Showing posts with label cuisinart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cuisinart. Show all posts

5/06/2012

Capresso 46405 464.05 Coffeeteam Gs 10-cup Digital Coffeemaker With Conical Burr Grinder Plus Two (2) Coffee Mugs Review

Capresso 46405 464.05 Coffeeteam Gs 10-cup Digital Coffeemaker With Conical Burr Grinder Plus Two Coffee Mugs
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For some reason Capresso has decided to make all of their all-in-one grinder / brewers with the burr grinders locked away inside where they can not be cleaned, inspected and replaced when needed.

We own a different Capresso CoffeeTeam Grinder / Brewer that uses the same burr set up and finally found all of the hidden screws to remove to allow thorough cleaning of the grinder. The hardest part is figuring out how to dismantle their puzzle. Unfortunately Capresso has also decided to refuse to sell parts for the machine, except for items such as lids and carafes.

Recently our coffee seemed weak. I had just totally cleaned both burrs and everything was as clean as new. I found the problem to be dull burrs which slowed down the grind speed producing less coffee grounds and thus weak coffee. I replaced the burrs with a set from our Capresso 560 grinder and now we've got full strength coffee again.

The problem I now face is that Capresso REFUSES to sell the lower burr, the one that is the dullest. They consider this an internal part. I now have a useless $80 grinder that I sacrificed to save a $300 coffee maker.

I have called Capresso several times trying to find a way to buy a complete burr set and was appalled by the attitude, arrogance and rudeness of the people on the phone that got incensed when I did not happily accept their answer "We do not sell internal parts." They were not helpful at all and worse yet, did not seem to care. I don't think they do, at least not the people I could get in contact with.

We like out CoffeeTeam better than we like the company.

Capresso, very disappointing to deal with.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Capresso 46405 464.05 Coffeeteam Gs 10-cup Digital Coffeemaker With Conical Burr Grinder Plus Two (2) Coffee Mugs

Product Description:
The Capresso CoffeeTeam GS is a fully programmable 10-Cup Coffee Maker/Conical Burr Grinder Combination. Professional, solid-steel conical burrs have 5 grinder settings from coarse to fine for adjustable coffee strength. The slow burr grinding imparts minimal heat, preserving more aroma and flavor. There is a 6-ounce capacity bean container and a see-through window that allows you to check that ground coffee flows smoothly into the filter holder. There is a detachable see-through cover for easy cleaning of the grinder channel. The Digital Control Panel has an easy to read illuminated LCD display, Programmable Clock/Timer, 5 programmable brew amounts for 2-10 cups, and 3 programmable coffee strength settings; mild, medium and strong. There are 2 Mode settings: Grind/Brew - for grinding programmed amount of whole beans directly into the Gold Tone Filter, then automatically starts the brew process and Brew - push the filter release button to open the swing out filter holder, add ground coffee without using the grinder. Charcoal water filtration removes up to 82% of chlorine and other impurities from tap water. The filter holder and one charcoal filter are included. Features: 2-hour safety shut-off, Drip Stop and Stop-and-Serve. Nonstick coated warming plate. 900 watts, 200-degree brew temperature. Black with stainless steel accents.
,br.--Plus--

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4/26/2012

Cuisinart DGB500BK Grind and Brew Review

Cuisinart DGB500BK Grind and Brew
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(More customer reviews)
I've been using this coffeemaker daily for about 9 months.I'm not completely satisfied with it.

The positive:It does what it's supposed to do, most of the time.

Cons:

- It's a real pain to clean.There are six parts to clean after every pot of coffee.The worst is the two-piece grinder assembly.Due to the complete absence of venting and valving, by the end of the brew the entire grinder assembly is soaking wet from condensed water vapor.This means it is coated with a fine mud of pulverized coffee.The grinder assembly has plenty of annoying nooks and crannies; cleaning it means standing there with a few paper towels, jamming them into the crevices to get the old coffee out.After that, you have to clean the filter holder, the filter holder lid, the pot itself, and the pot lid.The pot lid is annoying, requiring two hands to remove - I usually drop it once a day or so.

- Fit and finish.Once you've passed the plastic parts through the dishwasher once, they never fit quite right again.About once a month, the filter holder pops out during brewing, spilling hot coffee all over my kitchen counter and floor; the cleanup from this invariably scatters wet grounds everywhere.

- The machine ships with one tiny charcoal filter.Once it's done, where do you get another one?I don't bother; I just use Brita-filtered water to begin with.

- The hot water jets out onto one spot, drilling a hole in the grounds, and then quickly fills up the flat-bottomed filter holder, floating the grounds and making a soup which then slowly drains.This isn't the optimal way to extract coffee.

Bottom line - it does what it's supposed to, most of the time.Bad design, however, shows itself in the areas of cleaning, brewing, and operation (including occasional kitchen disasters.)I'm in the market for a different unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart DGB500BK Grind and Brew

Product Description:
You would expect nothing less than a fabulous cup of coffee from this trend-setting machine. From its Italian styling to its roster of desirable features, Cuisinart has designed a winner. The freshest and most flavorful coffee possible is assured by its charcoal water filtration system, its programmable operation, and its bean-grinding mechanism.

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4/14/2012

Factory-Reconditioned Cuisinart DCC-1200FR Brew Central 12-Cup Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless Steel Review

Factory-Reconditioned Cuisinart DCC-1200FR Brew Central 12-Cup Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless Steel
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Would I buy this coffee maker for the full price of the new model? Probably not. But the reconditioned one is a great value.
It looks great, as is apparent from the photo. Keep in mind, though, that as a reconditioned unit, it may have some minor blemishes to its appearance. Mine, for example, has a very small dent in the stainless steel on its left side. It's not noticable unless you're looking for it, and that alone wouldn't keep me from recommending this coffee maker. (Also, as previous reviewers have noted, this model does NOT come with a permanent filter like the new model does.)
What's a little iffier about it, though, are a couple strange design issues that affect usability.
Every coffee maker I've ever owned has had a flip-top carafe--but not this one. You have to physically remove the lid to pour water into the carafe--a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.
You need the carafe to measure water, because there's no water-level indicator on the coffee maker itself. Additionally, the water filter takes up a lot of the space under the lid, meaning that there's a relatively small space to pour the water into from the carafe. It's enough room that someone without any mobility problems shouldn't have any issues getting the water in, but it takes a little getting used to.
Overall, I'd recommend the reconditioned model of the Brew Central. It's not so great that I'd replace it with another one of the same model if it became unusable, but good enough that I'm glad to have it on the counter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Factory-Reconditioned Cuisinart DCC-1200FR Brew Central 12-Cup Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless Steel

Product Description:
Introducing an evolutionary new look in coffeemakers. The Cuisinart Brew Central Coffeemaker makes a bold statement with a brushed stainless steel finish and an elegant tech-industrial design. Programmable from start to finish, with a variable heater plate for temperature control, it's the ideal coffeemaker for today's demanding consumer. It even tells you when it's time to decalcify. Cuisinart quality, performance and convenience -- now in new state-of-the-art packaging.Features:Classic Design12-Cup Glass CarafeLCD Clock and 24-hour Programmable TimerAdjustable Keep-warm Temperature ControlTime-to-clean MonitorBrew Pause FeatureCharcoal Water Filter0-4-hour Automatic Shutoff1-4 Cup Setting"Brewing Complete" Audible BeepCord StorageInstruction Book

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4/10/2012

Cuisinart DGB-600 Grind & Brew 10 Cup Automatic Coffeemaker Review

Cuisinart DGB-600 Grind & Brew 10 Cup Automatic Coffeemaker
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I've had this coffee maker since last Christmas, and it is such a pain, it is not worth having the grinding unit in the coffee maker.As another writer had stated, the grinder fills with steam and becomes a sludgie mess.Coffee dust finds its way into other nooks & crevices of the maker so the filter door sticks shut, the coffee chamber doesn't hold enough beans for 12 cups of coffee, the grinder grinds too fine so that it doesn't work with the enclosed gold filter and you get coffee sludge in the pot of coffee....I could go on.

I got better results with rinsing the grinder immediately after brewing, and with switching to paper filters, but ultimately I bought a separate coffee grinder and much less expensive Mr. Coffee and got better results, less maintenance & less headache.

If you're like me, you may want to buy this dreaming of amazing freshly ground and brewed coffee waiting for you in the morning.I'm warning you of the nightmare on the other end.Please, avoid this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart DGB-600 Grind and Brew 10 Cup Automatic Coffeemaker

Product Description:
10-cup coffee machine combines bean grinding and coffee brewing Automatic shut-off; double-wall insulated thermal carafe keeps coffee warm for hours 24-hour programmable timer; 1- to 4-cup setting; brew-pause function; cord storage Gold Tone permanent filter, measuring scoop, charcoal water filter, and instructions included Measures 7-1/2 by 15 by 7-3/4 inches; limited 3-year warranty

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3/21/2012

Cuisinart DCC-2200 Brew Central 14-Cup Coffeemaker Review

Cuisinart DCC-2200 Brew Central 14-Cup Coffeemaker
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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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 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

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3/19/2012

Cuisinart Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew 12 Cup Coffeemaker Review

Cuisinart Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew 12 Cup Coffeemaker
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Review for: Cuisinart Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew 12 Cup Coffeemaker

First a heads-up... the product's picture shows a "black" carafe which might lead you to believe it is a thermal carafe.This is not the case, it is actually a glass carafe filled to the brim with coffee.As such, be forewarned that this product does not include a thermal carafe (I was fooled, but it's interesting to note that Amazon suggested I include "thermal carafe" when "tagging" this review.)Instead, it ships with a glass carafe and features a hot-plate that has a programmable auto shut-off.

My disappointment with the carafe aside, this product has worked marvelously (received it three weeks ago.)It houses a burr grinder as opposed to a cheap blade grinder.It cleans up very easily compared to my old "Melitta MEMB1 Mill & Brew" (less than two minutes to rinse the carafe and filter-chamber/cap; after drying it's ready to be loaded with a new filter in less than 30 seconds.) The bean-hopper has a good seal to it, although I am unsure as to whether the clear plastic used offers UV protection (I would prefer to see a shaded plastic used to protect the beans inside; but I suppose the clear plastic offers a better design-element and the functionality of being able to see the level of beans inside.) And, in terms of the most important aspect, it makes great tasting coffee!(My girlfriend still marvels daily at how good the coffee is.)

Having owned and operated a coffee shop a few years back, I thought I might emphasize the importance of buying a burr grinder vs a blade grinder (for those of you who are interested and new to the art of making gourmet coffee.)First, burr grinders do not produce nearly the level of heat that can be produced by blade grinders.Heat denatures the delicate flavors of the beans (which is also why I was disappointed by having a glass carafe that sits over a direct source of high-heat.)Second, burr grinders ensure that each particle of ground coffee is consistent in size; meaning flavor extraction can be truly optimized and achieved with consistency... The flavor of your coffee is based on the contact time between the beans' chemicals and water; varied sizes of particles means the chemicals are exposed to water for varying amounts of time, and the chemicals have varied distances to travel to escape the fibers of the bean particles.A blade grinder results in variably-variable sizes of particles... meaning variable flavors escaping the clutches of the bean fibers.If you are planning to spend the extra money to buy high-quality beans, it is important to both preserve the chemicals inside (destroyed by heat, light and oxygen) and to extract them in a reasonable manner that enables isolation of the chemicals responsible for "good" flavors.

If the science of coffee interests you, Scientific American had a great article written by Ernesto Illy in June 2002, titled "The Complexity of Coffee."At only 6 pages, it's a pretty quick read and well worth the time.Here's a link:[...]

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart Fully Automatic Burr Grind and Brew 12 Cup Coffeemaker

Product Description:
The Cuisinart Grind & Brewcoffeemaker grinds your favorite coffee beans just before brewing... automatically! Program it to start when you know you'll want coffee and it automatically shuts itself off up to 4 hours after coffee has finished brewing. Dual filters protect coffee flavors and the popular Brew Pausefeature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee before the brew cycle is finished for those who can t wait. This deluxe 12-cup coffeemaker features a separate grind chamber, so it s exceptionally easy to clean!


    12-cup coffee maker
    Burr grinder automatically grinds whole beans before brewing
    8 oz. Bean hopper with a sealed lid to prevent moisture
    Strength selector- choose coffee strength: strong, medium, mild
    Grind control- program the amount of coffee you want to grind from 2-12 cups
    Convenient "grind off" feature eliminates the grinding cycle when using pre-ground coffee
    Programmable auto shutoff turns unit off (up to 4 hours)
    24-hour fully programmable
    Brew Pausefeature allows you to pour that first cup before the brew cycle is finished
    Charcoal filter removes impurities from water
    Easy-to-fill reservoir
    UL Listed
    Dimensions: 10.25"L x 13"W x 18"H
    Weight: 13.6 lbs.

[Model DCC-790PC]



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3/12/2012

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeeemaker Review

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeeemaker
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After reading the reviews for this and other coffee makers, I concluded everyone is having quality control problems. I sympathize with the folks who have gone through two or three lemons before finding something that performed as advertised. I've had that experience and it can make you crazy.
But I loved the cool looks of this thing the first time I saw one at the home of friends in Alma, Colo. They were happy with theirs and it performed well at 10,600 feet in the Colorado Rockies.
So I rolled the dice and bought one at Wal-Mart, but took care to keep the receipt in case they were having a bad day on the Third World assembly line when my coffee maker was being built.
I've used it daily for three weeks now and it's performed perfectly. No leaks, no overflowing, no fires or explosions. Just good coffee.
And I like the fact that it turns itself off after two hours so I don't have to worry about whether I turned off the coffee maker when I'm out running my morning errands.
MAY 2009 - It's still working fine, although my Colorado friends' machine crapped out sometime last year.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeeemaker

Product Description:
How you enjoy your Mr. Coffee moment is up to you! The Fresh Brew Timer lets you know how long your coffee has been waiting for you, the Brew Strength Selector allows you to make your coffee stronger, and the Adjustable Temperature Warmer Plate lets you decide how hot you want to keep your coffee. Additional features include 2 Hour Auto Shut-off, Special Cleaning Cycle, Water Filtration and Metallic Accents.

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3/11/2012

Factory-Reconditioned Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew Coffeemaker, Brushed Chrome Review

Factory-Reconditioned Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew Coffeemaker, Brushed Chrome
Average Reviews:

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Ok, ok, I have read the reviews. A friend gave me this coffee maker after she had the same experience as other reviewers. She had messes on the counter, floor, etc., and practically threw it at me. Well I've had it for a year now and it's been perfect. I have a feeling that the users who had problems didn't push the filter door in firmly enough. It has to "click" in place. The only problem I've had is that my guests drink up the coffee too fast and I end up making another pot.
As far as cleaning... most of the time I just rinse off the parts and let them dry. Every now and then I dump the parts in the dishwasher. How difficult is that? Also, since the coffee maker doesn't have a hot plate, I preheat the carafe with hot tap water.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Factory-Reconditioned Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew Coffeemaker, Brushed Chrome

Product Description:
Factory Reconditioned Item

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2/19/2012

Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator Review

Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator
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I do not understand what has happened in the coffee maker industry.It seems as if every coffee appliance I buy fails.This one is no exception.I bought this one only because most of the reviews praised it.Now I am sure that the reviews are phony and must be posted by the manufacturer.There is no control over the time of percolation which for whatever reason has been designed to be too short.The coffee comes out weak especially if you try to make less than 12 cups, the water just doesn't make it through the strainer for less cups???The manual suggests using 20 spoons for 12 cups of strong coffee.At this rate I will essentially be using double the coffee grinds to make the same amount of coffee as I did with a much older Faberware I had and the coffee is still weak.The new faberwares are just as bad as everything else manufactured these days.The reviews and the item description also touts that this coffee percolator has a glass knob.This is an outright lie, it is plastic!!!!I was initially pleased with the design although I feel it is made with a lighter guage metal than it should be.I would gladly pay double for this product if it worked.Don't buy it, it is another coffee maker dud!!!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator

Product Description:
Brewing from 4 to 12 cups of coffee, this classic stainless-steel percolator offers an elegant way to serve coffee to dinner guests. The unit circulates piping hot water through coffee grounds and pulses up into the glass knob on top to create the familiar percolating sound that coffee lovers love. Its ready-to-serve light indicates when coffee is ready to enjoy, while the detachable cord provides the ability to serve fresh perked coffee right at the table without any hassle. Other useful features include a precision drip-free spout, an easy-grip knob on the unit's lid, and a stay-cool bottom that allows the percolator to sit safely on any surface without scarring. The appliance combines present-day technology with the retro look of a '50s kitchen for creating a perfect compliment to any kitchen decor. The percolator measures approximately 8 by 6 by 12 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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1/28/2012

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

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

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1/19/2012

Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Review

Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel
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I read that another reviewer had trouble with her machine. Hopefully it was the exception and not the rule.It comes with a 3-year warranty, so I figure that I have reasonable protection should anything break.

This is my first espresso machine and I did a lot of shopping and read a ton of reviews before deciding to buy.I was nervous about buying it because there were zero reviews at the time.However, I loved the look, liked the feature set, and believed in the Cuisinart brand.I have had the machine for a week and have used it at least once each day.So far I am extremely pleased.

I had considered the DeLonghi EC155, which gets good ratings and is reasonably priced.However, it requires the operator to guess or measure the volume of espresso.I am terrible at guessing the volumes of liquids, so I liked that this machine has buttons that make a pre-set (or programmable) volume of coffee.It turns out that this is a great feature and really frees me to multi-task.In the mornings, I hit the power button, and by the time I fill the portafilter the machine is ready to brew.I hit the brew button and mix up my meal replacement shake.After the coffee is finished, I hit the steam button and pour the milk for frothing.It takes less than 30 seconds to froth and steam the milk, so I am pleased with its power.I have never run out of steam and was able to make a nice foam with very little practice.I can make my breakfast shake and a cappuccino or latte in under 10 minutes with the above process.Not bad for an amateur.

Overall I am very pleased with the machine and am having a great time with it.I would recommend it based on my experience thus far.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Product Description:
Brew a single or double espresso using either ground espresso or pods with this programmable espresso maker. The unit's 15 bars of pressure deliver consistently authentic espresso with excellent crema, while its stainless-steel steam nozzle makes it easy to turn an espresso drink into a frothy cappuccino or latte. Pre-programmed cup sizes include 1-1/2 ounces and 3 ounces. The espresso maker's 64-ounce reservoir removes for easy filling, and its steam button functions separately for convenience. Other highlights include a cup-warming tray on top, a removable drip tray and cover for easy cleanup, and a porta-filter holder with a locking mechanism, which makes it possible to quickly pump out wet grounds after each use. Accessories include a stainless frothing cup and a tamping tool with a measuring spoon. Beautifully designed in professional stainless-steel housing with an embossed Cuisinart logo, the espresso maker measures 10-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.
From the Manufacturer
The Quest for a Perfect Espresso

Water: When brewing espresso, make sure the water flows through the filter at the correct pace. The water flow can be adjusted by varying the pressure with which the coffee is tamped in the filter or by altering the grind of coffee. If the speed of the water is slow, the coffee will be over extracted and will be very dark and bitter, with a spotted and uneven crema (froth) on the top. If the speed of the water flow is too fast, the coffee will be under-extracted and the supreme flavor will not develop. The coffee will be diluted and there will be an inadequate amount of crema on the top.
Coffee: While the bulk of the liquid is water, all of the flavor should be from the coffee. To achieve the same great quality of coffee you receive at a cafe, you need to use the same quality beans. If you choose to grind your own beans, buy the beans fresh and whole, only about a two week supply at a time for maximum freshness. Once the coffee bean is broken, its flavor degrades very quickly. If it is not practical to buy smaller supplies, we recommend you separate larger amounts of beans and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry area. They should not be kept for longer than 1 month as flavor will diminish. Do not refrigerate or freeze coffee beans.
Grind: The grind of the coffee is critical for proper flavor extraction. If using a pre-ground coffee, be sure to purchase an espresso grind that is specifically for espresso/cappuccino machines. If the grind is too fine, over extraction and bitterness will occur with a spotted and uneven crema on top. If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too rapidly and there will be an inadequate amount of crema on the top of the espresso.
Tamping the Coffee Grounds: If you choose to use ground espresso instead of pods, tamping the coffee is a very important part of the coffee-making process. Use the scoop supplied to fill the filter basket, then using the tamping tool, tamp down the grounds with moderate pressure. Add more coffee and tamp again if necessary to bring coffee to level. Do not overfill the filter basket. The ground coffee should be tamped with moderate pressure. If the coffee is not tamped securely, there is a chance the water will flow through the coffee to rapidly and the coffee will be under-extracted. Note: if the coffee is tamped too firmly, the water will flow through the coffee too slowly and the coffee will be over-extracted.
Programming Your Espresso Machine
This Cuisinart espresso machine has programming capabilities. Based on cafe settings, the single and the double espresso functions are set to 1.5 and 3 ounce. However, by following a few simple steps, you can pre-program your perfect serving size down to the ounce. Easy to follow steps with illustrations are included in the Instruction Book.
Milk Texturing
Milk texturing is the steaming of milk. The steam does two things; its heats the milk and mixes the air with the milk for form a foamy texture. As with learning to make an espresso, perfecting the art of milk texturing takes time and practice.
Features and Benefits
  • Removable 64-ounce water reservoir with lid with 2 options for filling with water:

      Lift the lid at the top of the espresso maker and fill with cold or filtered water.
      Remove the reservoir to fill and then replace by pushing down firmly until the reservoir sets on the base flush with the unit.
  • Cup-warming plate for warming espresso cups
  • 15-bar pump
  • Manual Button: Used for a continuous pour of espresso
  • 1-Cup Button: Used for a single serving of espresso, 1.5 ounces
  • 2-Cup Button: Used for a double serving of espresso, 3 ounces
  • Program Button: Used to set the number of ounces needed
  • Steam Button: Used when making cappuccinos and lattes--will flash until ready for use.
  • Portafilter Holder: Can be used with ground or pod espresso--has two positions, lock and unlock, for ease of cleaning
  • Brew Head: For easy fit of the portafilter holder
  • Steam or Hot Water Control Dial: Use to activate steam or hot water
  • Commercial Steam Wand: Use to steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes
  • Removable Drip Tray: Removable drip tray with grate
  • Cleaning Pins: Used to clean any excess milk that gets stuck inside the steam wand or any coffee particles that get stuck inside the filter
  • Stainless Frothing Pitcher: Used for steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes
  • Measuring Scoop/Tamping Tool: Use one side as a coffee scoop and the other to tamp the coffee grinds in the filter basket
  • Filter Baskets: Use the one cup filter for a single espresso and the two cup filter basket for the double espresso, and the pod filter basket for espresso pods
Bringing the Good Life Home
Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long. Specialty items, like this espresso machine, offer today's consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends.
Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time.
Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today's relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

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1/12/2012

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

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

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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.

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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 glass 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.

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1/08/2012

Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, Brushed Metal Review

Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, Brushed Metal
Average Reviews:

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A very nice, straightforward coffemaker, makes good coffee with pre-ground beans, can be programmed to start when you want. A nice feature is that it can also be programmed to shut down when you want -- either right after brewing or up to 2 hours later. A bit on the noisy side, even without the grinder function on. Initial setup is easy. Please note that if you do not close *and latch* thereservoir cover, the machine will beep constantly and not brew until you do. Drove me crazy for about 15 minutes until I noticed that the cover wasn't fully latched. Although it does tell you that in the instruction manual, it's not immediately evident -- it's a line in the middle of lengthy instruction under #6 "Close Reservoir Lid", on page 8.

Update on Feb. 1, 2010
It was a learning curve to figure out how many scoops of whole beans to add for a good cup of coffee. A small scoop is included, with instructions to use one scoop per cup. However, the grind on this machine is fairly coarse, so it comes out a bit weaker than I'm used to. Adding a bit more each time took me over the top to "bitter," so it's hard to find a balance. I'm afraid I enjoy pre-ground coffee in this coffeemaker more than whole-bean.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, Brushed Metal

Product Description:
A perfect addition to any modern kitchen, this 12-cup automatic coffeemaker grinds whole beans right before brewing to produce a fresh and flavorful pot of coffee. Its 24-hour full programmability means the unit can be set for "wake-up" coffee or for having coffee ready when it's time to serve dessert--without having to get up from the table. In addition, its brew-pause function makes it possible to sneak a cup before the end of the brewing cycle. Smaller amounts can be brewed without any loss of flavor thanks to the unit�s 1- to 4-cup setting, and its grind-off feature allows for using pre-ground coffee. For added convenience, the coffeemaker provides a large control panel, adjustable automatic shut-off from zero to four hours, and a 12-cup (5 ounces each) glass carafe with a generous stay-cool handle and drip-free pouring spout. Accessories include a gold-tone commercial-style permanent filter and a charcoal water filter for removing impurities. The sleek-looking coffeemaker measures 12 by 9-4/5 by 17-1/2 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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1/06/2012

Saeco Bean To Brew 10-Cup Automatic Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel Review

Saeco Bean To Brew 10-Cup Automatic Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel
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** PLEASE SEE MY UPDATED COMMENTS ON BOTTOM OF THIS REVIEW **

I was an early adopter for the Krups KM7000 and generally had a good experience, contrary to the negative reviews found here on Amazon for that machine.For the purposes of this review, I will use the KM700 as a comparison.

I pre-ordered the "Saeco Bean To Brew" in July and I was slightly apprehensive about trying such a new product prior to any reviews.Saeco has a tremendous reputation for high end espresso machines.But, they have almost no U.S. presence in consumer level home products, especially for drip coffee.So, it was my hope that their high-end features and technology would trickle down to this product.And I am very happy to report that this wish has been fulfilled!The "Saeco Bean To Brew" is a winner as it outshines the KM7000 in several important areas.

Construction
What I really appreciate are the little details that separate the Saeco from other coffee makers that I've used and seen.The Saeco feels solid and well constructed.It is deceptively heavy.The lids are sturdy and require some effort to snap shut. The bean hopper has a rubber gasket, which when sealed, should prevent air and moisture from entering the container.This ensures that the beans will stay fresh.The water lid swings on a hinge and must be pushed tight to close.This gives me a feeling of security that the water will stay relatively free of impurities when I have the unit preset for a morning brew.

Features
* Steam vent - this ingenious feature reduces condensation during the brewing process by releasing the steam out the front of the unit, away from the beans.This keeps the exterior of the coffee maker nice and dry while keeping the beans away from temperature fluctuation.The Krups KM7000, in contrast, does not have a steam vent.The condensation from that unit would drip down the sides and eventually form a puddle on my counter... and, the beans in the Krups hopper are exposed to the heat and moisture.
* The standard glass carafe is typical for this style of coffee maker.However, a very nice surprise is that the Saeco brew capacity is 12 cups and not 10 cups as advertised here on the Amazon product description.
* Gold tone filter basket included - nice touch that Saeco included this in the box.I had to purchase the basket separately for the Krups.
* Charcoal water filter - another unadvertised feature.Amazon does not mention that the unit comes with a built in charcoal filtration system.Unfortunately, Saeco forgot to include the filter in my packaging, so I had to purchase a set of Cuisinart filters from Bed, Bath and Beyond.
* Noise level - not silent, but significantly quieter than the Krups.On weekends, the Krups grinder would wake me up... the Saeco does not.

User Interface
* Simplicity - the Saeco is dead simple to set and use.The instruction manual is not really necessary for basic use.The Krups was only a little more confusing because the clock is set in 24 hour (military time).The Saeco uses a common 12 hour clock which is easy to program.
* Front Panel - nice, easy to read, blue backlit LCD front panel displays the time, # cups, strength and timer on/off settings
* Audible Feedback - annoyingly LOUD beeps confirm your selections and when the coffee has completed brewing.This is a feature that I could have lived without... but, I guess it's ok if you want to be notified (from across the house) when your coffee is ready.

Cleanliness
I can confirm through experience that the primary complaint about the Krups KM7000 on Amazon was the mess that it would leave on your countertop.I am very happy to report that the Saeco does not suffer from these design flaws.The Saeco is very clean and does not spew grinds or water on my counter.Keep in mind that you probably shouldn't place the Saeco directly under a cabinet because the steam vents upward (like chimney smoke).

Taste
* Strength - I like strong coffee.And the Saeco only slightly disappoints in this area.My wife has always complained that the Krups coffee was too strong.She thinks the Saeco tastes perfect.I think that the primary difference between the two units is the volume of coffee grounds used.The Krups grinds much more beans than the Saeco for each cycle.I have learned to compensate for this by setting the grinder for 2 more cups than the desired amount.Example, I set the grinder for 12 cups but only add 10 cups of water.This results in a cup more to my preference.
* Aroma Setting - The conical burr grinder has about 8 different settings that affect the grind coarseness.Through trial and error, I have noticed that the finest setting (#1) is almost too fine.On this setting the coffee tends to clump together and not push out the shoot quickly enough into the basket below before the automatic door closes.I think that the optimal setting (for strong coffee) is probably #3.The grind consistency on this setting travels much more smoothly into the basket.

Customer Service
I had to call customer service to inquire about the missing charcoal filter.The service rep was very friendly, knowledgeable and apologetic.Unfortunately, she could not issue me a replacement filter because the coffee maker was so new that they did not have any in stock. The filter was on order from Italy... but, she didn't have an estimated delivery date.The service rep recommended that I find another brand filter that would fit in filter basket (Cuisinart).

Conclusion
Overall I am very satisfied with the "Saeco Bean To Brew" coffee maker.I am impressed with the quality and engineering of the product.With a little trial and error, it delivers a delicious cup of coffee.I rate the maker 4 out of 5 stars.I am deducting ? star for the missing filter and ? star for the slightly weak taste.It is important to keep in mind that the coffee maker can be tricked into brewing a stronger cup... and that the average person would probably be satisfied with the default settings.

** EDIT 12/6/2010 **
I've had this item a couple of months now and I'm taking another 2 stars off my original rating for two reasons:
1) The beans continually get stuck in the grinder.This results in very little ground coffee landing in the basket... and weak coffee.I was able to temporarily fix this by removing the grinder cover which was restricting the flow of beans into the grinder.Unfortunately the beans recently started getting stuck again.I don't know what else I can tweak to get them flowing without tapping on the side of the machine during the grinding process.
2) Amazon dropped the price of this machine by $70.I pre-ordered at the original full price of $149.I've missed my return window by a couple of weeks... to say that I am disappointed is an understatement.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saeco Bean To Brew 10-Cup Automatic Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel

Product Description:
The sleek stainless steel design of the Saeco Bean to Brew 10-cup coffee maker adds a modern and stylish finish that adapts to any kitchen decor. The sturdy conical burr grinder can grind up to 8.5 oz. of whole beans at the touch of a button. The sealed lid around the bean hopper ensures freshness and protects the machine from the atmosphere. The grind setting can be adjusted using 8 different settings, from fine to coarse. With the large steam ventilation area and easy clean window it allows viewing of the coffee grounds at all times to prevent clogging. The advanced control panel features a large blue backlit LCD and displays the many functions and settings of the machine. Cup selector, aroma selector, 24-hour programable timer, grinder off option and cleaning indicator light are all clearly displayed. Use the cup selector to brew your coffee specifically to the exact quantity you want to ensure freshness and aroma no matter how many cups brewed. The aroma selector lets you choose the strength of the coffee brewed from mild, medium or strong. If you choose to use pre-ground coffee; simply turn the grinder off using the grind off option and use the filter basket instead. When it is time for the machine to be cleaned a reminder icon will appear letting you know when descaling needs to be preformed.

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12/29/2011

Cuisinart DGB-900BC Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew Thermal Coffeemaker Review

Cuisinart DGB-900BC Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew Thermal Coffeemaker
Average Reviews:

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I chose this grind and brew after reading all of the reviews for this and similar machines. Frankly, I am surprised by the negative comments. This is an easy to use machine once it is set up properly (the bean hopper takes a little of effort to snap in). The coffee tastes great and the parts are very easy to clean quickly. While the instruction book is not clear, Cuisinart was very helpful on the phone. The machine does not know how much water you put in, so if you set it to grind coffee for 6 cups and you have 8 cups of water in it, it will process all 8 cups of water. Other than this small quirk, the machine is a small wonder and I do not feel compelled to go out for coffee in the morning. The thermos carafe will keep the coffee quite warm for a few hours, even when the carafe is not warmed up with hot water. Wondering why it took me so long to go ahead and buy this machine. This is the best model; my neighbor has the first generation/second generation machine which is hard to clean and has a large footprint. Save your money and buy this model!

Now that I have had the machine for a month and a half: It requires some cleaning to get the fine grounds that compress and stop the grinder and ground coffee to get into the filter for brewing. I use a bamboo chopstick and a skewer to break up the compressed fine grounds that impede the machine from working properly. (Unplug the machine and put it over the sink area). I also use compressed air to blow out the fine ground particles. Still, this is a small maintenance to allow for great coffee in the AM.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart DGB-900BC Fully Automatic Burr Grind and Brew Thermal Coffeemaker

Product Description:
Easily brew up to 12 cups of great-tasting coffee with this 24-hour fully programmable coffeemaker. The unit comes equipped with a built-in burr grinder, which automatically grinds beans right before brewing, and its grind-control function makes it easy to program the amount of coffee to grind--from 2 to 12 cups. In addition, its strength selector allows for choosing from strong, medium, or mild coffee. The unit's bean hopper holds up to a half pound of beans and comes with a sealed lid to prevent moisture. Other highlights include automatic shut-off after brewing, a grind-off option, and an integrated 2- to 4-cup feature, as well as a Gold tone commercial-style permanent filter and charcoal water filter to remove impurities, and a brew-pause function for sneaking a cup midbrew. A 12-cup (5 ounces each) double-wall insulated thermal carafe comes included, which seals in heat and freshness so the last cup tastes as good as the first. The coffeemaker measures 10-2/3 by 8-4/9 by 16-1/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

From the Manufacturer

The Cuisinart DGB-900BC Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew Thermal Coffeemaker

The Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal Coffeemaker

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12/08/2011

Cuisinart DCC-600RC 10 Cup Stainless Thermal Carafe for use with DGB-600BC coffeemaker Review

Cuisinart DCC-600RC 10 Cup Stainless Thermal Carafe for use with DGB-600BC coffeemaker
Average Reviews:

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I have a grind and brew that is the black plastic model that is the version that comes with the 12 cup glass carafe.I dropped the glass carafe in the sink and it cracked, bummer.I went to get another glass carafe and saw that the stainless thermal carafe was on sale so I bought it without realizing it was not made to use with the Grind & Brew model I owned.It fit perfectly and I was curious why they said "for use with stainless steel grind & brew only" and realized it is because the stainless thermal carafe holds 10 cups, not 12 like my glass one.

SO ANYWAY, what this means is that this thermal carafe works great with ALL Grind & Brew Machines, you just can't set the plastic Grind & Brew machines to make 12 cups of coffee since the steel thermal carafe will only hold 10 cups.NOT A BIGGIE and it's a wonderful bonus; I set my machine the night before and am awoken up by it going off in the morning and now I can have hot coffee without needing to fuss with putting the coffee in a separate carafe.Plus, it keeps it hot FOREVER; I have emptied the leftover coffee after work and it is still warm over 10 hours later.

I love it and highly recommend for any Grind & Brew machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart DCC-600RC 10 Cup Stainless Thermal Carafe for use with DGB-600BC coffeemaker

Product Description:
10 cup stainless thermal carafe

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12/06/2011

BUNN GRXB Original 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer, Black Review

BUNN GRXB Original 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer, Black
Average Reviews:

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I've had 3 of these in the last 10 years (I don't baby my coffeemakers, and eventually the hard water kills them). I am not the patient type, so I prefer the Bunn because it makes a full pot in 3 mins. I can start the coffee, get the cup and the creamer, and the coffee is ready.

I prefer this version over the newer one, as I am not too certain of the swivel lid on the newer ones remaining flat and not breaking.

I would recommend that you use the Bunn coffee filters, which are available at most stores. Anything else is probably too short to properly fit the filter container, and you'll get grounds in your coffee pot.

I also recommend using a pretty fine grind of coffee. That seems to get the best flavor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BUNN GRXB Original 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer, Black

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

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