Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker, White

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I drink tea like you breath air, but I'll bet my air against your tea that this is the maker you'll want.



We had a Mr Coffee tea maker for years. It was fine at first, but increasingly problematic.



First, physical weaknesses: The pitchers crack and warp slowly but steadily, so won't last forever. You can replace them for about ten bucks, but with shipping that's half the cost of an entirely new unit. And you can't put them in the dishwasher, so you'll probably want at least several up front anyway, so that you can clean them.



Second, cleaning problems. Unlke the Hamilton Beach tea makers, the Mr Coffee bags go in the brewing housing, which has to be removed and cleaned separately from the pitcher. And if you forget to do that, you'll have yucky (even moldy) tea bags the next time you go to make tea, even if that's within two days.



Hamilton Beach instead keeps the bags' brewing area inside the pitcher itself, which you can refridgerate and prevent yuck and mold from occuring. Plus, the Mr Coffee station drips TEA on the counter as soon as you remove the pitcher, whereas the Hamilton Beach only drips WATER since the tea process is all contained in the pitcher itself.



Further, the Mr Coffee series requires that the pitcher get very close to the brew housing station, with the tea just BARELY getting into the spout, or else you'll get tea dripped on the counter WHILE brewing. That messiness increases as the pitcher begins to warp and crack. Hamilton Beach bests that both by including a pull-out tray that HOLDS the pitcher in the correct position, and by having the tea drip directly to the center of the pitcher rather than milimeters from the edge of the spout.



Above all, the Hamilton Beach series simply makes better tea. It includes a dial that allows you to make weak, medium, or strong tea, and that's all automated. The Mr Coffee series has no such setting, but requires you to "close" the brewing area for a period and then turn a dial to "open" before it starts putting tea in the pitcher. That manual step both slows down the tea production, and risks making quite the mess if you forget to go back and open the dial.



(The reviewer who used 14 bags for 2 quarts is doing something insanely wrong. Above all, they're probably using individual bags. You'll definitely want to get a few boxes of "family size" bags. I use 3 bags for 2 quarts, and it makes as fine a tea as I ever had growin' up in Georgia.)



Finally, the Mr Coffee pitcher is a large and obtrusive ROUND cylinder that takes up lots of space in the fridge, even when there's only a glass or so left in the pitcher, plus a handle that takes up excessively additional space. The Hamilton Beach pitchers are instead elongated OVAL shapes, that fit in more places in the fridge, even in the fridge door, and are *shorter* so that you can put them on a shelf with a lower overhead.



Mr. Coffee: bigger mess, more manual, more cleaning, more risk, lower longevity, and lamer tea.



Hamilton Beach: no mess, no manual revisit, easy to clean, no risk, lasts longer, better tea, and more options when you make it.



No contest!

Hamilton Beach 40870 Stainless Steel 10-Cup Electric Kettle

CUSTOMER REVIEW



So after spending a little over a week searching for a suitable kettle I have definitely found the perfect match. I recently received a 6 cup teapot and wanted to keep it in my room along with an electric kettle to replace going into the kitchen and brewing cup after cup of tea.



My criteria

- Stainless steel with as little plastic contact as possible.

- Hidden heating element.

- Simple functions, the less bells and whistles the less to break

- Good spout

- Inexpensively priced.



What I like about this kettle:

- It met all my criteria.

- After brewing and discarding 4 kettle fulls there is no discernible aftertaste.

- No plastic contact inside, there is a plastic water level but it isn't in direct contact with the largest body of water in the kettle. Also, the tube for the boiling shut off is made from stainless as well, not plastic which is really nice.

- Is real metal not just plasticy coated metal imitator I saw on a few of the models.

- The inside bottom is a stainless plate with the heating element underneath making clean up easy.

- The outside bottom is plastic and gets warm not burning hot so it can be placed onto a surface.

- Slides onto the base easily.

- Auto shutoff works well.



What worries me: I say worries because it isn't a problem right now but may be a few months down the line.

- The lid opens with a button which if it breaks could potentially be a problem, not to fill the kettle as the spout provides adequate room to fill it with, but to clean it.

- After two brews i took the little filter out. I am using it only to heat water and only with filtered water so to me it seems unnecessary.

- The switch at the bottom, it doesn't seem flimsy per say but it does seem to be a little loose, its not a push button so I worry it may give out.



Duh, or common sense things that people seem to have an issue with:

- It gets hot. Yes. It's supposed to. Since the body is stainless steel, which is a good conductor of heat, it will be hot. The handle provides ample room to grab though.

- It will be heavy if completely full. Yes, water in larger amounts does get heavy. The kettle itself isn't much heaver than a standard coffee carafe so it should not add much to the overall weight.

- It can be a bit loud. Its boiling water, the kettle doesn't have any sound or heat insulation so yes you will be able to hear it. Honestly for me its not really a bother. The kettle sits on its own table next to my desk and I find it kind of soothing. Plus if I am heating water for green tea or white tea I can listen in and shut it off before it comes full boil.

- Along those lines, if you leave water in it for some time yes the water will cool. It is not a warmer nor is it a thermos that will keep it to the same temperature all day.



Overall:

I am very satisfied with this product. I have already recommended it to several people and it has been serving me well. Its not a fancy appliance so it does its job and doesn't require a tremendous effort on my part which was exactly what I was looking for.

Capresso Stainless Steel Iced Tea Maker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have never used an iced tea brewer before this one however it seems to do a decent job. Easy to use, nice pitcher even though it is a little thin but who wants a very heavy pitcher to have to deal with anyway. Holds plenty of loose tea when you go to brew. The only thing I though was a little weird was the power button. There isn't a light or a tactile feedback that I could see when I used it but when I did press the on button I could hear the element heating up and beginning to use the water to brew. Looks good though and I would recommend it to anyone.

Hamilton Beach 46201 12 Cup Digital Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've tried many coffee makers over the years and this model #46201 by Hamilton Beach is by far the best I've ever owned. There are several very intuitive features that make this particular coffee maker stand apart from the rest. The description and pictures on this Amazon listing don't even begin to describe the features that make this coffee maker great, so I will describe them for you.



1. Removable water reservoir - The bottom of the coffee maker is equipped with little rollers. To fill the coffee maker with water, you simply turn the coffee maker around 90 degrees, grab the reservoir by the little handle and lift up to remove it. Take it over to the sink, fill it up, drop the reservoir back into place, and spin the coffee maker back around. This solves two problems that most other coffee makers have, in that I don't have to pull the machine out from underneath the kitchen cabinet in order to open the lid, and I also don't have to worry about trying to pour the water into a tiny little opening in the back of the machine. Great feature.



2. Front access to coffee ground basket - The coffee ground basket is located above the decanter, and it swings out to the front, giving me easy access to add my coffee and filter. Again, no more pulling the machine out in order to open the top lid like other coffee makers. There is a button on the right side of the machine, and when pushed the basket is released and it swings out to meet you. It takes regular sized flat bottom coffee filters, and the bottom of the coffee basket has the little spring loaded button that stops the flow of coffee if you decide to pull the decanter out while the coffee is still brewing.



3. Burner Temperature control - There is a button on the front that allows you to control the temperature of the burner under the decanter. It has three settings. I love this because after the coffee is done brewing, I can turn the burner temp down a bit and then my coffee can sit there in the pot for a while and not end up with a bitter burnt taste. With my old Cuisinart coffee maker, the coffee would taste completely burnt if it sat on the burner for more than half an hour. Burnt coffee no more!



4. Brew settings - There are 3 brew settings: Regular, 1-4 Cups, and Bold. The bold setting simply releases the water at a slower rate when brewing so the water has more time to extract the maximum flavor from the coffee grounds. If you like your coffee with a bold flavor, then this feature is for you.



5. The decanter does not dribble - This was a big selling point for me. The decanter for the Cuisinart coffee maker we just had (it's in the trash can now) dribbled like you wouldn't believe. We were finding ourselves keeping a towel next to the coffee maker because every time you poured a cup of coffee you had to clean up a mess of coffee that dribbled down the side of the decanter onto the counter top. This decanter spout has a nice deep groove to it, and it pours like a dream.



It also has the regular features that can be expected such as a clock, and the ability to set it for delayed brew. I would say the only thing that I don't like about this machine is the blue light on the display, but that is just me. This coffee maker does exactly what it is supposed to and has none of the annoying flaws that most other coffee makers suffer from. I would like to meet the engineer who designed this machine and shake their hand. My morning coffee is much more pleasurable now.



*UPDATE 12/4/2013

Well, I've had this coffee maker for a year and a half now. I use it every day, sometimes more than once a day, and have yet to experience any problems whatsoever. It just works, and I'm very pleased with this purchase. I'll probably buy another one to have on hand in case they stop making this model. By far the best coffee maker I've ever owned.

Mr. Coffee TM75TS Fresh Tea Iced Tea Maker, Teal

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Worked great for a month or two. Now it's hit or mis if you'll have a flooded tea stained countertop.

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker, Electric Titan

CUSTOMER REVIEW



We have owned the Nespresso CitiZ for a year and have been very happy with it. Recently we also bought the Nespresso Pixie for our vacation place and are slightly disappointed with the operation of the machine. Here are our thoughts (listed in no particular order):



PROS:

- Small footprint makes this machine well suited for smaller kitchens that don't have a lot of counter space.

- Heats up very quickly, i.e. making coffee is quite fast

- Cute design

- Coffee is very good and hot, with excellent crema, just like it is with the Citiz.



CONS:

- Smaller water reservoir means frequent refilling.

- Reservoir is more difficult to remove than on the Citiz. It clicks into the machine at the top via two plastic 'hooks' which only retract when one opens the reservoir's hinged lid. With the lid open, one then lifts the reservoir up and out. We found this a bit tedious, coming from the more straight-forward design of the Citiz where no opening of the lid is required, one lifts it out and is done.

- The cup tray folds up for taller cups such as latte macchiato glasses but it does not stay folded up on its own, i.e. one has to hold the tray with one hand and place the cup down with the other. As soon as the cup is removed, the tray falls back into its original position

- We found that there is noticeable coffee spray during operation. We had to place the machine on a towel and move it away from anything that could be permanently soiled by that spraying, such as walls.



SUMMARY:

The coffee quality is excellent, absolutely no gripes here. Our problem with the Pixie is with the operating aspect of this machine. We feel that it is too small for its own good. The smaller size apparently required design changes which in turn lead to all those inconveniences listed above. Where space is at an absolute premium, we would probably still recommend this machine but if there is sufficient space (and the Citiz is not THAT much bigger) we think that the Citiz is definitely the better and more thought-out machine. In our opinion the slightly higher price for the Citiz is worth it.



UPDATE 8/16/12:

When ordering Nespresso capsules from the Nespresso website (pretty much the only place where to get these), they have now set a requirement for their customers to order multiples of 50 capsules. Which means you can either buy 50 or 100 or 150 etc. capsules when ordering. This rule of 'multiples of 50' did not exist before. To me this is a very annoying move on part of Nespresso because it doesn't allow the customer to order, let's say, 30 of a decaffeinated variety, 20 of a Lungo and 20 of an espresso variety. Now one must place orders for higher (or lower) quantities in order to reach the 50/100... multiples.



I thought I'd mention this because if you decide on a Nespresso machine you will need to order your capsules from their website exclusively (if you want genuine Nespresso, do not live near one of their boutiques and do not want to shop on eBay). I for one will take a long hard look at this marketing practice and probably scale down my usage of Nespresso considerably because of it.

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker With Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother, Electric Titan

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) The Pixie has got to be the smallest and most portable single-serve coffee machine on the market. It has so much going for it! Like other Nespresso machines, this Pixie produces a top-notch coffee product. This particular model offers a milk frother alongside the coffee maker--and that is a real plus. The two together cost less than if purchased separately.



All things considered: The Pixie works every bit as well as the older and larger (but not much larger) CitiZ and the newest "kid on the block", the Nespresso U. The Pixie has a smaller water well. It also has a smaller compartment for spent capsules. In my experience that does not matter. In fact, it's probably better. You should start with fresh water as often as possible and it's easy and quick to dump spent capsules.



I think the whole line of Nespresso machines are far better than Tassimo and Kuerig machines. The Nespresso machines are better designed: They work quicker and quieter; have a smaller footprint and are less bulky; are much better looking, and, most importantly, the quality and variety of the espresso blends cannot be beat. I haven't tried the new Starbuck's machine, but I do know this Pixie is smaller and has a lot more style.



Our first Nespresso machine was a CitiZ and it still sits proudly on our kitchen counter. The Pixie was just being introduced when we bought our CitiZ several years ago. We ended up with the CitiZ because it came in a color that better matched the style of our century-old house. But I've always thought the Pixie was awfully cute and stylish. And who doesn't consider a smaller footprint a plus?



YOU CAN STOP READING HERE: While the above paragraphs sum up my opinion briefly, you can keep reading for more information. Sorry, but I found it hard to streamline this review--after all, I've purchased (and dumped) three Tassimo machines; I purchased and use the Nespresso CitiZ and the Latissima on a daily basis; I own a single-serve Gaggia by illy that sees very little use lately; I acquired a Jura ENA Uno about four months ago, and it daily provides us with freshly ground and brewed beans (we buy Peet's beans), and last, but not least, I've also acquired a Nespresso U with an Aeroccino frother. I'm thinking I've got some experience upon which I base my opinions.



MORE ON THE PIXIE:

--I don't know why this impresses me, but there is a white backlighting (around the spent capsule compartment) that I think is way, way cool. Plus, the backlighting allows you to safely grab your hot coffee in the dark. If you're low on water, the light shines red.

--The Pixie doesn't drip when it's done pouring like the CitiZ and Latissima models tend to do.

--The Pixie is basically portable: Being small and light-weight, having a cord that tucks away and a handle that doubles as the inserter lever, this little guy is easy to transport. You are going to be able to take your favorite coffee with you on a road trip--now that is a very exciting thought!

--Water heats up hotter in the Pixie (than in the CitiZ). Some people think this is important. I'm not one of them--no matter how hot the coffee is, I think it is very important to heat the cup first. (A very simple thing to do: Add hot tap water to the cup and let it sit in the sink a minute; but, yes, it is still another step to accomplish during your morning rush-hour routine before you leave for work.)

--The platform that your cup sits on is a bit cumbersome. It folds up for tall cups, but it's your cup that actually holds the platform up and out of the way. You could consider it a design flaw or maybe it adds to its compactness and portability. This only matters if you like to make fancy concoctions once in a while, forcing the use of a taller cup. (Sometimes I like to pour through some whipped cream or add a shot of something boozy.)



REGARDING THE AEROCCINO: For the difference in price between a Pixie with or without this stand-alone milk frother, you really should buy the combo. Several years ago when I first investigated this frother, it was valued at nearly a hundred dollars--so there is great value in purchasing it along with the espresso machine. It's a great little gadget: It has a beautiful shiny metal outside surface that is very substantial; it is quiet; it is quick; it produces beautiful soft foam; the handle is strong and easy on the hand, and because it has a high quality non-stick inner surface, it is easy to clean by simply rinsing it out. Its downfalls: The base is lightweight and will not grip a counter top; the heavy electric cord is adequately long, but excess cord can't be hid in the base, and the worst offense: The spout will leave you with a drip every time. In comparison to the Starbuck's model, this frother is made of a high quality, beautiful metal; the Starbuck's is black plastic.



COMPARED WITH THE LATISSIMA MILK FROTH: I like the froth created by the Latissima better than the froth from the Aeroccino. The Latissima foam is finer and thicker, and it is ADJUSTABLE. I also like the fact that the milk container on the Latissima can be easily disengaged from the machine and stored in the frig. There is no waste and clean-up is accomplished with a few seconds push of a button; only enough milk is sucked through the machine per serving. In a morning rush, it is easier to set the container of unused milk back in the frig. If you want easy cleaning with The Aeroccino, the residue milk has to be rinsed before you leave the house.



LET'S DISCUSS COFFEE: After all, the machine is just a vessel for the end result. And if the coffee that is made for the machine isn't great, then why even look at the machine. The coffee in the Nespresso pods is superb. It's way better than anything available from Tassimo or Kuerig.



It's been several years since we switched from a Tassimo machine to a Nespresso machine. (If you want to hear about why I totally dislike Tassimo, ask me and I'll be happy to elaborate.) At the time of the switch, we were used to drinking large-size cups of coffee. So we felt we were taking a chance on the Nespresso blends--not knowing if we'd be able to tolerate the change from a big cup of brew to just a few sips. But the change has been effortless and so rewarding: Because the coffee is so smooth and rich, it is easier and more satisfying to relish a few sips rather than big gulps of average-tasting coffee. We really didn't know what we were missing.



If you think you like more mild coffee and think that espresso will be too strong for you--then you think like I did. And I was wrong, and there is no reason to be afraid of Nespresso expresso and lungo (long cups--still pretty small): This great coffee is not bitter; it has a variety of fragrances, and feel, and flavors in each sip--and I've found that I am now leaning towards the more "intense" blends. With the Pixie there are two buttons to choose how much water you want to pass through each disc, and they are easily programmable, which offers you an infinite variety of strengths. Now I find that I prefer to go along with the pre-programmed amount of water for each blend. After all, the recommendations come from experts and they know what they're doing!



Nespresso has a lineup of 16 blends (plus there are special blends offered throughout the year). The blends by Tassimo and Kuerig cannot compare. It might have something to do with the fact that the Nespresso pods are made of aluminum and keep the ground coffee fresher than the others which are all made of plastic or maybe the Tassimo and Kuerig product is made to suit less savvy, less experienced coffee drinkers. I can't offer a comparison between the Nespresso and Starbuck pods, because I've not tried the Starbucks' Verismo system yet. I can say that Starbuck pods are more expensive than Nespresso pods, and there are way fewer choices. Regarding the "green-ness" of the pods: Nespresso's are recyclable and the others are not.



If anyone is interested in more details of the 16 Nespresso Grand Crus: Nespresso uses about 95% Arabica and 5% Robusta in its blends. Their beans come from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya, Ethiopia and India. Blending, roasting and grinding are all variables that enter into creation of a particular flavor blend. Investigating the blends, it is obvious that most of the beans come from Central and South America, Nespresso does not have a blend that features Kenyan Arabica beans--and that is my only dissatisfaction with the Nespresso lineup. We love Kenyan coffee and own a Jura ENA Uno machine so that we can brew our favorite Kenyan coffee from Peet's on the West Coast. It is interesting to note that the Starbucks' Verismo system does not offer a Kenyan pod at this time. I've got more info on the different Grand Crus--just ask me; I'll keep an eye on this review.



You don't give up any flavor by using the convenience of a Grand Cru capsule. And don't think that the capsules "cost too much": You want great coffee? You're going to have to pay for it. Amen. It doesn't matter if you grind your own or buy it in capsule form. In fact, I pay more cup-for-cup when I grind my own.



Two other things: Nespresso augments their 16 regular blends with a special, limited-time-only blend about three times a year. And it is very, very easy to buy the capsules. They are available online at nespresso.com. The ordering process is simple, the product is always fresh, customer service efficient and pleasant, and shipment is quick, quick.



If someone tells me the Nespresso capsules do not produce the "best espresso you'll ever have", I ask them where to get a better one: If they're being completely honest, the answer will not be "I get a better espresso at home", not unless that person is an expert with a very expensive machine.



One last thought on the capsules: The jewel-toned, aluminum capsules are a visual treat. The capsules are like little gems, little bon-bons. They are truly beautiful to look at. While it is surely not the most important point to be made about the 16 Grand Cru, I always like to remember to use all my senses when drinking coffee.



UPDATE September 2013: Looking at the Nespresso website, I see there are now 21 Grand Cru, and what's really neat: There is a carrying case for the Pixie.

Takeya Iced Tea Maker Set

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I love tea but prefer iced tea. I've been on a health kick and like to drink tea through out the day.

This system works well for me. I have a tea kettle that I use to heat the water to the temperature recommended by the tea maker.

I place the loose tea in the steeping container (tea bags would work also). I then pour the hot water into the 25 ounce pitcher.

You are brewing a strong tea concentrate. Steep for recommended time then pour into the ice 1/2 filled 66 ounce pitcher.

You can adjust tea amount or ice amount to suit how strong you like your tea.

During the exchange there may be a few drips. I feel like a scientist mixing and pouring.

I like this system because both pitchers can use the same lids so either could be used to steep if you prefer.

The lids seal perfectly so you could turn the pitchers upside down without fear.

The entire units are BPA free acrylic/plastic so I feel good about that.

The steeper has a very fine screen. So fine that I was worried about putting a finger through it when cleaning.

With over 30 days of daily use so far it is holding up with no hints of wear.

The great thing about this fine a screen is that when using finer teas they don't pass through it into the pitcher.

The only possible issue I could say is the lids are designed to spin and lock into the pouring position.

I did have a few drips when I first tried pouring but I learned not to overfill it and to pour close to the cup I'm using.

I would definitely buy this again. If you like iced tea or a lot of hot tea this might be what you're looking for.

Chefs Star Premier Automatic Milk Frother, Heater and Cappuccino Maker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I love both cappuccino and Cuban coffee, so when I was offered a review sample I jumped at the opportunity. This is a heavy, quality heater and frother that does much more than heat and froth milk. However I will cover heating and frothing first.



It comes equipped with two small whisks - one for frothing milk and the other for just heating it (the heating whisk helps distribute the heat evenly.) The default configuration out of the box is heating. The frothing whisk is stored in the lid of the machine. That one will froth cold or hot milk. There are limits on the amount of milk this will hold and as soon as you peer inside about half or less of the jug is for milk and the remainder is heating element and internal timers, etc. So your total capacity for milk is 125ml, or about 4.25 ounces. It's double that for cold frothed milk. It heats the milk to about 150 degrees F, which is perfect for Cuban coffee and cappuccino. Note: if you do use this for heating you need about two minutes between loads to allow the thermostat to cool and reset.



Cleaning is a snap, but know that it needs to be hand washed and definitely not immersed in water. It also has to be hand dried. Although the heating whisk is stored in the lid I decided to store mine in a drawer. Just don't lost it or the other one because I am not sure how easy either is to replace.



In the opening paragraph I mentioned that this does much more than froth milk. It's perfect for blending eggs, a touch of cream and optional flour (I use a pinch of Gold Medal Wondra Flour) for perfect omelets. For one thing the 150 degree (F) temperature thickens the consistency of the egg, cream and flour as it heats and froths. When you do pour it in a pan it quickly cooks and you are rewarded with a thick and fluffy omelet. A masterpiece, in fact. If you decide to use it for this purpose I recommend using large eggs, which are 2 ounces (about 50ml) apiece, versus the 2.25 and above ounces for extra large and jumbo. This will allow you to not waste eggs while enriching them with cream (or milk if you are so inclined.)



Regardless of how you use this, it's sure to make anyone who loves a good cappuccino or cafe Cubano con leche very pleased. Mine is now a permanent part of my kitchen.

DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Coffee Maker, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews of this product. Perhaps the reviewers ended up with the occasional lemons. I've purchased two of these...one I bought for myself, and the other as a gift, and they've worked beautifully. The milk steamer is very effective (but as noted, the wand is a bit short, which would be my only complaint). It would be nice to have a separate bypass switch between brewing and steaming modes, but the lack of one is common in machines in this price range. Overall I'm very happy with mine and have had no problems at all. At the current price, I'd highly recommend purchasing one. If you want more features and better construction, then spend another $100 or more for a steam pump model, but for fast and easy coffee drinks from a functional, affordable machine, this is hard to beat.



January 2010 update: It's been over four years since purchasing two of these coffee makers, and both are still going strong. The one I purchased for myself is used almost daily, and still works perfectly.

Brookstone Beverage Warmer

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I bought this thing to replace my Mr. Coffee mug warmer. This Brookstone is basically useless as a warmer unless you are perhaps using a mug with an entirely FLAT bottom (which would allow more contact with the heating element.) I've yet to see such a coffee mug however, and I have looked a lot.



The Mr. Coffee I own is adequate in that it keeps the coffee warm, though not nearly as hot as I'd like. The Brookstone, with it's "high and low" heat settings doesn't improve things any, as even on the high setting it is not as hot as the Mr. Coffee model.

Ovente KG83 Series 1.5L Glass Electric Kettle (Black)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I selected this model because it listed 1100 watt power usage and it is lower than other models yet reviews say it is quick heating, and it certainly is. The power cord is substantially heavy, the shut off when water reaches a full rolling boil works well with an audible click and the blue charming glow light for the water goes off when the pot automatically shuts down. I use pot this to heat water for French Press coffee making and the all glass contact with water is completely clean. You can click or lift the top up if you don't want the mesh filter to touch the water when filling or pouring if you are a real purist. The pot has no smells on first use or thereafter. It deserves the 5 stars more so than much more expensive pots.

Bodum Brazil French Press 1-Liter 8-Cup Coffee Maker, 34-Ounce, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



We purchased this French press to replace an older Bodum model, for which we had to keep replacing the glass carafe. Despite our best efforts, we kept breaking it when our hands were slippery with dish soap. Argh. Thanks to this new design, though, I think we'll have much better luck. The glass container sits snugly in the moulded frame, so we can grip the handle while we wash it. And overall the construction just feels much more durable. Cost effective, well made, perfect for daily home use and also great for camping--a great purchase!

1.8 qt. Cordless Electric Tea Kettle

Product Description

Size: 1.7 liter

RJ11-17 Features: -1.7 liter capacity electric kettle for multiple servings of hot water. -360-degree swivel base for cordless filling and serving. -Flip-back lid for easy filling and cleaning. -1000 Watts of power quickly brings water to roiling boil. Dimensions: Overall Height - Top to Bottom: -8 Inches. Overall Width - Side to Side: -8.5 Inches. Overall Depth - Front to Back: -7.5 Inches. Overall Product Weight: -2.5 Pounds.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



This kettle seems great! I've only had it for a couple days, but I'm sure I've used it at least 10 times since then (I drink a lot of tea, and need hot water for other reasons).



It heats water fast, shuts off timely after boil, stays hot. The cord wraps around the base so you can keep it short, thus not getting in the way. No leaks so far. Best part about this kettle is that water only comes in contact with the stainless. The interior of the kettle is completely stainless except the lid. After checking with the manufacturer they use a 304SS which is from the highest quality stainless avail. This should help with rust buildup in hard water areas. Although a 202SS is suffised, if you live in an area with hard water its worth paying a bit more... Overall, this is a great product at a great price.

Nespresso Citiz C111 Espresso Maker, Chrome

Product Description

Color: Chrome

Conceived to please both enthusiasts of Nespresso and lovers of modern design, Citiz is the expression of the union between high tech and retro-modern design inspirations. Nespresso began more than 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea, to create the perfect cup of Espresso coffee with exquisite crema, tantalizing aroma and full bodied taste - just like skilled baristas. As the worldwide pioneer, Nespresso redefined the way coffee lovers around the world enjoy their espresso coffee through a unique combination of premium quality Grand Cru coffees, stylish coffee machines and exceptional customer service. To obtain the perfect espresso, Nespresso Experts seek out only the finest Grand's Crus green coffees, which promise to offer the most tantalizing aromas. The virtuoso 'alchemists' compose the blend from these diverse origins and decide upon a specific roasting and grinding profile. Each of the Nespresso Grand's Crus has a distinctive character. You can, depending on the variety of different recipes, enjoy Nespresso with milk. When combined with creamy milk foam, you will experience a whole new variety of flavors. The Nespresso Club Services. A world of services at your disposal. The Nespresso Club is always there for you, online, by telephone or in one of our Boutiques. Order your Nespresso capsules, receive personalized advice and obtain technical support for your machine: whatever you are seeking, the Nespresso Club and its Specialists are with you every step of the way. Benefit from quick & easy ordering whenever, wherever.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



First, I read countless reviews for both the Pixie and the Citiz before I made my decision. Most people seem to favor the Pixie unless they're in need of the frother, which I was not. I chose the Citiz over the Pixie based on some reports of leaking from the Pixie. For a few bucks more I figured it would be nice to have a machine that did not seem to have reports of leaking.



Nespresso is a frustrating brand to buy because they seem to haphazardly offer features and remove them as you move up in price. The biggest downfall of the Citiz is the lack of a low-water alert. It seems odd to me that this could not be a feature of the Citiz but it is a feature of the Pixie. Whether the tank is larger or not, it is very much out of the way and can easily be forgotten. Running the Nespresso dry seems like a recipe for disaster. That is my only real solid complaint at this point but knowing this beforehand, it did not deter me from the purchase. What also pushed me to the Citiz is there were a couple reviews on Amazon and another site that suggested the removal of the water tank on the Pixie was annoyingly difficult. Where this machine will sit, reaching back and grabbing the tank should be easy. If I become frustrated about how much I have to fiddle, I will simply return the unit. No lie. Call me lazy, but I think things should be easy and I don't think I should have to muscle my coffee maker.



The machine was just dropped off and immediately I was in love with the footprint. I have a Keurig B70 which is a beast compared to this. In spite of the dimensions not being so far off, the way this machine is designed is classy. I ordered the chrome because of the finish itself and that it wasn't all plastic. I wish the Citiz would follow the Pixie's design and contain more metal than plastic for simple aesthetics. Let's face is, many of these machines are bought because they are aesthetically pleasing just as much as they're bought because they're functional. If I wanted a giant robot looking espresso machine, if I wanted to fiddle with tampers and such, then I would have spent my money elsewhere.



From the box you get 16 cups. Through my reading either I overlooked this point about what is in the box or I simply never saw that it was listed. On the listing for this model, it does not state there was coffee included. I ordered two 10 cup packs the same day; an espresso and a lungo. I was thinking I would spend much more trying to find one I loved but now I am happy to see a nice container showcasing 16 flavors. Very happy.



Some complaints I read as a whole has to do with temperature. If you came from a Keurig or you've been to Star-burn-your-coffee-bucks, then the temperature of the espresso seems downright wrong. Initial setup suggests running the lungo setting three times then refilling the water tank. Running that, I measured the water at 140, it was running into a cold coffee mug (that doesn't help matters). Once I was ready, I placed an espresso pod in (not decaf) and ran it through. 143 was my temperature. It eventually stopped at 140. I stuck my finger in the espresso and it was definitely hot enough. It wasn't a cup that could sit for 30 minutes and not get cool, like my 195 degree coffee from the Keurig, but it was definitely hot enough. I don't settle for "just enough" normally. I frothed my milk in my Nespresso frother that I have owned for 4 years now and added that to the espresso. 138 was the temp, the espresso sat while the milk frothed. It is winter, so the earth thinks, and it is cooler inside. Finally, I brewed a lungo and the temp on the bottom of the cup was 140, near the top it was 158. My guess, 150 is probably the middle ground. I will heat the cup next time with 150 degree water and see what happens to the temps. I suspected they would all brew at the same temperature, but perhaps I just don't know that espresso should be one temperature and lungo should be another.



I'm not an espresso expert but the cup I got was pretty incredible. It was smooth and not overly roasty so it could be confused for burnt. I didn't feel as though it was sharp and bitter, I had the Arpeggio. Together, with my milk and a bit of sweetness, it definitely pleases.



The downside, depending upon how you look at it. It's loud. When you first use a Keurig you think that the neighbors are going to hear you make coffee each time. In my mind nothing could be louder. I was wrong. Whatever this 19 bar pump hooplah is makes this thing a beast. The fact that it didn't fall over is remarkable. I am not incredibly bothered by the noise, it sits in a corner that won't allow for much echoing sound and while it could probably be heard in other areas of my house, it is such a short timeframe that complaints should be minimal. I definitely did not expect this little machine to make that noise. It is the toy poodle of machines, loud and probably obnoxious but kind of cute.



I have only given it 4 stars because I think the lack of a low-water sensor is a downside and the noise. I assume these are valid reasons to not give the machine 5 stars and be obnoxiously enthusiastic about it.

Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine

Product Description

The Breville 800ESXL Die Cast Designed Espresso Machine is incredibly beautiful, as well, as functional! It has a thermo block heating system, 15 bar Italian made pump, dual wall crema system, a pre-brew function and an auto-purge function (anti burn) just to name a few. This espresso machine will look gorgeous on your countertop in your kitchen. It's a functional show piece.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



The Breville 800 ESXL is turning out to be one of the best buys I have ever madeBreville 800ESXL Commercial 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine.



I had a Gaggia that produced great espresso when I first got it, but recently, it stopped creating any crema whatsoever. Water leaked from the steamer wand and the expresso head. It was time for a replacement.



I studied and studied and studied all the expresso makers and I knew I did not want to spend over $500 for a good pot. My goal was to find a great pot for under that amount. I read every review there is on the internet concerning the Breville 800 ESXL. People love it or hate it but if you read carefully, you may find as I did, that many of those who hate it, did not follow the directions as prescribed by Breville. They treated it like their old pot, however, the Breville 800 is a wonderful pot if used according to the instructions put out by Breville. And dare I say, that some of the others who did not like the pot sounded like coffee snobs who want perfection and had no right buying this machine and judging by standards that only a much more expensive machine could match.



If you want a truly outstanding expresso or cappuccino, the Breville 800 will do it for you, as long as you live up to your part of the bargain. The first thing you need are really good beans and fresh filtered water. Next is to really learn how to make expresso. You need to find the right grind and then stick with it. I have a Capresso Burr Grinder that works great for only $85. You need to learn the right amount of pressure to tamp the coffee (also, it does not hurt purchase a good metal tamp- the one they give you is only okay). You should get a thermometer to make sure your frothed milk is between 140 - 160 degrees and then learn how to froth milk. The cups should be warm and you will have some great coffee.



you may not get great coffee the first time out--- and maybe not the second, but the more you do it, critique what you did, and make adjustments, you will find that the difference between and excellent cup and a good cup has more to do with you than the machine. This is a hands-on machine (which I love about it). Like a cook using fresh ingredients, the results often lie in the art of the cook. It is the same with this machine. If you just want to turn it on and get a great cup of espresso, it may happen sometimes, but not always. It is up to you to make your shot the best. There is a learning curve to be sure, but the end result is fantastic - and for a great price. I was making great shot after great shot in about three days.



I was scared to death about my filters clogging as others have said, but I have found that the best thing you can do is to clean after every shot. it is not a big job to wipe down the nozzle, rinse out the pots and filters, and take the little tool they give you to keep the filters open and poke the hole once to keep it open for the next time. Takes all of a minute- maybe less. The result, great expresso, perfect crema, great frothed milk (once you acquire the knack of rothing), and a beautiful, sturdy machine that should last a long time with the kind of care I ask you to give it.



Some have complained about the temperature of the coffee. I too thought it was not hot enough the first few times I made the espresso, and then I read the manual. When you do what the manual says, the coffee is plenty hot --too hot actually. As for the time it takes to steam the milk, no longer than my Gaggia with a lot less mess. And about the "sloppy mess in the portafilter" and no dry puck ---- well, I would like a dry puck too, but the paper from Breville in the box tells you that the technology they use to get the coffee hot and with perfect crema will not give you the traditional dry puck. Expect it to be watery in the portafilter. just rinse it out when done and you are in business. I accept that and as a result I get great coffee. My machine is not a Rencilio, nor a Gaggia. It is a Breville and it does not have the dry puck--- but it does have great espresso that can be made within a minute or two of turning on the machine. And clean up takes less time than it did to heat up (under a minute).



It has a large well for water which is easy to fill, from the front and the back. it is very very easy to clean. It is sturdy and it looks great. There are so many cool things built in --- obviously thought went into the design. Some complain about it being loud. I have never met an espresso maker that is not loud. Oh yes, I saw one once but that machine cost $2,000 and was fully automatic. There was no joy in making an expresso with that---- no art to it. The machine does it all.



Now, for the weaknesses. I already told you to get another tamp. The one they give is not the greatest. Also, it has the very cool feature where it purges itself after each shot or steaming allowing the built up steam to flow to the overflow reservoir. (Actually this is a positive feature) but on the negative side it uses more water, but no big deal unless you are paying for bottled water. With my Gaggia, I was always afraid it was going to blow up on me. This steam pressure release is very cool and well thought out.



Needless to say, I am very happy with this machine. As you may be able to see, I am the kind of person who looks at what I have done and tries to make the next one better. For me, this machine does not disappoint.



Hopefully, this review has helped.

Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine

CUSTOMER REVIEW



The Breville 800 ESXL is turning out to be one of the best buys I have ever madeBreville 800ESXL Commercial 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine.



I had a Gaggia that produced great espresso when I first got it, but recently, it stopped creating any crema whatsoever. Water leaked from the steamer wand and the expresso head. It was time for a replacement.



I studied and studied and studied all the expresso makers and I knew I did not want to spend over $500 for a good pot. My goal was to find a great pot for under that amount. I read every review there is on the internet concerning the Breville 800 ESXL. People love it or hate it but if you read carefully, you may find as I did, that many of those who hate it, did not follow the directions as prescribed by Breville. They treated it like their old pot, however, the Breville 800 is a wonderful pot if used according to the instructions put out by Breville. And dare I say, that some of the others who did not like the pot sounded like coffee snobs who want perfection and had no right buying this machine and judging by standards that only a much more expensive machine could match.



If you want a truly outstanding expresso or cappuccino, the Breville 800 will do it for you, as long as you live up to your part of the bargain. The first thing you need are really good beans and fresh filtered water. Next is to really learn how to make expresso. You need to find the right grind and then stick with it. I have a Capresso Burr Grinder that works great for only $85. You need to learn the right amount of pressure to tamp the coffee (also, it does not hurt purchase a good metal tamp- the one they give you is only okay). You should get a thermometer to make sure your frothed milk is between 140 - 160 degrees and then learn how to froth milk. The cups should be warm and you will have some great coffee.



you may not get great coffee the first time out--- and maybe not the second, but the more you do it, critique what you did, and make adjustments, you will find that the difference between and excellent cup and a good cup has more to do with you than the machine. This is a hands-on machine (which I love about it). Like a cook using fresh ingredients, the results often lie in the art of the cook. It is the same with this machine. If you just want to turn it on and get a great cup of espresso, it may happen sometimes, but not always. It is up to you to make your shot the best. There is a learning curve to be sure, but the end result is fantastic - and for a great price. I was making great shot after great shot in about three days.



I was scared to death about my filters clogging as others have said, but I have found that the best thing you can do is to clean after every shot. it is not a big job to wipe down the nozzle, rinse out the pots and filters, and take the little tool they give you to keep the filters open and poke the hole once to keep it open for the next time. Takes all of a minute- maybe less. The result, great expresso, perfect crema, great frothed milk (once you acquire the knack of rothing), and a beautiful, sturdy machine that should last a long time with the kind of care I ask you to give it.



Some have complained about the temperature of the coffee. I too thought it was not hot enough the first few times I made the espresso, and then I read the manual. When you do what the manual says, the coffee is plenty hot --too hot actually. As for the time it takes to steam the milk, no longer than my Gaggia with a lot less mess. And about the "sloppy mess in the portafilter" and no dry puck ---- well, I would like a dry puck too, but the paper from Breville in the box tells you that the technology they use to get the coffee hot and with perfect crema will not give you the traditional dry puck. Expect it to be watery in the portafilter. just rinse it out when done and you are in business. I accept that and as a result I get great coffee. My machine is not a Rencilio, nor a Gaggia. It is a Breville and it does not have the dry puck--- but it does have great espresso that can be made within a minute or two of turning on the machine. And clean up takes less time than it did to heat up (under a minute).



It has a large well for water which is easy to fill, from the front and the back. it is very very easy to clean. It is sturdy and it looks great. There are so many cool things built in --- obviously thought went into the design. Some complain about it being loud. I have never met an espresso maker that is not loud. Oh yes, I saw one once but that machine cost $2,000 and was fully automatic. There was no joy in making an expresso with that---- no art to it. The machine does it all.



Now, for the weaknesses. I already told you to get another tamp. The one they give is not the greatest. Also, it has the very cool feature where it purges itself after each shot or steaming allowing the built up steam to flow to the overflow reservoir. (Actually this is a positive feature) but on the negative side it uses more water, but no big deal unless you are paying for bottled water. With my Gaggia, I was always afraid it was going to blow up on me. This steam pressure release is very cool and well thought out.



Needless to say, I am very happy with this machine. As you may be able to see, I am the kind of person who looks at what I have done and tries to make the next one better. For me, this machine does not disappoint.



Hopefully, this review has helped.