Saeco S-TG-ST Talea Giro Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Seems expensive, but please add up your Starbucks expenditures for the past year and then buy this with no hesitation!

Many espresso purists turn their noses up at superauto machines, but as someone who has owned a high-end non-auto machine, this Saeco will reliably produce a high-quality espresso shot with virtually no effort!With my manual machines the shots would vary in quality, and while at times I could produce a better shot on my own, it would require a lot of effort.This superauto produces espresso that is 100% reliably better than most but not all of the shots I could produce manually, and it does so with almost no effort on my part (add water, beans, empty dreg drawer, that's about it).

Oh, and definitely get the [optional] Milk Island, which produces a phenomenal microfoam, to the point that you can do some basic latte art with it; again not better than some I could produce manually, but consistently better than most I produce manually, and with no work at all!

This machine looks great, heats up INSTANTANEOUSLY (that's right, no waiting at all for a boiler to heat up), is fairly quiet (thanks to ceramic grinder), and produces espresso that is superior to anything you could ever get a Starbucks.

I also looked at just about every other superauto in the $500 to $1,500 price range, and in fact tried a number of them out in person.This particular unit was my favorite by a wide margin!

BUY THIS AND THE OPTIONAL MILK ISLAND AND NEVER GO TO STARBUCKS AGAIN!I'm serious.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco S-TG-ST Talea Giro Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Product Description:
The Talea Giro offers all the convenience of a super automatic espresso machine, and is milk island capable ( milk island sells separately) which offers more options for frothing and steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The Milk Island is a unique Saeco development for all Talea models. In fact, it is the key function for all milk frothing connoisseurs. Whether you prefer espresso macchiato, cappuccino, latte macchiato or any other speciality, the preparation of creamy foam takes just a matter of seconds. The Milk Island is available in glass with a total capacity of 13.5 ounces or 1.7 cups.The Talea Giro has a built in ceramic grinder that puts an end to grinding with metal components.Ceramic is inert and won't react to the coffee or alter its flavor.The ceramic grinder provides a more even grind, allowing for perfect dosing and blending and is also much quieter about performing its duties than stainless steel grinders. The Talea Giro takes care of the grinding, dosing, tamping and brewing, but allows for personal taste in the programming of coffee size, strength and temperature. The Talea Giro offers the patented technology of the Saeco Brew System--turn the dial either right or left and change the strength and consistency of your coffee by either increasing or decreasing the water pressure as it moves through the grounds.Saeco Opti-dose has an adjustable 7 - 10.5 gram doser regulating the amount of beans to grind per serving.Talea Giro includes an adjustable built-in ceramic disc grinder, automatic cup warming surface that holds up to 6 espresso cups, a stainless steel pannarello attachment for steaming milk and dispensing hot water,a removable 57 ounce water tank, manual drip tray that you can move up or down to adjust to any size cup, sliding wheels on the base of machine for convenient rotation and rapid steam technology---no waiting between frothing milk with pannarello attachment and brewing espresso.

Get 28% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Saeco S-TG-ST Talea Giro Super Automatic Espresso Machine now ?

Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Yes, you'll flinch when you see the price tag!Right now this is the king of super automatics.My work hours are all over the place and many times there is just no time to devote to pulling the perfect espresso from a manual or semi machine.Add to that I drink cappuccino's or lattes 95% of the time.This machine was made for those who drink mostly cappuccino's or lattes and it couldn't be easier.Many long time aficionados on the coffeegeek.com forums will tell you that you cannot pull anything close to a "god shot" from a super automatic and they are correct.But what you get is pretty darn good especially if you love the taste of espresso but don't want to devote your life to making perfect shots every pull.The Z5 is the model of simplicity and produces consistent very good shots of espresso and excellent latte's & cappuccino's every time with little time.I had this machine programmed, up and going just 10 minutes out of the box.I am not an expert on pulling shots manually.Setting the knob to the hottest setting, strongest espresso and finest grind yielded a very tasty shot that was far better than any I have had at Starbuck's.I used Coffee Emergency espresso roast.The crema was good and the temperature excellent.I used a Capressa S9 a year ago and was not happy with the temperature of the shots coming out of the machine.They are much improved on the Z5. Back to cappuccino's...Fill the milk thermos with your choice of milk...set knob to cappuccino and hit the button.A gorgeous cappuccino was produced on the very first try.I didn't have to move the cup...it was all automatic!It took me ages to learn to make a decent cappuccino onsame thing manually.Again...much better than at Starbuck's and any of the local coffee houses. The Z5 has a timer that can be set to turn the machine on and off when you want it to. Settings for water level, brewing time, amount of heated milk and foam, can all be pre set or adjusted with a knob live as your beverage is being made.The unit is whisper silent even when grinding beans.It is a well built piece of equipment that is UL approved for both residential and commercial use.I couldn't be happier with it.Should you get this machine? Bottom line is that if you want to make espresso's as a hobby and are going for that ultimate "god shot" every time don't even think about this machine.If you are a working professional who just wants a great cappuccino, latte and espresso with absolute minimum fuss that will beat Starbuck's and your local coffee shop.... think about buying this machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center

Product Description:
A coffee lover's dream: put down your cup, push one button, make perfect cappuccino--without moving the cup! The Impressa Z5 is the first automatic coffee and espresso center with professional technology and one-touch cappuccino system for home use.Beans are ground, and fresh cold milk transforms into hot, frothed milk and pours into your cup. With high pressure, hot water is forced through the perfectly ground and tamped coffee. Now, espresso flows through the thick layer of milk froth: pick up your perfect cappuccino and enjoy. In the meantime, the used coffee grounds are discarded and you can immediately start dreaming about another cappuccino, latte, espresso, or any other hot, large cup of crema coffee. The Impressa Z5 features eight preset beverage buttons. All your coffee drinks are now just one pushbutton away. Use the pre-programming or change coffee strength, coffee volume, and the amount of steamed/frothed milk while the Z5 prepares your preferred coffee beverage. The informative three-line LED display makes using the Z5 extremely user friendly.

Get 40% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center now ?

Cuisinart SS-1 Cup-O-Matic Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black and Brushed Chrome Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This coffeemaker does what it says - makes good coffee, dee-lishis customizable coffee, in fact - using either ground or pod.BUT, if you have someone who is sleeping anywhere near the kitchen, beware.Grinding, thumping and bumping.Oh, and beeping - three piercing ones when the process is complete.AND, oops, if you remove the water container for re-fill whilst the machine is on, the beeping gets out of control.four stars - minus one for the sound issues.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart SS-1 Cup-O-Matic Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black and Brushed Chrome

Product Description:
Regular or bold or small-your ideal cup should never be compromised.Now with the Cuisinart Cup-O-Matic Coffeemaker, it's easy to brew your cup the way you want it.Use the flavor selector to control coffee intensity and choose a 4to 12 ounce cup size depending on your coffee need,The water reservoir-complete with water filter-has 75 ounce capacity so a quick cup is never far away.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Cuisinart SS-1 Cup-O-Matic Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black and Brushed Chrome now ?

Hamilton Beach 48464 Brewstation Summit 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Purchased to replace our Brewstation Deluxe, which we absolutely loved!The only reason we did not purchase another one exactly like our old one is because of the leaking problem.About 1x/year we would need to replace the 'carafe' portion of the coffeemaker.The Summit was the 3rd replacement model we tried.It is the only other model that has all of the features that the Deluxe had (programmable auto shut-off & timer, brewing cycle selection).I agree with the previous post that it is a bit more awkward to fill.But, the biggest problem I have with it is the coffee basket.It has about 50 holes in the bottom for the water/coffee to flow out of the basket.The result is a very weak-tasting coffee because it flows through so quickly.I can't understand why this model is made like this when other models have only one hole!There is no way to even use enough coffee to get a strong flavor, even when putting it on 'Bold' setting, which slows down the brewing cycle.I figured out how to solve this problem by purchasing a permanent filter basket to use inside the other basket, plus using a paper filter.This adds to the awkwardness of the whole process, but we are so hooked on this style of machine that are willing to put up with it. It is also messier than the Deluxe because of all of the condensation inside.When you lift the lid water runs down (but mostly back into the carafe), and when you take out the basket there is condensation all over it and it drips trying to get it to the trash or sink.I also just noticed one of the buttons to set the time is sticking.Well, maybe I should go back to the Deluxe...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 48464 Brewstation Summit 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

Product Description:
Uniquely designed without a coffee pot, this 12-cup coffeemaker features, instead, an insulated tank that keeps coffee hot and fresh inside. To serve, simply depress the non-slip dispensing bar with any favorite mug for one-handed dispensing--no carafe means no pouring, no spills, and no hotplate that can sometimes scorch coffee or make it bitter. The appliance also provides a user-friendly push-button control panel. Choose from several brewing options including bold, regular, iced coffee, or small batch (1 to 4 cups). Even more, the unit's programmable clock and timer allow for brewing "wake-up" coffee, while its keep-warm mode can be programmed to automatically shut off immediately after brewing (for iced coffee) or in one, two, three, or four hours as desired. Other highlights include a large digital display with blue backlighting, a removable water tank for filling at the sink, a water-level indicator on both sides, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. Housed in sleek black plastic with stainless-steel accents, the coffeemaker measures approximately 12 by 9 by 17 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Get 20% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Hamilton Beach 48464 Brewstation Summit 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker now ?

Sunbeam HDX23 Heritage Design 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned this about 6 months now, and I couldn't be happier!Design and performance are great.I LOVE all of its conveniences, from the removable water reservoir (no more awkward reaching, pouring, or spilling), to the permanent filter with removable (and very easy to clean) basket.The "shower head" sprayer that "brews" the coffee works wonderfully, creating a full-bodied brew. And finally, it looks awesome on the counter.We get compliments quite frequently.

Some people have mentioned that it doesn't have a lot of high end features, but it has all the ones I'll ever need.For example, it has the "pause and pour" feature so you can sneak a cup during brewing.It also has a very interesting clock with a timer on the front (which doesn't reset every time there's a glitch in the power).

I contemplated getting an insulated carafe-style coffee maker for a while...until I realized they don't have warming plates, and you can't see how much coffee is inside (this is important when desperate for the first cup, and for knowing how much is left).Friends with the insulated style have told me that their coffee comes out cooler than they would like, because it is being stored in a cold vessel that steals quite a bit of its initial heat.I have since learned that it's a good idea to heat up insulated carafes ahead of time with hot water.But, having to do that would make the timer feature pretty useless.So, in the end, I decided to go with a regular glass carafe and warming plate, and I purchased a separate insulated carafe that I can use as needed.This seems to fulfill all my coffee needs!

On a side note, there is another "HDX23" listed on Amazon, but the picture is of a Mr. Coffee machine, and the descriptions and reviews do not match up.I'm pretty sure that there is a lot of confusion about that one, and as a result, I would not trust the reviews listed there.The Sunbeam HDX23 looks exactly as the one pictured above, and it is a great machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sunbeam HDX23 Heritage Design 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

Product Description:
Wake up on the weekends with the Sunbeam® Heritage Series coffeemaker.The classic style of yesterday with the advanced features of today.Its contemporary design, brilliant metallic finish and chrome accents complement the vintage look and enhance the line of heritage series appliances.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Sunbeam HDX23 Heritage Design 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker now ?

Keurig B-40 B40 Elite Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read every single Amazon.com review for this item.And then read them again.I went to the Keurig website and researched the B40.Came back to Amazon and read the reviews one more time.If I was going to pay $100 for a coffee machine, I wanted to be sure I knew as much as possible about it.I finally purchased the B40, and after getting it today and having brewed four cups of coffee so far, I offer the following review (from a BLACK COFFEE drinker, no milk, no sugar):

I think the people who claim this machine is too loud and complain that it vibrates too much are your normal "Mr. Coffee" people.Yes, the machine makes noise.It's pumping pressurized hot water into the K-Cups.Of course it's gonna make noise.I counted each time the noise was made.It lasts five seconds each time, at most.And it's MUCH quieter than my Melitta Mill & Brew, which grinds the coffee beans with a high shrill.This machine also vibrates.But again, it's well worth the minor noise and moderate vibration.You shouldn't be shelling out this much money for a coffee machine if you expect a Mr. Coffee coffee maker.You are buying a "gourmet" coffee machine, and it has some cool features that require hot pressurized water to be pumped through the machine.Not a big deal!

I think a lot of the negative reviews that I read, and maybe all of them, referred to an older version of the B40 that only had one cup size setting.Indeed, when I purchased this machine at Target today, the display model for the B40 had only one cup size.I had to triple-check the box to make sure I was getting the B40 with the TWO cup sizes (and I was).So maybe they have improved the machine since that version.

I read negative reviews about this machine making weak coffee.I was so freaked out about those reviews, I wanted to brew every K-Cup (even the Extra Bold) on the small cup setting.As I was brewing the third cup, I put in a "regular" K-Cup and hit the "large" cup setting.I immediately went into Panic Mode, worried that I just wasted a K-Cup, because my coffee would be too weak to drink.Not true at all!Yes, the coffee was not quite as strong as I would normally like, but it was a very decent cup of coffee.I will not worry if I ever hit the large size on a regular pod again.Although I plan on buying all Extra Bold cups, so that I can brew a bigger cup.

I am extremely pleased with this coffee machine.So much so that I plan to buy two of this same model (or the B60 if it's on sale) as Christmas gifts for my mom and uncle.

As a former coffee house Assistant Manager and an avid fan of "gourmet" coffee, I highly recommend this coffee machine.Probably the best $100 I have spent in at least five years.One of my biggest concerns was that the beans had NO TIME to brew properly in such a short amount of time.But I was completely wrong.This machine brews a nice, bold, rich cup of coffee.Slightly less bold and rich if you brew the regular pods on the larger cup setting; but still very drinkable.I was also concerned that the pods would leak after removing them from the machine, but they are almost dry.I haven't had a single one drip on the way to the trash can, and I remove them seconds after brewing.I'm extremely pleased with the ease and cleanliness of using this machine.No filters to deal with, no messy coffee grounds, no dirty coffee pots to wash (and filter baskets).The convenience of the machine alone is well worth the minor noise and vibration.

I highly recommend this machine.Just do your research and make sure this is the coffee machine you are looking for.It takes time to research, but it pays off in the end.I couldn't be happier with the B40, and don't see why anyone else wouldn't be just as pleased.

Time for me to make another cup.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Keurig B-40 B40 Elite Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System

Product Description:
Ideal for entertaining, this 1500-watt single-serve home-brewing system brews a fresh cup of gourmet coffee or tea in less than a minute. The unit uses Keurig's patented K-Cups, which offer over 70 varieties of pre-measured gourmet coffee and tea from a variety of premium brands. The brewer's patented one-touch technology ensures precise control of 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. Two brew-size options include a 7-1/4-ounce cup and a 9-1/4-ounce mug. The machine fits both regular and travel-size mugs easily, and comes with a two-hour automatic shut-off for safety. Other useful features include a descale indicator, a removable 48-ounce water reservoir, and a removable drip tray. Providing a convenient size and quiet performance, the single-cup home-brewing system measures 13-1/4 by 10 by 13 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Keurig B-40 B40 Elite Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System now ?

Bosch TAS1000UC Tassimo Single-Serve Coffee Brewer, Anthracite Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this machine because I like to drink various drinks as the whim takes me.Tassimo allows you to do this.Also, most of the time I'm by myself, so don't need to make a large pot of coffee.Before I made the purchase, I was comparing Keurig with the Tassimo.The reason I chose the Tassimo was a) the priceb) the T-discs were more available than the K-cups and the only K-cups the stores here carried were Van Houtte coffee, which I detest c) reviews said the Tassimo makes better lattes and cappuccinos.I'm extremely happy with the machine for the following reasons:
- absolutely no mess
- the availability of different brews, from very dark roasts to light roast, hot chocolate (which IS a bit sweet), teas, lattes (in particular my fave, chai latte), cappuccinos, espressos, cremas and even decafs - I like a darker roast but was even able to find t-disks that were too strong for me
- I like that I can have 4 friends over and give them their preference of hot brews
- the tank is big enough that I don't have to fill it for each cup
- the bar code reader means a perfect brew each time
- the size is relatively small, smaller than my old espresso machine and my regular drip coffee machine (both of which have now been sold off)
- you have a cup of coffee in a matter of minutes vs a drip coffee machine or even a french press
- using just the cleaner disk, you can also simply spit out hot water for your own tea bags
- most of the t-disks are a reasonable price, brewing a cuppa can be less than 50 cents a cup.The Starbucks disks are more expensive, taking you closer to a dollar a cup, but what the hey, what did you pay the last time you actually went into a Starbucks?:)

Cons - and yes, even though I LOVE this machine, there ARE some cons:
- most of the disks make a small cuppa (10 oz)unless you get the breakfast blends, which will make a bigger cup, or you can simply brew 2 disks.
- the cup stand doesn't have finite adjustment - you can fit a regular sized mug, the stand adjusts for smaller mugs, but then it's a big leap to a large mug.If you have a slightly bigger mug, you have to set it on the bottom and then you get some splashing
- the foam is not as stable as coffee shop foams, but then for $99, I didn't expect it to be.As well the foam stability depends on the t-disk manufacturer as well.Nabob cappuccino was quite firm foam that lasted the duration of the drink.
- t-disk storage takes up a bit of space - but I'm still in the "try all the varieties until I find my favourite brew" stage, so I have a lot of selections at the moment

In Dec 2009, Tassimo is coming out with packages of just the latte cream.You will then also be able to use it simply as a milk frother if you wish, or you can make any of your favourite brews into a latte.

Aug 2010 - this machine has been updated somewhat.The newer machines are a bit smaller, taking up a bit less room yet, on your counter. This is mainly due to a redesign of the tank.I just bought my second machine and will be taking the older one to use at work.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bosch TAS1000UC Tassimo Single-Serve Coffee Brewer, Anthracite

Product Description:
Better brewing by design, Tassimo is a brewing system unlike any other. Remarkable in its ability to offer an exceptional combination of quality, convenience, consistency and versatility. Only tassimo offers a choice of coffee, cappuccinos and lattes made.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Bosch TAS1000UC Tassimo Single-Serve Coffee Brewer, Anthracite now ?

Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe - 8 Cup Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Using a Chemex requires water to be heated in a tea kettle prior to brewing, and it requires a finer ground than what auto-drip machines ask for.After the water is brought to a boil, it's important to wait for it to cool just slightly (about 30 seconds) and then you need to wet the grounds in the filter, wait for them to drain, and then fill the pot with water.Want more than a single cup of coffee?You wait for your first pour to brew, and then fill the filter again.

Some advantages over other forms of coffee brewing:

1. Taste: I don't know how it does it, but the filter does keep your coffee from being bitter.

2. Cleanability: Users can keep all necessary components clean (anyone who's brewed water and vinegar through their coffee maker to kill off a bitter taste that wasn't there when you bought it understands this plight).Oftentimes, the most aggressive criticism of the Chemex is its ponderousness to clean because it's not possible to get your hand into the reservoir.Some people prefer to add hot water and soap and give it a good rinse, which is fine if you clean the moment you empty the pot, but if you're like me and you let the remaining sip or two sit until a nice coffee stain is on the glass, then you need some good 'ol fashion friction to get it clean.The best thing I've found: a baby bottle cleaner.It's narrow enough to get into the reservoir and the angle can be adjusted to scrap the walls, too.Brilliant!

3. Electricity Free: As long as you can boil water, you can have coffee.

4. Mud/Sludge: French press and stove-top espresso-style brewing always leaves a thick slime at the bottom of an otherwise rich cup of coffee.Don't get me wrong: I think that's good (I use a French Press when I'm in the mood), but the cone on a Chemex doesn't allow that at all.

5. Style/Size: the Chemex coffee pot is a relic (designed in the 40s) and the wood cuff with rawhide tie screams simplicity and elegance and it's a wonderful, minimalist sight on any kitchen counter (and unlike electric coffee makers, easy to move if you need the space).

Some drawbacks any purchaser should consider:

1. Time: it does take 5 - 10 minutes of labor to get the morning cup of coffee.

2. Cones: you can't run over to Wal-Mart when you use the last filter; you need to find a specialty store or go online, which means you need to plan ahead.

3. Cold Coffee: no electric hot plate (thank god) means coffee not poured and consumed immediately gets cold quickly.You can buy a wire guard and a glass lid so your Chemex can be warmed on the stovetop.I think that's more labor added to an already laborious endeavor.Just have a warmed thermos ready and use that to store any unused coffee.

4. Learning Curve: It does take some time to get the grind right, the amount right and the water level right to find a cup which caters to your tongue.

5. Cleanability: I know this is in the advantages column, as well, but it's worth mentioning that a lot of people hate cleaning these things.Tosubmerge it does mean pulling off the wood cuff (which is a small pain) else it will get nasty over time.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe - 8 Cup

Product Description:
Coffee purists appreciate the classic styling of this carafe with wood collar and tie. The Chemex filter drip method eliminates bitterness, and the slow brewing allows full flavor from the best coffee beans. Unlike flat bottom filters, the conical shape concentrates grounds at the bottom of the filter, ensuring a clear flavorful coffee without fail.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe - 8 Cup now ?

West Bend 33600 100-Cup Commercial Coffee Urn Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're buying one of these, you know it's just a big coffee pot, but this one really perks quickly.It also takes a lot of abuse and holds up well.Iuse mine weekly for a crowd of about 200.It gets filled twice in one night,gets rinsed and tossed back into the cabinet to be used again next week.It still looks nice and works well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: West Bend 33600 100-Cup Commercial Coffee Urn

Product Description:
Designed for offices, churches, break rooms and cafes.Serving light indicates end of brew time, instructions printed on faceplate and interior water level markings make coffee-making easy.Twist to secure cover and heat resistant base/trim for added safety.Convenient coffee level gauge and on/off switch.

Get 33% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about West Bend 33600 100-Cup Commercial Coffee Urn now ?