The Best: SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Favorite, French Presses Tagged best, french press, glass, sterlingpro 1 Comment

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!

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.

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.

My Favorite High-End Espresso Machine: The Jura Ena Micro 1!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines, Favorite Tagged ena micro 1, espresso machine, high-end, jura Leave a comment

Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

Looking for an espresso machine that’s sleek, elegant and brews the absolute perfect cup of espresso? You’re in luck – the Jura Ena Micro 1 is all that and more. It’s ultra-compact, but designed to brew espresso like a seasoned barista in an Italian café. This is the ultimate in premium coffee machines and I am so excited to be able to share my review with you!

Artisan Craftsmanship

The first thing you’ll notice about the Ena Micro 1 is its design. Sleek, compact and modern, this coffee maker is a work of art. It’s so small and compact, that it fits mostly anywhere in the kitchen.

But it doesn’t just look great – it works great too. It’s well-designed and built with the highest quality materials — something Jura prides itself on with every one of their models!

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine.

Designed to Brew the Perfect Espresso

The Ena Micro 1 is perfectly engineered to take most of the work out of brewing espresso. With just a few button presses, the Ena Micro 1 will get to work, brewing your preferred cup. From size to aroma level, you have control over the brew.

All of your beans are stored in a small compartment on top of the machine. The aroma preservation lid keeps your beans as fresh as possible, while the grinder gently grinds them to your preferred size.

Before the brewing even begins, the machine will preheat the water to the optimal brewing temperature. In one single brewing cycle, you can choose the strength and preparation for up to two cups. The coffee spout is also adjustable, so you can brew large or small cups of coffee with ease and without destroying the crema. The 15 bar pressure system is ideal for brewing espresso.

To ensure that your espresso tastes as pure as possible, Jura includes a water filter cartridge to remove impurities from the water. It also helps prevent scale.

And when you’re done brewing, the zero-energy switch will disconnect the machine from your power supply, so you don’t use energy while the machine is on standby.

The Jura Ena Micro 1 comes pre-programmed for three sizes, which are espresso, lungo and ristretto, and there are three settings for the concentration of beans.

Ristretto is the strongest and smallest cup of coffee and will be made with the most concentrated amount of coffee beans and least amount of water.
Espresso is with a little bit more water but still quite strong.
Lungo is more like a regular cup of coffee and will be using the largest amount of water.

The largest of the factory programmed water amount is about 6 ounces and you can quite easily manually program the Jura Micro 1 to give you even more water.

Jura packs all of these great features into one compact model that’s just 9.06” x 12.72” x 17.52”. This powerful little machine won’t take up much room on your counter, and will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

With a compact design, the Ena Micro 1 is really easy to clean and maintain. The water filter does a great job at preventing scale, but I recommend also buying the cleaning tablets that Jura offers.

On top of this, the machine also has a rinsing, cleaning and descaling program built in, so your machine will stay clean at all times.

A Timeless Espresso Machine

The Ena Micro 1 truly is an espresso machine that will give you years of use. It’s well-engineered and built with the highest quality materials.

Luxury Coffee Maker at a Mid-Range Price

I would recommend you get the Ena Micro 1 but this is definitely a coffee maker that’s on the higher end of the mid-range class, but it’s worth every penny for the convenience, compact design and fantastic coffee quality.

Why I Recommend the Jura Ena Micro 1

Single-serve 1-cup machine, which is great for single coffee drinkers.
Grinder built into the machine for the freshest coffee grounds.
Multiple cup sizes and adjustable spout make it easy to brew larger cups.
Compact design that won’t take up much room in your kitchen.
Automatic energy savings to cut your energy costs.

Some Drawbacks to Consider

Pricey

The Ena Micro 1 is a little on the expensive side, but for an upper-mid range model, it really is worth every penny. It brews an absolutely delicious cup of espresso, and the machine itself is so easy to use and clean. You’d have trouble finding another coffee maker of this quality at a lower price.

Click here to get the price of the Jura Ena Micro 1 Espresso Machine.

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!

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.

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.