Top Buy! The Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 46201, coffee maker, hamilton beach Leave a comment

Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Looking for a coffee maker that’s affordable and comes with a programmable clock? The Hamilton Beach 46201 may be the perfect choice for you. This model is not only backed by the reputable Hamilton Beach brand, but it also brews a delicious cup of coffee.

Hamilton Beach Quality

The 46201’s hard plastic and metal exterior are both durable and easy to clean. The carafe is durable, this model is on wheels for easy movement, and the coffee filter holder even swings out for convenient removing and replacing.

For a lower-priced coffee maker, Hamilton Beach definitely didn’t skimp on quality or features for this model. Below is a list of the core features:

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker.

Design & Features

There’s a lot to like with this model, including:

12-cup brewing capacity
Bold and regular brewing options
1 – 4 cup brewing options
Adjustable warmer
Pause and serve options
Nonstick warmer plate
Swing out coffee filter
Removable water reservoir

Hamilton Beach allows you to adjust the brew power for a bold or normal brew taste. You can choose to brew all 12-cups, or you can choose 1 – 4 cups for a faster brew on the go. If you’re in a hurry, there is a pause and serve option, so you can quickly grab a cup of coffee and continue your morning routine.

Pressing on the front of the machine, you can quickly access the swing-out filter to add your coffee and remove your old filter if necessary.

One thing that’s really nice about this model is that the reservoir comes out, and the entire machine is on wheels. So, you can quickly clean the reservoir and move your coffee maker near the sink with minimal effort.

Maintenance & Cleaning

There is no automatic cleaning cycle, but don’t let that deter you – cleaning is easy. First and foremost, the water reservoir comes out, so you can clean it with ease. I recommend using a damp sponge and water and avoiding soap as it can affect your coffee’s taste.

The exterior of this model needs a simple wipe-down to keep it clean.

Filters will need to be changed just like every other coffee maker on the market, and the carafe will need to be rinsed clean for optimal flavor.

Durability & Longevity

Hamilton Beach includes a 1-year warranty, but you hopefully won’t have to use it. A lot of users have been using this model going on three years without an issue. The one point I will note is that if there’s an issue, it usually occurs within the first few months of ownership when you’ll be able to use the product’s warranty.

Entry-Level Price

This is an entry-level coffee maker that has a lot of the same features you would expect to find at the mid-range price and higher.

Pros

Extremely affordable
Designed for easy cleaning and brewing
Programmable clock
Automatic shutoff
Wheels for easy transport

Cons

No self-cleaning mode
Slow brewing time

My one complaint is that this isn’t a fast-brewing coffee machine. If you’re in a rush, it’s probably better to go with a single serve model like the Keurig K130/B130. However, for 12-cups of coffee, you wouldn’t expect a lightning fast brew anyway.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Hamilton Beach 46201. It comes with every feature an avid coffee drinker would want and has been known to last for years without breaking. This is a great model for every household.

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker.

A Premium French Press: The Grosche Madrid Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Favorite, French Presses Tagged french press, Grosche, madrid, premium, tea Leave a comment

Grosche Madrid French Press (click to enlarge)

Elegant, modern and luxurious are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of the Grosche Madrid French press. I recently had the pleasure of trying this coffee maker out, and I instantly fell in love with its design. It brews a pretty great pot of coffee too. Available in three sizes (11.8oz, 34oz and 51oz), the Madrid is a press every kitchen should have.

Premium Quality French Press

The Grosche Madrid has a borosilicate glass carafe with a sleek chrome housing. It’s minimalistic in design, but modern and elegant. The chrome housing and lid are sturdy and well-built. Of course, the glass carafe is fragile just like with any other French press.

Click here to get the price of the Grosche Madrid Premium French Press. This french press makes great tea too!

A Classic and Elegant Design

I love the classic French press look, but the Madrid offers something a little different in the design department. The housing is slimmer, sleeker and shinier. The handle is an extension of the frame’s design and made of chrome – not plastic.

The only plastic part of this press is the bottom part of the lid, which twists right or left to close or open the pot. This is a great feature because closing the lid will help keep the coffee hotter for longer.

The stainless steel plate filter is a three-part system, and a secondary lid is included on the lid.

With the Madrid French press, you can brew up to 34oz. of fresh coffee or tea. You can even brew blooming tea in this pot.

Cleanup is a Breeze

The Grosche Madrid has a relatively simple design, so it’s very easy to clean. The housing and handle are one piece, which makes it easy to remove and rinse clean. The glass carafe and lid come clean with a little soap and water.

I’ve never tried to wash any of the components in the dishwasher, so I can’t say it’s dishwasher-safe. But it’s so easy to clean by hand that this really shouldn’t be an issue.

Will Give You Years of Use

The Madrid is a French press that will last for years as long as you take good care of it. The chrome housing on this press is extra-sturdy, so I don’t see it bending, warping or breaking anytime soon. The glass carafe is a bit fragile, but that’s to be expected. Just take care when handling it, and it will stay in great condition.

Priced Just Right

Don’t let the word “premium” deter you – this press is more than affordable. The premium-quality Madrid is in the same price range as entry-level French presses.

The Good

Chrome housing, lid and handle for extra durability
Borosilicate glass carafe for a pure taste
Three-part stainless steel filter and second filter on the lid to keep grounds in the pot
Sleek design that looks elegant in the kitchen

The Bad

The second filter is plastic

The top of the lid is metal, but the underside (where the second filer is located) is made of plastic. Coffee purists may be concerned with the plastic altering the coffee’s taste, but I never personally experienced this.

The Grosche Madrid is a premium quality French press at an affordable price. With a glass carafe and sleek chrome housing, this press will be the star of the show at the breakfast table.

Click here to get the price of the Grosche Madrid Premium French Press. This french press makes great tea too!

Best Value Buy: The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged 14101, espresso machine, Gaggia, italian Leave a comment

Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Gaggia is an Italian company that specializes in espresso and cappuccino machines. The company has been around since 1947, so it’s safe to say that they know a thing or two about building coffee makers. I have to admit that I had never heard of this brand before I tested the 14101 Classic, but I’m so happy to now be acquainted with Gaggia. The Classic Espresso is a pleasure to use, and I couldn’t wait to share my review with you.

Unmatched Quality and Craftsmanship

Gaggia takes pride in their craftsmanship, and it really shows with this machine. The exterior housing is made from stainless steel, which gives it a sleek, modern look, but also makes the machine more durable. Both the grouphead and the portafilter are brass, so you’re really getting a well-made machine with the Classic Espresso.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine.

Modern Design & Practical Features

The Classic Espresso doesn’t boast any fancy features. It’s a simple machine that’s designed to do one thing: brew a smooth cup of espresso.

The 72oz. water reservoir is removable for easy cleaning. It also eliminates the need to make several trips to the sink just to brew more shots of espresso. Plus, it comes with a single- or double-shot filter baskets (both made of stainless steel).

The 17 1/2 bar pump and brass components help brew a fantastic cup of coffee. The frothing wand is great for making cappuccinos and lattes too. There’s also a nice hot water dispenser that you can use to brew tea.

As I mentioned previously, this machine doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’ll find with high-end automatic machines, but the focus here is really on the quality of the build and the coffee. And in this regard, the Classic Espresso is excellent.

Effortless Cleanup & Maintenance

With a stainless steel exterior, this coffee maker is very easy to clean. Just use a damp cloth to wipe down the sides and top of the machine. There’s no self-cleaning cycle, so you’ll have to clean the interior of the machine the same way you would a regular drip coffee maker.

The Utmost in Durability

With such high quality parts, I’m confident this machine will give you years of use. One online reviewer said their 15-year old machine is still brewing shots on a daily basis. Other reviewers have updated their reviews from 3+ years ago stating that their Classic Espresso Machine is still going strong.

Great Value

This is a mid-range espresso machine, but the quality of the coffee and the longevity of the machine make this machine worth the cost.

Pros

17 1/2 bar pump pressure, high-voltage boiler, and brass grouphead and portafilters for excellent temperature control and great-tasting espresso.
Single and double shot filter baskets for versatile brewing.
Commercial-grade quality.
Frother for making cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse-style drinks.
Easy to use and clean.

Cons

The milk steamer can be fickle.

Gaggia has already addressed the issue with the milk steamer, and have replaced it with a newer, upgraded frother wand.

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine brews an exceptional cup of espresso and is well-engineered to give you years of use. I enjoyed every minute of testing this model, and I highly recommend it to any coffee lover looking for a great espresso machine.

Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine.

Frieling Polished 18/10 Stainless Steel French Press Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged french press, Frieling, modern, stainless steel Leave a comment

Frieling Stainless Steel French Press (click to enlarge)

Not a fan of glass or plastic carafes? The Frieling French press is made of 18/10 stainless steel for a sleek, modern look that won’t alter the flavor of your coffee. I had the chance to test out this press recently, and I have to admit, I was impressed. I’m a fan of the classic glass carafe, but the Frieling press may just convince me to switch to stainless steel.

Polished Stainless Steel Housing

If you’re looking for a French press that’s sturdy, well-designed and infrangible, the Frieling press is a smart option. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, this press is solid and built to last.

A Modern Take on the French Press Design

Most French presses use a glass or plastic carafe, but the Frieling press takes a completely different approach. The 10” tall pitcher is double-walled and made of stainless steel. Just about every part of this press is made of stainless steel, including the mesh plunger and handle.

Click here to get the price of the Frieling Polished Stainless Steel French Press.

The exterior has a mirrored finish, while the interior has a brushed finish. The handle is full-length, so it’s comfortable to grip and pour.

What I really love about this press is that the carafe can also serve as an insulated pitcher, keeping your coffee warmer four times longer than glass.

Frieling offers four pitcher sizes: 8oz, 17oz, 23oz and 36oz. I only have experience with the 36oz, which brews more than enough coffee for two to three people.

Dishwasher Safe

Of all the French presses I’ve tested, the Frieling is the easiest to clean. All parts are easy to disassemble, and everything can be washed in the dishwasher. And if you need to wash the pot by hand, the stainless steel wipes clean with a little soap and water.

The Frieling press is virtually maintenance-free. There are no mechanical parts to worry about, and the stainless steel will stay in great condition providing you keep it clean.

Will Give You Years of Use

French presses with glass carafes have a bad habit of breaking prematurely. Whether it’s mishandling or the fluctuations in temperature, glass pitchers can be fickle and fragile.

The Frieling press will give you years of use. Stainless steel is rust-resistant, durable and so easy to care for. I don’t see a reason why this press wouldn’t last you years – decades even.

Great Value

The 36oz. Frieling press is a bit more expensive than other presses. However, the stainless steel pitcher is far less fragile and will keep your coffee hotter for longer.

Pros

Stainless steel pitcher and plunger for a pure coffee taste.
Double-walled interior keeps coffee warmer 4 times longer than glass.
Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Sleek, modern design.

Cons

Cost

The Frieling is a bit more expensive than other French presses, but its high quality stainless steel construction makes it worth the cost. You never have to worry about the carafe shattering or cracking like you do with glass carafes. I was surprised by how great the coffee tasted in this brewer, and I highly recommend the Frieling coffee maker to anyone looking for a French press.

Click here to get the price of the Frieling Polished Stainless Steel French Press.

My Favorite Espresso Machine: The De’Longhi EC155 Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines, Favorite Tagged affordable, de'longhi, EC155, favorite, popular Leave a comment

De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

De’Longhi is a well-known name in the coffee industry. Based in Treviso, Italy, De’Longhi makes some of the best home and commercial espresso brewers on the market. That’s why I was so excited to try out the EC155 for myself. This is a great entry-level espresso maker that won’t break your budget – but will give you a fantastic shot of espresso. Let’s dive right into the details and take a closer look at this model in my review.

Small But Sturdy

The EC155 is small, but sturdy. It can literally fit in any small area within your kitchen or office. With silver metallic accents and a solid black plastic body, this machine is extremely well-built. De’Longhi is well-known for producing high quality coffee makers, and this brewer is a testament to that claim.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine.

Become Your Own Barista

With the EC155, you can become your own barista – no experience necessary. Not only can you brew espresso, but other coffeehouse drinks as well, like lattes and cappuccinos.

Here’s a rundown of this machine’s features:

Swivel jet frother, so you can make cappuccinos and lattes like a pro.
Dual function filter holder lets you brew ground coffee or pods.
Self-priming operation for easy start-up.
Two separate thermostats that control steam pressure and water separately, so your espresso is always brewed at the perfect temperature.
15 bar pump pressure and stainless steel boiler.
water tank.
Cup warmer.
Brews two cups at a time.

The self-priming feature is really great because you don’t have to wait around for the boiler and element to reach the right temperature.

Easy to Keep Clean

Some espresso machines are a pain to clean, but the EC155 is quick and easy. The water tank and drip tray are both removable, so you can clean and descale with ease. I never had any issues disassembling and reassembling the machine either. The entire process was so quick and painless.

Enjoy Espresso For Years to Come

The De’Longhi EC155 is an espresso machine that will give you many years of use. The boiler is made from top quality stainless steel, which is resistant to rust. De’Longhi is a common appliance brand in Italy, and the company is known for its quality.

Excellent Value

Semi-automatic espresso machines (which is what the EC155 is) come in various price ranges, but most are pretty pricey. That’s not the case with the EC155.

What I Love About the De’Longhi EC155

15 bar pump pressure and water temperature control for the perfect shot of espresso.
Is compatible with both ground coffee and coffee pods.
Swivel jet frother allows you to make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.
Durable stainless steel boiler will give you years of use.
Self-primer function eliminates wait time, and lets you start brewing as quickly as possible.

What Could Have Been Better

The knob control is a little confusing.

The machine’s main control knob is a little confusing at first mainly because it uses symbols rather than text to describe each function. This really isn’t a big deal. Just make sure you read the instruction manual to learn how to control each setting.

If you’re tired of spending $4 on coffeehouse drinks, start brewing at home with the De’Longhi EC155. It’s easy to use, quick to brew and makes one mean shot of espresso.

Click here to get the price of the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine.

A Strong Contender: The Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged coffee maker, cuisinart, DCC-1200, popular 1 Comment

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Convenience is one thing I really look for when searching for a good coffee maker, and the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central is the definition of convenience. Want to schedule your coffee to brew in the morning? Done. Want a machine that cleans itself? Done. The Brew Central has a lot to offer, and I’ll cover its great features in my review below.

Solid Construction

Cuisinart is a brand that’s known for producing high quality appliances, and the Brew Central is right on par with the brand’s other products. It’s sturdy, features brushed chrome accents, and its heating plate is scratch-resistant. There are no delicate parts to worry about either.

The Brew Central has over 5,000 customer reviews online – and the overwhelming majority are more than happy with this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker.

Convenient Features with a Sleek Design

What I really love about the Brew Central (and I think you’ll love too) is its convenient features. Cuisinart went the extra mile to make sure you get a great pot of coffee whenever you want and in a hassle-free way. Just take a look at some of this machine’s great features:

Programmable brew: With the Brew Central, you can schedule your brew up to 24 hours in advance.
Automatic shutoff: The machine’s automatic shutoff can also be programmed for 0-4 hours after brewing.
Flexible cup options: Brew an entire pot of 12 cups, or brew one or four cups at a time.
Brew pause: Pause mid-brewing cycle to pour yourself a cup of coffee.
Charcoal filter: Removes the impurities from your water that alters the coffee’s flavor.
Permanent filter: A permanent gold tone filter eliminates the paper filter taste and saves you money.
Adjustable heater plate: Choose from low, medium or high to keep your coffee hot and fresh.
Easy-pour carafe: With an ergonomic handle, the carafe is easy to pour and won’t drip.
Showerhead design: Completely saturates the coffee grounds for optimal extraction.
Ready tone: The Brew Central will beep five times after the brewing cycle is complete.

On top of all these great features, this coffee maker looks great. With a stainless steel exterior and black plastic accents, this machine looks great in any kitchen.

Self-Cleaning

Hate the idea of cleaning your coffee pot by hand? Cuisinart’s Brew Central has its own Self-Cleaning cycle that will keep your pot free of calcification in the water reservoir. The brushed chrome exterior wipes clean with a damp towel or sponge.

A Coffee Maker That Will Last

Who wants to invest in a coffee maker that will need to be replaced in a year or two? The Cuisinart Brew Central is a brewer that will provide you with years of use. I have many friends who have used this coffee maker for years, and it still runs as good as new.

Budget-Friendly

The Cuisinart Brew Central offers plenty of great features with a great price tag. That’s a fantastic deal considering this model has programmable brewing, automatic shutoff and a host of other convenient features.

Pros

24-hour advance brew
Programmable automatic shutoff
Charcoal water filter and permanent coffee filter included
Can brew 1-4 cups, or 12-cups
Carafe is easy to pour and virtually dripless
Adjustable heater plate

Cons

A little heavy

The Brew Central is a little on the heavy side at 6.8 pounds, but it’s sturdy and well-made.

If you’re looking for a coffee maker that offers programmable features, a sleek design, a great quality brew and an affordable price, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central is a smart choice.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker.

Climbing My List: The BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged bt, bunn, coffee maker, favorite, velocity Leave a comment

BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

If you’ve ever stepped foot in a diner or restaurant, you’re probably already familiar with the BUNN name. While the brand is well-known in the hospitality industry, they also produce home brewers that work just as well – if not better – than their commercial machines. And after testing the BUNN BT Velocity Brew, I quickly became a fan of the brand.

Let’s take a closer look at the Velocity Brew in my detailed review.

Restaurant Quality Coffee Maker

As I mentioned earlier, BUNN is a name that’s well known in the restaurant industry. In fact, the brand has been producing commercial-grade coffee makers for more than 40 years. It’s safe to say that the Velocity Brew is well designed and built with high quality materials, including stainless steel.

Click here to get the price of the BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker.

Modern Design with Versatile Features

I love the look of the Velocity Brew. It’s sleek, modern and simple. Nothing too fancy, but still looks great sitting on the countertop.

Looks aside, this brewer comes with quite a few versatile features, like hot water availability for tea brewing. Other features include:

Reservoir-style brewing
Makes up to 10 cups of coffee
Vacuum-insulated, stainless steel carafe
Internal thermostat
800-watt heater
Sprayhead design for optimal flavor extraction
Carafe has a close-and-brew lid

What I really love about this BUNN coffee maker is that it brews 10 cups of coffee in just three minutes. If I’m running late or just in a hurry, I can still grab my morning cup of coffee before I head out the door.

Quick and Easy Clean-Up

Cleanup is simple and easy with the Velocity brewer. All materials are commercially-rated, and the machine has stainless steel accents that can easily be wiped clean. Even the internal water tank is stainless steel.

And there’s no additional maintenance to worry about either. Just keep the machine clean and follow the directions properly when using the brewer.

Commercial-Grade Durability

The Velocity Brew comes with a 3-year limited warranty, so your purchase is protected. BUNN also builds its home brewers with the same commercial-grade materials it uses with commercial machines, so you know it can withstand years of use. Durability isn’t something that’s easy to find with a drip coffee maker, and BUNN is definitely an exception to the rule.

Affordably Priced

Most coffee makers of this quality are priced in the $150-$200 range, but the Velocity Brew is priced even better. That’s a small price to pay for a coffee maker that will give you years of use.

If you’re the type who makes a trip to Starbucks every morning, this machine will pay for itself in a month.

Why I Love This Coffee Maker

Internal thermostat for optimal brewing temperature
Brews a 10-cup pot of coffee in 3 minutes
Vacuum-insulated carafe to keep coffee warmer for longer
Sprayhead design for optimal extraction
Leftover hot water can be used for tea
Comes with a 3-year limited warranty

What I Would Change

Like other coffee makers, the carafe sometimes makes a mess when pouring.

The carafe can be fickle at times and make a mess when pouring. But I found if I pour slowly and steadily, the coffee makes it into the cup without a drop spilled. Honestly, dripping and leaking carafes are common problems with drip coffee makers, but it’s one that’s easily fixed with the right technique.

The BUNN Velocity Brew is a great coffee maker for anyone looking for a solid brewer with commercial quality and durability.

Click here to get the price of the BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker.

My Runner Up: The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged breville, espresso machine, runner up Leave a comment

Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is like having your own personal barista right in your own kitchen (or office). Packed with great features, the Barista Express makes home espresso brewing an effortless process. I couldn’t wait to give this model a test drive, and I was blown away by the quality of the coffee this machine brews. I’ll share more details of my experience with the machine in my review below.

Top Quality Construction

Over the years, Breville has earned a reputation for making some of the highest quality appliances on the market. So, I wasn’t surprised to find that the Barista Express worked like a well-oiled machine. With a stainless steel portafilter, conical burr grinder and sleek metal exterior, the Barista Express is a well-engineered work of art.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine.

Sleek Design with a Laundry List of Features

The Barista Express doesn’t disappoint in the features department. This machine is as close to fully-automatic as you’re going to get with a home espresso maker.

Here’s what the BES870XL has to offer:

Stainless steel conical grinder, for the freshest beans with each brew.
1/2lb. sealed bean hopper.
removable water tank.
Purge function to adjust water temperature after steam. This ensures that your espresso is extracted at the perfect temperature.
15 bar pump pressure with 1600W thermo coil heating system.
Filter size button lets you choose between single and double wall filter.
54mm tamper for precise tamping control.
Hands-free grinding for an effortless brew.
Reprogrammable shot volumes and preset volumes for 1 and 2 cups.
Stainless steel water coil allows for precise water temperature control.
“Clean me” light lets you know when it’s time to clean your machine.
360-degree swivel wand for steaming.
Cleaning kit included.

The Barista Express leaves no stone unturned when it comes to convenient and practical features. And the most important ones, like temperature control and freshly ground coffee, really make this machine one of the best espresso makers you can buy.

Quick Clean-Up

Breville includes a cleaning kit with this machine, which is tucked away in a hidden compartment. And the “Clean Me” light will let you know when it’s time to run the cleaning cycle.

Backed By the Breville Name

If you’re looking for an espresso machine that will last, the Barista Express is a smart option. Backed by the Breville name, this machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

With a metallic exterior and high-quality engineering, you’ll be using this machine for years if you take proper care of it.

Great Features at a Mid-Range Price

The Breville BES870XL is a mid-range espresso machine priced. Compared to other machines with similar features and functionalities, this is a fantastic price.

The Good

Water tank is removable for easy cleaning.
Conical grinder is included, so you can grind your beans just minutes before brewing.
15 bar pressure pump and precise water temperature control, so you brew the perfect cup of espresso.
Gives you the flexibility to choose the grind amount, filter size and number cups.
The “clean me” light helps ensure you keep your machine clean and working in tip top shape.

The Not-so-Good

The cost

The only real drawback with the Breville BES870XL is its cost. But compared to other machines of similar quality and function, the BES870XL is very reasonably priced.

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is one of the most convenient espresso machines I’ve ever tested, and it brews some of the best espresso I’ve ever had. If you’re searching for a machine that will give you the freshest brew at the best price, the BES870XL is the right choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine.

My Favorite Coffee Maker: The Bonavita BV1800 Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Favorite Tagged Bonavita, BV1800, coffee maker, drip, favorite Leave a comment

Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Finding a drip coffee maker that brews a good pot of coffee is not always easy to find. But the Bonavita BV1800 combines smart design with great engineering to create a coffee machine that produces some of the best coffee around. I’ve had the pleasure of testing this model personally, and it’s one of my favorite coffee makers of all time. I’ll explain why in my in-depth review.

Well-Engineered

The BV1800 is German-engineered and built to Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) standards. In fact, it’s one of just a few coffee makers that have earned the SCAA seal of approval.

With a smart design and great features, this machine brews up a fantastic pot of coffee.

Click here to get the price of the Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker.

Smart Design and Features

Bonavita says the BV1800 will brew the “perfect cup of coffee, every time”. And they weren’t lying. So, what’s this machine’s secret? It’s all in the design.

First, the 1400W thermal block heater heats water to the optimal brewing temperature (around 205 degrees F). Once the water’s hot enough, it’s released through the machine’s “showerhead,” which distributes the water evenly over the grounds. The results? Optimal extraction and saturation.

It’s the showerhead design and the right water temperature that ensures the BV1800 brews the perfect cup of coffee. It’s not rocket science – just great engineering.

The BV1800 comes packed with other great features too, like:

Large water tank with wide opening and markings for easy filling and measuring
Glass or thermal carafe
Separate heater that keeps your coffee warm without overcooking it
Two-hour automatic shutoff
Brews up to 8 (5oz) cups of coffee in 5-6 minutes

I also wanted to mention that this coffee maker comes with either a glass or thermal carafe, which gives you some flexibility to choose the carafe you want.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Let’s be honest – most automatic coffee makers are a pain to clean. But not the BV1800. I was so surprised by just how easy it was to clean up after brewing.

The basket is easy to clean, so you aren’t left with little grinds stuck in those hard-to-reach places. The lid and the showerhead can also be removed and washed in the dishwasher.

The water reservoir isn’t removable as far as I can tell. But a quick brew cycle with just plain water/vinegar (no coffee!) will keep the reservoir clean.

And because this machine is relatively simple, it’s really easy to maintain. Just make sure you keep it clean, and it should work perfectly for years to come.

Built to Last

With a high quality stainless steel exterior, thermal block heater and two-year warranty, this is a coffee maker that will provide you with many years of use. And it’s UL Certified for safety compliance.

Great Value

The Bonavita BV1800 is priced at a very interesting price-point with the glass carafe. If you choose the thermal carafe, you’ll pay just a little bit more. For an SCAA approved coffee maker, that’s a fantastic deal.

Why I Recommend this Coffee Maker

There are so many reasons why I would recommend this coffee maker.

It heats the water to the optimal brewing temperature before it ever touches the grounds. You never have to worry about over- or under-extraction.
The showerhead design ensures the grounds are saturated for optimal flavor extraction.
Two-hour keep-warm means I can brew a pot of coffee in the morning and carry on with my routine knowing my coffee will still be hot when I’m ready for it.
A 5-6 minute brew time means I can still enjoy my coffee even if I’m in a rush.
A two-year warranty protects my purchase.

What Could Have Been Better

There’s not much to complain about with the BV1800. But I did notice one or two things other users complained about:

The thermal carafe doesn’t do a great job at keeping the coffee warm.
Some people had issues with the carafe leaking.

I never experienced either of these issues when using this coffee maker. In fact, I have nothing but good things to say about the BV1800. It’s a great little coffee maker that’s affordable and brews up some of the best-tasting coffee I’ve ever had from a drip machine. I highly recommend the BV1800 to anyone looking for a new coffee maker.

Click here to get the price of the Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker.

Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press Review

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged 8-cup, bodum, chambord, french press, glass, stainless steel 1 Comment

Bodum Chambord French Press (click to enlarge)

To brew the perfect French press coffee, you need the right coffee maker and a little know-how. The Bodum Chambord is everything you could ever want in a French press with high quality materials, a classic design and an affordable price tag.

Borosilicate Glass Carafe and Stainless Steel Frame

The first thing I noticed about the Bodum Chambord was that its carafe wasn’t made of plastic like so many other presses are. It’s made from borosilicate glass that’s heat-resistant. The handle is plastic, but it’s heat-resistant as well. The frame that holds the carafe and the filter are both stainless steel. This is a well-designed press made from high quality materials.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press.

Simple But Classic Design

It’s hard to get creative with design when it comes to French presses. But the sleek, elegant look of the Bodum Chambord looks great in the kitchen.

And while you won’t find any fancy features with this manual coffee maker, it still makes a fantastic pot of coffee. This particular model can brew up to eight 4oz. cups, which is enough to serve 2-3 people.

Inside, there’s a 3-part stainless steel filter for optimal extraction of the coffee’s flavors and oils. And the filter screen is fine enough for brewing tea leaves, so this press can double as a teapot.

As mentioned previously, the carafe is made of glass. The frame is stainless steel and the lid is metallic, so no plastic or rubber will be touching your coffee.

Easy Cleanup

Most French presses take a little more work to clean, but the Bodum Chambord is an exception. All parts of this press are dishwasher safe, including the lid, carafe, filter and stainless steel frame. A simple rinse is all you need before placing it in the dishwasher.

Designed for Years of Use

The great thing about a French press is that it doesn’t rely on mechanical parts or electricity to work. As long as you take care of the carafe and treat the Bodum Chambord well, this press will last you years – decades maybe. The biggest concern is the glass carafe, which is a bit fragile. If you handle it with care, damage, cracks or breakage shouldn’t be an issue.

An Affordable Coffee Maker

How much did you pay for your last coffee maker? If you’re like most people, you probably paid at least $50. The Bodum Chambord is better priced, and it’s a coffee maker that will last years.

Pros

Borosilicate, heat-resistant glass carafe
Stainless steel frame and metal lid
Three-part stainless steel filter that extracts the most flavor and oils from the coffee beans
Dishwasher safe
Easy to use
Makes eight 4oz. cups for multiple coffee drinkers

Cons

The carafe can be fragile

As I mentioned previously, the carafe can be a bit fragile, but that’s to be expected with glass. This won’t be an issue if you handle the carafe with care.

The Bodum Chambord is a beautiful French press that brews a great pot of rich coffee. With glass and metal components, you never have to worry about your coffee tasting “off.” I highly recommend the Chambord to anyone on a small budget looking for a great French press.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press.