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The Cuisinart DCC-2650 Brew Central Reviewed

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Cuisinart DCC-2600 Coffee Maker

Cuisinart DCC-2650 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

It’s not always easy to find coffee makers that brew large pots of coffee. Most go up to 10 cups, but if you’re entertaining a larger crowd – or just really love your coffee – 10 might not suffice. The Cuisinart DCC-2650 Brew Central can brew up to 12 cups of coffee lightning fast. With a sleek design and plenty of great convenient features, the DCC-2650 makes a great addition to any kitchen.

Sturdy and Durable

The DCC-2650 is well-engineered with a sturdy housing and metallic accents. This model does come with a glass carafe, which can be fragile, but the coffee maker itself is made from highly durable materials.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DCC-2650 Coffee Maker. 

Convenient Features and Sleek Design

The one thing I love about Cuisinart coffee makers is that they always have convenient features. The DCC-2650 is no different.

It can brew up to 12 cups at a time, and if you don’t want to brew an entire pot, you have the option of making just 1-4 cups. The water reservoir is easy to clean and fill. The indicator window on the side of the pot lets you know exactly how much water you need.

If you want to wake up to freshly brewed coffee, there’s a programmable feature and automatic shut-off. You can choose between 0 and 4 hours for the shut-off feature. Once the coffee is done brewing, it will beep five times to let you know.

There’s a brew pause feature, too, that lets you pour a cup mid-brew. And you have the option of choosing between regular or bold flavors.

The heating plate will keep your coffee warm until the automatic shut-off kicks in. And you can adjust the temperature of the heating plate, so you can keep your coffee exactly the right temperature.

Other great features are also included like a permanent gold filter and a charcoal water filter for a great-tasting, convenient pot of coffee.

Clean-Up is a Breeze

Coffee makers are either really easy to clean or a complete nightmare. Luckily, the DCC-2650 falls into the first category. It even comes with a self-cleaning feature that tells you when it’s time to clean your coffee maker.

Enjoy Years of Use

Under normal use, the DCC-2650 should provide you with years of use. Of course, there are exceptions, but Cuisinart includes a 3-year warranty for machines that malfunction prematurely.

Very Affordable

The DCC-2650 comes with a lot of great features, and you’d expect to pay well over $100 for a machine like this. But you can find the DCC-2650 in retail shops for just around $100. That’s a steal – especially considering that this machine brews a large pot of coffee.

Pros

  • Can brew up to 12 cups of coffee, with the option of brewing 1-4 cups.
  • Brew pause feature lets you pour a cup mid-brew.
  • Permanent filter and water filter ensure a pure coffee taste and easy clean-up.
  • Self-cleaning feature lets you know when it’s time to clean the pot.
  • Adjustable heating plate temperature.
  • Automatic shut-off.

Cons

  • The carafe lid is inconvenient.

The only drawback with this coffee maker is that the carafe’s lid doesn’t rotate. You have to actually unclip it to fill it up. This isn’t a deal breaker by any means, but may be a minor inconvenience for some people.

The Cuisinart DCC-2650 is a great programmable coffee maker with plenty of convenient, smart features. It brews a large, 12-cup pot of coffee in record time, and the coffee tastes great.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DCC-2650 Coffee Maker. 
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My BUNN NHBB Velocity Coffee Maker Review

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BUNN NHBB Velocity Coffee Maker

BUNN NHBB Velocity Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

I know what you’re thinking – “another BUNN coffee maker?” But guys, this is such a great machine. The NHBB Velocity is one of BUNN’s best-sellers, and it has over 1,000 reviews. I was excited to give this machine a try, and it didn’t disappoint. Is it perfect? No, but what coffee maker is? I’ll share my experiences and thoughts in my review below.

High Quality Construction

The NHB Velocity features a durable black plastic housing with steel accents. Like other BUNN brewers, this model is very well-made, sturdy and reliable. The only fragile piece is the glass carafe, but that’s to be expected.

All the Features You Need – None You Don’t

Like other Velocity brewers, the NHBB is simple in design. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. It’s what’s going on behind the scenes that counts. And the NHBB comes with some great features that help this coffee maker brew a great pot of coffee.

Click here to get the price of the BUNN NHBB Velocity Coffee Maker. 
  • Stainless steel water tank (internal) that keeps water at the perfect brewing temperature.
  • Sprayhead design allows for optimal flavor extraction.
  • Brews 4-10 cups of coffee at a time and in just three minutes.
  • Glass carafe.
  • Porcelain warming plate.

Yes, the NHBB brewer is simple, but it brews coffee at the perfect temperature. And the sprayhead design ensures that all the grounds are saturated for full extraction and the most flavorful coffee you’ll ever drink.

Easy Clean-Up and Maintenance

The great thing about simple coffee makers is that they’re so easy to clean. The exterior of this model can be wiped down with a sponge or damp cloth. The glass carafe is also easy to clean. Of course, you’ll need to clean the inside once a month like any other drip coffee maker. Maintenance and cleaning is uncomplicated, quick and easy.

Designed for Years of Use

All BUNN coffee makers are made to high quality standards, and I have no doubt that the NHBB will last for years. Some people have had their BUNN coffee maker for over a decade and it still brews a great pot of coffee.

The only issue you might have is with the carafe. Because it’s made of glass, it’s fragile and prone to breakage if it’s dropped. The good news is that BUNN sells replacement carafes, so you don’t have to invest in another machine just to get a new carafe.

Great Value

You won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars just to enjoy a great cup of coffee. You can find the NHBB Velocity Brew in retail shops for around $135. You get a commercial-quality machine at an entry-level price.

Pros

  • Heated hot water tank keeps water at the perfect brewing temperature.
  • The sprayhead design ensures even saturation and full flavor extraction.
  • Porcelain warming plate will keep your coffee warm for hours.
  • Lightning-fast brewing – a full pot brews in just 3 minutes.

Cons

  • No programmable feature.

The NHBB does not offer a programmable feature, but with a brewing time of 3 minutes, you really don’t need one.

The BUNN NHBB Velocity Brew is a great option for anyone looking for a no-frills machine that brews a quick pot of great-tasting coffee.

Click here to get the price of the BUNN NHBB Velocity Coffee Maker. 
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A Favorite By BUNN: The GRB Velocity Reviewed

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BUNN GRB Velocity Coffee Maker

BUNN GRB Velocity Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

No machine brews coffee quite like a BUNN. I’m a big fan of the brand, and I’ve tested quite a few of their models. While I wasn’t impressed by all of them, the GRB Velocity Brew was one machine that stood out. Its design is simple, but it brews a quick and flavorful pot of coffee. This is one of BUNN’s best-selling models, and after trying it for myself, I can see why.

Well-Made

BUNN is in the business of making high quality coffee makers. This machine’s housing may not be made of stainless steel, but it is made of tough, durable plastic. The glass carafe is well-made, and the internal hot water tank is stainless steel.

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

Simple But Practical Features

You won’t find a ton of buttons on the GRB Velocity Brew. In fact, you’ll only find one. And that’s all you really need with a regular coffee maker. It’s what’s on the inside that counts, and BUNN doesn’t disappoint with this model. Here’s what you’ll get with the GRB Velocity Brew:

  • Stainless steel hot water tank keeps water at the perfect brewing temperature (200 degrees F)
  • Sprayhead design ensures even, optimal extraction.
  • High quality glass carafe that keeps coffee warmer for longer.
  • Porcelain-coated warming plate.
  • 10-cup brewing capacity with 4-cup minimum.

The GRB Velocity can brew a full pot of coffee in just 3 minutes. It may not be programmable, but you can start brewing and have your morning cuppa ready in the time it takes to get dressed.

Easy to Keep Clean

As I mentioned previously, this coffee maker’s body is made of tough, durable plastic. It’s not only long-lasting, but it’s easy to clean too. Just wipe down the exterior with a sponge or damp towel.

And when it comes time to clean the inside of the machine:

  • Run a brewing cycle with just water and vinegar.
  • Run a brewing cycle with just water and no coffee grounds.

That’s it! Now, you can start brewing regular pots of coffee again. It couldn’t be easier to clean and maintain this machine.

Built to Last

BUNN is used to making machines for commercial use (they’ve been making coffee makers for restaurants for more than 40 years). The GRB Velocity Brew is built with the same rugged materials the company uses to make their commercial models. This machine will give you years of use as long as you clean and maintain it properly.

Priced Just Right

I love it when a coffee maker brews a great pot of coffee – but doesn’t cost you a fortune to own. And the GRB Velocity Brew fits right into that category. This is a coffee maker just about anyone can afford.

What I Love

  • Brews between 4 and 10 cups of coffee in just 3 minutes.
  • Porcelain-coated warming plate and glass carafe keep your coffee warm for hours.
  • Stainless steel water tank keeps the water at the ideal brewing temperature.
  • Sprayhead design extracts the most flavor from your coffee.

What I Would Change

  • The heater stays on all day.

The only gripe I have with this machine is that the heater stays on all day to keep the water hot. And that’s fine if you plan on brewing multiple pots of coffee per day. If you’re only a morning coffee drinker, I suggest turning off the machine or unplugging it when you’re not using it. Otherwise, you’re just wasting energy.

The BUNN GRB Velocity Brew is a great machine for coffee lovers who just want a simple machine that brews good coffee. It’s affordable, durable and brews a flavorful pot of coffee that even pretentious drinkers will love.

Click here to get the price of the BUNN GRB Velocity Coffee Maker. 
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The Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

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Breville BES900XL

Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

I’ve reviewed other Breville espresso makers (yes, they have quite a few), and they’re always a pleasure to use. But the BES920XL holds a special place in my heart. This model isn’t always easy to get a hold of and it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it brews up a cup of espresso that rivals what you’d get in an Italian café. There’s a lot to love about this machine, and I can’t wait to share the details of my review with you.

Commercial-Quality Espresso Machine

First, let me just say that this machine is commercial-quality, or as close as you’ll get with a home machine. It’s built with stainless steel, so it’s highly durable. All parts are made from either steel or BPA-free plastic.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine. 

All the Features You Could Ever Need

The BES920XL features dual stainless steel boilers with two 15-bar Italian pumps. This allows for steaming and espresso brewing simultaneously. The dedicated steam boiler is 32 ounces, while the dedicated espresso boiler is 10 ounces.

On top of this, you get a ton of programmable features, like:

  • Shot volume
  • Shot temperature
  • Pre-infusion duration
  • Power
  • Auto start time
  • Audio volume
  • Shot volume

The BES920XL uses precise electronic temperature control to ensure your espresso is always brewed at the optimal temperature.

The backlit LCD display also shows you the shot clock (how long the brew will take), regular clock or the shot temperature. The 84 ounce water tank is removable, too, for added convenience. Plus, it comes with a 360-degree swivel steam wand for brewing coffeehouse drinks.

The OPV (over-pressure valve) ensures that your grounds are never over-extracted because of excess pressure. And the BES920XL gives you instant hot water, so you can preheat cups or brew Americanos.

At first glance, you’ll think the BES920XL is a complicated “space machine” (at least that’s what I called it), but it’s really easy to use. And after a few rounds, you’ll be brewing espresso like a professional barista.

Smart “Clean Me” Feature

One of the things that I really love about this model, and other Breville espresso makers, is that it lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine. It also comes with cleaning tools and a cleaning disc for added convenience.

The exterior of the BES920XL is stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or damp towel.

Will Give You Years of Espresso Brewing

Breville is known for their high quality home appliances, and the BES920XL is well-engineered. I have no doubt that this machine will give you years of use if you take proper care of it.

The Right Price

I’m going to be honest – this machine isn’t cheap. Right now, you’re looking at spending well over $1,000 for the BES920XL. But if you’re a true fan of espresso, you know that a high quality brewer is worth every penny and can’t compare to low-range (or even mid-range) machines.

Why I Love This Machine

  • Dual boilers and pumps, so you can brew and steam at the same time.
  • OPV limits the extraction pressure, so you get a smooth shot of espresso every time.
  • LCD display makes it easy to brew.
  • With a ton of features, you can brew your espresso to your own liking.
  • Swivel steam wand lets you make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.

The One & Only Con

  • Price

Aside from the price, there’s nothing I’d change about this machine. It has everything you could possibly want in an espresso machine. And, in all honesty, that makes it well worth the price. I can’t recommend the Breville BES920XL more. If you love espresso, you’ll love this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine. 
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The Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

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Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine

Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

In case you hadn’t heard, Breville makes some fantastic espresso machines, and the 800ESXL is no exception. When I took this model for a test drive, I was surprised by the quality of the espresso it produced – and how easy it was to brew. This 15-bar, triple-priming, die-cast machine was on par with some of the higher end models I’ve tested. Let’s take a closer look at what the 800ESXL has to offer.

Solid Espresso Machine with Stainless Steel Housing

If you plan on brewing espresso daily, you need to invest in a high quality machine. And the 800ESXL is a great choice. With a stainless steel housing, this machine is durable and easy to clean.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine. 

Convenient Features

Now, here’s what’s most important – the machine’s features. And this model has plenty to offer, including:

  • ThermoBlock heating system
  • 15-bar, triple prime Italian pump
  • Selector dial that lets you choose between espresso, steam or hot water
  • Swivel steam wand with a frother
  • Removable, 72 ounce water tank
  • 4.5” cup clearance

Plus, the 800ESXL comes with a tamping tool, filters, frothing pitcher (stainless steel) and a cleaning tool.

All controls are easily accessed on the front panel of the machine. The dial lets you choose between brewing espresso and using the steamer or hot water functions. It’s so easy to use, and it brews a rich cup of espresso.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

I’m not a big fan of coffee makers that are difficult to clean (who is?), and the 800ESXL was surprisingly easy to clean. The exterior of the machine is made of stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or towel. And Breville gives you a cleaning tool, so you can keep your machine looking like new.

Highly Durable

Espresso machines can be fickle. Even some high-end machines have a reputation for puttering out after a few months. But the 800ESXL is built to last. Plus, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty. So if your machine does happen to break, Breville will either repair it or send you a new one.

Affordable

Many coffee lovers shy away from buying an at-home espressos machine. Why?

  1. They’re afraid the espresso won’t live up to their expectations.
  2. They’re expensive.

But Breville breaks that trend with the 800ESXL. This is a high quality, affordable espresso machine that you can get your hands on for a great price!

Pros

  • 15-bar Italian pump and ThermoBlock heating for the perfect cup of espresso.
  • Swivel steam wand, so you can make cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos.
  • Removable 75 ounce water tank for easy filling and cleaning.
  • Stainless steel housing for the utmost in durability.

Cons

  • No automatic shut-off

The 800ESXL does not offer an automatic shut-off feature. This isn’t a deal breaker, but more of an inconvenience. If you forget to shut off the machine, it will continue heating your water all day.

The 800ESXL is easy to use and lets you brew the perfect cup of espresso – or your favorite coffeehouse drink – right in your own kitchen. If you’re looking for an affordable espresso machine that’s built to last, the Breville 800ESXL is a smart choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine. 
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Another Favorite Single-Serve Coffee Maker By Mr. Coffee!

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Mr. Coffee Single-Serve

Mr. Coffee Single-Serve (click to enlarge)

Mr. Coffee’s affordability combined with the great taste of Keurig Brewed coffee. The BVMC-KG6-001 offers the best of both worlds to coffee drinkers. Not only is this model packed with features, it can make coffee, tea and cocoa too.

Mr. Coffee Quality

Black and silver, this model is made of durable hard plastic and offers top-of-the-line features. The brewing technology is one of the best in the world thanks to the addition of Keurig-based technology with this single-cup coffee machine.

Feature-Rich Design

Using Keurig K-Cup Packs, you’ll quickly realize that you have a lot brewing options from coffee and tea to delicious cocoa. When it comes to features, this model includes:

  • 40-ounce water reservoir
  • 3 brew-size options: 6-, 8- and 10-ounces
  • Removable drip tray
Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Coffee Maker. 

The reservoir gently comes out and can hold up to 40-ounces of water. This means less refilling and an easier time making coffee in the morning. After putting the K-Cup in place, all that’s left to do is choose your brew size, and you’ll have delicious coffee within just 60 seconds.

Fast and efficient, this model can fit cups of all sizes from a small 8-ounce cup to a travel mug.

There is a drip tray to catch any coffee that might drip out after you remove your mug, and the tray is easily removed for easy cleanup.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleanup is a breeze. Remove the reservoir to dump out any old water and clean it in the sink. If the drip tray gets dirty, remove it and wipe it down with a sponge or clean it under the sink. I personally never put my coffee maker parts in the dishwasher, so I wouldn’t recommend it with this model.

Aside from using K-Cups, there’s virtually no maintenance involved.

Built to Last

With any coffee makers, you’ll risk the chance of the pump burning out early on. Mr. Coffee includes a one-year warranty, but you shouldn’t have to worry. I have a lot of friends that use this model regularly, and there have been no complaints so far.

Budget-Friendly

This is a little more expensive for a single-serve coffee maker due to the Keurig technology used. This model is very affordable and for Keurig taste and Mr. Coffee quality, it’s a smart investment.

Pros

  • Uses Keurig technology
  • Easy to clean
  • 3 great cup sizes

Cons

  • Small reservoir

The one complaint seen among users is that everyone wants a larger reservoir. This is a single-serve model, and you never want to let your water sit for too long between brew cycles. Aside from this, this model is highly recommended.

Mr. Coffee offers a very affordable option for K-Cup lovers with this single-serve coffee maker. It brews a cup of coffee in less than a minute, it has the Keurig taste coffee drinkers love, and it’s made by one of the best-known brands in the coffee industry – Mr. Coffee. If you’re in the market for a coffee maker, definitely see what the BVMC-KG6-001 has to offer.

Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Coffee Maker. 
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The Best: SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press Reviewed

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SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press

SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup (click to enlarge)

Elegant and able to brew 8, 4-ounce cups of coffee, this SterlingPro glass french press is an extremely affordable coffee and espresso maker that is easy to clean and easy to use. This is a no-frills model, so you won’t be buying a coffee maker with a timer or fancy settings. But, sometimes, simplicity brews the perfect cup of French press coffee.

Build Quality

Borosilicate glass is used for the carafe. A stainless steel base and enclosure keep the carafe in place. If you’re worried about plastic affecting your coffee’s taste, the only plastic piece is the top lip.

Design & Features

There aren’t many features, per say, aside from the fact that this model: Brews 8 cups of 4 ounce coffee and Uses a double screen system.

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press. See why over 5,000 people have given such a high rating!

Being a manual coffee maker, there are no electrical parts or fancy timers. This means that there is less opportunity for this model to break, and it’s super easy to use.

The carafe uses a heat-resistant, borosilicate glass that ensures a pure coffee taste. The double screen system is a fan favorite because it traps in any excess coffee grinds. If you hate finding coffee grinds at the end of your cup of coffee, you won’t experience this with the SterlingPro.

Maintenance & Cleaning

What’s the best thing about a manual coffee maker? It’s never hard to clean. Simply wait until the carafe is cool and clean it out with water and a sponge. Ideally, you’ll want to make sure that no soap enters the carafe to ensure the best flavor.

If soap is needed, thoroughly rinse and then run a full cycle, or two, with just water and no coffee. This will remove any “off” taste that you may experience.

As far as maintenance is concerned, you’ll only need to replace the metal screens. There are two extras provided. According to the manufacturer, with the two extra screens provided, you should be able to use this French press for years before needing to buy a replacement screen.

Durability & Longevity

Manual coffee machines will last for years. Simple cleaning and replacing the filter screens will allow you to use this model for years – maybe decades – if you never drop the carafe.

I do want to note that the carafe is delicate, so don’t put it in the dishwasher or bang it with a spin – it can crack.

Price

Do you want a French press that’s affordable? Check this model out!

Pros

  • Sturdy design
  • Large brewing capacity
  • Double screen filtration

Cons

  • Delicate carafe

The carafe can be a bit delicate, so you want to make sure that you don’t place it in the dishwasher or attempt to add sugar to the carafe and mix coffee in it. Some users have complained that the carafe has cracked due to a spoon hitting the inside too hard. However, this happens with a lot of French press models that are made from glass.

If you like French press coffee, you will like the pure – non-plastic – taste that the SterlingPro produces. This model is extremely affordable as well!

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press. See why over 5,000 people have given such a high rating!
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A Must Buy: SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Coffee Press Review

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SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press

SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press (click to enlarge)

The SterlingPro offers one liter of pure French press coffee. This is the perfect coffee maker for camping due to its extreme durability, but it can also be used in the home or office. Featuring 18/10 stainless steel, this model will look good in any kitchen and is an Amazon Bestseller.

High-Quality

Made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, this is one of the highest-quality French Presses on the market in terms of design.

No-Frills

This is a no-frills model, but really, all French Presses are simple in design. With that said, there are some pretty sweet features that make this model a little better than the competition:

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press. 

The double wall construction is something I want to talk more about. This design allows you to touch the exterior of the pot and not get burned in the process.

Moving to the exterior, the entire model, inside and out, is made from stainless steel. This allows for good heat conductivity as well as peace of mind in knowing that your French Press will never rust.

Coffee grounds are passed through a double screen system. What does this mean? The grounds will be stopped by two screens, so no grounds ever end up in your coffee.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Sometimes, the screens will need to be replaced. There is no set interval for this, but a lot of people have used one screen for over a year without an issue. The cost of these screens is about $15 for two, but the manufacturer includes 2 extra screens for free, which is a major bonus.

Being stainless steel, you can simply wipe and rinse all of the pieces clean.

Extreme Durability

If you’re used to a glass carafe, stainless steel will be your new best friend. One of the major selling points behind stainless steel is that it is very durable. You will be able to enjoy this French Press for years under normal use.

Affordable Price

SterlingPro offers this model at an entry-price.

Pros

  • All stainless steel
  • Double walled design
  • Double screen system
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Small capacity

Many users have stated that they thought this French Press would be bigger in size. The manufacturer does state that this is a 1 liter model. If you’re bad at conversions, this is roughly 34-ounces, or 4, 8-ounce cups of coffee. For a single coffee drinker or a couple, this is a great choice.

I’m a big fan of this model not only for the taste, but because I know that stainless steel can last a lifetime. Being stainless steel means that this model is very durable and that there’s never a plastic taste that many coffee makers produce. You’ll also never have to worry about rusting, which is a major benefit. You’ll also find that stainless steel is very easy to clean.

You really can’t ask for anything more at this price range. This is a sturdy, high-quality French Press that has been backed by 250+ reviews.

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press. 
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Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker Reviewed

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Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker

Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Technivorm-Moccamaster is a name many of you are probably unfamiliar with. Handmade in the Netherlands, Technivorm-Moccamaster coffee makers may not be as well-known as other brands, like Keurig and Mr. Coffee, but the brand produces great quality machines that can brew a mean pot of coffee. I had the chance to give the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT 10-cup brewer a test drive recently while staying with a friend. I’ll share my experiences in my review.

Premium-Quality Construction

Just one look at the KBT and you can tell it’s extremely well-made. The exterior is primarily made of stainless steel with black plastic accents – which are all BPA-free, by the way.

Click here to find the price on the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker. 

This machine is SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America), ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) and SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe) approved, so you know it’s made with top quality materials and brews a great pot of coffee.

Great Features and Sleek Design

Unlike other coffee makers, the KBT uses a copper heating element that heats the water to a consistent 196-205 degrees F. A special pulse action ensures the perfect bloom during extraction. Once the brewing cycle is complete, the heating element shuts off automatically.

There aren’t a whole lot of features or buttons with this machine. A simple on-off switch, water reservoir, carafe and filter basket are really all you need to enjoy a great cup of coffee. The water tank has markings, so you can easily measure your water.

The KBT has a minimalistic, compact design, which was a pleasant surprise. It won’t take up a whole lot of counter space, which makes it a great option for small kitchens and apartments. And it can brew a full 10-cup carafe or 1/2 carafe in just 4-6 minutes.

Clean-Up is a Breeze

Forget spending 10-15 minutes cleaning stubborn filter baskets and water reservoirs. The KBT is very easy to clean. The steel exterior wipes clean with a sponge or damp towel. To descale, just run a cleaning cycle with vinegar and water every month or so. Thanks to its minimalistic design, maintaining the KBT is a breeze.

Long-Lasting

If you’re looking to invest in a coffee maker that will give you years of use, the KBT is a great choice. It’s backed by a 5-year warranty and is built with high quality parts, including a stainless steel exterior and copper heating element. And because it has a simplistic design, there are very few parts you need to worry about breaking.

Superb Value at a Mid-Range Price

The Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT is a mid-range coffee maker with high-end quality. You’d have trouble finding another coffee maker in this price range that produces a better pot of coffee.

Pros

  • Simplistic, compact design
  • Easy to use and clean
  • 5-year warranty
  • Precise heating to the optimal brewing temperature
  • SCAA, SCAE and ECBC approved

Cons

  • A few users had a problem with the reservoir leaking.

When I tested the KBT, I never had an issue with the reservoir leaking. The reviewers who did probably didn’t use the machine properly.

The Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT brews coffee at just the right temperature every time. With a minimalistic design and affordable mid-range price, I can’t recommend the KBT enough.

Click here to find the price on the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker. 
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Most Affordable: The Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Reviewed

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Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Coffee Maker

Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Mr. Coffee is known for quality at an affordable price. With the SJX33GT, you’ll get one of the best low-end models on the market that comes with an automatic cleaning cycle, 12-cup brewing capacity and programmable timer, so you wake up to the smell of coffee every morning.

Great Quality

Named one of the best products of 2011, 2012 and 2013, this model is built with quality in mind. The carafe is thermal to keep heat inside, water is filtered through the accompanying water filter, and the exterior features a black and silver plastic design.

Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Coffee Maker. 

Feature-rich Design

For such a great price – more on that later – this model is packed with features that make brewing the perfect pot of coffee effortless. These top-of-the-line features include:

  • 12-cup brewing capacity
  • Glass carafe
  • Special cleaning cycle
  • 2-hour auto shutoff
  • 2-hour coffee heating
  • Water filter basket
  • Pause and serve
  • Strong and regular brew options
  • Set delay option for future brewing

Ever wonder why your coffee can taste so different from one coffee machine to the next? Oftentimes, it has a lot to do with the water. Using a carbon-based water filter, this model removes 97% of chlorine, so you’re left with delicious coffee.

You’re able to set your brew strength, program future coffee making and even stop this model mid-brew to pour yourself a cup of coffee and resume the brewing process after.

Easy Cleanup

Don’t want to spend too much time cleaning up? Neither do I. Mr. Coffee has a removable filter basket, a self-cleaning cycle and a glass carafe that’s easy to clean – just rinse it under the sink. As for the exterior, a simple cleaning with a sponge or damp towel is all that’s needed to get the job done.

Aside from the self-cleaning, the only maintenance involved will be replacing the water filter.

Durability & Longevity

The longevity of this model is superb. I have a friend that’s used this model every day for 2 years, and it’s still going strong. As long as you don’t drop the carafe, there’s no reason that this model won’t last just as long for you.

There’s also a manufacturer warranty, so if it breaks within the first year, you’ll get a free replacement.

Price

You’d be hard-pressed to find a model with this level of craftsmanship and durability for cheaper than the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT. This model is very affordable and is packed with all of the features that I deem a “necessity.”

Pros

  • Programmable for hot coffee when you wake up.
  • Time tested to last for years.
  • Self-cleaning cycle for easy cleaning.
  • Strong and regular brew settings.

Cons

  • Initial plastic taste.

Many users have stated that there is an initial plastic taste when first brewing with this model. A great way to fix this is to wipe the inside of the carafe with alcohol then thoroughly cleaning the inside. Now, run the cleaning cycle and brew a few cups of coffee. At this point, you should taste nothing but delicious, pure coffee.

If you’re on the market for an affordable coffee maker that is built to last, I recommend giving the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT a try.

Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Coffee Maker.