bodum_fanatic Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 481 Location: Missouri Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Won't become one of those... Grinder: Braun KMM30, Krups Fast... Vac Pot: Never had much luck there. Drip: Melitta Deluxe 132 made in... Roaster: West Bend Poppery II
Posted Mon Sep 10, 2012, 9:49pm Subject: Need advice; what to do with vintage machine.
Okay guys, I haven't posted in quite a long while. I have got an old coffee maker that I am kind of wondering whether or not I should be using daily, or should I pack it away as something "historic and significant". It is a Melitta 120 Automat, in its original box. I got it last year in like new condition, and have been using it every day. Makes great coffee. But, should I be using this thing? How many, or few, might there be out there? Or am I being a dork, thinking that a coffee maker would be significant in any meaningful way, besides its ability to make coffee?
Posted Tue Sep 11, 2012, 4:38am Subject: Re: Need advice; what to do with vintage machine.
Nice find there! Can you post a photo of it? I love these old Melittas even though my oldest is from the late 70's/early 80's - it is a model ACM-10, so not even close to as old or rare as yours!
I put my Clarity on the shelf for display since it is moderately rare, so displaying it since you have other nice machines wouldn't make you a dork in my book. I am using an engineering sample 110v Douwe Egberts machine made by Technivorm on a fairly regular basis even though I have plenty of other choices and I am sure I will never be able to replace it if it fails. It really can be a tough call sometimes.
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
Eiron Senior Member Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 332 Location: Loveland, Colorado Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill 0930 Grinder: Quick Mill 031, Solis 166 Drip: TechniVorm KBTS Roaster: frying pan & wooden spatula
Posted Tue Sep 11, 2012, 11:39am Subject: Re: Need advice; what to do with vintage machine.
In other "collectible" arenas, some use may be considered acceptable to an item's condition & value. (Wear marks on furniture, for example.) But I don't know about appliances? They seem like items that would "wear out" rather than "break in."
I would think that it's "most valuable" condition would be as you bought it, "in its original box ... in like new condition," without additional use. I can see running a few brewing cycles for test/verification purposes, but if you've been using it for a year or so then that might be stretching it a little. ;-)
My question would be, "Why did you buy it?"
If you bought it to use it, & you actually like the way it brews, then my view would be to continue to use it. You'll get more enjoyment out of it than if it's just on display. Then, when it either dies or you tire of its output, you can add it to your museum pieces.
If, however, you bought it to save/display & hope to see it increase in value, then maybe put it up on a pedestal. But you'll have to consider how much your daily use has affected its future value.
"Just what I need - another 'geek' label..." - my friend Mark, on being told of Coffee Geek's existence
Posted Tue Sep 11, 2012, 3:06pm Subject: Re: Need advice; what to do with vintage machine.
Oh, without a doubt use it and enjoy the very good coffee it will make. I know these are vintage by now (1965 ?) but they do still crop up from time to time (over here, anyway). Keep the box in case you do ever want to sell it, but it isn't in brand new unused condition now, so don't worry.
I have several vintage coffee makers, ranging from a wonderful 1960's glass Proctor Silex percolator that lights up inside, to 2 classic Cona "Rex" syphons - one electric and the other with a spirit heater. They haven't been made since the mid-50's but do still turn up occasionally.
They all get an outing from time to time. The Conas make the same quality brew as their new descendants, and even the P-S Percolator make an acceptable cup, which is more than can be said for some of the other percolators I have.
bodum_fanatic Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 481 Location: Missouri Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Won't become one of those... Grinder: Braun KMM30, Krups Fast... Vac Pot: Never had much luck there. Drip: Melitta Deluxe 132 made in... Roaster: West Bend Poppery II
Posted Tue Sep 11, 2012, 4:50pm Subject: Re: Need advice; what to do with vintage machine.
Yeah, I think I'll just continue using and enjoying it. I just felt like I might be abusing a piece of history, kind of like using a classic car as an everyday driver. When it eventually quits, which could be several years, I'll just put it on a shelf somewhere with the box.
Posted Wed Sep 12, 2012, 8:47am Subject: Re: Need advice; what to do with vintage machine.
bodum_fanatic Said:
Yeah, I think I'll just continue using and enjoying it. I just felt like I might be abusing a piece of history, kind of like using a classic car as an everyday driver. When it eventually quits, which could be several years, I'll just put it on a shelf somewhere with the box.
I think classic cars should be driven as well, unless they are absolutely unique. They generally stay in much better condition being used everyday (and maintained well) then abandoned in an old garage or barn, and vintage kit that isn't used for its intended purpose is mostly pointless.
I used (2 years ago) to have a 77 MGB GT as my only car. I currently don't have a car at all since moving to the US, although I'm now shopping around for another MG... maybe an A :)
Even better (hope the moderators will permit an ebay link on this occasion) there's an identical one going for sale on US ebay - in fact there are a couple of them.
Mine is the same, except 230v of course. Massively retro if you're into that sort of thing (I confess that I am). Made in the US, so I imagine they are very common over there.
2 lights in the base illuminate while brewing, then one goes out when brewing is over, and the heater continues to tick over at a lower temperature.
For a percolator it actually makes a drinkable brew.
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