Bodum The de Chine 34-Ounce Glass Teapot Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was initially attracted to this teapot beccause of the glass infuser; plastic infusers can turn brown after just a few uses (polycarbonate is a little better), so I decided to give it a try. The good news is that, yes, because the thing was made of glass, it did not stain.

The bad news was... that it was made of glass. Thin glass. This means that it can't retain the heat needed to extract the full flavors of some black teas, but this is something I can live with as I drink mostly oolongs and herbal.

Also, perhaps because of the glass, instead of holes in the infuser, water enters through little slits. This makes cleaning this thing a PAIN! Tea leaves get stuck in this slits, and the only way I could get them out was to actually floss the slits with dental floss! I can barely be bothered to floss my teeth! Another flaw in the product is the fact that the little lid falls off whenever you try to pour out the last 1/4 of the pot. This is often pretty jarring, considering it is made of glass. If you're a little too close to the edge of the counter, you could easily end up with a shattered top. It's not like it's easy to hold on, either. The little nub on the top of the pot gets... well, steaming hot, so it is uncomfortable at best to touch it for any extended amount of time.

The real kicker that broke the camel's back (or the infuser, in this case) came on a fairly chilly morning (I had left the window open in the kitchen, too). I put the leaves in, poured in the water stright of the boil, and crack! The infuser had cracked on the bottom between two of the slits. It's not broken... yet, but I really can't use it anymore. I like milk, honey and/or sugar in my tea, but not glass shards!

So anyway, I can't really reccomend this product at all. To sum up:

Pros:
- Pretty
- Glass infuser doesn't stain
- Infuser has enough room to let most kinds of tea bloom

Cons:
- Doesn't retain heat well
- Infuser is a PAIN to clean
- Lid falls off during routine pouring
- Infuser can break under thermal stress

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Product Description:
Brew your favorite loose leaf tea with ease in the stylish The de Chine Teapot with glass infuser.Just put the tea into theinfuser , add hot water, and let the tea steep to your liking.Because The de Chine is all glass, you can see the tea brewing, which allows you to let it steep just to your liking. Once it has finished brewing, just remove the infuser and serve.The lid acts as a trivet for the used infuser to eliminatedrips on your table or countertop.The de Chine is made from heat safe borosilicate glass.The 4 cup size is 32 ounce and yields 4 - 8 ounce cups of tea.

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Bodum 16-Ounce Travel Coffee Press and Tea Maker, Clear Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned this mug for a couple of years and used it primarily for camping. Dan from Rochester got it right with his commentary, so I'll add just a few points.

The concept is ideal for camping and reduces the effort to make really good coffee. However, the bad points regarding the plunger not going down far enough; leaking lid; etc. are all right on.Also, the cup is double-wall plastic for insulation. The inside sleeve on mine cracked when I poured boiling hot water in it!

I would certainly purchase a similar item again, though not this one. Bodum just needs to increase the quality.I would pay twice the price for higher quality.

Overall...not recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bodum 16-Ounce Travel Coffee Press and Tea Maker, Clear

Product Description:
There is no need to compromise on quality of coffee when you are out and about.With the Bodum Travel Press, you can take your coffeemaker with you.The travel press was designed so that you can brew your favorite coffee or tea and drink right out of the same tumbler.The double wall construction inusaltes your beverage and keeps it hotter longer while keeping your hands cool.The spill-resistant lid keeps the heat in when you are not enjoying your hot beverage.The Travel Press is simple to use.Simply add one or two scoops of your favorite coarse ground coffee or the appropriate amount of loose-leaf tea.Fill with hot water and screw the lid in place with the press in the up position.Allow the coffee to brew for 4-minutes (tea should brew 3-5 minutes or to your liking) and then press.Once you have pressed, open the lid and enjoy a balanced & flavorful cup of coffee or tea.To clean it up, just rinse out the grounds and handwash for best results.The travel press is a perfect brewing method if you just need coffee or tea for one, as well as while you are travelling, at work, camping or just out and about.Fits in most car cup holders.

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Bodum Shin Bistro Insulated 34-Ounce Double-Wall Glass Coffee Press Review

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(More customer reviews)I was searching for a drip coffee maker and just couldn't decide.I wanted a thermal pot...and then I remembered about a decade ago that I bought a Bodum coffee press and had THE BEST COFFEE I have ever tasted.I bought this and Bodum's Antigua burr coffee grinder and now enjoy consistently excellent coffee.This press makes two large mugs of coffee and keeps the coffee hot for a reasonable amount of time.

To get the most out of this press, I recommend buying whole bean coffee and grinding it as close to brewing time as possible.I put in 4 "Bodum" measures of coffee (they give you a measuring spoon) and fill with water just off the boil.

The coffee made with a press is strong, yet never bitter.It has depth and character that still amazes me.No more drip brew for me!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bodum Shin Bistro Insulated 34-Ounce Double-Wall Glass Coffee Press

Product Description:
Bodum, the original manufacturer of the coffee press, is always searching for the best way to serve a cup of gourmet coffee. The French press method of brewing is already accepted worldwide as the best way to brew coffee. We asked our design team to come up with the next best thing in French press brewing. One of the comments our consumers had about French press coffee was that the quality was great but there was no way to keep it warm while they enjoyed their weekend morning tradition of relaxing with coffee while reading the paper or watching the sun rise.Enter the new Shin Bistro Double Wall Glass coffee maker!The Shin Bistro Insulated Coffee Press keeps excellently brewed coffee hot and aromatic for nearly two hours.A highly sophisticated production process using double wall glass technology leads to a stunning thermal effect.. The inner beaker is machine-blown whereas the outer beaker is mouth-blown, perfecting the balance between insulation and product stability. The Shin Bistro features a black stay-cool, non-slip rubber handle. The body is made of high-tech, ultra-light heat-resistant borosilicate glass.The operation of the press is exactly the same as our original single wall versions. It is so simple to use.To clean, simply use a rubber spatula to scoop out the grounds into your garbage or compost and rinse the press well. You are now ready for your next brewing. If you prefer, you can also put the rinsed press into the dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning.Replacement glass beakers are available.Note: Coffee is measured in 4 oz. cups so an 8-Cup press brews 8--4 oz. cups. If you look at is from the standpoint of a traditional 10-12 oz. coffee mug, this coffeemaker will brew 3-4 servings

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IQ Innovations 51552 Fine T 4-Cup Gourmet Tea Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)The Fine T Tea maker from IQ innovations.

Good:
-Makes 4 cups
-Has a rinse feature for tea. Although I would like to tweak that a bit.
-Mostly stainless steal and glass.
-Mostly very well made.
-Self cleaning, handy.
-Infusion basket is full size, so the tea has room to expand. It also is removable, and easy to clean sense it is stainless steal. This was one major draw back of the Zarafina, it's infusion basket was only half the size of the amount you could brew.
-Timer, it can be set the night before to make you tea in the morning!
-Has an automatic function for a second brew.
-Keeps tea warm for up to 30 minutes.
Bad:
-Very little temperature control. I though this would be the best part of this machine, with the lcd display and menu interface I assumed I would have more temperature chooses then 205 and 160. This also is to cold for some Black teas, and a bit to hot for some white teas.
-It's huge! Well this really is not that bad, but it is almost twice the size of the Zarafina and does not really fit under my cupboards on the counter. Of course it does make 4 cups.
-Some oddly cheap plastic parts. For example the infusion lid is made of plastic and puts off a plastic smell when brewing black tea.
-An interface only a programmer would love. It is not terribly user friendly, yet it is not hard ether. It does end up being tedious to deal with.
-Bad viewing angle on the LCD, I am taller, and find myself leaning over to see it clear. If it had more features, I would be impressed, but when I can not even dial in a temperature I wonder why we need it for the basic settings. That is until you use the timer for tea in the morning, then you will like it.Over all it has a feeling of a beta tea maker. A great first attempt for them, but obviously has a few bugs and corners that were cut un-neededly. You can tell they really understand what is important about brewing tea, with features including the pre rinse, but for some reason they fumble with only two temperature settings. Maybe they had internal pressure to cut costs or to rush its release? The tea comes out tasting great. Sure it is not as good as a gung fu method, but it is fairly close if you do not have time to make it by hand. So long as you don't need to brew at a temperature besides 160 or 205. If this tea maker was not so expensive, I would be more impressed, but at a retail price of $299 I would not recommend it unless you really needed 4 cups at a time, would like to wake up to fresh tea, or are independently wealthy. Now if you can pick one up on ebay for cheap, then thats a different story.

Ignoring price, it is better then the Zarafina. But considering retail price, the Zarafina is a much better buy.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: IQ Innovations 51552 Fine T 4-Cup Gourmet Tea Machine

Product Description:
Making a cup of tea has become an easy, every-day ritual for many people, but now making perfectly brewed gourmet tea can be as well. This elegantly designed 4-cup tea machine works with any type of loose tea and features seven different settings, each with its own preset temperature and infusion time. The fully programmable unit automatically and precisely controls the water temperature and brewing time, while its simple push-button controls and digital display make for effortless operation. In addition, the unit's 24-hour programmable timer allows for waking up to freshly brewed hot tea or for having a pot ready after coming inside from a brisk walk on a beautiful Fall day. Other highlights include variable water temperature from 160 to 205 degrees F depending on the type of tea, a removable infusion basket and filter that swings out for easy cleaning, a hot plate that keeps the tea warm for 30 minutes, and a countdown function that turns the machine off after 30 minutes. The 1200-watt tea machine measures approximately 8-3/5 by 8 by 15-8/9 inches and carries a two-year limited warranty.
From the Manufacturer

Creating the Perfect Cup of Tea
The Fine-T gourmet tea machine combines the science of tea making with leading edge technology to enable you to not just enjoy, but savour perfectly brewed teas time after time. The Fine-T gourmet tea machine is fully programmable for all types of tea, water temperatures, and steep times, as water temperatures can vary depending on the type of tea you are using. The Fine-T machine takes care of this automatically.

Beautiful and Functional
Designed to brew any type of loose tea leaves, the beautifully styled 4-cup Fine T is the only electric tea maker that simultaneously and automatically controls both water temperature and brewing time with exact precision. To ensure that each cup of tea is brewed perfectly every time, whether it's robust black or oolong, more delicate exotic white tea, or fragile green tea, Fine T features 7 distinct settings that match the tea being used to its ideal water temperature and infusion time. Fine T also includes an eighth setting, a tea wash program which rinses leaves such as Puerh tea before brewing. A 24-hour clock and programmable timer makes it possible to preset brewing times, and for example, wake up to the pleasing aroma of freshly brewed tea each morning. Unlike coffee, which can be uniformly brewed at a certain water temperature, and for the same amount of time, regardless of the type of bean and roast used, tea is more complex and requires finesse in order to enjoy peak flavors and aromas.
Sleek and modern in its design, which combines gleaming chrome and black accents, Fine T resembles a high-end, programmable electric coffee maker in style and function. Simple to use, Fine T has a swing-out infusion basket to conveniently hold loose tea (one teaspoon of tea leaves per cup is recommended). Fine T's top lid lifts to pour fresh, cold water into the water chamber, which conveniently includes an outside water level indicator window for visual guidance. Additionally, the interior of the water chamber has a minimum and maximum water level mark. To operate, select the appropriate setting for the type of tea used with a push of a button. The tea maker's back-lit LCD panel will confirm the tea brewing setting chosen, showing the type of tea selected, the appropriate water temperature, and exact time required for brewing. Fine T takes care of the rest, heating the water to the correct temperature before it reaches the infusion basket, which is also heated to ensure the right temperature is maintained throughout the infusion process. Following an exact period of infusion, perfectly brewed tea is dispensed below into a heat-resistant glass carafe. A heated plate at the base of the unit conveniently keeps the tea at its ideal temperature, and is designed to shut off after 30 minutes so as to preserve the flavor of the tea. Features and Specifications

Back-lit LCD panel

24-hour programmable timer

Seven different settings covering all gourmet tea; each with its own preset temperature and infusion time

Comprehensive cleaning program to ensure the best results every time

Makes 4 cups of tea

Variable water temperature, from 160 to 205 degrees F

Removable infusion basket and filter; outside water level indicator

Hot plate that keeps the tea warm for 30 minutes

1200-watts

Measures approximately 8-3/5 by 8 by 15-8/9 inches

Two-year limited warranty

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Braun WK200W Aqua Express Electric Water Kettle, White Review

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(More customer reviews)We were recently in England and saw friends using an electric tea kettlethat was different than any we had ever seen in the U.S. I had to have one. When we got home I found this lovely Braun electric kettle and purchasedit immediately.It does all we expected.It has a large capacity so youdon't have to refill it constantly.It boils very, very quickly and shutsoff so I don't have to watch it.I love being able to take it to the sinkto fill it without dragging the cord.It's very easy to clean because itdetaches from the base.I like the large handle grip and the water windowon both sides.We use it for everything instant including soup.How didwe get along without it?

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Product Description:
Hot water anywhere, anytime! This electric kettle has a 4-way safety auto-off: when water has boiled, when lid is released, when lifted off the base or when there is no water remaining, the kettle shuts off. The large spout lets you fill the kettle easily and a push button releases the lid.

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Bodum Ceylon 51-Ounce Iced Tea Maker with Removable Infuser and Bonus Tea Sample Review

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(More customer reviews)The Iced Tea Maker is great for what it is. However, I could never access any instruction info on Amazon. It wasn't until I received the item that I found the method used to make the tea--You make half a pitcher of hot tea, then add water or ice to chill. It's a good product; I just didn't have full knowledge before. The item is certainly more civilized than the appliance Iced Tea Makers I was trying to avoid.

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Product Description:
The Ceylon iced tea jug from Bodum combines fashion with functionality. To use, simply add the appropriate amount of your favorite loose-leaf tea into the filter (also works with tea bags).Fill the pitcher one-half way with hot water just off of a boil.Allow the tea to brew to your liking then remove the filter and fill the pitcher with ice.Serve and enjoy. The Ceylon works with both hot & cold brewing methods.The durable SAN plastic will not hold flavors allowing you to brew different teas without affecting the taste.Hand washing recommended.Nature itself provides the most delightful tastes, and tea is one of them. Making ice tea in a natural way is fun and easy. You can experiment with your own tea blends and mixtures.The Bodum Ceylon Ice Tea Maker is simple and fun to use.The Ceylon doubles as a water infusing pitcher.For refreshing infused water, just add your favorite fruit or vegetable into the infuser chamber.Fill with ice and add water.Once the flavor has been infused into the water, remove the infuser and serve.This version includes a bonus sample of Republic of Tea's bestelling "Ginger Peach Tea" so tha you can brew your first pitcher on us!

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Mr. Coffee TM75 3 Quart Iced Tea Maker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had the old one with the orange top.That one has a top basket to hold the tea bags which incorporates a side lever to plug the bottom drain hole, and an overflow channel so just the last couple of cups steep the tea until you pull the lever to release them. The new one with the blue basket has done away with that lever (I'm guessing to cut costs) and just put a little bit smaller hole at the bottom.They also tell you to use a coffee filter in the basket in addition to the teabags themselves, which after all are little paper filters.This is probably to slow down the run-out of the tea to help it steep it a little bit longer.My favorite combination of bags is one bag or Celestial Seasons Red Zinger, one Lipton Mango, and two Red Rose decaf's.In the old one I would let this combination of tea steep for maybe 10 minutes, and it came out perfectly.Using the same bags with the new one makes *really* tasteless, watery tea.

I just found a new model that makes 3 quarts and has a dial on the front for what they call "brew strength".This is a decided advantage over the other revised model.Also, you get a quart more of tea per cycle.You pour the water directly into the unit, where there is a window on the front with markings for 1, 2 and 3 quarts.The container has markings for how much ice to use for 1, 2 and 3 quarts.This is a better design, IMHO.Also, the pitchers are shorter, so fit in more places in your fridge, and the handles don't attach at the pitcher bottom, so you can nest them for storage.This is a big advantage over the old style.The new one comes with 2 pitchers.You can turn them both upside-down over the base unit to save even more storage space.

My recomendation: don't buy the newer 2 quart blue basket model.Hold out for the 3 quart model.And here's the kicker- I found mine at Wal-Mart for $2.00 less than Target was selling the 2 quart model!

Once you get into the habit of drinking iced tea instead of soda, you'll never go back.The savings in calories, money and hassle of returnable bottles and cans will have you hooked.

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Product Description:
Make deliciously refresing great tasting Iced Tea in minutes. You can brew Iced Tea the easy way. Simply place Water in the Reservoir, place your favorite tea (loose or bags) in the brew basket and ice in the pitcher. You will have fresh iced tea in minutes.

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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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Oster BVST-TM23 2-1/2-Quart Iced-Tea Maker, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was looking for an ice tea maker with a glass pitcher.Liked the way this one looked.Bought one, worked fine for a few days, then it wouldn't turn on any more.The on button would fail to 'click' and light up, as it had before.Nothing.Thinking maybe I had gotten a lemon, decided to try a replacement since as I mentioned in the title, I really liked it, when it WORKED.

Got the second one, very quickly.I've had it for a few days now.Made about 4 or 5 batches of tea with it.I went to make another one just now and...nothing.It won't turn on just like the first one.I don't know for sure, but I suspect it may have something to do with the automatic shutoff feature.I've tried unplugging and replugging it, but it made no difference, with either one.There is nothing in the instructions to address this.I'm going to call the help center, to see if there's ANYTHING I could be doing different, seeing how it's two of these now that have done this, but at this point, it looks like I'll be requesting a return label for this one as well and sending it back along with the first one I got, only for a refund this time, which is too bad, as I really wanted this to work.

If this can be corrected in any way after I speak with the service department, as to possibly make it work, then I may change my review, but for now, I can only give it the one star for breaking so quickly and failing to function.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oster BVST-TM23 2-1/2-Quart Iced-Tea Maker, Black

Product Description:
Coffee drinkers have their automatic brewers, why shouldn't tea drinkers? Ideal for family gatherings or summer picnics, this versatile machine brews up 2-1/2 quarts of iced tea quickly and easily. Simply pour water into the water reservoir and add the desired amount of tea to the removable brew basket--five to seven bags of tea or 2 to 3 tablespoons of loose tea work well when brewing a full pitcher; sugar, lemon, and other flavorings can also be added to the brew basket for customized results. Then fill the pitcher with ice cubes to the ice-level marking and insert into the machine, close the top lid, and push the "on" button. The water heats up and steeps the tea in the brew basket, then hot tea drips down into the pitcher of ice. At the end of the brewing cycle, the machine shuts off automatically for safety and peace of mind. Other highlights include a power indicator light, a water window in the reservoir for accurate filling, an adjustable brew strength, and a permanent filter for use with loose tea. The pitcher provides a lid, a generous handle, and a nondrip pouring spout for graceful serving, and the pitcher, pitcher lid, and brew basket clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The iced-tea maker measures 11 by 10 by 13-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I drink tea like you breath air, but I'll bet my air against your tea that this is the maker you'll want.

We had a Mr Coffee tea maker for years. It was fine at first, but increasingly problematic.

First, physical weaknesses: The pitchers crack and warp slowly but steadily, so won't last forever. You can replace them for about ten bucks, but with shipping that's half the cost of an entirely new unit. And you can't put them in the dishwasher, so you'll probably want at least several up front anyway, so that you can clean them.

Second, cleaning problems. Unlke the Hamilton Beach tea makers, the Mr Coffee bags go in the brewing housing, which has to be removed and cleaned separately from the pitcher. And if you forget to do that, you'll have yucky (even moldy) tea bags the next time you go to make tea, even if that's within two days.

Hamilton Beach instead keeps the bags' brewing area inside the pitcher itself, which you can refridgerate and prevent yuck and mold from occuring. Plus, the Mr Coffee station drips TEA on the counter as soon as you remove the pitcher, whereas the Hamilton Beach only drips WATER since the tea process is all contained in the pitcher itself.

Further, the Mr Coffee series requires that the pitcher get very close to the brew housing station, with the tea just BARELY getting into the spout, or else you'll get tea dripped on the counter WHILE brewing. That messiness increases as the pitcher begins to warp and crack. Hamilton Beach bests that both by including a pull-out tray that HOLDS the pitcher in the correct position, and by having the tea drip directly to the center of the pitcher rather than milimeters from the edge of the spout.

Above all, the Hamilton Beach series simply makes better tea. It includes a dial that allows you to make weak, medium, or strong tea, and that's all automated. The Mr Coffee series has no such setting, but requires you to "close" the brewing area for a period and then turn a dial to "open" before it starts putting tea in the pitcher. That manual step both slows down the tea production, and risks making quite the mess if you forget to go back and open the dial.

(The reviewer who used 14 bags for 2 quarts is doing something insanely wrong. Above all, they're probably using individual bags. You'll definitely want to get a few boxes of "family size" bags. I use 3 bags for 2 quarts, and it makes as fine a tea as I ever had growin' up in Georgia.)

Finally, the Mr Coffee pitcher is a large and obtrusive ROUND cylinder that takes up lots of space in the fridge, even when there's only a glass or so left in the pitcher, plus a handle that takes up excessively additional space. The Hamilton Beach pitchers are instead elongated OVAL shapes, that fit in more places in the fridge, even in the fridge door, and are *shorter* so that you can put them on a shelf with a lower overhead.

Mr. Coffee: bigger mess, more manual, more cleaning, more risk, lower longevity, and lamer tea.

Hamilton Beach: no mess, no manual revisit, easy to clean, no risk, lasts longer, better tea, and more options when you make it.

No contest!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker

Product Description:
Make perfect iced tea and chill instantly with this electric easy to use iced tea maker

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Glass Tea Cup Thermos - 12 ounce Review

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(More customer reviews)Whenever I evaluate items, especially food-ware like tea pots, I am very focused on how easy it is to maintain them. The glass tea thermos comes with three main components - 1 double-walled glass thermos bottle, one
metal strainer, and 1 plastic cap covered with some shiny metal finish on the outside. For those that are comparison shopping, I chose this item because I only make tea for myself and hate over brewed or cold tea I can't finish in time, and I wanted to avoid plastic bottles because of concerns with hot food in plastic as much as possible (yeah, I know the cap is plastic but it's not necessarily in contact with the hot water if you don't fill it up all the way).

The bottle has a good weight to it and seems sturdy for a glass container. Though the opening is too narrow to put your hand in it, it is glass so it shouldn't be too difficult to keep clean if you have the right cleaning tool. It is big enough to squeeze a sponge through it, so I've been doing that.

The metal strainer has a little handle that you can tilt to get it out of the way or so that you can pull on it to take it out of the bottle (just imagine the handle on a shopping basket). The strainer can snap into place in the bottle so that it won't fall out when you're drinking from it or pouring tea out of it. Cleaning it is tough, however. It's small and has little bends and the edge of it is a little sharp on the sides because it's a thin piece of metal. It's sturdy, however, but it's impossible keep the tea stains off with a sponge. I've been using cotton swabs and it's working for now.

The plastic cap also appears to be of good quality construction and, for better or worse, it screws on without too many turns. I did a simple test of putting the cap on and turning the thermos sideways and upside down and no water leaked out, but it is a glass thermos so I wouldn't recommend being too rough with it. Cleaning it thoroughly also required a cotton swab because of the cap's leak resistant design. However, I expect that it will be easier to keep clean than the strainer since it's doesn't come in contact with the tea as much. If you want to try to visualize it, it reminds me of a screw-on cap (like a cap on a jar, but taller) with the leak resistant plug on a coffee thermos.

Now here's the kicker that might turn you men off from the thermos. The one I received does not have that picture of the bamboo stalks on it. Instead, I got one that has a picture of a flower pot with flowers, an opened book in the center of the design, some fence thing in the background, and some small Chinese characters on the side. I found the bamboo stalks elegant, but the flower pot thing more on the pretty side. Since it's just a tea thermos, I was okay with it (I'm male in case you were wondering), but it was disappointing since it wasn't what I had expected. FYI, I bought mine directly from the Summit Tea Company website since they sold a variety of green teas on there and charged me only one flat rate for shipping all 4 of the items I had ordered. I contacted them about the picture so maybe the image has changed by the time you read my review, but just thought I let you know.

Overall, a solidly constructed product with some cleaning hassles (though, what tea/coffee product doesn't?), and not necessarily the same picture as the exact item.

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Product Description:
This customer favorite is now available in glass and stainless steel! This tea thermos allows for multiple tea infusions throughout the day. Just add a pinch of your favorite tea and hot water. The tea leaves will unfurl and sink to the bottom of the cup. The removeable stainless steel tea filter keeps the leaves out of the way while you enjoy your favorite brew. By keeping a small amount of water to cover the leaves, you can enjoy another cup by adding hot water when you are ready for your next cup.

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Eight Cranes PS-PC101 Perfect Steeper Portable Loose Leaf Tea Brewer and 8-Ounce Tea Cup All In One, Stainless Accents Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been evaluating the Eight Cranes Perfect Steeper on a daily basis for the last 30-days or so.I must admit that I really like the product.What I enjoy the most is its portability and rugged construction.I can take it anywhere with me, even on an airplane, add a teaspoon of tea, and all I need is access tohot water.Within minutes, I'm sipping a perfectly steeped cup of my favorite tea.I conveniently prepare a second and third infusion, which I enjoy just as much as the first.You have developed an outstanding product, and I wish you all the best in successfully marketing it to tea lovers everywhere.

Chas Kroll, Certified Tea Master
Executive Director
American Tea Masters Association

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Product Description:
Eight Cranes "Perfect Steeper" is a portable tea brewer and 8 ounce tea cup all in one attractive unit. Double-walled chambers with high tempered glass inside and Polycarbonate outside with stainless accents. It provides an easy way to brew high quality loose leaf tea without the mess of a traditional teapot and cups. Simply remove the top (steeping chamber) from the cup and add hot water to the cup. Replace the steeping chamber and secure snugly to the cup. Next remove the lid from the steeping chamber and add loose leaf tea. Replace the lid and slowly invert the steeper so the steeping chamber fills with water, and allow the tea to steep for 1-3 minutes. Slowly return to the steeper to its upright position allowing the water to drain back into the cup. Remove the steeping chamber and drink from the cup. The Polycarbonate outer wall makes this great for portablity, traveling, use at home, office or wherever you travel.

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Bodum The de Chine Personal Tea Glass With Filter Review

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(More customer reviews)This little cup is wonderful for lovers of loose tea. I have to disagree with another reviewer who found it hard to clean the little slits on the bottom; I have had absolutely no trouble with this - a couple of quick rinses gets all the tea leaves out, and none have become impossibly stuck. I really love the design - especially that you can remove the inner glass with the wet tea leaves and place it into the lid - no more waiting around by the sink to dump out the tea leaves after steeping, I can just bring the whole thing to the table as soon as I pour the water in. It is also very delicate and attractive. Truly a wonderful product!

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Product Description:
Brewing just one cup of tea is easywith the personal The de Chine infuser set.The infuser fits right into the the included cup.Just add your loose leaf tea, pour in hot water, and let the tea steep to your liking.When you are finished brewing , the included lid acts as a trivet for the used infuser, or as a lid for the cup that will help keep your tea warm.This item is great when you don't want to brew a full pot.The de Chine Personal infuser is great for the office, home, or as a gift.

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Chef's Choice 678 Cordless Electric Kettle Review

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(More customer reviews)I like this product and I use it nearly every day - it goes well with a french press, and heating water to 200 deg F is its primary function. At other times I used it to help a large pot of water (for cooking pasta) come to a boil much sooner.

Things to note:
- The brushed exterior is convenient, it doesn't pick up smudges like a polished one would

- The 2qt capacity is great when boiling water for a larger pot

- It's fast. It gets water to a boil very quickly, especially if you don't fill the whole pot - 1qt will boil really quickly, not just in half the time of 2qts

- The indicator window gets steamed and is barely of use. OK, I see how much to not fill it (Max line)

- The switch appears flimsy but there's not much to stress it

- A subtle red light indicates the switch is on. Initially I used to leave the switch on after pouring out the water, but now I know what to look for. At this point I don't regret that it could have been brighter, because it stays subtle in the kitchen. In a multi-user kitchen you might want to mention that the ON indication is very low-key.

- When boiling, the kettle takes a bit more delay than I'd expect to switch off and indicate the water's boiling (with a quiet click). By that time the sound of bubbling alerts me

- I haven't detected any weird smell, I did two boils with fresh water before using it

- The spout is definitely designed for slow pouring. It doesn't spill a drop. However, if you're trying to dump the water out really fast, like into a large pot, slow down or you'll get a trickle down the sides because the spout won't handle the volume

- There's a fine mesh filter across the spout to catch any scaling if it ever occurs (not seen it yet but I have an undersink filter) and I remove that to stick a thermometer to catch it short of boiling. Would have been nice to get something where I could simply set the temperature rather than monitor the kettle - but that would be a different product altogether.

- The lid is nice, opens gently

- I wondered whether I could heat vegetable stock in it, but I think that better be left to the 670 or 675 that you see on Good Eats - the electric hot pot that looks like a kettle but with perfectly vertical sides. This has a tube in it and its shape won't lend well to thorough cleaning. I'll stick to water.

- It feels like it sits loose on the base, but that's what makes it easy to pick up and put down. The base doesn't get lifted with the kettle, so it's nice in that. The cord is solid and has a three-pronged plug at the end.

All in all, it feels solid and can do what it's supposed to do. I fault it a star for trickling when I try to pour the water very quickly, and for the odd placing of the level indicator, the difficulty of being able to reach in and deep clean anything. I'd probably give it 4 1/2 stars if that was possible.

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Product Description:
Boil water more quickly than a microwave for tea, coffee, hot chocolate or instant soup. Generous 2.0-quart capacity with an exterior water gauge for easy measuring. The powerful 1500 watt heating element is hidden beneath the stainless floor of the unit, so it's never in contact with water, eliminating build-up of mineral deposits on it and allowing for easy clean-up. The revolutionary cordless design allows the kettle to be lifted from its base for convenient filling and serving. Handsomely constructed of high-quality brushed stainless steel, the kettle ensures several years of service. The automatic shut-off, double boil-dry safety shut-off and lid-lock features guarantee safe use UL listed. One year warranty.

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Bodum Assam 4-Cup Tea Press Teapot Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this with the bodum tea warmer (the electic one they sell here) and use it every morning at work. It is WONDERFUL, as I can brew up tea or just have hot water on hand for teabags or my chai tea mixes. There's a hot water tap at work from the coffee maker, so it's simple to fill up. If I had this at home, I'd get a 4-cup pyrex cup so I could microwave that much water at once.
CLEANING:
You use a scrub brush every few days if needed. One of those yellow sponges with green scrubbies on them. The infuster does NOT hold on to flavor unless you are simply not washing it. The infuser is plastic, so if you don't actually wash it off but just run water over it, yes it will retain odor/taste. You have to have a semi abrasive action to take off whatever hangs around. Really not an issue if you aren't a completely lazy bum. Takes me about 30 seconds to run a scrubby sponge around the inside and outside and I only need to do that if I've left it sitting around for hours on end with strong tea leaves inside.
The plunger does NOT get stuck unless you are a complete weakling or have a defective product. There's suction at work once you've pushed it all the way down, so of course it won't glide up smoothly with a light tug. I probably use more strength opening a jar of jam than I do lifting the plunger.
Combine this with the warmer and you've a GREAT product. You can have tea on hand for hours and sip your mornings away.
They also sell a 2 cup and a 6 cup model. Judge how much you might drink and then pick the one that suits you best. I sometimes wish I had the 6 cup one instead, as I find that if I have that much tea on hand at my desk, it's very easy to drink and suddenly find it all gone without thinking about it. I love it.

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Product Description:
Bodum Assam 4 Cup Tea Press Black 34 Oz. - Bodum 1844-01GVP

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Hamilton Beach 42115 3-in-1 Hot-Beverage Center, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is replacing a 4 cup Melitta coffeemaker (couldn't find a replacement carafe that would fit the brewer, which sat atop the pot).
This appealed to me in that this product has the following good features:

1) no pot/carafe to crack or clean
2) no waste (since you didn't have to brew 1-3 cups to get 1 decent sized mug + waste)
3) no hot plate/pot to turn off - nothing to worry about if you started a brew and then were unexpectedly called away or forgot about it
4) no paper filters required (but see below)
5) looks interesting - doesn't look like a coffee maker, takes up less space on counter, easier to keep clean.

I read some reviews - good and bad- and decided to get it anyway. AM SO GLAD I DID- I REALLY LIKE THIS THING!

Reasons:1)-4) above, plus:
5) water resevoir + filter assembly is dishwasher safe (top rack)
6) capability of using pods (I wasn't about to buy an expensive 'pod-processor', so this is a very nice 'perk' - pun intended! ;o)

Very easy- load it up, walk away, come back to beverage.Lovely!

Some tips to head off any/all problems-

1) Read the manual.Hey, things happen, but really - use COLD WATER ONLY.

2) If brewing multiple cups- WAIT AT LEAST 30 SECS after light goes off before starting another brew.To be safe, I wait a full minute- have not had any problems.

3) I could see the potential for 'filter fouling', so I buy generic #4 Melitta filters (huge pack can be bought for <$2/pk) (& since #1s are almost impossible to find/expensive).I cut them down to fit the little filter basket, and I can go back n forth from tea to coffee to hot cocoa to soup without carryover effects (dump out coffee & rinse assembly after coffee).
4) Be careful with pushing down on plastic parts- again- read the manual. You might have to double-check to be sure that the water resevoir is pushed in all the way some times (it happened to me once).Use the handle/flap assembly to open/close the filter assembly - this is covered in the manual.

I agree- it would be nice if this were made more robustly (less plastic), and I do worry about the ability to get a replacement brew basket if need be. But I paid less than $20 for this (at Meijer), so can't complain.

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Product Description:
From fresh-brewed coffee to tea and hot chocolate, this single-serve three-in-one hot-beverage center makes them all--directly into the cup and in less than two minutes per cup. The versatile unit can drip-brew coffee grounds or coffee pods, steep tea bags or leaves, and make hot water for instant hot chocolate, cereal, and soups. It can even make iced tea and coffee. Configured to offer the ultimate in flexibility, the appliance accommodates any size travel mug, cup, or bowl, and its two-level cup stand reduces splatter. The unit also comes equipped with a removable 14-ounce water reservoir, which slides out like a drawer and offers measurement marks for easy filling at the sink. Providing added convenience, its compact design takes up minimal space on the counter--great for the home office, college dorm, or for anyone short on kitchen space. Other highlights include a stainless permanent filter with a built-in pod adaptor, automatic shut-off after brewing, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. The hot-beverage center measures 8 by 7-1/2 by 12 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Bodum Chambord Coffee Press Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Okay, to some the idea of using a French press coffee maker is a little too precious, bordering on snobbishness. I used to be in that boatuntil a few hours ago.Tonight on a whim, I purchased this Bodum French press.Now I should warn you readers that it is generally NOT a good idea to test out your shiny new french press when you are getting home at 10:30pm on a Monday after spending way too much money at Target when you just ran in to get "dog food".I write this review so heavily caffienated that I will probably stay up until dawn tonight re-organizing my closets or alphabetizing my CD collection or doing some other useless task.Despite being a dailycoffee drinker (of the muddy variety the office's Bunn machine churns out), one cup from the french press has knocked me into the stratosphere, and that alone is worth giving this product 5 stars.

My caffiene overdose aside, this press produces the best coffee I have ever had at home, and it truly rivals or surpasses coffee I've had at coffee houses.It's slightly more involved than using an automatic maker, but not difficult at all. The unit itself is pretty sturdy, and looks lovely.

French press coffee is a great alternative to using those smaller 1-2 cup automatic drip makers.Being single, I've gone through my share of those, and the coffee they make alway seems about ten times worse than the coffee from a normal-sized drip maker.If you like to make a large pot of coffee and drink it throughout the morning, I would suggest picking up a good quality carafe or thermos to keep the coffee warm.

Pros:

-Best tasting coffee you'll ever have at home, period.
-Strong, full bodied flavor
-Pretty easy to prepare
-Impress your friends with your snobby european coffee-making ways:)(looks good on your counter too)
-Great for making small amounts of coffee, for one or two people.
-Priced about the same as a ho-hum auto drip coffee maker with noextra bells and whistles, yet makes coffee a million times better.
Cons:

-More cleanup than using a automatic drip maker
-No heating element to keep coffee warm.Use a thermos/carafe if you want to sip several cups over a few hours.
- 8-cup capacity is based on a 4oz beverage size.Not really a "con" but something you should be aware of.If you had a large group you were making coffee for, it might get a little tedious to be constantly making a fresh batch of coffee.

Couple other notes:Coarsely ground coffee is recommended.This is no problem for people that already buy whole bean and grind their own, but it will be an extra step for some people.Also, I recommend picking up an Aerolatte milk frother if you want to make truly effortless cappuchino.I find that there's plenty of time to warm some milk in the microwave and froth it up while the coffee brews for 4 mintues. A $20 Aerolatte milk frother + $24 french press = coffeehouse coffee at home, whenever you want it.That's really a tiny investment for coffeehouse quality java!

I also purchased a smaller 1-cup Bodum press to take to work.Tomorrow I plan to smile smugly while my co-workers chug down the crap that comes out of the Bunn machine.If my boss is really nice, I may let him use it too.Maybe.

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Product Description:
Commonly known as a French press or a plunge pot, these coffeemakers are fixtures in many European homes. Stylish and efficient, this is the brewing method of choice for many coffee connoisseurs.

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