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Most Affordable Single-Serve: The Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker

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Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Want a fast-brewed cup of coffee? That is exactly what the Hamilton Beach 49981A has to offer. This model is meant for the person that needs just enough coffee – up to 14 ounces – to give them that extra jolt they need to wake up in the morning.

There’s enough room to fit your travel cup or coffee mug right underneath the coffee dispenser.

High-Quality Stainless Steel

Hamilton Beach uses stainless steel with this model. Black plastic trim can be seen around the edges, and the top pops open to reveal the coffee filter. This is a very high-quality product at a very affordable price. It’s yet another example from Hamilton Beach, that a decent coffee maker can be affordable and still product great tasting coffee.

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker. 

Features

Feature-rich, the 49981A offers bold and regular flavor options to ensure the perfect taste with every cup. This model features:

  • 14-ounce brewing capacity
  • Built-in stand for coffee mugs
  • Stainless steel design
  • Regular and bold coffee settings
  • Labeled scoop filters
  • Adjustable cup rest

This very model won an award from Good Housekeeping in 2012 for being a “Very Innovative Product.”

What’s so innovative?

It’s all in the design. Starting with the coffee filter, simply push the top and the filter holder is exposed. After putting in your coffee grounds, adjust the built-in coffee stand to your coffee cup’s size. It’s simple and easy.

Then, you can choose your desired coffee strength – regular or bold – and start brewing.

Hamilton Beach even includes a mesh scoop filter, so you never need to buy paper filters again.

The stand also acts as a drip tray, so there’s never any messy cleanup to worry about. Brewing time is just 90 seconds or less for an 8-ounce cup. When you’re finished, this coffee maker will shut off for added safety.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Before you go ahead and brew your first cup of coffee in this model, make sure you listen to the manufacturer’s suggestion of running two full coffee cycles with just water. This should be seen as starting maintenance to remove any plastic taste.

Scoop filters rarely need to be replaced. Even after 7 months of use, there was no need to replace the scoop filter yet.

If you want easy clean up, you’ll be in for a treat with this model. This is one of the easiest coffee makers to clean. Since there is no carafe to worry about, you’ll be cleaning the exterior and the filter with a damp cloth or sponge. If you want to be very thorough, brew a cup or two of coffee with just water to clean out the coffee spout.

Top-quality Durability

There’s literally nothing to break with this model. Made from stainless steel and not containing a carafe, you shouldn’t have any breakage issues ever.

Price

This is one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market.

Pros

  • Beautiful design
  • Extremely durable
  • Regular and bold strength brewing
  • Very easy to clean
  • Adjustable stand

Cons

  • Leaks if too much grounds are added

Many coffee makers will leak if you add to many grounds to the filter. This occurs because the grounds are packed so tightly that the water has nowhere to go. Always leave a little room up top to avoid this issue.

As far as taste is concerned, you’ll have a full-bodied cup of coffee in 90 seconds or less. The filtration keeps in the strong coffee flavor, and you’ll never spend more than 2 minutes cleaning the machine.

Click here to get the price of the Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker. 
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Top Buy! The Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker Reviewed

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Hamilton Beach 46201

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

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Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker

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

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BUNN BT Velocity

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. 
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My Favorite Coffee Maker: The Bonavita BV1800 Reviewed!

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Bonavita BV1800 Coffee Maker

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.