Showing posts with label 2009 amazon frustration-fre e packaging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 amazon frustration-fre e packaging. Show all posts

2/14/2012

Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker Review

Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I will give this five stars. Not the same five stars I would give something along the lines of a Gaggia Carezza mind you. This five stars should be taken as a rating relative to its price. If this were the same cost of the Gaggia I would probably have to give it a 3.5

I should note I prefer americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, etc over straight espresso. I bought this for a second house. If I were to be drinking a lot of straight espresso I would have bought the Gaggia.

One important detail which is not in the description is this unit will use ESE pods. The portafilter has inserts for single and double shot amounts, as do most machines. The single shot has a small ledge around it which is designed so it may be used for both single shots and ESE pods, with a pod fitting perfectly into the area created by the little ledge. This is a big advantage for those days when you are in a rush.

Construction. This thing is solid. When I ordered it I thought it would not really be steel, just chromed plastic. Well it is stainless steel. And the finish is beautiful. This has to be the most impressive looking espresso machine this side of $300. One plus of being so heavy is you don't have to hold it down when tightening the portafilter. Something I never liked about the lighter units.

Despite the description noting a rather weak looking 950-watt heater, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed at which it warms up. This had worried me at first, but now that I have it I have discovered no reason to be disappointed. While using the steam feature to froth it has enough power to be ready to pull a shot immediately with no need to wait. And after pulling a double shot it seems like it is ready in seconds for the next shot, well before I have time to remove the portafilter and get it cleaned and reloaded.

Another impressive feature here is the warming plate on the top of the unit. Once again, as with the 950-watt rating, I was expecting a rather weak showing on the warming front. Wow, another shocker. It works! I turn the unit on in the morning and prepare my first drink. Then I leave it on. Make sure at this point you clean the portafilter and place it on the unit empty. By the time you roll around to getting your second cup, the cups on top are nicely heated and the portafilter is warmed up as well.

The drip cup and water reservoirs are quite generous. The drip cup underneath the bottom plate even has an ingenious little pop up float near the back which raises with the water level. Instead of constantly pulling up the plate, you can tell if it is getting full by simply looking to see if the float is starting to pop up. What a nifty little feature!

There is one drawback. The portafilter is what Ariete calls their "Thermocream" design. The problem with this design is it is created to produce a "crema like" crema on the top of every cup. This somewhat hides whether or not you are doing your job right and the crema is a product of a good grind, good tamp, and good pull. I prefer the crema production to be a function of how well I doing my job, not a function of some little device that makes stuff that looks like crema even if it is not.

I would like to add that the Group Head (the thing the portafilter attaches to when you put it on) is not solid metal. Parts of it are plastic. But given the price I am not willing to deduct a star for this (or the Thermocream feature) as I would if I were comparing to the $200 machines.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker

Product Description:
Constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel and simple-to-use controls, this 950-watt espresso/cappuccino machine makes it easy to brew cafe-quality coffee drinks. The unit's high-performance ThermoBlock 15-bar pump-driven system provides uniform and constant pump pressure to make a superior espresso with good crema and a frothy thick milk cappuccino. Its removable 2-1/4-quart water reservoir can be refilled from the top at any time during operation, and a cup-warming area allows up to nine cups to be warmed before use. Designed in sleek, attractive housing, the espresso/cappuccino maker measures 9-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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2/10/2012

BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal-Carafe Home Coffee Brewer, Black Review

BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal-Carafe Home Coffee Brewer, Black
Average Reviews:

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I bought this brewer in October. At first I was very happy with it. Then the carafe started leaking so bad it was ridiculous. I called Bunn a couple of days ago and the lady told me to wash the spout and the seal around the rim with Dawn dishwashing soap (she specifically said Dawn which I happened to have on hand) and the carafe would perform much better. She said that after a number of uses the oil from the coffee keeps the seal from sealing well. I hung up fully expecting to call her back in a few minutes. I washed the carafe as she suggested and it works like new again... no leaks!! If you have this pot, try it, you'll be amazed at the difference.Now I love this brewer again!

Click Here to see more reviews about: BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal-Carafe Home Coffee Brewer, Black

Product Description:
Housed in commercial-grade materials with stainless-steel accents, this unique reservoir-style home-brewing system makes up to 10 cups (50 ounces) of coffee in just three minutes, plus it keeps hot water available for tea or other uses as needed. The coffee brewer's specially designed stainless-steel water tank features an 800-watt heater and internal thermostat, which keeps water at an ideal temperature for maximum flavor and fast brewing. A patented sprayhead design improves coffee-flavor extraction, and there's no warming plate needed--the brewer's stainless-steel vacuum-insulated carafe keeps coffee hot without overheating. For added convenience, the unbreakable carafe is dishwasher-safe. Other highlights include a convenient close-and-brew lid and a vacation switch that turns the tank heater off completely when the unit is not in use for several days. The thermal home brewer measures 14 by 7 by 15-2/7 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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8/26/2011

Aqua Filter Plus AFP210F Double-Tank Filtration System for Under Sink Review

Aqua Filter Plus AFP210F Double-Tank Filtration System for Under Sink
Average Reviews:

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I got this filter installed, and it does a great job. The water tastes like bottled water - maybe even better. It doesn't need to be replaced often, and I use it for drinking and cooking. Great buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Aqua Filter Plus AFP210F Double-Tank Filtration System for Under Sink

Product Description:
Aqua Filter Plus water filtration systems uses 2 pure carbon cartridges,which is considered to be the most effective method for reducing water contaminants, The carbon block cartridge is compacted into dense structure, causing every molecule of water to be forced through microscopic pores of carbon, effectively reducing pollutants. In addition, our carbon cartridges contain a large amount of pure carbon-over 2 1/2 Lbs! Water that enters the filtration system has prolonged contact with carbon media, resulting in highly polished water.Model AFP210F Removes all particulate matter down to 0.5 microns including; Sediment, bad Taste and Odor, Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC), Pesticides, Lead, Cysts, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Turbidity, Asbestos, Triahalomethanes (THM), Linden, 2,4-D.The quality of our products exceeds NSF Standard No. 42 for Chlorine / taste and odor reduction. Tested according to NSF Standard No.53, metal reduction. Tested according to US-EPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Purifiers Great tasting purified water right at your fingertips for drinking and cooking Highest capacity in the industry up to 5,000 gallons! Replace cartridges only once per year for best performance. Complete with chrome faucet style #112/CH and all hardware. Installs conveniently under you kitchen sink.Does not waste water Does not require electricity Does not remove fluoride or other essential minerals Does not add salt or silverDoes not contain cellulose, which causes bacteria to live and grow Replacement Cartridges Models: FP10 & FP10L Available as Countertop Model AFP-210CT Upgraded Triple-Tank Model AFP310FC

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7/08/2011

Omnifilter Quick Change Undersink Filter System, Model# Review

Omnifilter Quick Change Undersink Filter System, Model#
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This filter is fairly cheap, and turns tap water into odor free, taste free wetness. I can't speak for the lab results claimed by the manufacturer, but it does a fantastic job when measured by the nose and taste buds. Even if you use an additional faucet filter for drinking water, this filter does the job for cooking water, wash water, and more.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Omnifilter Quick Change Undersink Filter System, Model#

Product Description:
Quick change undersink filter installs easily with quick-connect fittings. Filter reduces rust, sediments and chlorine, and improves taste and odor. Treats 2500 gallons. Includes faucet and installation kit with quick-connect fittings, tubing and faucet adapter. U.S.A.

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3/13/2011

Aqua-Pure AP200 Under-Sink Water Filter System Review

Aqua-Pure AP200 Under-Sink Water Filter System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I wanted to give the Aqua-Pure a try before spending a fortune on a reverse osmosis system that would also take up all the space under the sink. To my relief, and a bit of a surprise, it actually works. I can compare the unfiltered to the filtered and there is a huge difference. And, it takes up little space.

Water companies have different issues to deal with in various areas of the country. Not far from here, my mother had a terrible iron problem, and I have none to deal with. I would imagine that a simple system like the AP200 might work in some areas and not others. If the water is really terrible, then perhaps only a more complex system would work and maybe not even then.

So, it works perfectly for me, but I do have issues. First, it is really expensive for what it is! This is a simple plastic device, two pieces and a gasket.$92 is a lot for that.

The filter screws into the housing. Since it is plastic, I have always been careful, but once I did find that the filter had broken off at the threads. This required taking everything out and doing something clever to remove the broken-off part from the housing.

Did I screw it in too tightly? Hmmm, I'm pretty careful about such things. I would hate to think it broke from normal water pressure or some sort of surge. I have no water hammer problem. In any case, it isn't very durable and takes too much care to install the filter cartridge.

The better news is that the filters come two in a box. Amazon's description makes it seem like you are only getting one for almost $50. Since they last me at least a year, that is only $25/year, which isn't too bad.

As with any filter, you do have to tap into the plumbing under the sink. That gets you into the world of plumbing and those who have been there know that there is little standardization and lots of options.

Again, as with any filter, you really have to use a separate faucet. Running all your cold water through this filter would shorten its life considerably and at only 2 GPM, the flow would be really slow.

I put my system in when I changed the sink and I bought one that had a hole in it for a separate faucet. Some homes have the faucets coming through the counter, but drilling would still be necessary.

In my area, and my circumstances, the Aqua-Pure turns out to be a fine option. We don't buy bottled water, the coffee and ice cubes are better and we use it to cook in. The regular water goes to the dishwasher and for sink duty.

So, I think it works just fine in most situations, takes up little room and is easier to install that some other systems. It is too expensive and fragile to get the coveted five stars, so it gets three.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Aqua-Pure AP200 Under-Sink Water Filter System

Product Description:
Aqua-Pure AP200 Plastic Taste and Odor Removal Filter for AP217Aqua-Pure; brand offers a complete line of water filtration and water treatment products to provide you and your family with clean, safe, great tasting water. Aqua-Pure is the choice of quality conscious plumbing professionals; builders, and specifiers around the world.Aqua-Pure systems are considered by professionals to be the best on the market. To be sure your system is in top working order, you should check your filter cartridge every 4 - 6 months to see if they need replacing. Aqua-Pure AP200 Plastic Taste and Odor Removal Filter for AP217 Features:; Double Action for Dirt, Rust, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction ; 5 Micron Nominal ; Cartridge Contains a Pre & Post Filter with Activated Granular ; Carbon for Maximum Effectiveness ; Long Life Graded Density Depth Filtration ; Manufactured from FDA CFR-21 Compliant Materials ; Cuno AP200* Image is of AP217 model

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1/25/2011

Culligan US-EZ-4 EZ-Change Level-4 Under-Sink Drinking Water System Review

Culligan US-EZ-4 EZ-Change Level-4 Under-Sink Drinking Water System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Culligan 2650 was easy to install; I installed it within 20 minutes, provided the hole on my sink was already there for the faucet. The instructions walked me through everything, even have detailed instructions via pictures for the lazy reader. Comes with an ergonomic long reach faucet. The new design on the lead free faucet looks almost like the ones they have in Lowe's for $50. Filter unit warnes user with audible beeps and LED lights to indicate when filter needs changing (uses a 9V battery, included). So far, this is the only unit that I know that removes MTBE's, VOC's, and more at a low cost of $32 per filter cartridge replacement set (500 gallon filter life, Pentek brand name at filterpros.com). I avoided Lowe's and Home Depot water filters b/c they use proprietary filters, forcing consumer to buy expensive filter cartridges. All other pressure fed water filters I know use $40+ filter cartridges (i.e. Aquasana). I switched to the under sink filter b/c my Pur faucet head filter keeps leaking, and I got sick of replacing them after the third time. I get filtered water at less than $0.07/gal, and I get great tasting water in an instant; it fits my needs perfectly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Culligan US-EZ-4 EZ-Change Level-4 Under-Sink Drinking Water System

Product Description:
Under Sink Drinking Water MTBE Filtration System, Clean, Fresh Drinking & Cooking Water Through The Reduction Of MTBE, Volatile Organic Chemicals, Lindane & Atrazine, Lead & Mercury, Cryptosporidium & Giardia Cysts, Asbestos, Chlorine, Taste & Odor, Sediment, Bad Taste & Odor, Electronic Filter Life Monitor Beeps When Cartridges Needs To Be Changed, Quick Connect Fittings For Easy Installation, Bonus Icemaker Connection Kit, Use Replacement Cartridge Model #D-250A True Value #870-709, Filter Life Approximately 6 Months Or 500 Gallons.

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