I’ve been coffee connoisseur over 32 yrs (for my own taste of course) – why – that’s when I found sobriety – someone early on introduced me to imported whole bean coffee – gourmet coffee, my taste again, has been a special thing I indulge in daily without fail.
My routine – fresh ground/brewed, whipping cream I buy by the quart, and artificial sweetener. Have modified cream options, and sweeteners to save calories, cost – go back to original – I’m worth it as they say.
The only thing that has changed over the years are various coffee makers I’ve tried/used – from simple to most complex, counter or under cabinet. Have to say this is best/nicest I’ve used so far. Here’s why.
Sleek/attractive, black/stainless hard combo to beat for wipe down keep clean. Counter footprint 8″W x 10″D x 13″ H. Is relatively/very light weight since no heating element in the base, no counter heat up while in use, brew hot – coffee goes directly into Thermal Carafe.
Carafe stays cool to touch – switch from all previous models that had glass carafes – always conscious of being hot before – nice benefit. I do out of habit pull out from wall – just to keep eye on – haven’t noticed any steam coming from unit while brewing – took 10 minutes to brew full pot (12 cup) – regular brew, options include 1-4cup – information brochure quite complete for all taste, measuring, hints, storage, etc.
One thing I missed – went right to using without instructions – they do suggest filling carafe with spigot hot water for a few minutes just to “pre-warm” the inside. Though didn’t do – coffee was still steaming when going back for my 2nd – 4cup large mug fill up after 4 hours.
I would rate taste/flavor/quality superb for use so far – guess I’m the only one that can mess up – if an error made. This new model replaced a super basement bottom featured model – am retired – looked just for reliability, quality, counter footprint – ease of filling.
I keep/kept my coffee units to left of my kitchen sink – have pull out spigot – this model, as previous ones, have side clear fill side on right side so can just fill right from spigot. An added feature if stars align.
Otherwise just use carafe to fill from tap and into unit. Auto turn off after cycle runs – nice safety feature, while keeping coffee hot, not good to keep on warmer plate for any length of time since change flavor even if ever so slightly – sure one notices if gets the last cup out of a carafe that has been setting on warm for hours – turns bitter.
Lots of programmable features, clearly defined when/how to use in brochure. Clock keeps extremely accurate time – to all others in house. Control panel offers “Fresh Brew Timer” – how long its been since the cycle completed.
When I worked – would always pre program start brew time so ready when I got up – always started day early – still do – since only 10 minutes to run cycle – just push “on” button when get up – I do “pre-load” my coffee set up after I’ve finished my coffee for the morning – pre-grind coffee beans, place in coffee filter, fill up unit base to 10 cups water line, close lid, push back against wall til next day – pull out to start again next day/time.
Regular time and “Auto Brew Time” (up to 24 hour timer) easy to set. If power interrupted, time and Auto Brew will both need to be reset. There is a Brew Strength option, regular, strong, bold. To each his own on this one – have always done regular – since drink 10-12 cups in caffeine liquid daily.
Saw an article that caffeine stays in the system for 8-12 hours after drinking depending on strength – since like to have my system clear of caffeine at night – limit it only to morning hours. Passed that along since saw on reliable medical program on how to improve sleep – never heard the specific factoid before – though did know caffeine affects body systems/nerves.
Most people have their own preference for coffee – and just appreciate subtle quality changes as their palates improve. This is a great starter unit for anyone just getting into drinking coffee, or one who has found their own passion level for coffee.
Like pre-grind to whole bean – whipping cream for smoothness – what a difference!!! PS – Coffee Grinders can be purchase for a relatively small amount – about 4″W x 8″H. My very 1st one 32 yrs ago was a spice grinder – things have come a long way!!!.