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.

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

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

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.

Top Buy! The Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker Reviewed

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

Hamilton Beach 46201 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

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

Hamilton Beach Quality

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

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

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

Design & Features

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

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

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

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

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

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

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

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

Durability & Longevity

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

Entry-Level Price

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

Pros

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

Cons

No self-cleaning mode
Slow brewing time

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

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

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

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

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

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

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

Solid Construction

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

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

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

Convenient Features with a Sleek Design

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

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

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

Self-Cleaning

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

A Coffee Maker That Will Last

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

Budget-Friendly

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

Pros

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

Cons

A little heavy

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

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

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

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

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

BUNN BT Velocity Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

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

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

Restaurant Quality Coffee Maker

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

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

Modern Design with Versatile Features

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

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

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

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

Quick and Easy Clean-Up

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

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

Commercial-Grade Durability

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

Affordably Priced

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

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

Why I Love This Coffee Maker

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

What I Would Change

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

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

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

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

My 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.