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JennGM
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 9:42am | IP Logged
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It's been since 2005 since my last purchase of a coffee maker.
This Cuisinart Grind and Brew 10 cup is similar to what I have now. 8 years isn't too bad, but it should have lasted longer.
I'm still making coffee, but it leaks from the bottom. I'm constantly having to absorb the water. And it makes me jittery to have electric appliance in water when the thing on the bottom says "do not immerse in water" and that's the part that is in water.
ANYWAY...
We rarely used the grinder -- too loud and too messy. We have a separate grinder if we use whole beans (and currently the grinder is not working, either).
I loved the thermal carafe. I dislike having coffee continually cook. This kept my coffee pretty warm, and I could heat up a cup in the afternoon.
I think I would prefer a 12 cup maker, but 10 was okay.
Any recommendations? I was looking at Mystic Monk's site at their Bunn Maker, but the reviews were so mixed, I wasn't sure. And I'm not sure if I need that hot water option, as that seems a lot of electricity for only one person who is drinking coffee.
I'm mainly drinking decaf, with one scoop of caffeine in the morning...but trying to wean off that.
Perhaps another Bunn? Or go back to Cuisinart and risk a short lived maker?
Or is 8 years a pretty good life? Our toaster is still going after 13 years.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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*Lindsey*
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 9:47am | IP Logged
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We have had our Cuisinart for about a year. Before that we had a Mr. Coffee for a year. I would say 8 years is great based on my experience! 
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Lindsey
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JennGM
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 10:41am | IP Logged
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When I'm reading reviews on Cuisinart, it doesn't look like they are long lasting anymore.
The previous thread I linked links to another one, and a discussion about Bunn, and I found this recall of those specific coffeemakers.
I was reading a book on Homemade life (can't remember the name, will link when I get a chance) and she was recommending getting a good old fashioned percolator. I was considering that.
Or a French Press? How to find a thermal carafe? I just don't like adding the process of boiling the water. But this Le Creuset is very tempting.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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stefoodie
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 12:07pm | IP Logged
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I got a Freiling french press, which I love, except that my boys (and hubby) complained about it being "hard work"  . So I got them another coffeemaker -- the Cuisinart (without a grinder).
What I would really love is an Italian mokapot, but I'm having trouble finding one that's stainless steel and has good reviews. (something about the balance, handle getting hot, that type of thing)
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SallyT
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 12:29pm | IP Logged
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We had French presses for years -- love the coffee, but we wound up buying thermal carafes to keep the coffee hot. Now we have a Cuisinart with thermal carafe (also without a grinder) that we bought on Christmas Eve last year because our last French press had broken that morning, and Belk didn't have French presses.
So far we really like it. The last electric coffeemaker we had was a Mr. Coffee with thermal carafe, which lasted maybe two to three years? Actually what happened to it was that -- and this is gross and I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I'm going to anyway -- roaches moved into the base of it and colonized it. Our old house had massive roach problems, and they clearly thought we had brought them a new condo as an offering when we moved in.
OK, yes, that's gross. Anyway, when we figured out where the roaches on the kitchen counter were coming from, we just pitched the coffee maker, because obviously we couldn't immerse that part in water. Up to then, however, as far as I recall, it made great coffee and we had no problem with it, and had it not been for the roaches, the thought of which still makes me shudder, we might well be using that coffee maker today. We do still have the very nice thermal carafe, which is fine. Roaches apparently draw the line at going swimming in hot coffee.
So my helpful recommendation is for any coffee maker that does not contain roaches.
OK, back to being productive . . .
Sally
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JennGM
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 12:36pm | IP Logged
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Stef, It's not that it's "hard" but it's more manual and more steps than just filling up the coffee maker and being productive elsewhere while it brews and all you have to do is pour a cuppa.
Gross, but realistic, Sally. In Houston we had those monster cockroaches, and they climbed into all sorts of appliances, such as handmixers. And even if they aren't living, parts seem to fall into things. My mother had to buy back her cakes for a church bazaar after she realized the horrific grossness that went into those cakes.
So...do I win for more disgusting?
For the Cuisinart, are you talking basic 12 cup thermal or Extreme brew? Or Perfec Temp? Cuisinart coffee makers are mind boggling....
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Jennifer G. Miller
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JennGM
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 12:51pm | IP Logged
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Oh, and Stef, my old housemate only used an Italian mokapot. It looked like the one on the top on the wiki page.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 12:55pm | IP Logged
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We have been using this stainless Ikea French Press for years and really like it--both dh and I like the ritual of it  . We also think it tastes better than drip coffee.  And honestly, I don't think it is any more work than making it in a drip pot. We have an electric tea kettle, so the water heats quickly, and I like using it, too, for loose teas. It is especially nice for coffee for 2-3. The only time I find it too much work is if we have company and need coffee for many. Then, I just use small cups and do multiple refills
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JennGM
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 1:30pm | IP Logged
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Thought I would share these two reviews.
video from Cooks Illustrated and
another review which gets similar results.
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SallyT
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| Posted: July 29 2013 at 1:31pm | IP Logged
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Which Cuisinart? Oh, gosh . . . let me go look at it. (Meanwhile, I'm sending you out the "Most Disgusting Roach-Food Mental Image of the Day" certificate).
OK, I have no idea what model we have, except that it's a 10-cup, not a 12. It has a self-clean setting, a "small pot" setting, and a timer setting. Coming from a french press, we thought this was pretty deluxe. Actually, we thought anything you plug in (minus roaches) was deluxe.
I do actually prefer french press coffee, and we also liked the ritual of making it, as Lindsay says. I'd still be using the french press if it hadn't broken that fateful Christmas Eve. On the other hand, we drink a LOT of coffee, all day long, and I like just having a big (ish) pot that doesn't get cold that fast, but also doesn't cook on a burner like a regular ol' coffee maker. I also like the filter basket -- I just take it out and dump it on the garden.
So, I guess what we have is a Basic 10-Cup Thermal, though "Extreme Brew" vaguely rings a bell. Maybe that was the one we thought was too expensive . . . Anyway, what we have is pretty basic, but it gets the job done.
Sally
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What I liked best about a French Press was that I did have to boil the water seperate. But I drink herbal teas and dh drinks coffee... so it felt kinda friendly to put the tea kettle on for both of us and then be able to make both coffee and tea. But it broke and dh goes to work earlier at times so it's nice for him to have something to start and leave while he gets his shower and stuff. So now we just have an inexpensive West Bend coffee maker.
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I have a Freiling French press. I LOVE my French press coffee....I can make it so much stronger! And, I am the only one drinking it, so it helps me to NOT drink more than one cup...if I had a coffee maker with more than one cup, it would be sitting there just tempting me.
I LOVE the ritual of making my coffee in the morning....it's the only "easy repetitive" thing that I can count on during the day. I put the water on, scoop the coffee, and then walk around the house "opening the house" and tidying up, then come back, put in hot water, etc.
When my mom comes, she DOES think it's "too complicated"...so I get that.
I do have a 10-cup Gevalia maker that I keep in the garage for when guests come and need more coffee.
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After my family broke my third french press I needed to get creative! If anyone is interested in a nearly indestructible FP they can use a large measuring cup like this one from Kitchen Supply and a fine mesh strainer.
I also use this Breville water kettle...which is really one of the most aweosme kitchen tools ever invented.
I have been using this method of making coffee and bulk tea for over 4 years and I have only had to replace one strainer. Well, actually, the handle just broke off the strainer and now I just double strain.....which means a few less floaties.
The strainer and measuring cup are rinsed out before each use (because I never clean them after I use them) and I was in the dish washer once a week or so.
I like this method because it isn't breakable and doesn't have too many moving parts. I am sooooo reluctant to purchase any kitchen appliance because they just don't seem to last very long.....especially when you are using them regularly!!!!
I also just got a Bodum Insulated Tranvel French Press. . I paid less then the Amazon price, but well worth every penny when traveling. Plus, my dh uses it ever morning on is hour commute to work. 
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JennGM
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| Posted: July 31 2013 at 9:23am | IP Logged
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I just know the French Press isn't the way I need to go, but your reviews are helpful. My sister uses one everyday, but I know my husband will not want to be bothered with all those steps.
The coffee pot officially died this morning. I was hoping I had some time to milk it out.
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CrunchyMom
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Well, it is an absolute MUST that your dh be willing to make tge coffee. No subtle benefits regarding flavor would ever outweigh that
I don't have a ton of experience, but my understanding is that it is the water temp that is most important, and some cheaper makers get too hot. I know many people love Bunns and that have a good reputation for lasting long, too. I'm also guessing that one model Cuisinart is not going to be much different in quality over another. You are mainly deciding features.
If I were looking at that range coffee maker, I would probably see what Williams Sonoma carries, and if they had something with the features I wanted that wasn't overkill, I would buy from them since their appliance coverage is excellent, imo. Look into it since things change, but in the past, I know they back their confidence in the models they choose to carry with an exceptional guarantee.
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Jenn, I totally get what you are saying. My advice would be to follow what Lindsay says and shop at William Sonoma. I have had great success with their warrantee. I think the only other thing that can be done is accept that kitchen appliances don't last that long anymore especially when they are used. I have not gotten a toaster and slow cooker for the same reason, because most don't seem to last. However, my ds  just broke my 10 year old blender and I need to look for a new one (and I am not keen on spending $500 for one, although I do like that one). Good luck!
CrunchyMom wrote:
If I were looking at that range coffee maker, I would probably see what Williams Sonoma carries, and if they had something with the features I wanted that wasn't overkill, I would buy from them since their appliance coverage is excellent, imo. Look into it since things change, but in the past, I know they back their confidence in the models they choose to carry with an exceptional guarantee. |
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stefoodie
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This thread should be retitled
Of Coffeemakers and Cockroaches
I grew up in a tropical country, so cockroaches were the norm. Oh, the stories I could tell. I won't, they're too disgusting for words. Or maybe I'll save them for another day.
Now we're dealing with ant and moth infestation (for several years now), and after reading this thread I sure hope we don't have a cockroach infestation as well. 
Back to the coffee discussion.... 
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JennGM
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stefoodie wrote:
This thread should be retitled
Of Coffeemakers and Cockroaches |
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No, I think it's better to be surprised! The fun!!!
I'm slewing sugar ants right now. I've been in denial that it's a huge problem, but then my boys have told me how many they kill when they wake up in the morning.
And they like to help by dropping crumbs everywhere.
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| Posted: Aug 03 2013 at 2:14pm | IP Logged
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Thank you all for your input! I was scrambling this week to get some coffee. My sister loaned her free Gevalia maker while I was without, and I did a few Starbucks lattes. The latter were really blech -- really bitter, and the orders were wrong almost every time! Makes it easy to give up that liberal cup of java.
So I was just longing for my own pot. I was thinking going Cuisinart for the cheaper price, but the reviews were scaring me. I cannot tell you how many times my maker leaked and I'm dealing with some mildew in my cabinet now because of it. I just don't want to deal with that mess. And some describe the same thing -- long lasting maker (like my old one), then new Cuisinart is less durable, shutting down and leaking very quickly. I'm a little gun shy on the leaking part!
So armed with the review above (I really love America's Test Kitchen) we were trying to be prudent and not go with the most expensive, but I wanted something with a thermal carafe and a bit more dependable. Technivorm actually posted the Cooks Illustrated review and the top three are
1) Technivorm Moccamaster 10 cup Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe, Model KBGT 741 Most expensive, top rated: VERY EXPENSIVE, almost $300, so too extravagant.
2) Bonavita 8 cup Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe BV 1800TH Marked as Best Buy
It’s $169 on Amazon prime
I liked the reviews that talk about it being basic, no bells or whistles. Just hot coffee. Less things to break that way. The 8 cups might be better for lowering my caffeine intake.
3) BUNN HT Phase Brew 8 cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker Model HT
Not as highly recommended, but still good,
at Mystic Monk Coffee, supporting the monks....free shipping $149.
Hubby said get number 2, so I should have fresh brewed coffee at home on Tuesday morning!
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JennGM wrote:
| Hubby said get number 2, so I should have fresh brewed coffee at home on Tuesday morning! |
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YEA!!!!!!! 
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: A Coffee Maker
