So this is #1 in my quest for the best drip coffee out there. (See my #2 review of Zojiroshi Fresh Brew.) I want hot, fresh, bold coffee. This machine satisfies the first two requirements; unfortunately, it falls short on the third and most important: taste. Overall, an attractive, well-designed, easy-to-use machine and carafe; but....pricey!! Is it worth it? Honestly, the resulting coffee produced is fresh, and good, but really no better than any far-less-expensive machine. Well, maybe slightly better, but lacking that "umph".....how can I explain....that little extra, that lingering after-taste; that extra boldness and richness..... I've tried using more grinds.....but it's not strength, it's overall extraction. Flavor.
The Capresso doesn't have a spray arm. the water is dispensed from a strange hole atop the filter basket housing....no jets, no nozzles to spray piping hot water and saturate the grinds. Looking at the grinds post-brew reveals a pit where the water just pours? drips? down over the grinds. So, using various grinds and types of coffee results in the same overall mediocre, somewhat uniform (lackluster) cup of coffee.
Also, the small filter basket doesn't allow for much more than straight 10 cups worth of grinds. If you are like me and wish to vary the strength by adding more grinds, this machine doesn't allow for that!! Also, If you pack the filter, the coffee will overflow and/or the inside of the basket system gets filthy with grinds and muck! I had to disassemble a few times to clean everything out.
The carafe is no-nonsense, well-designed and attractive. I pre-heat and it does keep the coffee hot for hours. It opens and closes easily!
Next up....Cuisinart DTC 975 and the Newco OCS-12. We'll see..... Any comments? Suggestions??
Buying Experience
abt electronics....very pleasant experience! Helpful courteous person on the phone! Good return policy....we'll see how that goes, as I am packing it up today to return!
