose one of four brew sizes and program the brew temperature with the easy to use controls.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #449 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Black/Chrome
* Brand: Keurig
* Model: B-70
* Released on: 2006-10-01
* Dimensions: 16.30 pounds

Features

* 1500-watt single-cup home brewing system with one-touch controls
* Uses patented K-Cups; 4 brew-size options; Quiet Brew technology
* 24-hour digital clock; programmable LCD message center
* Removable 60-ounce water tank; removable drip tray for quick cleanup
* Measures 13-1/4 by 10 by 13 inches; 1-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
Ideal for entertaining, this 1500-watt appliance brews a fresh cup of gourmet coffee, tea, or cocoa in less than a minute. The unit uses patented K-Cups, which offer over 150 different varieties of pre-measured gourmet coffee, tea, and cocoa from a variety of premium brands. Its patented one-touch technology provides precise control over brewing, and there's no messy grinding or clean up. Simply open the lid, insert a K-Cup, close the lid, and select a cup size. Four brew-size options include a 5-1/4-ounce robust cup, a 7-1/4-ounce regular cup, a 9-1/4-ounce large mug, and an 11-1/4-ounce extra-large mug. Set the brew size and brew temperature with easy-to-use controls. Other thoughtful details include a blue-backlit 60-ounce water reservoir that removes for simple filling, a programmable blue-backlit LCD message center, a convenient 24-hour digital clock, Quiet Brew technology, and a removable drip tray for quick cleanup. UL- and c-UL-approved for household use only, the single-cup home brewing system measures 13-1/4 by 10 by 13 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews

Best Single Cup Brewer On The Market5
I recently purchased the new Keurig B-70 Gourmet Single Cup Home Brewing System that was released on October 1st, 2006 and have been very happy with it. The machine is extremely well designed, simple to operate, aesthetically pleasing, and most importantly, brews an excellent cup of coffee. I am very impressed with how quickly it is able to brew a cup of coffee, the selection of brew sizes, and how simple clean up is.

There are a variety of single cup brewers on the market now, many utilizing pre-packaged coffee "pods" for brewing. Personally I was not comfortable purchasing a product where I would be locked into the selection and pricing of a specific manufacturer, or one that would only brew coffee and not tea and cocoa. This is just one area where Keurig really shines above their competition.

Keurig has gathered support of a variety of gourmet coffee, tea, and cocoa manufacturers and there currently there are over 140 different types sold pre-packaged in K-Cups including Green Mountain, Diedrich, Gloria Jean's, Timothy's, Van Houtte, Tully's, Coffee People, Newman's Own, Celestial Seasonings, Bigelow, Twinings, and Ghirardelli. Not only is there a large selection to choose from, there are a variety of resellers online offering K-Cups, and pricing is extremely competitive.

In addition to the pre-packaged offerings, Keurig offers the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter allows you to use your own gourmet ground coffee in your Keurig home brewer. This option provided the extra level of comfort I personally needed to make the jump into a single cup brewer. Frankly I don't find myself using it very often as I had originally thought, as there are so many options available in pre-packaged K-cups.

The pricing of the Keurig brewers are extremely reasonable, and brews gourmet coffee in just a fraction of the cost of purchasing it from a Starbucks, Coffee People, or similar. I expect that my machine will pay for itself in savings in just a couple months of use.

The only suggestion I have for Keurig is that the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter be included with the sale of the brewer, and not an optional accessory. It is such an inexpensive accessory that I am surprised it was not included. Overall the Keurig brewers are excellent value and quality and would recommend them to anyone interested in a single cup brewer.

Variety rules the day at Keurig5
Being one who loves convenient, but great tasting coffee, I've bought several single-serve coffee machines. The Home Cafe, My Bunn Cafe, and the most recent, Tassimo.

They all worked quite well, considering how "new" they were to the field, and how fresh the field really was at the time, for consumers. I was happy with each purchase(save the Home Cafe, which had a serious mechanical flaw).

I'm not going to spend all my time just comparing the Keurig machine; I'm simply going to say "I wish I'd bought one of these[any Keurig machine] earlier". It meets almost all the desires I had in a single-serve coffee machine.

- Tons of variety in K-cups (which actually can be difficult, I didn't know where to start or what to try!)
- Simple to use
- Beautiful, functional design
- 4 brew size choices
- Keeps water hot for the next cup instead of waiting until you fiddle with the machine
- Can be used with a custom filter K-Cup so you can brew any coffee you like (I'm looking forward to using this with tea too!)
- Much quieter than some machines I've used (the Tassimo is freakishly loud in my opinion)

Those are just some reasons I love this machine. The fact that it makes very good coffee is a big plus too, right? It seems as if the coffee from the Keurig machine tastes less "burnt" than most single serve coffee I've had in the past.

My biggest complaint is the cost. Whether it's worth $200 to you or not, is entirely up to YOU. If you're as obsessed with quick, easy, tasty coffee like I am, maybe you'll agree that it is worth it.

I'm a happy customer, either way. ;)

Perfect Cup of Coffee Everytime...5
I was introduced to this coffee maker about 6 months ago when I spent five days at a lake house in Texas with ten of my gal pals to celebrate my birthday. Each morning we had the thrill of going through the many selections of K-Cups and picking out the perfect one to suit our individual needs for that morning! Everyone got exactly what they wanted - in about 40 seconds. No mess, no fuss, no leftovers to toss away.

After doing some more research into the variety of "single cup" brewing systems I realized that this really is THE ONE TO HAVE. Unlike the Tassimo brewing system, Keurig offers you a variety of gourmet coffee & tea manufacturers to choose from. Don't forget to order the K-Cup Reusable Coffee filter so that you can use your own coffee grounds - yet another option that Keurig offers. Variety is the spice of life so stock up on your favorite herbals teas & flavored coffees and remember to order the Spinning Carousel to hold your choices (27 slots) for easy viewing! There are many websites to choose from that sell these K-cups. Amazon has a decent variety but they're not always available.

We've had so many friends pop in at a moments notice and instead of hurrying to brew a pot of coffee we just direct them to the K-cups and let them choose for themselves. No more making a pot of decaf and then a regular pot to please everyone!

A great feature is that you can set a timer to have the system turn on so when you get up in the morning you have hot water ready to go and then set the timer to turn the machine off at another desired time. Keurig suggests leaving the system on all the time but I think it's unnecessary especially if you're only morning coffee drinkers like us! It only takes about 4 minutes for the water to heat up so if you can't wait that long you've got issues that need to be addressed with a professional.

Get this for your own household and one as a holiday gift to share with someone else. They'll thank you over and over again!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hamilton Beach 43254 Classic Stainless 12-Cup Coffeemaker


Product Description

This Hamilton Beach coffeemaker understands your need for coffee NOW, with a pause 'n serve feature that lets you sneak a cup before the brew cycle is done. The 12-cup appliance is also sympathetic to your more forgetful moments, hence the 2-hour auto shut-off. Other features include a programmable clock/timer, drip-free carafe, nonstick hot plate, water level window, and a water filter for great-tasting coffee. Imported. 14Hx8-1/4Wx10-1/4L".

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #24675 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Black/Stainless
* Brand: Hamilton Beach
* Model: 43254
* Released on: 2004-10-25
* Number of items: 1
* Dimensions: 14.00" h x 8.00" w x 11.00" l, 9.15 pounds

Features

* Stainless steel accents for classic kitchen style
* Drip-free carafe
* Programmable clock/timer
* 2 hour auto shutoff
* Auto pause 'n serve/Nonstick keep-hot plate/Easy-view water window


Customer Reviews

No frills or drips coffee maker5
Before purchasing the HB 43254 Classic Stainless 12 cup coffee maker I read the reviews like I normally do before making any purchase. I decided to purchase this coffee maker knowing that there may be some minor issues with it - what doesn't these days? After many years of buying coffee makers I have found there is no "perfect" coffee maker that will make everyone happy. You just need to decide what is important to you and your family. That said, after about three weeks of use I found it to be exactly what I was looking for - it makes HOT coffee, the carafe DOESN'T drip and I didn't need to use a manual to set up the clock and timer! If this is what you are looking for stop reading and purchase this unit now. Enjoy the coffee maker...

For those that really need to know more before purchasing continue reading:
- This coffee maker uses basket shaped filters. So you can give your neighbor your unused cone shaped paper filters you may still have.
- The water reservoir does have a rather small opening but it is not too small like some very expensive coffee makers I have seen. Some may find it easier to use a large cup a couple of times to fill the reservoir instead of using the carafe. Either way I never needed to turn the coffee maker sideways to fill the reservoir.
- The water spout does swivel to allow you to install the filter and add coffee. You only need to move it once that is if you fill the water reservoir first. When closing the lid it will move the spout back into the proper position so you don't have to remember to do it yourself.
- I too had a defective carafe that leaked at the top between the plastic rim and glass. I called customer service, waited a few minutes, and spoke to someone in the USA. It was replaced within a few days at no charge. I sealed the original carafe until the replacement arrived.
- I never had an issue with pouring a cup of coffee using the auto pause and serve feature. Besides, how often do you really "need" to have a cup of coffee before it is done brewing? If you are that desperate, set the timer so it is done brewing before you get up in the morning.

Well designed and user-friendly coffee maker4
I purchased the Hamilton-Beach coffee maker after reading all its reviews on Amazon, and reviews for other comparably priced appliances. I had owned a Cuisinart coffee maker that died, but had been problematic all along, and I was reluctant to buy another of the same. Most of the H-B reviewers agreed about the product's benefits and drawbacks. The drawbacks were very few--there are some minor design flaws, but nothing egregious--and reviewers consistently agreed that the H-B made coffee at a very hot temperature and maintained that. That was what sold me on the H-B.

I have owned it for about six weeks now and have not been disappointed. I think the H-B coffee maker offers a good value and good design for its price. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but for me that's an advantage. I don't want a coffee maker that buys and grinds the beans, fills itself , and makes coffee at precisely 7.45 a.m. Those sorts of appliances have too many flaws, in my opinion (viz. the Cuisinart), too many moving parts (hence things that can go wrong), and too many features that I never use. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a user-friendly appliance at a fair price.

Good Price - Good Coffee Maker4
Keeps coffee hot
Large quantity of coffee
Carafe does not drip
Easy to fill and clean
Easy controls

For $50 I got what I wanted and it works well. No complaints... OK, so it looks a little boring, but I don't look at it much!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker


Product Description

The AeroPress is an entirely new way to make coffee, American style or Espresso style for use in lattes, cappucinos and other espresso based drinks. AeroPress brews simply delicious coffee, 1-4 cups per pressing. Ideal water temperature and faster brewing yields rich flavor with lower acidity and without bitterness. Other brewing processes use near boiling water and long exposure to coffee grounds. Quickly brew a variety of coffee drinks including an Americano or an espresso-style shot for use in lattes or cappuccinos. Its total-immersion system permits extraction at a moderate temperature and a short brew time. Water and grounds are mixed together for 10 seconds, then gentle air pressure pushes the mix through a micro-filter in just 20 seconds, which avoids the bitterness of long processes such as drip brewing. The air pressure also gently squeezes the last goodness from the grounds, further enriching the flavor. The total brewing time of only 30 seconds results in an exceptionally smooth brew.


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #115 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Size: Aeropress Coffee Mak
* Brand: Aerobie
* Model: 80R08
* Dimensions: 11.50" h x 5.00" w x 5.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

* Total immersion of the grounds in the water results in rapid yet robust extraction of flavor
* Because of the lower temperature and short brew time, the acid level of the brew is much lower than conventional brewers.
* Micro-filtered coffee so pure and particle-free that it can be stored for days as a concentrate.
* AeroPress is chamber is nearly self-cleaning. A 10-second rinse of the plunger is all that's required.
* Compact, perfect for camping.


Customer Reviews

Coffee the way you like it5
I did many hours of research into coffee makers before deciding on an Aeropress. I learned that several factors influence the coffee you end up with: the temperature of the water, the way the water mixes with the coffee, and how the coffee is extracted from the grounds. I found it difficult to find knowledgeable reviews of the various coffee machines, so I decided to take control of my coffee preparation. The aeropress allows you to control how hot the water is and how long you let it mix with the coffee.

The whole coffee making process is explained in the products instructions.

1. Insert a filter and some coffee into the unit. A coffee scoop and some filters are included with the aeropress, they recommend 1 scoop of coffee per cup.

2. Heat the right amount of water. Markers are printed on the side of the Aeropress to show the recommended amount of water for between 1 and 4 (the maximum) espresso shots. The manufacturers recommend water between 75 and 80 degrees. I don't know if this is correct, because I don't have a thermometer in the kitchen, and in any case, I'm not going to stick a thermometer in water to get it to a precise temperature. I boil water in my kettle and let the water sit for a set time before use. Alternatively, you could microwave the water for a set time. A bit of experimentation and you'll find how hot you like the water. I agree with Aeropress that boiling hot water extracts unpleasant flavors.

3. Mix the water with the grounds. The grounds are immersed in water, much like in a french press, but the manufacturers recommend letting the water sit for no more than about 10 seconds. I find that this is about right, but you can experiment and decide for yourself.

4. Insert the plunger and push the water out of the Aeropress. You press the plunger down so that it extracts the water from the grounds over about 20 seconds. The Aeropress needs to be on a strong and stable container, such as a mug, for this part of the process. Pressing the plunger requires a bit of strength if you are making more than one espresso shot. You'll need to press down for about 20 seconds.

5. Drink up, or dilute the espresso shot(s) for American coffee or mix them for cappuccino, or whatever.

I am very happy with the Aeropress. It makes great tasting coffee. It's easy to clean and inexpensive. In my opinion the aeropress is superior to french press or manual drip percolator coffee. It is not as convenient as a machine but I'm willing to spend the effort for good coffee.

Hands down the world's greatest cup of coffee, no kidding5
As a certified coffee snob, I thought it didn't get better than french press. Fugetaboudit! The Aeropress renders a sweet, flavorful, impeccable Americano every time that will change your expectations forever. I have a drip coffee machine, a french press and a Krups espresso maker, and they are all officially retired thanks to the Aeropress.

I can't say enough about the results, but note that the Aerobie is more time-consuming to use than either french press or drip coffee makers, more comparable to espresso makers. Well worth it, mind you, but NOT as quick and painless as the manufacturer would have you believe. This product makes espresso by forcing air through the grounds using a syringe-type plunger. You must put in a filter, add the grounds, measure out the precise amount of water, add water and stir. You then have to place the Aeropress on top of a cup to use it, exert a pretty good amount of force, and then, if you're making two or more cups, divy the espresso up into other containers and add water or milk, if you want. So far I haven't done it, but I think it would be really easy to push too hard, flip over the cup, and spray espresso everywhere.

Still, greatest coffee ever, no competition. If you want the best, you gotta put in the time.

Clever design and a great cup of coffee!5
Wow! Best cup of coffee I ever had. And so simple! The design is brilliant. I'm impressed with the quality of construction, ease of use, ease of cleanup, and the great taste. This is the end of all other methods of coffee production.

I fill the plunger to the appropriate mark with hot tap water and place it in the microwave for 20 seconds (the experimentally determined time to reach 175). While the water is heating I place a filter sheet in the cap, place it on the chamber, and add 1 scoop of coffee. With the chamber on top of my cup, I add the now hot water, stir, and press. Cleanup consists of ejecting the used coffee into the composting pot and rinsing the end of the plunger. Then I'm ready to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Cuisinart DCC-2200 Brew Central 14-Cup Coffeemaker


Product Description

Cuisinart blends innovative styling with expert coffee-making technology to offer consumers the ultimate coffee experience. The extra-large, 14-cup capacity of the new Brew Central Coffeemaker makes it perfect for the big family breakfa

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #8946 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: stainless/Black
* Brand: Cuisinart
* Model: DCC-2200
* Released on: 2006-01-01
* Dimensions: 14.75" h x 8.75" w x 10.75" l, 10.00 pounds

Features

* 14-cup coffeemaker
* Fully automatic with 24-hour programmability for "wake-up" coffee
* Brew-pause; coffee-ready indicator; auto shut-off; simple push-button controls
* Gold Tone filter, charcoal water filter, and instruction book included
* Measures 8 by 8-3/8 by 13-7/8 inches; 3-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
With elegant brushed stainless-steel housing and carafe handle, this attractive coffeemaker brews up to 14 5-ounce cups of fresh and flavorful coffee. The fully automatic unit can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance for "wake up" coffee, and it automatically shuts off for safety and convenience, sounding a "beep" to alert that brewing is complete. With the machine's brew-pause function, which allows for pouring a cup midbrew, there's no need to wait until the coffee is completely finished brewing before enjoying a cup. Other handy extras include a simple "on/off" button, easy-to-use push-button controls, a time-of-day clock, a generous carafe handle, and a drip-free spout for graceful serving. A Gold Tone filter and charcoal water filter, along with an instruction book, are included. The 1025-watt coffeemaker measures 8 by 8-3/8 by 13-7/8 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.


Customer Reviews

Great tasting coffee and enough for the whole crew...5
I purchased this coffee maker after too many days of being the family's late riser and finding the coffee pot already drained. I have been using this pot for a couple of months now, and I am more than pleased with my purchase. This pot does hold more than the standard 10- or 12-cup coffeemaker, a great feature in a family of coffee-drinkers.

I had hoped to find a coffee-maker with a removable water reservoir to carry back and forth to the sink, which this model does not have, but even so, I give this model five stars for the excellent coffee it makes. While I have to lift the coffee-maker down from the shelf on which I keep it in order to fill the reservoir, its internal clock remains accurate even when unplugged for the short while it takes to fill the reservoir.

Some folks here have complained about the beep signaling that the element is being turned off. Even after several cups of coffee, my nerves aren't so high-strung that I even give the sound a second thought. It's quite innocuous, IMHO.

Perhaps owing to the water filter, this pot makes excellent rich-tasting coffee. It seems to brew just long enough to make perfect coffee for most folks' tastes. For stronger coffee, I can make fewer cups and use more ground coffee. If I'm really in need of a strong cuppa, I'll simply use my French press. I have never had the ground coffee overflow the filter doing this. Also, the heating element seems set to the perfect temperature, since I have never had a cup of coffee from this pot that tasted burnt...and on a number of mornings, I have barely gotten up in time to hear the beep signaling the end of hot coffee.

Best features of this machine--absolutely drip-free pot, unrivaled pure coffee taste, large capacity pot, variable settings for when the heating element will turn off, and an internal clock that retains settings with short interruptions of power.

Improvements that could be made--I wish it had a removable reservoir, but the one pot that I have used that had that feature made the worst coffee I've ever made at home, not to mention the leaky pot.

If you're not looking for espresso, but just a clean, pure cup of good coffee...even when "Early Bird" isn't your middle name, I think you've found what you're looking for in this machine.

Worth it!4
After trying the 12 cup Cuisinart, a Delonghi and 2 different Krups models we have fallen in love with this one. The water level indicator may be a slight drawback but since since we fill the coffeemaker from the pot it's no problem for us.

I absolutely love the larger capacity, we don't make a full pot that often but when we need to it's just right. It makes a great cup of coffee and it looks great on the counter, too.

I deducted one star for their failure to backlight the display. You'd think for a hundred bucks they would light the clock so you can actually see it. Other than that, best coffeemaker for the money out of all the brands we've tried.

Nice update of the 12-cup model.5
When my 5-year-old Cuisinart 12-cup Brew Central bit the dust last week, I was all set to order another to replace it. After twice-daily use, I figure we got between 3,000 to 3,500 pots of coffee out of this elegant workhorse and had no quarrel with it. But the 14-cup model, with its updated design features, turned out to be a better replacement - still able to make those 4-cup batches for just myself or a larger-volume pot, without sacrificing flavor. In fact, using the 1-4 cup selection on a larger batch results in near-espresso quality brew, and saves on coffee beans if you can be patient enough to await the slower drip. Since Amazon offered a $25 discount on $125 purchases, I also bought the new Cuisinart oval electric skillet, and got them both for a total of $174.90 with free delivery, within five days.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Krups KM7000 Grind-and-Brew 10-Cup Coffeemaker, Black


Product Description

Krups has mastered the key components to the perfect cup of coffee: the grind, the coffee-to-water ration, the brew temperature and contact time. Conical burr grinders are recognized by coffee connoisseurs as the very best method of preparing whole beans for brewing. The Krups KM7000 with 1000 watts has solid steel burrs that turn slowly to protect the flavor of the beans, providing the ultimate coffee results. The brew basket lid closes automatically after grinding to prevent steam from reaching the coffee channel and grinder, thus preventing clogs. In addition, the Krups KM7000 features a conical burr grinder with an automatic functionality; it grinds the coffee to match the number of cups and the strength chosen. The Krups KM7000 conical burr grinder has 5 levels and 3 settings for optimal coffee strength; has a 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10-cup digital settings that control the coffee-water ration; has an aroma function for 2 -4 cups for proper brewing of small coffee quantities; an anti -drip valve for the pause and serve feature; water filtration; high quality 10 cup glass carafe and backlighted LCD with clock and programmable timer.


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #5810 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Black
* Brand: Krups
* Model: KM7000
* Released on: 2007-09-15
* Dimensions: 15.50" h x 11.13" w x 11.50" l, 10.65 pounds

Features

* 1000-watt programmable coffeemaker brews up to 10 cups of coffee
* Automatic conical burr grinder; 5 grind levels; 3 coffee-strength settings
* 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or 10-cup digital settings; brew-pause; water filtration
* 2- to 4-cup aroma function for brewing smaller amounts; auto shut-off
* Measures 11-1/2 by 11-1/8 by 15-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
Make the perfect cup of coffee in just minutes with this grind-and-brew 10-cup coffeemaker. The programmable unit features a conical burr grinder with automatic functionality--it grinds the coffee to match the number of cups and the strength chosen. Choose from five grind levels and three coffee-strength settings. The solid-steel burrs turn slowly to protect the flavor of the bean, providing optimal results in the cup. The unit offers 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or 10-cup digital settings that control the coffee-water ratio, plus it provides a 2- to 4-cup aroma function for the proper brewing of small quantities. Even more, the brew basket lid closes automatically after grinding to prevent steam from reaching the coffee channel and grinder. Other highlights include an anti-drip valve for the pause-and-serve function, water filtration, automatic shut-off, a high-quality 10-cup glass carafe, and a backlit LCD with clock and programmable timer. The 1000-watt coffeemaker measures 11-1/2 by 11-1/8 by 15-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews

Finally..... A Grind and Brew that WORKS well!5
After my fifth Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee maker (3 different models) stopped functioning I decided on choosing a different brand. There were no reviews so I crossed my fingers and hoped that Krups worked out the kinks with this new model. I had to wait 2 months for the coffee maker as it was ordered before it was released and I am so happy to say that the 2 month wait was MORE THEN worth it!!

Pros:
Quality Construction:
This unit is sturdy and heavier then the other grind and brews that I have owned. It appears to be well constructed. The hinges on the water canister are plastic but I don't see them breaking off anytime in the future. The basket handle also feels light, but only time will tell with that part. Also the plastic top on the carafe feels "heavy duty" (all 5 of the lids on my previous coffee makers' carafes lost their connector pegs within a few months and I had to purchase replacements that did the same thing). The levers all appear sturdy and are easy to move. The levers all catch and hold on the first attempt as well.

Ease of Use:
Super easy to set up and program! I love the fact that there are not multiple pieces that need to be cleaned and then replaced before and after brewing. The aroma setting really does make a difference when making small batches (2-4 cups) of coffee!

Noise:
I was surprised how quite this machine is compared to the other grind and brews. The loud grinder of the coffee pot would wake me up before my alarm would go off on my previous pots and I slept right through this one!

Appearance:
The coffee maker looks like a quality piece of kitchen equipment. It is a bit bigger then I thought it would be, but its size gives it a presence on the counter. The LCD displays a ton of information and adds to it's "high tech" appearance.

Function:
Everything is contained! The way the machine is made allows for the grinds to go directly into the basket without them falling into the water reservoir! The other review mentions that they had grinds on the counter, but we did not experience this as we only had a few grains that were easily wiped off (ours is set to one dot before the biggest grind). We have not experience any jamming of the automatic lid - it closes by itself and functions properly.

Taste:
One of the best cups of coffee I have had in a long time! I love that you can program the strength of the coffee and after brewing a few test pots - we could easily see that this function really works and is not a gimmick! The coffee was the perfect temperature! The automatic shut off will shut the idle pot off after two hours, but I think you can just hit the "On" button to start the warmer plate up again (Not sure about this yet).

Clean Up:
If you have owned one of the multiple piece grind and brew machines you will love the ease of clean up on this one!!! Basically, you clean out the removable filter holder. The clear plastic that shoots the grounds into the filter basket is removable for cleaning, but it does not have to be removed and cleaned after each use! How cool is that!

Extras:
The water filter in the bottom of the coffee pot is a nice touch and I love that you can program the coffee maker to tell you when it is time to change it. The smile face on the the LCD display is just too cute!

I wish.....

I wish it stored more coffee then it does as I was hoping to avoid purchasing another coffee canister. You will still need to purchase or use an airtight canister. NOT a big deal at all!

I wish the clock was able to be programed in regular time (it is in military time). There may be a way to change this, but I have yet to figure it out.


So for now, it is a 5 Star Coffee Maker for me! We have made 5 pots of coffee so far and all were consistent. I will come back and edit the review as time goes on if things change. Obviously after using the Cuisinart Grind and Brews for years the tiny flaws of this machine are easy to overlook! Right now I highly recommend this machine because of its appearance, ease of use, construction and wonderful tasting coffee!!!

***********************************************************************

UPDATE: After three months of perfect use the grinder stopped working. One morning it just wouldn't go on. I tried everything. I called Krups and they told me to ship it to one of their work centers and I should get a new one in two weeks.... it has been a month and I still do not have a coffee maker. I am so sad because this machine worked really REALLY well. Maybe my problem was a fluke. I hope anyway. I am very disappointed.

Great Coffee . . . IF YOU READ THE MANUAL!!!!5
When our old Cuisinart Grind and Brew bit the dust (the unit would go dead many times during a brewing cycle and need a restart), I researched the options. Conical burr grinder, many options for brew strengths and quality, etc., convinced me to buy one despite some of the negative reviews.

Product arrived promptly, in perfect condition. My wife (the non-technical one among us) set it up after reading the manual. Everything worked perfectly! Best cup of coffee in years!

When I read the manual, it became obvious that every one of the complaints about the machine were the cause of not reading the manual completely. The failure of the cover to close for brewing is because the basket is not set in properly using the handle according to the manual. Generic mesh filters will also present proper motion. Grounds dispersal is caused by not latching the cover, per the manual, all the way back. There is a description of the two brewing settings for manual and for automatic. It is all in the manual!

So, read the manual before that great cup of coffee . . . that way you will get the great cup of coffee.

And I don't even have to mention: the relative quiet of the machine compared to a blade grinder; the ease of daily cleanup compared with the Cuisinart (about 1000% easier); use of less coffee to produce the proper strength cup (saving money); the proper brewing and serving temperatures; and more.

[OK - it is now mid-May, 2008, and my love for this machine has only grown. The ease of cleaning (as compared to my previous Cuisinart Grind and Brew) is worth the price!!!! BUT, actually this machine will pay for itself in less than a year! How? To get a satisfactory, actually a near-perfect cup of coffee, this machine uses about half the quantity of beans as compared with other brewing machine. I figure at about 10 months the amount I will have saved on coffee beans will have paid for this purchase.]

Great coffeemaker, excellent customer service5
I have had a number of grind and brew coffeemakers, Cusinarts (awful), Melittas (nice), and this one.

The KM7000 is, by far, the easiest to clean, which solves the biggest problem with this type of appliance. Just remove the filter basket, throw out the filter, rinse, and you're ready to go again. My wife loves it as well.

Unfortunately, after 2 weeks I was cleaning the filter basket and the spring loaded valve popped off the bottom (I was holding it by the valve; dumb). It was held on by a small gasket that popped off and that I could not find.

I called Krups customer service. As this is a new product, I was told that they do not yet have replacement parts, and that I had to pack and ship the whole coffee maker back to them. I responded that they shouldn't be selling a product that they couldn't service. After putting me on hold (and here is what differentiates great customer service from the typical "I don't care" brand that we have become used to), the rep told me that he talked to their supervisor and that they agreed with me! Therefore, they would send me a shipping label at their expense. Enclosed would be a part from another coffee maker that they thought would fit. If it didn't, ship it directly to them and call them with the tracking number and they would immediately send me a brand new unit.

As it turns out, the gasket was standard on a number of their models and it did fix the issue. But I thought that it was wonderful how they took ownership of the issue and did their best to make it right.

Great coffeemaker with very flexible grind and brewing controls to fit all tastes, very easy to clean, and great individualized customer service if you have any problems.

What more could you ask for?

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Black & Decker DCM2000B SmartBrew 12-Cup Coffeemaker, Black


Product Description

The Perfect Pour glass carafe of the SmartBrew 12-Cup Coffeemaker is designed to minimize drips. The unit features a convenient power indicator and uses "cupcake" filters. Coffee stays hot on the keep warm plate, while the sneak-a-cup features lets you pour a cup while the unit is brewing

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1603 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Black
* Brand: Black & Decker
* Model: DCM2000B
* Dimensions: 8.60" h x 12.10" w x 13.30" l, 5.50 pounds

Features

* Perfect Pour Carafe
* Keeps Warm Plate
* Sneak-A-Cup
* Water Level Indicator
* Uses Cup Cake Shaped Filters


Customer Reviews


Good Basic Coffee Maker4
We didn't want timers, clocks, adjustable brew strength, bells and whistles... We just wanted a good cup of coffee. We like the comfortable handle, we like the the location and size of the on/off switch that you can find in the semi-darkness when you're still mostly asleep. And we LOVE the clear markings on the carafe that takes the guesswork out of the fill level. (For this much coffee, fill to this water level.)

We have not experienced the problems mentioned in some of the other reviews. Maybe it's because I'm used previous makers, but I'm in the habit of holding the lid partway open when I pour coffee, so have not noticed the leaky-drippy factor that seems to be the focus of some of the complaints. The only problem I have had so far was not seating the basket properly, thus getting 12 cups of coffee all over my kitchen table. It only happened once because we now take an extra second to make sure the basket and carafe are properly in place.

As far as the referrals to this product as "cheap" - What do you expect for 20-25 dollars?! Normally, I would say "you get what you pay for," but in this case, I feel we got MORE than we paid for: A good coffee maker at a decent price.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

DeLonghi DC514T 14-Cup Programmable Drip Coffeemaker


Product Description

DeLonghi's Drip Coffee Maker comes from an elite line of coffe making devices. The 24 hour programable timer lets you wake up to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. The permanent gold-tone filter is durable and long-lasting, and is specially designed to keep even the finest grounds out of your coffee. It's shower head design helps to extract your coffee's full natural flavor by allowing water to completely saturate all coffee grounds. Advanced water filtration eliminates off-flavors caused by chlorine. It even features an automatic decalification warning to indicate when it's time to clean the machine. Other features include and "Aroma Button" which uses a special process to slowly extract the best flavor from you coffee, cord storage, non-stick warming plate and a pause 'n serve function allows you to interupt the brewing process to pour a cup.


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #9260 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: DeLonghi
* Model: DC514T
* Released on: 2006-11-15
* Dimensions: 13.50" h x 7.25" w x 8.50" l, 8.22 pounds

Features

* 14-cup drip coffeemaker with 24-hour programmable timer and 2-hour auto shut-off
* Showerhead design; aroma button for enhanced flavor and aroma of coffee
* Push-button controls; blue backlit display; permanent gold-tone filter; water-level indicator
* Glass carafe; pause-and-serve function; non-stick warming plate; cord storage
* Measures approximately 8-1/2 by 7-1/5 by 13-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
Brew up to 14 cups (70 ounces) of great-tasting coffee with this easy-to-use drip coffeemaker. The unit's showerhead design helps extract coffee's full natural flavor by allowing water to completely saturate all coffee grounds, while its aroma button activates a unique brewing process that enhances the flavor and aroma of coffee. To achieve this full-bodied flavor, the coffeemaker advances through several continuous cycles that release water into the filter basket in 30-second intervals. This special time-released process saturates grounds a little at a time to extract the best flavor and aroma from coffee. The coffeemaker also provides a pause-and-serve function, for pouring a cup midbrew, and a 24-hour programmable timer with two-hour automatic shut-off. Setting the timer allows for waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or for having coffee ready to serve with dessert. The include glass carafe offers measurement markings, a generous stay-cool handle, and a drip-free spout for graceful serving. Other highlights include simple push-button controls, a blue backlit display, a permanent gold-tone filter, advanced water filtration, and a convenient water-level indicator, as well as a non-stick warming plate, a freshness indicator, and cord storage to help keep countertops tidy. A measuring spoon comes included. The coffeemaker measures approximately 8-1/2 by 7-1/5 by 13-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews

I'm Heartsick!3
I've had my DeLonghi Esclusivo coffeemaker for exactly 3 months. It brewed the best tasting coffee I've ever had. It was my favorite coffee maker by far for the following reasons: Coffee is delicious -slow brewing permits a more robust coffee. Small footprint on my counter. Stylish design. VERY easy to program and use. Large opening through which to pour water. Charcoal filter to purify water. Automatic shut off. Caraffe has large opening for easy cleaning. NON-DRIP POURING!! I was in heaven with this coffeemaker and knew I'd found the perfect one. (I've had many in my lifetime.)

Unfortunately, two days ago, the plastic surrounding the hot plate began to melt. The vendor from whom I purchased it has already refunded my money and has asked me to return it. I will NOT purchase another one for fear of fire hazard. This coffeemaker would have received 10 stars from me had it not begun to melt itself to death. For this reason, I'm heartsick.....it WAS the perfect coffeemaker.

What is not to like?5
Easy to use, attractive design, makes aromatic hot coffee. I like the aroma function that brews the coffee slower and uses the "shower head method" to better soak the coffee grounds while brewing. As long as the machine doesn't break down, the 5 stars will remain. Silly me, I thought maybe was made in Italy, but no, made is China. I bought this because of good price, free shipping and attractive design. It has more pluses than that. It is a good buy!

Coffe for the Gods5
I have used almost every brand of coffee maker. But when I made the first pot with my DeLonghi, I new then that I would never use another coffee maker. The coffee that was made from it was by far the best I have ever tasted, even comparing it with coffee shops.If you by this coffee maker you will not be dissatisfied.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Cuisinart DCC-1200W Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, White and Stainless Steel


Product Description

The Cuisinart automatic 12-cup coffee maker uses the same brewing system found in commercial coffeemakers so you can be assured of getting a truly satisfying cup of coffee. With its 12-cup capacity, you can bet the other 11 cups are going to be equally tasty. Easy to clean Gold Filter with easy swing-out basket Brew Pause Color - Black with brushed stainless-steel accents.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #4234 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: White and Stainless
* Brand: Cuisinart
* Model: DCC-1200W
* Released on: 2003-08-01
* Dimensions: 10.10" h x 10.80" w x 16.80" l, 9.35 pounds

Features

* 12-cup coffeemaker programmable up to 24 hours in advance
* Includes a charcoal water filter to enhance coffee flavor
* Features include brew pause and paperless gold-tone filter
* Variable temperature control keeps coffee hot after brewing
* Self-clean cycle and automatic shutoff 0-4 hours after brewing is complete


From the Manufacturer
Cuisinart introduces retro styling and the latest high-tech features in a coffeemaker that will be the centerpiece of any kitchen. The 12-cup Brew Central, with its brushed stainless steel exterior and elegant, taller-than-usual glass carafe, houses the finest coffeemaking technology. This coffeemaker even includes a charcoal water filter, which ensures great tasting coffee by removing impurities in the water. State-of-the-art features include a programmable digital clock with 24 hour advanced brew setting, automatic shutoff, self-cleaning function, and an audible beep that signals the end of the brew cycle, which makes brewing the best tasting coffee easy. Cuisinart covers this coffeemaker with a three-year warranty against defects. --Ann Bieri


Customer Reviews

Excellent5
Disregard the "very disappointing" review -- it's talking about the combo grinder/brewer and not this product. I've had the brew central for a couple of weeks now and it makes the best pot of coffee I have ever tasted. Very hot, and the little shower head over the grinds does seem to make for a stronger brew.
It's bulky, certainly, but is an excellent machine. The white/steel finish is much brighter than the trendy, mod, black-on-steel favored in last year's kitchens.

Excellent Coffee, Minor Quirks4
We have this coffee maker at work, so I had the opportunity to use it for six months before buying one for home. It does make excellent coffee. I've usually bought my coffee at a shop because I could not stand the "Folgers" taste of most coffee made at home. With the water filter and a decent brand of coffee, making my own at home will pay for this machine in no time.

The styling is nice and sturdily built. The temp is hot. I **love** that the carafe doesn't drip all over the place when pouring coffee. The beeper is not that loud (and that's coming from a person that always has her computer muted because she cannot stand the constant dinging noises). As another reviewer said, if you can shop online or program your Tivo, you can program this machine. So the dials are a bit small--program it once and it's all downhill from there.

A few quirks:

-The stainless steel is very difficult to keep clean. Looks nice out of the box, but I'd give anything to have a solid white unit.
-Yes, the opening for the water reservoir is a bit small, and would be more convenient if located in the front instead of the back. A few days of practice solves this issue. I've always measured my water in the carafe, and since the lid doesn't leak, filling the reservoir is no big deal.
-It's a bit tricky learning how to get the carafe lid off--and the instruction manual does not discuss it. Once you figure it out (pull up at the handle), it's easy.
-Placement in your home can also be tricky since the cord is fairly short and the lid hits the underside of the cupboards when opened.

Despite the quirks, I love this machine and would recommend it to others. The fingerprint-loving stainless steel is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.

This Is The Coffee Maker You've Always Wanted5
Finally, something that is what it says it is! "A great coffee maker."

My Cuisinart DCC-1200W coffee brewer arrived late this morning and I quickly unpacked it. Following the manufacturer's instructions, I flushed it once, and installed the included water filter (only one came with the unit), and prepared to make the first pot of coffee.

The White and Chrome model was my choice to blend in with my other appliances. This Cuisinart product is made from sturdy material and is visually appealing (not disappointing or offending my spouse ((doubly important)).)

In just ten minutes the coffee brewer beeped (gently) five times to let me know the coffee was ready. (Yes, I could tell by the silence that it was done but as I said its beep is gentle.)

You will love the carafe. Did you know that someone really can design a carafe that doesn't dribble or spill as you pour? Cuisinart did. And yes, you can pour a quick cup before the brew cycle completes. The handle on the carafe is the perfect size and shape to fit any hand. It's just that now you can pour that quick cup without pouring all over the counter. You Mr. Coffee users know what I mean!

How did it taste? It makes a fantastic cup of coffee. Whether you use an expensive gourmet grind or right off of the donkeys back, you will be pleased with this coffee maker as I am.

The controls are simple and easy to understand as well as reachable and easy to operate for big or dainty hands. The Cuisinart DCC-1200 has the entire expected preset features you are accustom too, and a few more such as the adjustable warmer plate temperature control. You won't be scorching. If you only have time for a quick 1-4 cups, there is a setting made for it exclusively and the brewer will double the heat so the coffee will be hot enough for your liking when it's done. Yes there are many more great feature, so look at the product description for those bonuses.

To sum up: The Cuisinart DCC1200 is a well made and finely designed coffee maker that you will be glad to own and use over and over again. I can't emphasise that point enough in type. Enjoy.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Cuisinart DGB-550BK Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker


Product Description

The Grind & Brew Coffeemaker from Cuisinart automatically grinds the beans right before brewing to produce a fresh and flavorful pot of coffee. Fully programmable with a stainless finish, this deluxe 12 cup coffeemaker will be right at home in any modern kitchen!

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #359 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: Black/Stainless
* Brand: Cuisinart
* Model: DGB-550BK
* Released on: 2007-01-10
* Dimensions: 9.45 pounds

Features

* 24-hour fully programmable 12-cup automatic coffeemaker
* Grinds whole beans right before brewing to produce fresh and flavorful coffee
* Brew-pause function; auto shutoff up to 4 hours; grind-off option; water filter
* 1- to 4-cup feature; 60-ounce carafe with ergonomic handle and dripless spout
* Measures approximately 12 by 10 by 17 inches; 3-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Product Description
A nice addition to any modern kitchen, this 12-cup automatic coffeemaker automatically grinds whole beans right before brewing to produce a fresh and flavorful pot of coffee. The 24-hour fully programmable unit allows for "wake-up" coffee, plus its brew-pause function makes it simple to enjoy a cup of coffee before the end of the brewing cycle. The included 60-ounce stainless carafe offers an ergonomic handle, knuckle guard, and dripless pour spout for graceful serving. Other highlights include adjustable auto shutoff for up to four hours, a grind-off option, a charcoal water filter to remove impurities, and a separate grinder chamber and filter area to ensure simple cleanup. Housed in elegant Italian styling, the coffeemaker measures approximately 12 by 10 by 17 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews

I will never buy another coffee maker5
I just purchased this coffee maker to replace my Cuisinart Coffee on Demand. This is the second coffee maker like this that I have owned and I am glad that I have come home. When my coffee on demand went out, I purchased another brand coffee maker and returned it within 3 days.

My husband and I consider ourselves coffee snobs and about a year ago began purchasing our coffee whole bean solely and thought it would be a great "ease" in our morning coffee routine to own this machine again.

I have read reviews about the difficulty of cleaning and noise of the grinder. It is actually really easy. After I grind and brew a pot of deliciously strong, rich, hot coffee; I open the lid and take out the grinder rinse it off with hot water and set it on a towel. I then take out the gold tone filter, empty the grounds, rinse it and set it on the towel. Then I remove the filter basket and lid and rinse them and set them on the towel. I leave the top lid open to dry out the inside and by the time I am ready to brew another pot of coffee all parts and inside of the machine are dry and ready to go. All together it takes me less than minutes to clean it. And then when all the parts are ready for a deep clean, I through all parts, including the carafe and lid, into the dishwasher. Piece of cake.

All in all this is the most incredible coffee maker that I have ever owned and the easiet to use and I don't have to worry now about replacing my worn out bean grinder, my coffee maker doesn it for me.

And a note about the grinder basket. I have read reviews that have said that it doesn't hold enough beans for a full 12 cups and then it can't be adjusted for the 1-4 cup feature. The grinder holds just as many beans as what I used in my counter top grinder for 12 cups. And if you only want to brew 1-4 cups of coffee, only put in enough beans for 1-4 cups. The grinder will still run for the 30 seconds that it is set for the 12 cups but it works well and you don't even realize it's doing it.

I would highly recommend anyone who loves to brew whole bean coffee, whether occasionally or everyday, to buy this machine. You don't have to always brew whole beans it this machine, you can turn off the grinder and place pre-ground coffee right into the filter. Also a piece of cake.

I would also recommend that you try the gold tone filter that comes with it. It mixes the oil from the whole bean in with the coffee and gives such a boost in the coffees smoothness and flavor.

Outstanding service support!5
I purchased this coffee maker in August of 2005 from a local retailer, and it has performed flawlessly until today (Dec. 30, 2007). I clean the machine every weekend, since we have highly calcified water where I live. Today, it would not heat the water enough to cause the dripping cycle to operate and some water leaked out of the bottom of the machine onto my countertop.

I called the customer service folks (keep those owner's manuals and purchase receipts) and was pleased to learn that this coffee maker has a three-year warranty. They are sending a replacement coffee maker immediately at no cost to me! All I have to do is send the defective one back to them when the new one arrives(about a $10 cost to me).

I was very pleased with the treatment I received from the service rep on the phone. I have nothing but praise for Cusinart products (I have a blender and a food processor too), and now I can vouch that they stand behind their merchandise, even after 2+ years of use.

Incidentally, the coffe maker grinds coffee and brews it better than any machine I have ever owned. It is a bit noisy when the grinder kicks on, but we've grown accustomed to its 30-second whine. The machine requires careful, daily cleaning and might be too high-maintenance for some folks; but if you like great coffee, fresh-ground and steaming hot at wakeup every day, this machine will not disappoint.

Highly recommended.

Ummm Ummm Fresh Ground and Brewed...4
I did alot of research before purchasing this coffee machine. Read so many reviews and finally decided to do it. I am so pleased with this product. I realize some people feel it is too noisy (when it grinds the coffee beans, JUST before brewing) and I can say it is noisy. (My own individual grinder was pretty noisy too) So for me to be able to wake up to freshly ground and brewed coffee it worth it. My machine goes off at 5:50am and I do not even hear it.I get up around 6am and have great coffee.I choose to clean it when I am done and head out to work at 6:50am. When I get home all the parts are dry and I simply set it all up for the next day. I do have a suggestion, do not buy the coffee maker paired with the goldtoned filter as advertised on Amazon. It is the wrong filter for that machine. The machine comes with it's own goldtoned filter basket. All in all this is a great coffee maker.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, White


Product Description

This classically designed coffeemaker is accented with stainless steel for a look that is sure to enhance your countertop. The 12-cup carafe features an ergonomic handle, dripless spout and knuckle quard for comfortable, drip-free pouring. Fully automatic, the DCC-1100 has 24-hour programmability and 1-4 cup setting for those times you don't need a full pot of coffee. The Brew Pause feature lets you pour a cup before brewing is completed, while the gold tone coffee filter and charcoal water filter ensure fresh, delicious tasting coffee.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #732 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: White
* Brand: Cuisinart
* Model: DCC-1100
* Released on: 2007-04-01
* Dimensions: 8.11" h x 14.17" w x 8.00" l, 9.30 pounds

Features

* Fully automatic coffeemaker with 24-hour programmability
* 12-cup carafe with ergonomic handle, dripless spout, and knuckle guard
* 1- to 4-cup setting; brew pause; self cleaning; 60-second reset
* Gold-tone coffee filter and charcoal water filter ensure great-tasting coffee
* Measures approximately 8 by 8 by 14-1/4 inches; 3-year limited warranty


Customer Reviews

A very good coffee maker in spite of negative reviews5
After buying a succession of cheap coffee makers which broke down after a year or two and made mediocre coffee, I decided to upgrade to Cuisinart.
I don't agree with the negative comments about this product.
The clock is easy to program and it's clearly indicated that you should either use paper or gold filter (twice in the instructions). It's also easy to pour water in the reservoir if you use the carafe. You can turn the coffee maker to the left, and the reservoir opening is easily accessible. Its opening is by no means tiny, as a reviewer described it.
The center funnel which holds the filter is well situated and there is very little risk of dropping coffee grounds into the water reservoir.
The carafe is well designed, with a comfortable handle. It pours neatly, without dripping coffee all over the counter, something which always happened with my old Mr. Coffee.
You do have to realize the lid snaps down on top of the carafe. This is not explained in the instructions.
Most importantly, it makes an excellent coffee.
There is a 3 year guaranty which is more than I have seen for others.
So far, I have no complaint, and I am glad I bought this product for a great price.

Best coffee maker I ever had!5
My name is Ryan, and I'm a coffee addict... My habit ranges from 1 to 3 pots a day just to remain conscious. So you can understand the level of misery I have had to endure this past week as my 4 year old Gevalia machine met an untimely death during a recent lightning storm. I then began the hunt for a new machine. Basically, Amazon was my first stop since they have everything. I read all sorts of reviews, and finally settled on this one. I must say, this is by far the best machine I've ever owned.

In reading the reviews, I found a few gripes that I don't agree with, so here's my response to those:

1. The number one gripe I see is filling difficulty. The fill hole is much larger than my old machine. Some people said its too small and makes a huge mess. My first time, it did drip a little bit but if you leave the lid off the pot while pouring, works like a charm. Let me put it this way... I wake up in the morning with the jitters, like a fiend looking for some crack... If I can pour it without making a mess ANYONE can. And that's a fact.

2. Numero Dos: Programming difficulty. I'm no rocket scientist by any means, but I had this thing programmed within about 5 minutes. I had no problem understanding the directions. I believe most gripes in this area are operator error.

3. Basket issues: It doesn't stand up on it's own, true, but I don't understand how anyone could miss the basket. Leave it in the machine for pete sake! I hope they don't miss their mouth with that hot coffee! Again, If I can do it without making a mess, anyone can. As for choosing paper or mesh filter, paper of course filters better, but mesh makes it stronger and leaves a bit of sediment in the pot... each way has it's benefits depending on how you like yours.

4. Flip-top so large you have to pull it out from under the counter: True, but how lazy can you be... honestly? It's not that hard of a chore. You'd be hard pressed to find a machine that isn't like this.

I, like others, had some pre-conceived notions from negative reviews, but I found most if not ALL of those to be some pretty weak arguments. I guess some people have more problems than others when trying to understand directions and such. This machine is top notch for the price, hands down!

Everything you could want5
Hello fellow coffee drinkers. Like most of you I have looked long and hard for a good basic coffee maker. In the last 5 years I have gone through 4 new products and have been quite dissapointed in this whole experience. I mean how hard can it be to make a good coffee maker. I had the basic braun coffee maker for 10 years and loved it. However, two new braun coffee makers later I realized that quality had gone down the drain with the coffee grinds. Then I purchased a krups. I returned it to the store within two weeks as it stopped working. They gave me a replacement which lasted just past the warranty. (figures) Then I tried a GE combo grinder brewer. That was the worst mistake I could have ever made. The first sign that it was garbage should have been when the GE emblem fell off. It leaked. It spilled. I spent more time cleaning than brewing, and thankfully it didn't last as long as its warranty and I had no intentions of getting another one free or not.

I have had this cuisinart now for three weeks. It does everything it says it will do. It never leaks, spills or makes a mess. As per the other reviews I feel it could have a bigger fill area but it really is no more difficult to fill than any other brewer I have owned. (don't let that stand in the way of buying this) I also think it is very easy to program and will even keep your settings in memory if it is unpluged for a short period of time.

This coffee maker works perfect and I hope it lasts as long as the warranty and beyond.

Happy brewing.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Cuisinart DCC-100 Coffee Bar Classic 10-Cup Coffeemaker, White


Product Description

Cuisinart's Coffee Bar brewing system was modeled after commercial systems, and delivers pure coffee flavor, cup after cup. The 1-4 cup setting ensures you can make a cup or two without altering the temperature or flavor of the coffee. And if you're in a big hurry, rest assured you can grab a cup thanks to the pause and serve function.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2484 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Color: White
* Brand: Cuisinart
* Model: DCC-100
* Dimensions: 13.00" h x 7.37" w x 3.25" l, 5.22 pounds

Features

* Makes up to 10 cups of coffee; ideal for large groups
* Pour a cup midbrew with convenient brew-pause feature
* Glass carafe with specialized lid and filter
* Easy-to-read instruction manual; plugs into a regular 120-volt outlet
* Measures 13-1/4 by 9-3/4 by 8 inches; 3-year limited warranty


Amazon.com Review
This Cuisinart coffeemaker is ideal for the coffee drinker who wants the flavor of café coffee at home. It all starts with the specialized Coffee Bar flavor system, which revolves around a dial on the top of the machine that allows you to set the number of cups to brew. The coffeemaker automatically regulates the right amount of water through the grounds. Just like that--a better cup of java.


Customer Reviews

For 4 Years, A Reliable Morning Friend4
I have owned this little gem for four years. I used to have a Mr. Coffee 8-cup machine, but it started acting funny after a few years so I decided to upgrade to a bigger machine. I saw this at a really great price and picked it up and have not been happier.

It uses a size four cone filter, just like some of the more fancy $100 models. Sorry, but you can't refit this one to take a goldtone filter to my knowledge. It has settings for how hot the water gets (cup selector switch on front) and the water flow (knob underneath the reservoir lid). Yes, the carafe is a little awkward in design and makes pouring those last two cups a challenge of dexterity, but I have to attest to the fact that I've had my machine for four years and it has been a consistent performer. It usually takes about 10 minutes to make 6 cups of coffee.

My only complaint is that there is no timer feature and no ability to place a goldtone filter, but for the price I can't expect much more than what I got. Plus, if you don't moisten the paper filter so it sticks to the side of the basket, it may fold over and turn into a coffee burito.

For a basic coffee maker that won't let you down, look no further.

Cuisinart DCC-100 Coffee Bar Classic 10 cup Coffeemaker4
This is the second time I have purchased this model coffeemaker. Over the years I've owned Bunn, Krups and Cuisinart. By far, the most consistantly good coffee comes from this little Cuisinart. I agree that you have to get the knack for pouring, or the coffee drips & if you do not carefully line up the swing out fliter you will get spillover. However, after the first few tries I did not have any problems at all. I was so happy with the years of service with my first one I went right out and bought it again.