The Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew Reviewed

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged cuisinart, DGB-625BC Leave a comment

Cuisinart DGB-625BC Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Everyone knows that the secret to a great cup of coffee is freshly-ground beans. But if you’re the type who programs an automatic brew each morning, there’s no time to grind your own beans. That’s where the Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew comes in. Now, you can enjoy the freshest-tasting coffee without having to sacrifice that programmable feature you love. The DGB-625BC has plenty of other great features too.

Durable Construction

Like other Cuisinart coffee makers, the DGB-625BC is well-built. The black plastic housing is rugged and durable with metallic accents.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew Coffee Maker.

High-End Features and Modern Design

The DGB-625BC has a lot to offer in the features department. But I want to start off with the two most important ones: programmability and grinding. Normally, those are two words you never hear in the same sentence.

With the DGB-625BC, you get full 24-hour programmability, so you can wake up to a pot of coffee in the morning. And just before the machine starts brewing, it’ll grind your beans for you. Don’t worry, you’re not limited to whole coffee beans. You can use ground coffee too. Just press the “Grind Off” button before starting the brewing cycle (or programming). And once the machine starts brewing, the showerhead design ensures optimal flavor extraction.

This machine can brew up to 12 cups at a time, but there’s also a feature that lets you brew just 1-4 cups.

The DGB-625BC also offers:

Adjustable automatic shut-off for 0-4 hours.
Brew pause.
Charcoal water filter.
Permanent gold tone filter.
Measuring scoop and brush.
Dripless 12-cup carafe with ergonomic handle.
Water reservoir with markings for easy filling.
Cord storage.
Warming plate.

The DGB-625BC packs so many great features into one convenient machine.

Easy Cleaning

The DGB-625BC doesn’t come with a self-cleaning cycle, like other Cuisinart coffee machines. But it’s still very easy to clean. The permanent filter can be placed in the dishwasher. The rest of the machine wipes clean with a sponge or towel.

Built to Last

Under normal use, the Cuisinart DGB-625BC should last for many years. For added peace of mind, Cuisinart does include a 3-year warranty with this machine.

Unbeatable Price

Machines with automatic grinders typically aren’t budget-friendly, but the DGB-625BC is an exception to the rule.

Why I Recommend the DGB-625BC

Built-in grinder for the freshest-tasting coffee.
Comes with a permanent filter.
Water filter removes impurities and improves the taste of your coffee.
24-hour programmability, so you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee.
Brew pause to sneak in a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is done.
Option to brew just 1-4 cups.

What I Would Change

The grinder is loud

The grinder was louder than I expected. But honestly, all coffee grinds are loud. This might be a loud inconvenience if you plan on brewing your coffee before you actually get up in the morning.

Aside from this one minor issue, the Cuisinart DGB-625BC is nearly perfect. It’s priced just right, it makes a great pot of coffee and it will even grind your beans for you before it starts brewing. I highly recommend this machine to anyone looking for programmability and a freshly-brewed taste.

Click here to get the price of the Cuisinart DGB-625BC Grind-and-Brew Coffee Maker.

The Cuisinart DCC-2650 Brew Central Reviewed

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 14-cup, cuisinart, DCC-2600 Leave a comment

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.

My BUNN NHBB Velocity Coffee Maker Review

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged bunn, NHBB, velocity Leave a comment

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.

A Favorite By BUNN: The GRB Velocity Reviewed

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 10-cup, bunn, grb, velocity Leave a comment

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.

Another Favorite Single-Serve Coffee Maker By Mr. Coffee!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged coffee maker, mr. coffee, single-serve Leave a comment

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.

Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Favorite Tagged 10-cup, coffee maker, Technivorm-Moccamaster Leave a comment

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.

Most Affordable: The Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 12-cup, BVMC-SJX33GT, coffee maker, mr. coffee Leave a comment

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.

The Melitta Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 10-cup, coffee maker, Melitta Leave a comment

Melitta Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Melitta is a lesser-known brand, but they offer a stunning coffee maker that looks like a high-end model – without the high end price. This model is very popular with 2,800 reviews and comes with either a 10-cup thermal carafe model or a 12-cup glass carafe model.

I will be reviewing the 10-cup thermal model, but they’re virtually the same, minus the cup quantity.

Build Quality

Made with stainless steel, the build quality of the Melitta is exceptional. It looks stunning and won’t break or crack like some hard plastic models can.

The thermal carafe is also a major bonus because it features a double wall design that keeps coffee warm even hours after brewing.

Click here to get the price of the Melitta Coffee Maker.

Design & Features

Full-bodied flavor and an intoxicating aroma is what this coffee maker is known for. You can even program it at night and have it automatically brew coffee for you when you wake up. It’s very convenient and offers:

10-cup brewing capacity
Thermal carafe with thumb activated pouring
Vacuum-sealed design for the utmost in freshness
Regular, bold and robust coffee settings
Cone-shaped filter for optimal coffee extraction
Programmable timer
Pause and serve feature

Offering the ability to brew 10-cups of coffee, this model makes enough coffee for the whole family. If you’re in a rush, there is a pause and serve feature that allows you to pour yourself a cup of coffee and resume the brewing process right after. If you’re always on the go, this is a great feature to have.

The carafe allows for thumb-activated pouring. When you make your coffee, simply choose regular, bold or robust flavors. If you like a full-bodied taste, this model uses a cone design to optimize the coffee ground extraction process.

You can even make iced coffee with this model.

Maintenance & Cleaning

There isn’t an automatic cleaning cycle on this model, so you’ll need to clean this model by hand. Just grab a sponge or a damp rag, and wipe down the exterior. The carafe can be cleaned in the sink.

Durability & Longevity

Made from stainless steel, this model is extremely durable. Longevity is not an issue with many owners still using this model after 3+ years of ownership. As long as you change the coffee filters and perform regular cleanings, you’ll be able to run this model for years.

Price

The Melitta looks like a high-end model and produces a full-bodied cup of coffee that’s filled with delicious flavor. This is a great model for any coffee drinker.

Pros

Stainless steel
Exceptional exterior design
Affordable
Programmable
Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for 1 hour; warm for 3 hours

Cons

No automatic cleaning
Difficult to read the water gauge

Automatic cleaning would have been a nice added bonus, but it’s not a necessity with this model –especially for the price. Adding water and reading the gauge is a little difficult, especially when making less than 10 cups of coffee at a time, but you’ll quickly get used to it.

Melitta is a highly recommended coffee maker that offers durable stainless steel, programmable brewing and a thermal carafe that keeps coffee warm for hours.

Click here to get the price of the Melitta Coffee Maker.

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker: The Keurig K130 Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Favorite Tagged coffee maker, k130, keurig 2 Comments

Keurig K130 Single-Serve (click to enlarge)

Keurig is one of the most recognizable brands in the coffee industry, and their single-serve brewers are some of the best around. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on the K130 Brewing System. It’s one of the most affordable in the Keurig line-up, but it’s every bit as good as the other machines I’ve tested. It’s simple, but it does the job well. Let’s take a closer look at this model in my review.

Commercial-Grade Brewer

Did you know that the K130 is the same machine used in hotel and motel rooms all over the country? A coffee machine has to be reliable and well-built if it’s going to be used in the hospitality industry.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K130 Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

Simple, Smart Design

Like all other Keurig machines, the K130 uses the K-Cup system. I personally love K-Cups because they’re so convenient. I never have to spend extra time grinding beans or measuring. All I have to do is just pop in the K-Cup and start brewing. And with this model, you also have the option of buying a reusable K-Cup holder, so you can use your own coffee if you want.

Aside from coffee, you can also brew tea, hot cocoa and even iced beverages in this machine. The versatility of the K130 is one feature I really like, and something that most Keurig single-serve machines offer.

The internal reservoir holds just enough water for a single 8oz. serving. But that’s all the water you’ll need as this brewer makes just one cup at a time. And pictorial instructions are included on the side of the machine to ensure you use it properly. A mug sensor and automatic shutoff feature are also included.

The K130 doesn’t come with a ton of features. It’s a simple design that works well, and it brews a great cup of coffee. At the end of the day, that’s really all that matters.

Minimal Clean-Up

Because the K130 is a simple machine, clean-up is easy. The exterior wipes clean with a sponge or rag. The reservoir isn’t removable, but it comes clean with a simple vinegar/water brewing cycle.

Maintenance is easy. Just be sure to keep the machine clean and follow the usage directions properly.

Highly Durable

Keurig designed the K130 for commercial use, so it’s built to withstand extensive use and abuse. I’m confident that if you take care of this machine, it will last for quite a few years.

A Price That’s Hard To Beat

Would you believe me if I told you the K130 is very affordable? Most machines in the brand’s lineup cost $100+. You can get your hands on the K130 for less than the cost of most entry-level coffee makers. And you still get the same Keurig quality.

Pros

Easy to use and clean
Brews just one cup at a time
Auto shutoff saves energy
Uses K-Cups for convenient, easy brewing

Cons

No programmable features
Only brews one cup at a time

It sounds silly, seeing as the K130 is a single-serve coffee maker, but I would have liked to have the option of brewing more than one cup of coffee at a time. Other Keurig machines (like the K45) give you this option, but the K130 doesn’t. However, the brew time is so quick, it really isn’t a major concern.

The Keurig K130 is a great brewer for single coffee drinkers. It’s quick, efficient and brews up a quick cup of great-tasting coffee. I highly recommend this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K130 Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

The Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged coffee maker, k45, keurig, single-serve Leave a comment

Keurig K45 Single-Serve Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

A while back, I took the Keurig K45 Elite Brewing System for a test drive while staying at a neighbor’s house. I’ve always loved the simplicity of Keurig machines and the K-Cup system, and the K45 offers that flexibility that I’ve been craving in single-serve brewers. I’ll explain more in my review.

Keurig-Quality Construction

First, let’s talk about the quality of the K45’s construction. If you have any experience with Keurig machines, you already know how well-built they are. I’ve known people who have had their machines for several years and it still brews great coffee. The K45 is no exception.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker.

Sophisticated Design and Convenient Features

Now, let’s get back to that flexibility I was talking about earlier. Unlike other single-serve brewers, the K45 Elite gives you the option of brewing 6oz., 8oz. or 10oz. cups of coffee. This means you don’t have to run two brewing cycles just to fill your travel mug for work in the morning.

Another great feature is the large 48oz. water reservoir. If you’re brewing a large cup of coffee or more than one person is making a cup, you don’t have to make several trips to the sink to refill the water tank. And the K45 even comes with a water filter kit, so you can enjoy fresh, pure coffee every time.

With the K45, you can customize your coffee with just a few clicks of a button.

The K45 is always ready to brew, and will make you a cup of whatever you want – coffee, tea, hot cocoa or even iced tea – in less than a minute.

And if you forget to turn off the machine, it will shut off automatically after a given period of time.

Easy to Clean

The Keurig K45 is really easy to clean. A damp sponge or towel can be used to wipe down the exterior of the machine. And to keep the machine clean, there’s a special descale program that will remove build-up and hard water residue.

Most parts, including the water tank and drip tray, are removable and easily washed by hand with soap and water.

Built to Last

Backed by the Keurig name, the K45 Elite Brewing system is built to last. I’ve tested quite a few coffee makers, and you can tell by the weight and build of this machine that it will give you plenty of use. Some coffee makers feel “flimsy”. This one doesn’t by any means.

Won’t Break the Bank

Some Keurig machines can be expensive, but the K45 is very reasonably priced. Considering this machine gives you the flexibility to brew bigger cups of coffee, it’s worth the cost.

Why I Recommend the K45

Multiple cup sizes (6oz – 10oz.).
Large, 48oz. water reservoir, so you can brew multiple cups before having to refill.
Automatic shutoff feature.
Water filter cartridge included.
Comes with 12 K-Cups to get you started.
Brews in just one minute.

Minor Drawbacks

Not programmable

The K45 doesn’t offer any programmable features, so you won’t be able to wake up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. But it takes just one minute to make a cup of coffee, so this really isn’t much of an issue.

The Keurig K45 is a sleek single-serve coffee maker that gives you the flexibility you crave. With multiple cup sizes and a large reservoir, this is a coffee maker the whole family can use.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker.