Ultra convenient for single cup or coffee to go households. Cool and fun self-dispensing concept. Contemporary style. Clean lines. Space saving. Metal drip tray. Retro gas-styled coffee guage. Easy to set up and use - (might be b/c my last coffee maker was the Cuisinart Brewstation). Easily visible water window. Warming unit at bottom of coffee storage unit will not burn coffee. Easy to tap freshly ground coffee into the round (vs. cone) basket. Basket easy to carry to/from machine b/c of well designed handle.
Negative Product Points
#1 - Cofee taste's terrible. YUK, YUK, YUK: Could be b/c the water reservior and charcoal filter share the same compartment. When you opt for the "Auto On" feature (sinful but practical sometimes), the water marinates with the charcoal filter all night. Or couild be b/c the coffee is brewed into a "double-walled" plastic thermo-chamber. We all know that even water is tainted by the plastic taste from a plastic cup. Why did I think this would be different. Heat seemed to enhance the plastic taste. I experimented with different stregnths, and scoops per water cup without success. Either it was too bitter or invisible. #2 - Temp Compared to their cousin the "Cuisinart Brewmaster" which offers L-M-H coffee temps, this thing comes out scolding, but cools to L within an hour. #3 - Options I hoped that a small carafe would fit under the "on demand" spout with the drip trays removed. Nothing but a small/"tall" S.S. thermal travel mug fit. #4 - Measure Without a carafe, you're left to guess how much water will flavor what amount of coffee. Though the manual recommends 1 scoop (provided) per one 5 oz. cup, the taste did not match up. I used my old Cuisinart carafe, but never mastered an even taste. #5 - Shallow basket #6 - Lid doesn't close tightly.
Detailed Commentary
Just wonderful, if convenience and style supercede great tasting java. I was drawn to the contemprorary retro style. Loved the idea of the single cup or cups on the go. I also have never been so good at pouring without spillage, so this aspect spared the clean up time.
Taking advice from other reviewers, I never overfilled the basket with water or coffee. Also had that happen with my Brewstation by Cuisinart. So from my experienced perspective, it was easy to use, fill, clean and maintain.
Plastic coffee storage was a ridiculous idea. Did they taste test this at Cuisinart before marketing it? If it tastes like plastic now, how about in 4 years?? Guess theres a reason most manufacturers make glass or stainless steel carafes/pots. I hoped plastic had evolved since the days when microwave plates melted making the taste of food indiscernable from the that of plastic.
Buying Experience
Wonderful. A Bed, Bath and Beyond employee heard my concerns about the plastic taste and said to try it out b/c they have a "no hassle" retun policy - with a reciept. Oh god, where IS my receipt?
