Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review

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(More customer reviews)Update: November 23, 2008:
I regret to report that this coffee maker stopped working today, less than 3 years after I received it. The power light goes on, but the heating element doesn't heat, and the water doesn't flow from the tank. The warranty is only one year, so no recourse there.While I was very happy with the Braun while it worked, I would expect a fairly simple mechanism to last longer.

I'm not saying everyone's Braun will suddenly stop working at about three years, and I don't know how well other coffee makers fare. However, I do know that most Cuisinarts have a THREE-YEAR warranty at no extra cost. With that timeframe, I could have replaced this for free (or, no more than the the price of shipping.) SInce I gave pretty much a rave review of this product, I wanted all potential buyers to know of my experience with its durability.It may still be worth purchasing, but I can no longer recommmend it without reservation.ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This Braun coffeemaker brews coffee so consistently hot and very flavorful that, if Aaron Copeland had worked for an advertising agency (shudder), his moving composition, "Fanfare for the Common Man," could have promoted it.Fortunately, he didn't.

OK, that intro was a stretch. So, without further delay, let me sing the praises of this Christmas gift:

A.Temperature."It's not hot enough!" is perhaps the most common complaint about coffeemakers.We can divide this into two categories: First, the coffee is not hot enough when made, and second, the coffee does not stay hot after it is made.
1.The Braun KF 590 (also known as the KF590E) brews very hot coffee, when initially poured you couldn't take it any hotter unless you had damaged nerve endings in your mouth.As with any hot beverage, the coffee will stay warmer depending on the coffee cup's insulation qualities (thick walls, relatively narrow, perhaps pre-heated with hot water)
2.Temperature Duration.The carafe of my old Krups (Crystal Arome Time, #400 series) seemed to keep things warm for about 20 minutes; this was completely unsatisfactory and the main reason for wanting a new one.My new Braun (thanks Mom and Dad!) kicks Krups' butt in this area, keeping it hot for hours without a burnt flavor.The default setting (until automatic shut-off) is 2 hours of heat, but you can manually adjust it from 20 minutes to 3 hours.

B.Convenience of Operation:The Braun is relatively easy to use, but a limited number of buttons (4) and indicator lights (2) operate the clock, the automatic shut-off described above, and the automatic start-up (setting the time that you want the coffeemaker to begin brewing).It does take a bit of time to learn these programming features; I consulted the brief instructions for a few days before I got the hang of it.Once learned, it not easy to forget.I don't think this should bea factor in deciding whether to purchase this. The Braum brews coffee faster than in the old Krups, and like many machines, this one stops the coffee flow when the impatient (or the addicted) simply must pour a little java before all the water has run through.Noise level is about average, you can hear it brewing, but it's doesn't sputter loudly when done.Another contrast to the Krups is the nicely designed carafe handle and the ease of pouring coffee without spilling it.

C.Features:THE WATER FILTER-It's almost unbelievable that the instructions don't include the replacement model number for the "Braun Brita" water filter.They're not hesitant to tell you that it "improves coffee flavor by significantly reducing chlorine and also prevents calcification ... Provided that the cartridge is replaced regularly every two months, it not only brews better tasting coffee but can also extend the life of your coffeemaker by preventing [this gets redundant] calcification buildup.Braun water filer cartridges are available at your local retailer or Braun service centers."

WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU...Use the following to replace the "Braun Brita" water filter: The KWF2. (web citation: http://www.theessentials.com/jump.jsp?itemID=994&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C8%2C65%2C336&iProductID=994 ). As of this date, this costs $9.99 for a two-pack.At one filter every two months (see below), annual replacement (assuming no shipping) will cost you about $60, or about 75% of the current Amazon.com sale price.Braun and Brita executives must be in their cups about this sweet little arrangement they've brewed.

As stated immediately above, Braun's manual recommends that you buy a new water filter every two months, but the Braun-linked website above tells you to replace it every 70 brews. Depending on your consumption, that could easily take three or four months, not two. Also, running vinegar through the machine twice should dissolve most or all of the calcification, and one can always just buy bottled water.

Big Brother Braun reminds you that it's time to change the water filter with a small but cheesy-looking 12-month "time for a new filter" dial on top.This is a slightly annoying and unattractive feature onan otherwise stylish machine.There's a permanent (but removable) "gold cone" filter, the type of filter that most aficionados prefer for its superior brewing properties.It appears you can buy a replacement filter at Amazon.com, although other than an accidental tear or accumulated stains (which can be removed with baking soda and scrubbing), the filter should last for years. However, it doesn't look gold and it's not clear to me whether there really is a gold coating over the fine steel mesh. One can manually swing out the filter holder, or lightly push a small silver button atop the machine.Very nicely done.

D.Maintenance:Very easy: Wipe off the outside, run vinegar or water through it, and take out the gold cone filter and run water over it. Because part of the holder for the gold cone filter is metallic, it is supposedly not dishwasher safe, the manual recommends wiping it down with a damp cloth with a small amount of dishwashing soap if desired.I didn't see any metal parts except the metallic exterior of the holder; personally, I'm gonna dunk the thing. Since the manual is so incomplete, you may want to copy the "authorized" Braun Service Center number:1-800/272-8611.

E. Where to Buy Accesories:
1.The KWF2 Water Filter:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000062UH2/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=284507
2. Gold-Tone Filter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007W04A2/qid=1137279064/sr=1-12/ref=sr_1_12/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=284507

F.The Bottom Line:Easily one of the best coffeemaker out there, the Braun KF590 makes delicious hot coffee that stays hot, and it sells at a very reasonable price.I considered the Braun 600 "Impressions" machine because of its thermos-like carafe, but that feature is a double-edged sword, you can't see how much coffee is left.Aside from the small but ridiculous water changer dial on top, the chrome and black Braun 590 looks good and is moderately sized for its capacity.

Look at the reviews of the other coffeemakers and you may agree that this is the best one for the money.I will be updating this review in a few months to let people know about the Braun's durability.

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Product Description:
This stylish coffeemaker calls for ultimate coffee enjoyment thanks to its brewing technology delivering hot, fully extracted and aromatic coffee. The exclusive Brita® water filter further improves the flavor by reducing chlorine, but also prevents calcification.

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Capresso 455 CoffeeTEAM Therm Stainless Coffeemaker/Burr Grinder Combination Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to say, I'm more than a little confused by the negative feedback this coffee maker seems to be receiving as we've had quite the opposite experience with it-- in fact, we've been nothing short of ecstatic with its functioning.It's a bit counterintuitive at first, but once you get a feel for its system, this is a nice little pot.

My wife and I were committed to buying a suit-all-our-needs coffee maker right after our wedding, and after substantial research, we came up with this unit.

After witnessing my brother and his wife with their grinder/brewer combination, I was filled with envy-- I hate grinding coffee.The CoffeeTEAM combines a burr grinder with the brewer, grinding into a filter basket (with an included conical permenant coffee filter) on a spring mechanism which then swings to allow hot water to be forced through the beans.

Both the beans and water are top loaded into their chambers-- the bean chamber holds enough for about 18 cups of coffee, the water reservoir holds enough for 10 cups and has a cover that flips up that rests on top of the filter basket when it's used for brewing.

The grinder has a handful of sizes you can adjust the grind to-- I've kept mine fairly large as I've been using fairly oily coffee. The beans are ground and deposited into this little chamber.This next triggers a series of springs that push the grounds into the filter basket and swings the basket to receive water.

A few points about this process-- some residual beans are left in the little chamber after the grinding.These are used for the next pot of coffee-- I discovered early on if you clean this out, the next pot will be noticably weak (they warn you the first pot will be weak in the manual, but forget to mention this-- I suspect this is why one of the other reviewers had trouble with coffee being too weak).There's a thin piece of hard plastic with a rubber washer in the middle that fits over the top of the filter basket-- this MUST be fitted evenly and the rubber washer MUST be snugly attached.Additionally, the water reservoir must be down when you push the basket to the grinder.Not doing any of these will result in the spring mechanism not swinging the basket properly-- it took me a few tries to get this right, but there was no mess made and it was more a learning curve than anything else (the good news is that if the basket doesn't swing back, a fail-safe stops the brewing process).

The coffee is brewed into a thermal carafe which must be lined up carefully to prevent spillage-- I've yet to have this spill due to line up problems and I'm pretty impatient, it's not a hard process.We haven't tested to see how long it keeps coffee hot for, but it's at least 3-4 hours.My wife takes her coffee a couple hours after brewing and has no complaints about temperature or degraded taste.

Controls are pretty straight forward, there's two buttons and a knob that serves as a third button.The knob is used to program everything-- for both on-demand and timer-triggered brewing you can set number of cups to brew and strength, the clock, and the time to kick off brewing.The top button starts the brewing process immediately, the bottom button sets the timer-trigger brewing.

You can override the grinding by not swinging the filter basket over in case you want flavored beans, etc.I've not done this.Additionally, removing the carafe during brewing allows you to pour yourself a cup from the carafe, saving those goofy slide-the-carafe-out-and-cup-in games.I just revised my reviewconcerning this functionality as I used it for the first time this morning-- it is flawless-- carafe comes out, coffee stops, carafe goes back in, coffee restarts.Finally, the last feature of the coffee pot is a "descale" warning to indicate when you need to clean the coffee pot.In a previous review, I said this was missing, but it just came on for our maker.

All the coffee we've made tastes superb-- admittedly, I've been starting with good beans, first what we brought back from our honeymoon in Hawai'i and then from a favorite coffeehouse near where I grew up, but it's as good as any coffeemaker I've used.

Cleanup has been pretty easy so far-- we've had the maker maybe six weeks and the carafe has a wide mouth when you remove the lid so it's easy to clean (something I've hated in other carafes).The filter basket and associated components all come out and are easy to wash.I do wish the bean container could be removed, but so far, I've just been wiping oil deposits down per recommendations.The burrs are not accessible, so there's no way to clean then other than grinding no beans per recommendations.

Things I wish the maker had: a large bean container-- I'd love to have a unit that could just fit a half pound or a pound of beans-- I'm constantly having to pour more beans into it.This is a minor annoyance.Somewhat more lacking is a water filter-- my last coffee maker had this and it was a nice feature-- I've gotten around this by pouring filtered water into it, so again this is a small complaint.

None of these shortcomings are big enough to make me regret purchasing the unit, even at its price, it's served us well for the past several weeks and the coffee it makes it consistently fantastic.

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Product Description:
The Capresso CoffeeTEAM Therm is the only Coffee Maker/Grinder combination with a Thermal Carafe and Conical Burr Grinder.The completely new CoffeeTEAM Therm features a stainless steel thermal carafe to keep you coffee perfectly fresh, aromatic and hot for hours, without reheating.A stainless steel housing and simple on-button programming design with a new black-on-white illuminated display make this the most sophisticated Coffee Maker/Burr Grinder combination.With patented technology the CoffeeTEAM Therm grinds a programmed amount of beans directly into filter, then automatically swings forward and starts the brewing process.Simple, one-button programming design allows programmable coffee amounts for 4, 6, 6, 8 and 10 cups in mild, medium and strong strength.

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

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

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

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 43254 Ensemble 12-Cup Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe, Black

Product Description:
With its sleek contemporary styling, this 12-cup coffeemaker not only looks good on the kitchen counter, but it also provides an array of convenient features. The machine's user-friendly control panel and digital display ensure ease of use, while its programmable clock/timer function allows for waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A glass carafe comes included, complete with a stay-cool handle, measuring marks up the side, and a drip-free pour spout. For sneaking a quick cup of coffee midbrew, simply remove the carafe from the machine to pause the flow of coffee, then replace the carafe to continue the brewing process--a nice feature, particularly for those in a hurry for that first sip. Other highlights include a nonstick hot plate, two-hour automatic shut-off for safety and peace of mind, cord storage, and easy-to-clean removable parts. The matching Ensemble toaster, can opener, and blender can be purchased separately for a coordinated look. In black with stainless-steel accents, the coffeemaker measures approximately 11 by 8 by 14 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Bodum Assam 34-Ounce Glass Teapot with Stainless-Steel Filter Review

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(More customer reviews)Bodum design and quality has always intrigued me in both positive and negative ways.I have in the past easily broken a bodum glass item and yet I am still drawn into purchasing another product.

I've wanted the Bodum Assam 34-ounce cast-iron version for longevity, but the weight of it alone is too much to handle to brew tea.So I opted for this 34-ounce glass version which is very light and, like other Bodum borosilicate glass items, delicate.I have yet to break porcelain items by simple bumps while washing, but with a Bodum I am sure to crack them in time.

However, after much searching for a tea brewing device which affords functionality and simplicity, I fall for a Bodum yet again.

WHY?It is only this brand that features a tea press that stops the brewing process when the desired strength has been reached.

HOW?The loose leaves are placed on the center inside the stainless steel filter.When you want the brewing process to stop, the plunger pushes the leaves down the bottom of the filter away from the liquid and sealed by a silicon rubber ring surrounding the plunger.It's a simple ingenious design carried and modified from their coffee press.

PROS:

- Effective and ingenious plunger to create a tailored brewing strength depending on user, water volume and type of tea leaves
- Despite a thin glass container, surprisingly keeps the liquid hot for a relatively long time.
- Simple design makes an elegant product that matchces any interior as well as hand washing very easy.
- No spill in pouring.I was afraid the small lip may cause spilling while pouring, but I experienced none.No spills travelling down the wall after pouring as well.
- Glass version allows you to view the brewing the process and cater to your needs.

CONS:

- Thin borosilicate glass makes the tea press more fragile than you think.
- Plunger design is simple, but clumsy as well.Plunger stalk has to be aligned completely vertical or pushing straight down will be met with great resistance especially as the silicon rubs against the stainless steel wall.
- Loose leaves are not all contained on the bottom as some may escape thru the silicon seal and shred against the stainless steel filter wall.If this happens, the brewing process is not effectively and completely stopped.The leaves especially escape if you don't align the plunger completely vertically.(You will know what I am talking about when you own it and experience the same).VERDICT:

You have a choice between an extremely heavy cast-iron version or the extremely light glass version.I wish Bodum created a thicker-walled version in glass so I can still view the brewing process and have it less fragile than most Bodum products these days.

For the price, I really can't complain so I find myself purchasing yet another functional and patented Bodum product.Until another company has come up with an ingenious plunger system that is better built, I guess Bodum it will be for now.

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Product Description:
We set out with a goal to make an innovation in tea brewing and the patented Bodum tea press system was born.Brewing loose-leaf tea or tea bags has never been easier - or cleaner.The Bodum Assam Medium Tea Press serves 4 - 5 people and is made from durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass.Designed after the traditional teapot shape, the Assam embodies a more modern, spout-less look.To brew, simply set the durable stainless steel filter into the glass pot.Fill the strainer with the appropriate amount of your favorite loose-leaf tea.Pour hot water over the leaves, filling the pot.Then set the plunger/lid in place in the up position.Allow the tea to brew to your liking and then press down on the plunger.The press compresses the tea leaves below the infusion holes in the strainer; completely stopping the brewing process.The Assam Tea Press puts an end to bitter, over brewed tea.Once you press, you can rest assured that your first cup and your third cup will taste exactly the same.There's no need to remove the filter and there's no mess.What you have left is the true unforgettable and delicious taste of your preferred tea.Some teas can even be brewed a second or third time, making the Shin Cha tea press the perfect choice.Just stir up the tea leaves and fill the pot back up with hot water, repeating the process.It is a clean and easy way to enjoy loose-leaf tea whether it is black, green, white, blooming or herbal tea.The clear glass leaves the infusion remain visible at all times, making it a very attractive table piece.The Assam is dishwasher safe and the glass teapot is microwave safe.The glass Assam Tea Press is available in both small (2 cup - 0.5 l, 17 oz.) and medium (4 cup - 1.0 l, 34 oz.) sizes.This medium version has a 1.0 l, 34 oz. capacity.

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Big Berkey w/ 2 Black Berkey Review

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(More customer reviews)I L O V E T H I S W A T E R F I L T E R . . . ! Gravity makes it work (no electrical cost and works during power outages), two black Berkey filters lasts a year if you purify 3 gallons a day. CHEAP!I have two PF-2 filters added to mine to filter out the fluoride added to our city tap water (and any arsenic).

I have a sense of peace and satisfaction I have never gotten from another product other than maybe my first car. (I have mostly retired my car do the cost.)

Buy one of these babies SOON because there is and is no doubt going to be a run on good water filters. You'll be glad you did. (And NO I don't sell them nor do I know anyone who does -- though I sure would like to sell them).

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Product Description:
The versatile Big Berkey system is the ideal system for use at home with small or medium sized families, travel, outdoor activities or during unexpected emergencies.This powerful system purifies both treated water and untreated raw water from such sources as remote lakes, streams, stagnant ponds and water supplies in foreign countries, where regulations may be substandard at best. Perfect for everyday use, outdoor activities and a must in hostile environments where electricity, water pressure or treated water may not be available.The Big Berkey system removes pathogenic bacteria, cysts and parasites entirely and extracts harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents, radon 222 and trihalomethanes. It also reduces nitrates, nitrites and unhealthy minerals such as lead and mercury. This system is so powerful it can remove food coloring from water without removing the beneficial minerals your body needs. Virtually no other system can duplicate this performance.Constructed of highly polished 304 stainless steel, the system comes complete with two purification elements and utilizes the latest technological advances. This system has a storage capacity of about 2.25 gallons (8.5 liters) and when in use it stands 19.25" in height with a diameter of 8.5". The upper chamber nests within the lower chamber for transport and stands only 13" in height.Configured with two Black Berkey purification elements the system will purify up to 3 1/2 Gallons (13.3 liters) per hour.

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