Mr. Coffee BVMC-TM33 Mr. Coffee BVMC-TM33 Tea Cafe Iced Tea Maker, 1, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



We actually were not able to get this on Amazon but got from another store, so I wanted to just warn those interested in this particular brewer.



Here is the good: Both bagged and loose tea brews in this easily. It has a great fine filter that can accommodate lose tea and if you do like a fine ground tea. But you can also just toss a bag into the filter and it honestly won't affect the outcome of the strength as well. We also like the fact that the carafe fits under the drip and when you are done brewing, you can "fold" the dripping end back over to where you pour the water into. This helps with drips after the brew. The drips, instead of dropping on the counter, go back into the pot. Also, something you can not see from the picture, on the right hand side of the pot, there is a transparent window to allow you to see how high to fill the brewer with water. This is another awesome bonus especially if you have a filter on your tap and can just use your sprayer from the tap to fill - which is what I do. I truly enjoy the brew from this pot. I feel like I do get a very good amount of brew from the leaves. I upgraded from a previous pot and the former pot I would brew the bag 2 times because there was so much tea left in the bag. With this pot, there is no tea left in the bag. I LOVE that.



So here is the bad. The carafe is glass. This would not be a bad thing if the glass was thick and sturdy but it honestly feels like the same glass from science class. Remember doing science experiments with Erinmeyer flasks and round bottom flasks? It feels exactly like that kind of glass. We have had this brewer and carafe for less than a month and the handle on the carafe has already cracked. It has not broken off yet, but it is really just a matter of time. I have already contacted Mr. Coffee and I am hoping that they will help to replace it.



Hopefully, they will update the carafe to either thicker glass OR to either plastic/acrylic.



Would I still recommend this pot? Honestly, even with the carafe issue? Yes. The brew quality is totally worth it to me.

Tea Forte Tea Chest Collection 4.20 Ounce

CUSTOMER REVIEW



No one really understands the mystical effects of the pyramids... especially the effect on tea! I am not even sure that the shape of these tea containers is the source of their magic. But I do know this, when I buy these for my wife, it makes her really happy. You know that little squeal of delight when she opens the package - kind-of-happy... She likes the tea, and she also likes the presentation. The little tip of the pyramid rising up out of the cup... with the strange little leaf poking out of the cup cover...(yes guys, there are special cups... and pitchers... and little stands for the pyramids to rest on after bathing in warm water) This provides a near endless source of gift choices for the myriad of special occasions that require gifts. I know, I know, guys don't get it - at least I don't. But despite my testosterone based emotional handicap I do understand that these little tea infusion devices make her happy...and that makes me happy.

Update International EP-12 Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher, 12-Ounce

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Don't buy a frothing pitcher that doesn't have a pour spout! We love this pitcher and it pours without making a mess. 20oz is full to the top, so when making large lattes for two we usually end-up doing a pitcher and a half. If you regularly brew two large lattes, you might want a 32oz pitcher.

Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've had this machine for over a year. I have tried other machines, even a pump. It makes good cappuccinos/lattes when the milk is steamed properly at the right temperature. If your only into espresso shots, I would go with a different pump driven machine.



PROS

-Inexpensive, Small

-Frother is strong, plastic tip is removable

-Quiet (then a pump machine)

-Latte art hearts (SEE picture)



CONS

-Supplied tamper is just a slightly flattened end of the coffee scooper.

-No frothing pitcher.

-Multiple shots requires de-pressuring the machine.



NOTES

There seems to be a lot of reviews stating it works fine in the beginning then after a while is poor or just stops. Ive noticed that during regular use, water starts to build up in the tank. This is because you never really use all the water in the tank per brew. This excess water I believe causes a problem. Either dump it out after, or what I do is, brew it out "before" I make a cappuccino as to warm up the machine on a cold start.



There also seems to be a lot of reviews saying it's not real espresso or there is no crema. This is true. It's a steam driven machine they've been making this type of machine for years. It can not match the pressure or the amount of crema produced by a pump driven machine. BUT it can produce a decent 'steam' espresso w/ crema ready to be made to a latte/cappuccino. The problem with the reviewers is that there are so many factors involved in why are not producing crema or a good cup. It could be the bean, the grind, the tamp, perhaps it's a cold start, not enough water, or too much water, etc etc the list goes on. It's something you'll have to figure out yourself.



Another thing to note is that the bean grind/freshness is directly proportional to the effectiveness of the steamer wand. If the beans are old and/or too course the water will brew through the coffee so fast that no pressure built up for the steamer wand to be effective. Likewise if the beans are too fine or the tamp too hard, the water will have a hard time passing thru the coffee and too much pressure will build up which isnt good either for this machine.



Do the descaling with vinegar per instructions.



Also want to note I added a picture of a latte heart I made, just to prove minimal latte art is somewhat possible with this machine.

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker with Automatic milk frother, BVMC-ECMP1000

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Edited (07/19/14)

I have gone through 2 of these machines in the past year and a half. Both of them died the same way - they seem to lose their pressurization capability and so can't brew coffee anymore.



When the first one died after about a year of service, I gave it the benefit of the doubt. But now that the second one has conked out in just under half a year, I'll look for a different brand.



And I've taken good care of both of them, especially when it came to descaling - not only do I have a home water softener, but I also used Durgol every 4-6 weeks.



Original review - 5 stars (Dec 2012)

I purchased this from the local Bed, Bath & Beyond since the price in store was the same as that on Amazon($199), but I could use a 20% coupon in the store. This was a 'blind' purchase - I couldn't find reviews for this product anywhere on the net, in fact I seem to the first person reviewing this on Amazon as well.



I didn't know what to make of the Mr. Coffee brand (cheap/commodity brand in my opinion, maybe I'm mistaken) and the $199 price tag, but the feature set seemed to be good for the price - a 15 bar pump, a milk frother that automatically dispenses the milk into the serving, espresso/cappuccino/latte at the press of a button and a cleaning cycle for the frother. I've used the machine for a little more than a week now and can confidently say that this is one hell of an espresso machine.



I've tried Illy and Lavazza in the machine so far, and the espresso comes out great - you won't believe the crema you get. Highly recommend it!



Pros:

+ can use whatever brand of coffee you prefer, you're not stuck with expensive pods/capsules

+ strong pump that produces rich crema

+ milk frother

+ espresso/cappuccino/latte at the press of a button (the machine automatically adjusts the amount of milk and coffee in the serving)

+ options for making single, double shot and custom servings

+ milk frothing can also be controlled manually (you can adjust the amount of milk in the serving if you're unsatisfied with what the automatic programs provide)

+ the milk container and the lid of the container (which contains the frother) are both dishwasher safe, although I haven't tried washing them in the dishwasher.



Cons:

- none that I've found so far



However, if I could make one change to the machine, it would be the amount of force you have to apply to insert the milk container into the machine (and to take it out). I suspect this has to do with the O-ring in the interface between the machine and the container. Since the container and the interface are all molded from plastic, my fear is that one of them will give sooner or later. Let's hope that Mr. Coffee has tested this extensively.

Chef's Choice 681 Cordless Electric Kettle

Product Description

Color: Stainless Steel

Handsomely constructed of high-quality brushed stainless steel, this cordless electric kettle offers a 1 3/4-quart water capacity and 1500-watt of power which boils water faster than the stove or microwave oven. This cordless kettle lifts from the corded base for easy filling, pouring and serving with an automatic shut off when water boils. The advanced design of the concealed heating element is never in contact with the water, so there is no buildup of objectionable mineral deposits. For safety, the kettle provides automatic shut-off, boil-dry safety protection, a secure locking lid, power on indicator light and cool touch bottom. Other highlights include a convenient water-level gauge built into the handle and a cord that wraps neatly into the base for easy storage. The teakettle measures 9.2 by 6 by 8-inch and includes a one-year limited warranty.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have been using the Chef's Choice 677 Cordless Electric 1-3/4-Quart Teakettle for 4 years. Worked like a charm but had to replace it when it won't start anymore and has rusted so much from years of use.



The Chef's Choice 681 was a great choice for an upgrade. I have been using it for a week and a half and it works great. Heats water in just two minutes! The design is simply beautiful. It is slightly smaller than the older one I have by just 0.5 liters. I like that this kettle lights up when it's on. The blue light is highly visible unlike the Chef's Choice 677 Cordless Electric 1-3/4-Quart Teakettle where you barely notice the light. Because of the blue light, I haven't burned myself by accidentally touching the kettle. The sound of boiling water isn't as loud as the old one I have too.



It has no plastic interiors, all stainless steel coated. It does have a slight industrial smell inside, out from the box. The interior must be rinsed well before using.



The body of this kettle is prone to fingerprints easily. Easy cleaning with microfiber sponge or towel does the job.



This kettle is also lighter than the former one I had. I used this several times a day and it's wonderful! Great for the price compared to other more expensive electric kettles sold at Amazon.

MatchaDNA Milk Frother - Handheld Electric Milk Frother - Creates Creamy Milk Foam in Seconds

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have to admit, a Frother for a little over six dollars? Can't be that good and then it arrived in the mail. I then was sure my suspicions were correct because it was so small. So....I loaded two AA batteries and gave it a try in a cup of chocolate. Wow, did I change my opinion in a hurry. It did indeed create a creamy matcha DNA. What a great little gadget for the price