DeLonghi CC100B Coffee Cappuccino Machine, Black
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $129.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This deluxe coffeemaker is perfect for anyone who wants the control of a programmable timer, the comfort of auto shutoff, and the great taste of frothed milk in their coffee. The DeLonghi CC100 Deluxe Coffee Cappuccino Machine has all of these features, including a control panel with "smart system" electronic LCD, 24-hour programmable timer, ready buzzer, adjustable automatic shutoff, and cleaning alert. In fact, it will do just about everything for you but clean itself. It makes up to 10 cups so you can have a cup or two while getting ready for work, then pour the rest in a thermos for later. The permanent gold-tone coffee filter and built-in water filter guarantee the pure flavor of your gourmet coffee shines through. And, when you're in the mood for a little frothed milk--whether it's in your coffee or your hot chocolate--the easy-froth dispenser automatically froths milk for up to 10 "American-style" cappuccinos at once, right into your coffee cup and without any extra steps. For safety's sake, the sealed steam cap keeps you from burning your fingers. As if that weren't enough, this coffee machine also comes with a drip-interrupt feature, nonstick warming plate, and water level indicator. The 1-3/4-cup milk reservoir and drip tray are removable and dishwasher-safe. --Doree Armstrong ... Read more

Features

• Drip coffeemaker prepares up to 10 cups of coffee
• Built-in water filter and permanent gold-tone filter equal purest coffee flavor
• Smart system electronic LCD with 24-hour timer, cleaning alert
• Easy-froth dispenser froths milk for up to 10 cups of coffee at once
• Measures 15-3/4 by 14-1/4 by 11-3/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Reviews (23)

Excellent Coffee ...
My husband is an amateur (think "weekend") chef and coffee fanatic. This machine was WONDERFUL. I purchased ours in December 2001 - October 2003 was our first problem - frother broke (seems to be a common complaint- DeLonghi take NOTICE!)
We're not sure it's worth dealing with the hassles of a repair center, but are entirely too attached to the best coffee maker EVER to trash it completely (since it stillworks to make coffee)
It does NOT have an auto-off feature, but that really shouldnt be necessary and definitely shouldnt be a deterrent. We've never had problems with the carafe, filters, etc. We bought it new for $249.99 and that was steep, but I would consider doing it again (definitely if the frother worked for more than 2 yrs!)

~

Good product, except for replacement parts
I bought this version just before they went to a digital display. I have the simple "on/off" buttons with no timer.
This machine performs great, easy to use, durable, and very easy to clean and maintain. My only complaint is with Delonghi. This system comes with 2 of the carbon water filters when you buy it. (you can even see them in the pictures on Amazon).

Good luck in replacing them once you finish with them. I searched for 2 weeks (locally and online) to find out you can only get them from Delonghi directly (at 5.00 ea + s/h) and that's only if they can find them. I had to wait 3 weeks for a phone rep to "research" my part request and have them tell me that they are having trouble locating the item.

I was told to wait another month as they are getting an outside company to run their spare/replacement parts warehouse and they should be able find the water filters for me.

My advice, use the system with filtered/spring water and forget trying to replace the inline filter.

Beware
Four months after I purchased this coffee maker it quit working. I delivered it to the designated service shop where is has been languishing for two months. When I spoke to the service rep. at DeLonghi today, she told me they had lost the replacement part and would have to start all over again. She didn't know how much longer it would take, wouldn't send me another coffee maker, and wouldn't make a refund. Let the buyer beware! ... Read more

Asin: B00004RGAG
Subjects:  1. Automatic    2. Drip Coffee Machines    3. Coffee Makers    4. (Coffeemakers)    5. Espresso Machines    6. (Espresso Makers)    7. (Expresso)    8. (De Longhi)    9. (De Longi)    10. (Delongi)   

Melitta MEMB1W Mill & Brew Coffeemaker, White
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $104.99 -- our price: $59.88
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Melitta's Mill & Brew coffeemaker will make a robust pot of coffee without the guesswork, mess, and counter clutter of your usual morning ritual. Thanks to its automatic, integrated technology, this machine will grind the beans, hold a lake of purified water, and yield an aromatic bounty of caffeinated bliss. Customize your coffee with seven programmable grind settings for fine or coarse blends, and be assured of great taste from the featured stainless-steel filter basket.Monitor the water level through the easy-read viewing window--remembering to add an extra cup of water "for the pot." If you can't wait, a convenient drip-stop feature allows you to serve while brewing. The electronic LED clock/timer can be set 24 hours in advance, and a one-hour auto shutoff will pay attention even if you doze off or leave the house. Hidden cord storage should please neatnicks. --Thom Arno ... Read more

Features

• Measures 7 by 11-1/2 by 13-1/2 inches
• Automatic mill and brew system delivers a cup of coffee from start to finish
• 7 programmable grind settings for fine or coarse blends
• Permanent stainless-steel filter basket
• Automatic 1-hour shutoff provides added safety; hidden cord storage

Reviews (309)

Perfection !
Coffee beans are grinded to your preference and then brewed to perfection. 24 hour timer is useful. It's easy to dump the used, grinded beans from the gold filter. The only drawback is the warmer plate, which automatically turns off after only one hour of use. I have easily cured this problem by turning the unit power off and back on (just make sure the grinder is turned off). This specific item has brewed the best cup of coffee, for me.I would recommend it to every coffee drinker !!! Please note: I have the white version of this item.

it's ok, BUT>>>
yummy coffee...but i find that you have to quickly jump in after the grinding process and "tamp" down the grounds before the brewing begins, or else the coffee will be a lovely tan color...kinda like a caramel...and will taste like nothing.in the grinding process, the grounds fly up the sides and if you don't knock them down, there's nothing to brew.unless you're making 10 cups ALL THE TIME, which i am not.

Best coffee - great value - Melitta has done it again!
I purchased this machine about two months ago and haven't looked back since. Coming from someone who drinks and enjoys a lot of coffee, it is the best coffee maker I have ever owned.

I love the grind and brew system, with auto timer, so my coffee is piping hot and waiting for me in the morning. The clean up is easy and quick -- a rinse of the grind basket after each use and you're done. The auto shut off feature provides peace of mind and allows me to get up and go without the worry of scorching the actual pot.

I have seen other reviews that say that the coffee is not hot enough -- NOT TRUE. My coffee is always piping hot, which is the way I like it (and I use a lot of half & half). Also, I read that some of the pieces will easily break off. Again, NOT TRUE. Just treat it with normal use and you will not have any problems.

I gave this five stars because it exceeded my high expectations and is a great value -- compared to other brands that are almost double the retail price. If you are on the fence about this machine, just go for it. I KNOW that you will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B00004R937
Subjects:  1. Automatic    2. Drip Coffee Machines    3. Coffee Makers    4. (Coffeemakers)   

Saeco Vienna Digital SuperAutomatic Espresso Coffee and Cappuccino Machine
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $825.00 -- our price: $749.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Made in Italy, this 1,250-watt machine eliminates the fuss of creating espresso and espresso drinks at home by automating the entire process. It grinds coffee beans without burning them, tamps the ground coffee, brews, and then dumps spent grounds into a container--all in about 30 seconds. For creating a cappuccino or latte, there's a hot water/steam wand with a milk-frothing attachment, and there's only a 10-second delay from brewing to steaming. This model also permits precise adjustments for variables such as water hardness, water temperature, the pre-brewing process (moistening coffee grounds), the amount of coffee ground per dose, and the type of coffee (American style, medium strength, or espresso). The LCD screen warns when the water system requires descaling, which can then be performed automatically, as can the rinsing of the coffee-dispensing system.

Selection for one or two cups is also possible, as a button allows different-size cups--up to 10 ounces--to be filled; a "standby" function saves energy; and English, Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, or French can be displayed on the screen. For safety, the machine shuts off if the grinder runs out of beans or the water tank is empty (the screen specifies problems). The machine measures 15 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 13-1/4 inches deep; weighs 19 pounds; rotates on a swivel base; and, with a gleaming, taupe plastic exterior, looks great on the counter. The bean hopper holds about 12-1/2 ounces (8.8 ounces of espresso beans are included), the removable, transparent water tank holds 57 ounces, and the grinder adjusts from fine to coarse. For cleanup, parts remove easily. The machine comes with an exceptionally thorough and clear instruction booklet and video and carries a one-year warranty against defects. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Rapid-Steam frothing and brewing without waiting or changing the temperature
• Opti-Dose allows adjusting the coffee amount to be ground, from 6 to 9 grams
• Fully accessible brew-group for easy cleaning; aroma system optimizes flavor extraction
• Programmed feature runs an occasional, convenient rinsing of the micro filter screens
• Measures 15 by 13 by 13-1/4 inches; 1-year warranty

Reviews (18)

So Far - Just Great
No breakdowns after four months. The coffee is absolutely the best we've ever had and it is incredibly convenient. At a dinner party a few weeks ago, our guests were so impressed with the quality of the cappucinos that the machine became the center of attention.

Yes, it is a frivolous luxury item. But the coffee, espresso, and lattes are luxurious enough to make you think you've gone to coffee lover's heaven.

I don't know what I'll do if it ever breaks down. I'm not sure I could go without my machine during the weeks of repair that have been reported in other reviews. I'll just keep it clean and keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't break!

Update on my previous review
I have owned the Vienna Deluxe for over a year now.I have not had any problems with it.I liked it so much that I bought one for my girlfriend for her birthday.

It appears from some of the postings, that if the machine breaks down, the customer service is not so good. Since I have not dealt with customer service I have not had any experience with them.I do know however that when I called them to ask a question their office was closed on the weekend.

All in all if you take care of this machine it should work just fine.

Make sure before you use the machine, that the water reservoir has water, grounds are emptied and you have enough beans in the hopper.

Cappuccino's so good you will be spoiled
Having owned regular Espresso machines from Solis, I was skeptical about the so called SuperAutomatics.But I hated the mess the regular espresso machines made (grinding the coffee, dumping the grounds etc).I was also skeptical whether you could tune the superautomatics to the point where you could get a good shot of espresso since thats the most important part of a good drink.

I got the Saeco Superautomatic and I was very pleased with it, there are 18 grind settings so you can get the right grind. A good shot of espresso should take between 12-14 seconds. If it comes too fast its weak or too slow its bitter.With the Saeco you can adjust it, you can also adjust the amount of coffee that comes out.

The Steaming wand has this plastic sleeve called the Panerello, it really helps in getting the thick velvety foam thats so important to making a good Cappuccino.As any true Cappuccino lover knows you don't pour milk and scoop foam over it like all the dummies at Starbucks do (they do need lots of training, all they do is push buttons and act yuppy), you actually scoop the foam and the milk combined to make a creamy cappuccino.

There are some minor annoyances,you will find that the water reservoir tends to be a bit small and you have to check to make sure you have not run out of water.It also makes a fairly loud noise when its making the espresso (the tamping and the dumping etc).

Check the following each time you make an espresso:

1) Check the container holding the used coffee grounds to see if its time to dump it, it can get full pretty quickly depending on how much you are using the machine.
2) Check the water level
3) Check the coffee beans to make sure there are enough.

I liked it so much I bought one for my sister, she likes it a lot as well.We use coffee from a private roaster, anything other than Charbucks coffee would work fine.Peet's is a good alternative.

Please buy Fair Trade coffee, that way the poor farmers are getting a decent price.Didyou know that coffee farmers get 10-12 cents for every dollar, and the chains like Starbucks who also roast and sell the coffee make 80-85 cents per dollar. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LVWS
Subjects:  1. Espresso Machines    2. (Espresso Makers)    3. (Expresso)   

Home Coffee Roasting: Romance & Revival
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 1996)
list price: $15.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (8)

If you can read you can roast
This book can take you from ground zero to roasting your coffee at home. In the process you will learn of the history and make-up of coffee. There are chapters on equipment and techniques. You get charts for telling the different results of roasting by time and color.

Just when you think you have it all down pat there are references as to where to purchase equipment, green coffee, and further reading.

I am dabbling with each method yet if you do not dive into roasting the information alone is worth the purchase price.

Fun, informative and enlightening!
Let me start off by saying that I do not like to read at all.I rarely start books and even more rarely finish them.With this book however I read it from cover to cover in three days!A very fun book for the coffee hobbyist or anyone who would like to learn more about coffee and home coffee roasting.Not only is this book packed with history (in a fun way) it is also a wealth of reference information regarding home roasting and the overall coffee process, from plant to cup!

This book is laid out in a very easy to read format.The chapters can be long but everything is broken down into small 1-4 page sections.Kenneth Davids has a real grasp on the fundamentals of coffee production and lays out a lot of information in an easy to follow entertaining way.The book reads very well from cover to cover.

The content is not too scientific and also not too general.Whether you have no idea about anything coffee or you are a coffee hobbyist (like me) you will learn a lot and come to appreciate all that goes into a truly good cup of coffee.Davids also includes a lot of reference information laid out in a fashion that is easy to search and locate specific information such as coffee origin notes, roasting and flavor terms, roasting equipment and methods to name a few.Davids does review and discuss many of todays home roasting equipment quite well however this information is already dated.Not to worry though the total of this information represents a small portion of the total book.

Included are also a lot of drawings and diagrams.This book really captures the romance of coffee and coffee roasting and delivers it in a wonderful easy to read and use fashion.I cannot put this book down and have read and reread many parts of it.I refer to the roasting notes and procedures to assist in my home roasting.This book is as much an indispensable tool as it is an entertaining easy chair read.If you even have a slight interest in coffee then this book has a lot to offer!

Dated, only for the true beginner
If you have other books by the same author,
pass this one.Roasting techniques and styles
are to be found on various web sites with much
greater detail. ... Read more

Isbn: 0312141114
Sales Rank: 225021
Subjects:  1. Beverages - Coffee & Tea    2. Coffee    3. Coffee brewing    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Processing   

Afternoon Delights: Coffeehouse Favorites: Cookies & Coffee Cake, Brownies & Bars, Scones & More
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 October, 2001)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $12.21
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (2)

Bravo!The book to buy!
The recipes in this book are easy to understand and carry through.The cookies are big, delicious, and a joy to make.Awesome book!

Just the recipes I wanted!
I saw James and Andrew teach at Sur la Table last fall and I thought their recipes were delicious! I remain particularly smitten by the old-fashioned brownies (with frosting!) and the gingersnaps. There are several other typical cafe recipes inhere--biscotti, some tasty scones, more cookies. There aren't a ton of recipes, but every one of them is for something you already know you love--no weirdos. The book is beautiful and the recipes work--what more could you ask for? Maybe someone to make the coffee. ... Read more

Isbn: 0811829960
Sales Rank: 279484
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Courses & Dishes - Desserts    4. Desserts   

Josh Groban
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 November, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

There are worse things in life than making your acting debut on the much ballyhooed season finale of Ally McBeal, though teen operatic baritone Josh Groban doesn't seem destined to encounter them anytime soon. As the awkward high school student-client who asks the typically romance-jinxed Ally to his senior prom, Groban performed this debut album's "You're Still You" (adapted from film-composing legend Ennio Morricone's Academy Award-nominated score for Malèna, with lyrics by Linda Thompson) as a heart-tugging, literal showstopper. The young phenom was just 17 when veteran producer-writer David Foster tapped him to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at rehearsals for the 1999 Grammys, where Groban found himself suddenly dueting with Celine Dion.

Indeed, such were his fortunes that the young Foster protégé was forced to drop out of Carnegie Mellon when professional commitments--including this record--interfered. And if this collection tends to hew sometimes uncomfortably close to Foster's own MOR sonic instincts, the material offers enough challenges to display Groban's talent and the potential of his warm, mature voice: a lyrical take on another Morricone classic, "Cinema Paradiso"; melancholy readings of Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night" and Albert Hammond's "Alejate"; masterfully dramatic takes of the Neapolitan "Alla Luca Del Sole" and "Canto Alla Vita," the latter featuring the Corrs. Many of Groban's performances here, including a neo prog-rock-opera take on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (with Lili Haydn), seem both bigger and bolder than their precious musical frameworks, a telling hint that Grand Opera can't be far from his grasp. As said earlier, there are worse things in life. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (987)

AMAZING, ASTOUNDING, BEYOND WORDS...
Thank God for you Ally McBeal...I just about fell on the floor in tears flabbergasted when I saw the season 4 finale of Ally McBeal that showed this very boyish, awkward, KID get up there and sing with a voice that could totally enthrall, emotionally carry you away.To say that he has a beautiful, powerful voice just doesn't do him justice.

The CD is filled with very different style songs, in different languages, but personal tastes aside, it is all very top notch, and as one reviewer said, when others sing with him she is is pale in comparison. Probably only Streisand or Dion could sound good with him. He is that well tuned, his voice so well controlled.

As an aside, he also sings the ending theme of the movie "Troy" (on a different CD) and while I did not particularly think the movie was "epic-ally magnificent" I was glued to the seat in the theatre to listen to the entire ending theme, entranced, hypnotized (this was before Ally, so I didn't know who was singing).Regardless of the song he sings, his voice completely captures.

Personally, I am not a religious person, but like with the music of Mozart, it's like hearing the voice of something higher than us, when Josh Groban sings. He is already so great at such a young age, I await the wonders he will bring as he grows older!

This CD is magnificent, you have to see for yourself.

At last, Real Talent is Back!!!
Having attended one of his live concerts, after 25 performances on a US tour, gives me the confidence to share a more objective opinion about this AMAZING ARTIST! I guess that description says it all. I read a customer's review saying: "He is a Bocelli wanna be"... I encourage you to attend one of his concerts, you may change you mind. He is an artist of his own who actually is an amazing musician, and wishes he could just be a drums player! Does this sound like Bocelli? Not at all. Josh is very versatile, who by the way has a wonderful sense of humor in his concerts so he takes the audience thru a rollercoaster of emotions, from his intense romantic melodies to the funniest jokes of a young guy his age. Does this sound like Bocelli?... Uuhh, he also plays the piano impecably!
His first CD, (self-titled) is nothing less than flawless - very well orchestrated and produced.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing further projects of this young talent who is rescuing tasteful music and unassumingly teaching a bunch of "artists wanna be" what serious, real, and professional talent means.

Now I'm A Grobanite!!!!
Josh Groban's break-through is nothing but astounding you can simply tell that all he has is non-forced talent that has been taken care of and well-nutured by years of faithful toturing... Not only that but, despite his new-found fame he remains a very down to earth person. You can tell that there is nothing generic or fake about Groban.

I listen and re-listen to his C.D. hundreds of times on my iPod. Each time I listen to "Your'e Still You" and "Home to Stay" I find myself falling in love with his charming voice. You can tell by his smooth sounds that there is nothing forced about it.

This C.D. is great for any easy-listening fan or any good music fan... I love this C.D. and all in all it's one of the best C.Ds I own. Please buy this C.D. I promise you it's more than worth it's price-tag!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005RGNI
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Film    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal   

Mozart for Morning Coffee: Freshly Brewed to Perk Up Your Day
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 August, 1996)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (6)

Corny title - great CD
I first noticed this CD when I ran a query to find Arthur Grumiaux listings, but ignored it because of the title; thinking that it was a sampler of a variety of artists.When I ran across it in the store, though, I saw that Grumiaux and Klein perform on all Sonatas, and the Beaux Art Trio on all Trios!Strange that they decided to use their best artists on a low-price, mass-appeal compilation.So ignore the schmaltzy concept and definitely try this out - for the price you can't beat these great performances.

Absolutely splendid sampler (but its one disc not two)
This is a lttle gem of a mozart chamber sampler...gentle pieces that show Mozart at his most gracious. The bargain (for casual classical listeners) is that you get a nice representative selection for a nice price (altho' please note this is ONE disc, not two)

For the the not-so-casual listener of Mozart, having Grumiaux and the Beaux Arts trio as performers means you get about the best Philips ever put on their catalogue. Much easier to shell out $$ for these selected performances by these musicians than to pay multiples of that to get the full sets. A "teaser...".

Excellent Recording Quality!
I now have about 4 of the "Mozart for ..." CD's, and I have found all of them to be of excellent sound quality, and I have a very discrminating sound system.The Signal to Noise ratios are very good, andthe music is very dynamic without suffering from much compression.If youknow little about classical but enjoy well recorded, popular tunes, thisseries is for you!Highly recommended! ... Read more

Asin: B0000041FN
Sales Rank: 12059
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical   

Music from the Coffee Lands
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 October, 1997)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The artists gathered together here hail from nations and cultures noted for the growing and export of coffee. As with this CD's companion release, Music from the Tea Lands, one senses the possibility of lucrative product tie-ins, but part of the proceeds from the album are earmarked for charity and any catchy idea that gets the music out there is a good thing. Like the luscious drink itself, the tunes come in many intensities and flavors, ranging from a light-as-air ditty from Peru, to the more complex vocal stylings of Colombia's Claudia Gomez, to Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca's earthy Afro-Cuban Congolese rumba. The album is a lively and fascinating travelogue, making landfall in Cuba, Kenya, Brazil, Uganda, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Peru. As with many other Putumayo projects, aside from its musical pleasures, this set would make an entertaining and educational experience for younger family members. --Christina Roden ... Read more

Reviews (19)

One of the best world music compilataions I've heard
Amazing collection of songs - not one is a throwaway. If you're looking to break into "world music" the Putumayo collections are a great starting point.

NO ES LO QUE ME ESPERABA
LA VERDAD ES QUE ESTE CD NO ES LO QUE ME ESPERADA,LA VERDAD ES QUE EL PRECIO NO LE HACE HONOR

All Musical Education Should be This Painless
I was walking past an upscale clothing store that was using this album as sonic wallpaper. It stopped me in my tracks. I walked in and demanded the album from the startled saleswoman.

And that was just one track. This is a true sampler album, designed to expand the listener's musical horizons. It succeeds spectacularly. The track that transfixed me was Thomas Mapfumo's "Hanzvadzi." That has led me to purchase every piece of music Mr. Mapfumo has ever recorded, has led me to travel several hundred miles to see him in concert, has led me to appreciate all the varied kinds of Zimbabwean music (try the classical mbira master Dumisani Maraire) and even to appreciate the ongoing troubled history of Zimbabwe.

The sampler would have done a fine job right there, but Susana Baca also sings here. Boy, does she ever. I'd never heard of her: the only South American singer I was familiar with was Astrud Gilberto. After swallowing Ms. Baca whole, I moved on beyond Peru and into other South American music.

So, I've developed a love of the music of two continents, all for the cost of a single CD. The "Coffee Lands" gimmick is mostly just that: the only thing that Susana Baca and Thomas Mapfumo have in common is that they both use notes, but that doesn't matter at all.

Disclaimer: Your experience may differ, but there is not a dud track on the album, and at least one track is going to jump out at you and land in your lap. ... Read more

Asin: B000003EKA
Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Colombia    3. Congo    4. Costa Rica    5. Cuba    6. Hawaii    7. Int'l & World Music    8. Jamaica    9. Kenya    10. Mexico    11. Peru    12. Pop    13. South America    14. Uganda    15. World Fusion    16. Worldbeat    17. Zimbabwe   

Brita Magnum Deluxe 3-Quart Water Filtration Pitcher
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Eliminate 99% of the lead and reduce chlorine, mercury, and sediment in drinking water with Brita's Magnum II Filtration Pitcher. Larger than the standard Brita pitcher, it holds up to 3 quarts of clean, filtered water. Just pop the filter cylinder in the white plastic water reservoir, fill with cold tap water, and in just minutes the pitcher's brimming with healthy, great tasting water. Each filter--one comes with the pitcher and you can order others--lasts for 40 gallons of water. As an added feature, a filter replacement indicator relays when it's time for a new one. The sleek, clear plastic pitcher sports an easy-grip handle, while the white plastic lid features two openings: one for filling the pitcher and one for pouring. --Marianne Painter ... Read more

Features

• Large 3-quart capacity
• Virtually eliminates lead
• Reduces copper
• Softens water and reduces scale build-up in appliances
• Flip top lid for easy refilling

Reviews (18)

Good enough for young, broke apartment dwellers
This Brita is ideal for my personal situation: 3 other (just as broke) roommates, highly suspect NYC tap water, and old water pipes. We needed something to purify the water, make it taste better, and not cost an arm or a leg.

We bought the container for about $30 back in November 2004, and we bought a pack of 4 or 6 replacement filters for about $20 extra. We've gone through 2 filters so far (one that came with the Brita, and one new filter) although I suspect we should replace the filters more often (as we are big guzzlers here). Split amongst 4 people, that's only about $13 each for probably about 8 months of good quality water - each month, that comes out to less than $1.50.

Granted, there are better quality water filters out there that remove more impurities than a Brita filter. But, usually those require hooking up the water pipes to a central filter, and shelling out close to $200...too much effort and $$ for an apartment.

And why not those Pur water filters you hook onto the faucet itself? A lot of my friends have complained about those faucet mounts never fitting well enough around the faucet, causing leaks and sprays. Brita may be more low-tech, but it's just alot easier.

We do refill the pitcher constantly, but it takes less than 3 minutes for all the water to filter. And, because my roomates and I don't like ice-cold water, we like to keep the pitcher outside...plus, we can transport from room to room.

So, if you live in your own home and are serious about water filtartion, buy a high end water filter you hook up to the entire water system. Otherwise, Brita is a good alternative.

Worth your money
I am not a water tasting pro, but the difference btwn Brita filtered water and tap water is highly noticeable.Brita filtred water taste great for me and my 3 rooommates.

It fits well in the fridge, it's easy to refill under the sink, it's durable, easy to maintain, easy to start using...

The only consideration with this particular filter is that it's inexpensive so it's not designed for heavy usage.Four people use my Brita filter and a full filter could only fill about three large glasses.Thus, if four people are going to use this filter, they will have to refill many times to keep its water supply adequate for everyone else.

Surprisingly disappointing design
After 8 years with my Brita Classic pitcher, I decided to get a newer, larger model with the built-in "smart timer" feature.After using it for about 3 weeks now, I am very disappointed in the overall design, especially considering how perfect the original Brita was.The smart timer feature is handy -- it's a small digital indicator on the top of the cap that tells you when it's time for a refill; this should work better (& cleaner) than the previous "analog" mechanism used with some Brita filters.But, that's about it as far as the good goes.

If you fill up the basin nearly all the way, water sometimes leaks out the back of the unit from the top of the handle (and gets onto your refrigerator shelf).Much more annoying, though, is the little flap that rests over the spout.Presumably, this is there to keep refrigerator odors from entering the unit and affecting the taste of the water.However, most of the time when you pour, the flap doesn't properly open up (it sort of sticks shut); this causes the water to pour sloppily or even to suddenly gush out if the flap happens to come un-stuck in mid-pour (more spills).Finally, if you tilt the unit enough to pour out the last drop of water, occasionally the Brita filter itself dislodges from its slot and thumps into the cover of the unit so that you need to re-seat it.

Given the great success I had with the previous unit, I was very disappointed with the overall design of this more recent version. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SU16
Subjects:  1. Pantryware    2. (Pantry)    3. Water Filtration    4. Water Purifiers    5. Kitchen   

Bodum Chambord 3-Cup Coffee Press
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Serious coffee lovers agree that the best way to brew everyone'sfavorite stimulant is also the simplest and quickest. The French press methodprevents scorching of the beans, and because there's no filter involved, all ofthe flavorful oils stay in your drink. Simply measure out one rounded tablespoonof coarse ground per 4-ounce cup, pour very hot (not boiling) water over it, letthe contents brew for at least 4 minutes, then slowly depress the plunger. Theresult is one of the richest cups of java you'll ever taste. This attractivelydesigned Bodum press is the perfect size for one person's morning fix. Becausethe carafe is glass, it's best to use a little care when handling the press inthe sink--but if it should break, don't panic: Bodum offers replacement parts.--Mary Park ... Read more

Features

• All parts are dishwasher safe
• Brews 12 ounces of coffee; retains beans' oils for rich, complex flavor
• Sturdy, chrome-plated brass frame; easy-to-clean glass carafe
• Stainless-steel press mechanism; replacement parts available
• Turn lid to close spout; not for stovetop use

Reviews (35)

Well built, works great
Well buit, works great.I quite like the looks too.Cleaning is a breeze, not sure why I was under the impression that cleaning would be a chore.I do wish the thing was a little bigger, I can only make one good sized cup at a time.

A Wonderful Way to Make Coffee
If you have never tried coffee made using a coffee press, you are missing a real treat.Everything you read in the reviews about how different coffee tastes when made in a press is very true.Just remember to have your coffee ground just as coarsely as possible; if you grind your own use the most coarse setting on your grinder.Heat the water to just below boiling and add to the coffe in the press.(I just use the scoop that comes with the press.)Stir the grounds using a plastic implement (I use a shrimp deveiner.) until a foam appears on the surface.Then set a timer for about 4 minutes and be a little patient.Your wait will be amply rewarded by some of the best coffee you have ever had.

This product is the third coffee press that I have owned.My first broke and my second is an eight cup model.The eight cupper is really to large for making coffee for just one person. (I am the only person in my house the enjoys the brown bean.)This Bodum model is easily the most sturdy best performing model I have tried.The glass carafe has thick walls and can be removed from the base for cleaning.The entire unit is well made.Units this size are difficult to find in stores where one typically finds the eight cup press.I took a chance at Amazon and purchased a press that was offerred at a very low price for a unit in a damaged box.The box was trashed but the press was in perfect condition!

The prices here on Amazon are about the best I found anywhere. Even eBay could not match the selectoin offerred at Amazon.Again, I strongly recommend that you give a coffee press a try, you will not be disappointed.

French coffee cups small but strong
I would venture a guess that while this coffeemaker may not make a great quantity of coffee, being a French press it presumably is used to make French style coffee, which is very rich, like espresso.The idea is to serve a small demitasse pure or with a little milk [café crème or noisette], or a café au lait, half coffee half hot milk. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LM0R
Subjects:  1. Coffee Makers    2. (Coffeemakers)    3. French Presses    4. Coffee Presses    5. Accessories    6. Drip Coffee Machines