Cuisinart DGB650 BC Thermal Coffee Maker Review

Cuisinart DGB650 BC

Cuisinart DGB650 BC Thermal Coffee Maker

* 10-cup automatic coffeemaker with built-in coffee-bean grinder
* Fully programmable; brew-pause function; 1- to 4-cup setting
* Thermal stainless-steel carafe; grind-off option for pre-ground coffee
* Auto shut-off; gold-tone permanent filter and charcoal water filter included
* Measures 12 by 9-1/2 by 17-1/2 inches; 3-year limited warranty

Cuisinart DGB650 BC Thermal Coffee Maker Review

I love the new look! We had the older version for about 6 years. This Cuisinart DGB650 BC new one is sleeker and much easier to clean and keep clean (the inside where the grinder sits gets cakey due to condensation). I got it for $149, used Amazon Prime, and had it in a few days! I love Cuisinart DGB650 BC. If you're thinking of getting this grind and brew with stainless carafe, it is nice. Some parts will have to be replaced over the years like the older version, but the taste of the freshly ground coffee every day is worth it. I never pre-heat the carafe like the directions say because that defeats the purpose of the timer. I've never had an issue with the coffee temperature, it's always hot! I also recommend hand-washing over dishwasher. The carbon filters are similar to Brita and can be found for cheap at Kohl's. One other note is it only makes 10 cups as opposed to the typical 12 cups. This is fine for me because it's just me and my husband, but if you need to make a ton of coffee regularly, Cuisinart DGB650 BC may not be a good choice. Overall, I love Cuisinart DGB650 BC and I'm glad I traded up!

Cuisinart DGB900BC Coffeemaker

If you are looking for new Thermal Coffeemaker. I would like to suggest new one for you , Cuisinart DGB900BC Coffeemaker. I used it for 1 year and a half , it is an easy to use machine once it is set up properly. The taste of coffee is so good and moreover it 's very easy to clean. I used to make coffee to my guest by using Cuisinart DGB900BC Coffeemaker , you may not believe me , they thought I buy it from coffee shop. Amazing Coffeemaker . I love it and hope you have the good experience like me

Cuisinart DGB900BC Coffeemaker

* 24-hour fully programmable coffeemaker with 12-cup capacity
* Double-wall insulated thermal carafe; built-in automatic burr grinder
* Strength selector and grind control fine-tune intensity and volume
* 8-ounce bean hopper; auto shutoff; water filter; brew-pause function
* Measures 10-2/3 by 8-4/9 by 16-1/4 inches; 3-year limited warranty

buy it now with the best price

Mr.Coffee FTTX951 - Excellent Value for the Cost on Mr.Coffee FTTX951

Mr.Coffee FTTX951

After researching out Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker for several weeks, I'll just put it bluntly: this Mr.Coffee FTTX951 is an excellent deal for your money - particularly when you start looking at your other options in the marketplace and their costs.

PROS of Mr.Coffee FTTX95

* Programmable (nothing like waking up in the morning to just made coffee)
* Easy (come on - it's Mr. Coffee)
* Simple maintenance (really, just a once a month run through with a mix of vinegar and water is about the most you've got to do)
* Choose your brew strength - strong or average (I'm not sure what average is like since I put mine on "strong" since the day I set it up)
* The timer indicating how long since the coffee has been made is great
* The carafe is not glass (need I say more on that?)
* The display of water - how much you've put in, how much it's already brewed, etc. - could not be any easier to figure out
* A replaceable filter (frankly, you can likely toss it if you already use filtered water)
* Looks great with with other kitchen appliances or style that includes black, aluminum or brushed steel
* Less than $100

CONS of Mr.Coffee FTTX95

- It only measures up to 10 of those 6 oz. cups (don't even get me started on the 6 oz. "cup") - so anything up to 12 it can make, but it's guesswork if you've put in 11 or 12 "cups" of water
- For the first month or so, the button to open the pour spout is a bit awkward (on the other hand, for you crackberries out there - good thumb muscle development)
- The carafe has a tough time fitting into most water dispensers on refrigerators with built-in water dispensers (you'll need to use something else and then pour into the machine)

Finally, there was a comment by one of the reviewers about the thermal carafe not keeping the coffee piping hot after a while. I won't argue with this Mr.Coffee FTTX951, but since I'm not one of the folks who order "extra hot" coffee at Starbucks, I think the coffee warmth is just fine even after several hours.

Long-term, there are two items for Mr. Coffee to improve on this product (but, admittedly, they are both "nice-to-have's"):
1. Increase the thermal strength of the carafe so it can keep the coffee at almost the exact temperature over 4 hours; and
2. Change the button you press to open the pour spout to a simple toggle or lever switch that you just pop to open/close (rather than having to hold down the button while you pour).

If you do buy this, one recommendation. At least once a month, open the lid overnight (with no coffee or water in it) and just give it a chance to dry itself out thoroughly. I do this after running the vinegar/water cleaning run (followed by another run with just plain water). And I've not had a problem in 6 months yet (knock on wood).

Capresso 440.05 MT-500 10-Cup Electronic Thermal Coffee Maker #2

When I ordered the Capresso MT-500, I had mixed feelings. I'd never before bought a coffeemaker that cost more than [$$], and I was nervous about spending so much. But at the same time, I was weary of the ongoing battle with calcification in my old Mr Coffee 'Accel' coffeemaker (we have very hard water here). Furthermore, the coffee never did taste all that great, and after two or three hours on the warming pad the last cup was guaranteed to taste burnt and bitter.

In shopping for a new coffeemaker, my requirements therefore included both a thermal carafe and reasonable assurance that it would make decent coffee -- and that it would do so for at least a few years. Unfortunately, most of the reviews I read reported that the carafes were flimsy and broke, or failed to keep the coffee hot enough.

The Capresso 440.05 MT-500 10-Cup Electronic Thermal Coffee Maker addressed all of these concerns and more, and everything about this coffeemaker says "quality." There's a replaceable charcoal filter that goes in the reservoir to help remove chlorine and other impurities. All of the metal surfaces that come into contact with water and/or coffee are stainless steel. The electronic controls are straightforward and easy to understand, and the brew-through sealed carafe is virtually idiot-proof... Moreover, the carafe, which has a stainless steel liner (not breakable glass), is very easy to keep clean. The clock doesn't lose its settings during brief (<10secs) power glitches (a continuing annoyance with the aforementioned and now idle Mr Coffee). The Capresso is also very spiffy and attractive and looks great on our kitchen countertop.

And did I mention it makes great coffee? It does.

Although not absolutely essential, in my opinion, you will end up with hotter coffee -- and hot coffee for a longer period of time -- if you remember to pre-heat the carafe with some hot water for a few minutes before brewing. Just be sure to remember to -empty- the carafe before you start the cycle! Still, preheating isn't always practical, such as when you're using the automatic timer, and frankly, in my opinion the coffee's stayed hot enough for up to 3 hours even when I haven't prewarmed the carafe. Today, using a prewarmed carafe, my last cup was acceptably hot nearly 4 1/2 hours after I first made it.

I've been using my Capresso for a couple weeks now, and I have no regrets in shelling out premium dollars for a premium coffeemaker. I'd definitely do so again.

Capresso 440.05 MT-500 10-Cup Electronic Thermal Coffee Maker #1

I've had Braun and Krups makers before, but my Krups went kaput and I wanted something a little better for preparing a variety of fine Arabica coffees, from Antigua types like Kona to rich Indonesian varieties, to their best. (I was raised in Mexico, where for candy I sucked on coffee cherries, not candies.) The reviews here seemed a bit mixed, but after some research, I bit the bullet and bought the machine.

I have had the Capresso 440.05 MT-500 10-Cup Electronic Thermal Coffee Maker #1 for six months, so I feel I can comment now... and I am very impressed! It prepares excellent coffee, in large or small batches (there is a selector switch), has a permanent goldtone filter (you can buy paper filters -preferably unbleached - if you prefer,) coffee comes out above 165 F / 74C, and it stays warm at least a couple of hours; the coffee-maker is easy to program, set up and clean. It even looks good, though my prime criterion is always the quality of the coffee produced.

One small thing I improved on was the small black dot on the top of the black lid used to open / close the opening to the spout - I used a dot of yellow acrylic paint to make it more visible, and it makes a significant difference. Two things I think could be improved on - the fill indicator float-ball-in-column is on the right side, ecessed, and the design of the machine makes it a bit difficult to see in the darkish corner of my kitchen counter; and of course, a lower price would please everyone. These are relatively minor - the Capresso, made by a company that makes upper end machines for professional baristas, is a high-quality coffee-making machine that's sure to please aficionados of good coffees.

If you can't program your VCR or radio-alarm, demand piping hot coffee that blisters the mouth, or prepare cheaper Robusta coffees like Farmer Bros., forget this machine - save your money and get a Mr. Coffee. If you prefer espresso types, Capresso makes machines that do that, you won't be satsified here. To each, according their own taste...

But if you enjoy fine Arabicas properly prepared, without the unhealthy effects of plunge / press makers, and a machine that is easy to use and seems substantial enough to last, I think you will be very happy with the Capresso.

BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker Review #2

I've acquired one of these BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker as premium from my coffee roaster. My old drip machine served my well for years, but was beginning to show it's age, so I sent in my points and $7.50 for shipping, and got the Bunn BTX-B.

If I didn't receive this as a premium, I don't know if I'd spend the money for this unit. After using it for a week, I'm not sure I'd go back to a normal drip coffee maker. If this unit survives my coffee making habits over the next few years, I'd buy another.I had reservations about it after reading the reviews here, but all were unfounded.

BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker must have redesigned the carafe. The carafe does not leak. I can't even figure out how it would leak. The lid bayonets into the top of the carafe. You could actually brew your coffee without the lid on. You don't have to pre-heat it, but it'll keep your coffee hotter for a couple hours longer. Coffee is still warm after about 4 hours, and it's surprisingly drinkable. But you'd want a fresh pot anyway.

I had no start up smell. I've had it plugged in since I got it, and there hasn't been any smell from it at all.

I didn't like the fact it keeps an inner reservoir of water hot all the time. But I've only heard it heating the water when I'm brewing. I haven't heard the heating element come on any other time. (I'm sure it does, but I haven't heard it.) But it does make for very quick brew times. It's one of the best things about this maker.

You don't have to keep the lid open all the time. Once it finishes brewing, the system reaches an equilibrium and doesn't keep leaking water, even if the lid stays closed. But once you pour water in to brew, don't close that lid until you have the carafe in place. It's that fast.

The temperature of the brewed coffee is *hot*. Sue McDonalds for a million dollars hot. This is not a bad thing, but you won't be used to it if you're coming from a $25 drip maker.

It took me a couple of days to think outside the box, and realize the carafe doesn't have to be on the maker, Your coffee will remain hot in the carafe, whether it's in the kitchen or next to the computer...If this machine is durable, I'm definitely a repeat customer.

BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker

BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker

* Reservoir-style home brewer makes up to 10 cups of coffee in just 3 minutes
* Stainless-steel water tank; 800-watt heater and internal thermostat
* Sprayhead design improves coffee-flavor extraction; hot water available for tea
* Stainless-steel vacuum-insulated carafe; close-and-brew lid; vacation switch
* Measures 14 by 7 by 15-2/7 inches; 3-year limited warranty

BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker Review

I bought two BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker and two extra carafes in January 2005 after much research. I was surprised to find Bunn highly rated by coffee geeks. Reviews said that the unit holds a spare charge of water at good brewing temperature, that sold me. I also liked the stainless carafe rather than a burner to keep the coffee warm, and readily available spare parts.

So I tried the Bunn. Now I am able to serve hot caffeinated and decaf coffee continuously at parties. We brew one carafe of each, take in to the guests, and start the next pots. The second pot is ready when the first runs out. Eureka!

The BUNN BTX-B ThermoFresh 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker were so easy and reliable I started using one for everyday coffee. After two years I'm very happy with the coffee it makes. Here's my recipe:

* Use good quality coffee. I like bold coffees, so I normally use Peet's Major Dickason in a drip grind. I've used espresso grind with no problem.
* The Bunn can make a half-carafe of coffee (about two 12 oz mugs). Less than this amount doesn't produce very good coffee.
* Preheat the carafe with hot water if you are going to want the coffee to sit in the carafe for more than an hour or so.
* Use Bunn or other tall filters When I run out of filters I use whatever is around and refold to try to fit the basket. This isn't very reliable; grounds end up in the coffee without the correct filters.
* I use two filters at a time since they're thinner than the cone filters I was used to with my last machine.
* Be careful to seat the carafe lid correctly. It can be tricky, and will leak if you don't get it right. It was difficult to seat the lid on one of the carafes at first -- it took heating the carafe and lid with hot tap water to get it right. It got easier with time.
* Keep the seals at the top of the carafe and on the lid clean. Coffee grounds in the seal will cause leaks.
* It took some learning to remember not to close the reservoir lid until I wanted the coffee to start. I'm trained now. Visitors haven't had a problem after one lesson -- it's easier to explain this than to train them to prime the espresso machine.
* Cleaning the machine occasionally (maybe 4x a year) keeps the coffee tasting good. A cleaning rod comes with the unit, and you can buy coffee descaler packets. They're worth the fifty cent cost.

Spare parts turned out to be important. We took the Bunns to a party and one of the filter baskets didn't come back. I had no problem finding it online and replaced it for about $10.

The only downside I've found is that the Bunn takes up a lot of space on the counter (it's deep), and needs a lot of vertical clearance (watch those cabinet doors knocking the reservoir lid down). The size and height are necessary, so I don't hold it against the Bunn.

Capresso MT600 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffee Maker Review

Capresso MT600 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffee Maker

* 10-cup programmable coffeemaker with stainless-steel-lined heating system
* Illuminated, 24-hour, LCD digital clock and timer; soft-touch controls
* Brew-pause function; 2-hour auto shut-off for safety; cord storage
* Includes stainless-steel thermal carafe, gold-tone filter, and charcoal water filter
* Measures approximately 9 by 8 by 14 inches

Capresso MT600 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffee Maker Review

We had a Capresso MT600 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffee Maker
for MANY years. It had a clock, feature to set the time to start your coffee in the morning, a filter, and a warning to let you know when to change the filter. To brew the best coffee, we filled the water tank using a hose type faucet from the sink and put it directly into the coffee maker. We did not fill the carafe and then pour it in. This cools down the carafe and consequently the coffee that you brew. We used unbleached paper filters and ground the coffee fresh in the morning and did not use the overnight timer. You turned the top of the carafe to a particular spot to brew and it rested on the counter top and was pushed into the ST600. It would only brew when the carafe made contact with a switch inside. Unit worked fine.

We figured the Capresso MT600 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffee Maker
would be a natural replacement but were concerned about all the negative reviews about leaks, pouring spout problems, cold coffee and the like. We went to the Happy Cook who sold Krup, Capresso, and a lower priced unit that started with a "Z." The sales person, very knowledgeable, said the MT600 was the top seller and in over a year never had a return. They use one for customer coffee in the store. I asked about spilling and brought me a carafe she filled with water - no counter spills when I poured it. I bought the unit.

First off, there are many improvements over the ST600. The carafe mounts into the unit and not on the counter, the clock controls are not under the top lid of the unit, they are easier to use, the filter warning light is a green LED instead of a flashing clock warning, the overall size of the unit is smaller and more stylish, the fill gauge is more visible, and the fill area is larger.

Now the test. We filled it with water and ran it through to clear the filter and the unit as the instructions say. No problem. Put in a filter, fresh coffee grounds, and filled it. Eight minutes later, coffee was done without any counter leaks. Poured the coffee into a cup and it was hot and the spout worked better than the ST600 - impossible to spill - very well designed.

I think most of the problems people have with the unit seem to be a failure to follow instructions. The instructions say that if you fill the unit with cold water from the carafe, you should refill the carafe with hot water and pour it out. A cold carafe reduces the temperature of the coffee. So you really need to fill it with a pitcher or do what we do from an extendable faucet hose. There is a dot on the lid. You lock it closed (align two dots) and put it into the MT600 which has a cradle for it - very hard not to get it right. If you don't, you would probably get a leak. To pour the coffee, turn the top so the dot lines up with the spout - 1/2 turn. Open it more than that and you may have pouring problems. Follow the directions - Happy Cook has had no returns on the unit.

Jerdon First Class CM21B 4 Cup Thermal Coffee Maker Review

Jerdon First Class CM21B 4 Cup Coffee Maker, Thermal Carafe, Black

* 4 cup personal coffee maker
* Auto power off
* Non-breakable thermal carafe
* Easy to operate
* Black color

Jerdon First Class CM21B 4 Cup Thermal Coffee Maker Review

I had this model under the Black and Decker brand for over 10 years and was very satisfied with it. My favorite point to this Jerdon First Class CM21B 4 Cup Thermal Coffee Maker was the insulated carafe. It kept the coffee hot enough until I finished the pot. It needed no burner to keep on or over-cook the coffee. The carafe's best feature was that it poured out without dribbling all over ( something most all coffee makers fail at ).

When the switch finally did break, I was given a gift of the Cusinart 4-cup cofeemaker with a stainless steel carafe. What a piece of junk it was. The carafe poured more coffee on the couter than the in the cup. Also, the warmer burned the coffee in the carafe ( YUK ). The Cuisinart lasted a few months and then broke ( YEAH - I could get rid of it without insulting the gift giver ).

I searched Amazon and found this Jerdon First Class CM21B 4 Cup Thermal Coffee Maker which was the same as the Black and Decker which well-served me so many years. Of course, I bought it. When it arrived I could not have been more exicted - it was like Christmas morning to me.

The only difference from my original was the coffee grounds basket. The original had a cone-shaped basket, with a filter. The cone shaped filter does make a little better flavored coffee, with less grounds ( fortunatly I kept my old one for some reason and use it ).

I highly recommend this pot if you are looking for a small coffee maker. It works and the price is right. My only dislike is that it's not made in USA.

Krups FMF5 Coffee Maker Review

After my Starbucks Barista Thermal Coffee Maker dispensed its brew all over the counter for the third time I decided it was time for a new coffee maker. There were three things the Barista had, which my new Coffee Maker had to have as well:
1. Thermal carafe
2. Brew timer
3. Counter top appeal

I searched my junk drawer for a 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupon and found an expired one. Lucky for me they never really expire and I purchased a $99.00 Krups FMF5 in black for $85.89 out the door. I am hurried coffee snob. That means I have to have an expensive Arabica bean, an automatic drip coffee maker and a 2 tablespoons grounds to 6 - 8 oz. filtered water ratio (if I wasn't in a hurry I would grind whole beans and use a French press). I am a prior Krups user, having owned one in the late 80's early 90's.

I did no research prior to buying the Krups FMF5 Thermal Coffee Maker. The machine had the features I wanted and is a brand I once owned and was happy with that ownership. I set the timer and clock, ran water through it and seasoned it by making a pot of coffee for discard (the first cup of coffee through a new machine is typically awful). I then set up the machine for the next day's coffee.

I decided to read reviews of Krups FMF5 Thermal Coffee Maker, expecting to be delighted by my great buy. To my surprise the reviews were mixed. This machine is either hated or loved. After one week of use I find myself in the latter category. This review cannot attest to this machine's longevity, but will delineate a 20-year coffee consumer's one-week experience with this machine.

In the looks department this machine really stood out among the other displays. The stainless steel on the filer basket door and the roof looks good. The machined satin finish does a good job of masking fingerprints.

There is a #4 cone filter basket, which hangs behind a spring-loaded swing out door. Just pull the lever and the filter basket swings open. I prefer cone filters to flat-bottom. Cone filters are superior when making just one cup of coffee as it concentrates the grounds at the bottom. I am glad to be back to a machine that uses cone-filters. Tip: Fold the pleats of a cone paper filter over at the bottom and side, then open to insert. This will keep the filter from folding over when it gets wet during the brew process.

The thermal carafe sits on top of a (I know I couldn't believe it either) hotplate. At the end of the brew cycle the hotplate will turn off in 20 minutes. This boost of heat probably eliminates the need for preheating the carafe. In my experience coffee carafes drip unless particular attention is paid during the pour. As far as this carafe goes there is nary a drop, however there is a trick to dispensing the last few ounces. You must remove the lid and invert the carafe almost completely upside down. As long as you keep the pour spout over your cup you won't loose any coffee. This machine also has a pause and brew feature, which allows the most impatient to pour a cup before brewing is complete, eliminating coffee on the hotplate. Just don't let me catch anyone pouring coffee before the cycle ends, leaving a weak brew for the rest of us.

The display panel is a 4-button panel with LED screen. I would have preferred a more modern LED display, but this LED screen serves its function. The screen requires a backlight to see the numbers in a low light setting, which in this case is blue. In addition to the standard clock and brew time there are a couple of unique functions. There is a 1 - 3 cup function, which can be set when making only 1 - 3 cups of coffee (remember a "cup" to a coffee maker does not equal 8 oz. of water, to get one good mug you need to fill to the #2 line). Another function is the descaling indicator. This alerts the user when its time to run vinegar or descaling agent through the machine.

The water fill reservoir is a little narrow requiring some aim when pouring water into it. As the reservoir fills you can see the water line rise on the indicator located on the unit's exterior. There is also a red plastic piece in the reservoir, which indicates the max fill line. When filled to the max fill indicator the water line is just a hair above the #10 on the exterior display. This machine comes with a water filter, which is a consumable requiring replacement every 2 - 3 months depending on the hardness of your water. The piece that holds the water filter in place has a number dial to remind you when replacement is due. Since I use filtered water to make coffee I won't need to purchase the Krups water filters.

As stated previously I have been using this machine for one week. The coffee this maker produces is excellent. It has gotten a bit better each day as I have learned to tweak the amount of grounds and the machine is becoming more seasoned. The coffee comes out hot, but not scalding. I particularly don't like to have to blow on my coffee and then attempt to sip the tiniest amount in fear of 2nd degree burns to my mouth. Today I had some coffee that was brewed 2 ½ hours prior to pour and the coffee was still hot enough for enjoyment (no microwave required).

I am extremely satisfied with this Krups FMF5 Thermal Coffee Maker. Prior machines I have owned required frequent wipe-downs of the hotplate or carafe shelf and countertop. This one keeps itself clean without all the drips.

I recommend this Krups FMF5 Thermal Coffee Maker. You can spend much more on other coffee makers with similar features. A thermal carafe is a great advantage to those not planning to immediately drink their coffee. There is nothing like waking up to just brewed, fresh coffee.

Saeco Easy Fill 10-Cup Automatic Drip Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe

Product Features of Saeco Easy Thermal Coffee Maker
* 10-Cup coffee maker with thermal carafe
* Removable coffee/water drawer
* All features of the machine are accessible from the front;no need to pull machine out from under cabinet to use
* Pause n' Serve features allows you to pour a cup of coffee while coffeemaker is still brewing
* Programmable control panel and auto shut-off


Saeco Easy Thermal Coffee Maker Review
The Easy Fill drip coffee machines from Saeco have been designed with a traditional shape, but unconventional features and advantages. The fully brushed stainless steel housing highlights the sleek and modern shape of the machine. With full front access there is no need to pull the machine out from under the cabinet. All features, including the water tank and filter basket, are full accessible from the front of the machine. The water tank, filter basket and gold tone filter are housed together in one full removable drawer. No other machine is as easy to clean on a regular basis, ensuring the water is always clean and fresh. The programmable control panel is oversized with blue backlit LCD display that indicates all functions and setting of the machine, including 1-4 cup option, adjustable aroma settings and programmable keep warm time.

Great cup of coffee , Cuisinart DGB-900BC Thermal Coffeemaker #2

I bought my Cuisinart DGB-900BC Thermal Coffeemaker after my 6 month old Krups G & B stopped working in June. So far, 2 + months later, My Cuisinart is still working great. The coffee maker is excellent quality; very well made. I haven't had any problems with the grinder plugging up nor coffee growing cold in the thermal container. Nice to have 12 cup capacity again too. This coffee maker has a mild, medium, & strong setting. If you like real strong coffee, its easily had at the strong setting. If you want expresso strength, set the maker to 12 cups and add 10 to 11 cups water, and set the dial to strong. I like a good strong cup of coffee, and setting my coffee maker at 10 cups, adding 12 cups of water, with the setting at Medium is plenty strong for me. So far this coffee pot has out performed any other coffee maker I've owned for regular coffee.
Bekka

Review on 11/4/09 to add more praise. I think it fair to further my review after having had this coffee maker for well over a year. The test of time is the best indicator for true quality. This Grind & Brew maker is still going strong. Not one mishap in the construction or resultant great brew I receive on a daily basis. And yes, those daily uses might consist of 4 or more pots brewed in the course of a day depending on how many guests I have visiting, holiday time, or just when we want a little more caffiene. I can not speak highly enough for the quality of coffee and the durability in workmanship of this particular Grind & Brew. Yes, you should clean out the grinder spaces periodically, maybe once every two months; run the coffee maker cleaner & replace your filter periodically to preserve the good taste of your coffee [I do this once every 4 to 6 months]; and swipe the sides of your coffee maker with a good stainless steel wipe to show case the classy SS finish. I don't know what good coffee maker doesn't require a little logical care. I had the older Cusinart brand of Grind & Brew, this model is much easier to care for. The older Cusinart G&B lasted me well over 4 years and I should have learned from that experience. Ever on a quest for good coffee from my coffee maker and impressioned by reviews, when my old Cusinart died I bought my Krups G&B which lasted 6 months. I went through a few cheaper models in less time than 6 months before I decided to spring for the newer Cusinart G&B. A friend bought a highly recommended supposedly "elite" the other brand C* G&B coffee maker at $300 when it first came out. All parts outside are plastic, seemingly very flimsy, and he bought his at the same time I bought this model of Cusinart G&B. He's had to ship his machine back 2 times in the past year at his own expense. Ok, they replaced some parts, while he was out dollars for shipping, and he spent some dollars for a cheap replacement coffee maker both times his was being fixed. I've learned my lesson, and will stick with Cusinart. I'm more than satisfied, can you tell?

Review again on 9/4/10 more than two years of a great working machine. Some of the complaints I have read on the amazon reviews for this product concern backing up of grinded brews. Like any machine if we want our products to last, we need to put in some caring maintenance. I don't look at this as a chore because I still have to say I love this coffee maker and the quality of the coffee maker is outstanding, let alone I get an excellent brew. So yes I descale periodically, change the filter, and let the coffee maker air out on occasion. Honestly, I've had several coffee makers. This Cuisinart makes just as good, if not better cup of coffee as the more costly & name brand touts. Flat basket not withstanding. I found there are ways to prevent your coffee grinds from jamming up in the burr grinder which in turn prevents the grinds from entering the basket, with the resultant weak colored water effect. When pouring water into the tank with the thermal container, its too easy for some of the water to spill around the edge of the bean holder. The moisture can seep underneath the bean filler, where the burr grinder is located and cause the grinds to pack up and not release into the basket. I bought a pitcher with a good spout to pour my water into the tank making sure none of the water splashes around the edge of the bean filler. Or, very carefully pour the water from the thermal container when the pitcher is indisposed. Also, once every 6 weeks or so I turn the knob to release the bean filler off the coffee maker, and lift up the trap door to clean out the burr grinder with a brush. Then just let every thing air out for a while. I haven't had grinded coffee jamming up since I started doing the above. A little work? Yep. But well worth it to maintain a good cup of coffee and the longevity of the coffee maker itself.