Even my wife finally admitted it makes the best coffee of the machines we've had, including Krups and Bunn.
Positive Product Points
1025 watts, makes very hot and very good coffee, easy to program, Carafe pours well (no drips-ever), carafe lid prevents evaporation well, programmable auto-off, temperature of warming plate is adjustable, charcoal water filter, removable filter basket, drip pause, auto-descaling cycle, 5 beeps when brew cycle is complete, 3 beeps when warmer turns off, looks good, looks well made, three year warranty.
Negative Product Points
Filling the reservoir is a little awkward and hard to hit at first. No problem after some practice. I would prefer the carafe lid be hinged instead of snapping on. The price for an auto-drip caused me to shy away from trying this one before but I've decided it is well worth the price.
Detailed Commentary
My 1 year old Krups FME4 started leaking. Bought a Krups FMF5 which started leaking after 3 weeks. Took it back and traded for the Brew Central. I had shyed away from the Brew Central in the past because of the price but with the luck I was having with Krups, I thought I would try it because of the 3 year warranty. Much shorter break in period than the Krups before getting GOOD coffee. Actually, the first pot was pretty good. My wife and I both think the Brew Central makes better coffee than our old FME4 which we were very happy with till it died. The Brew Central makes very hot and very good coffee. I can't think of any features that are missing. The carafe spout is a work of art and has never let even one drop land anywhere unintended which also means the warmer plate stays clean. Loading the grounds basket is not as easy as the swing out type but easy enough and it is removable. I found it a little tricky pouring water in the reservoir at first, but practice makes perfect. No problem after a few days and it's easy to see the markings inside the reservoir for filling so you don't overfill. When you open the basket and reservoir lid, the design directs condensation into an opening in the back and into the reservoir. Tap the lid or a slight shake before opening and hardly ever get drips down the back of the machine. The temperature adjustable warmer plate is probably not really needed. Medium setting is perfect. High setting was scalding hot and would probably burn the coffee in a very short time. The carafe lid is excellent at preventing evaporation but I do wish it was hinged instead of snapping on. The machine looks great and appears to be well made. I hope I never have to test the warranty but at least it's for 3 years.
Buying Experience
Bed Bath & Beyond had good product selection. When the Krups I purchased there started leaking at 3 weeks of age it was absolutely no hassle. Traded for the Cuisinart with no paperwork, nothing to even sign. Very courteous folks. They even told me if I decided after a month, I preferred the stainless instead of the black model just bring it back and it would be no problem. We'll be shopping there more often.
Three Month Followup
Still very impressed. Makes very good, hot coffee. The caraffe spout never, ever drips which keeps everything a lot cleaner. The auto-descaling feature is great. Fill it with 1/3 white vinegar, 2/3 water, turn it on and it brews for a few seconds and pauses repeatedly untill it's done and it's clean.
