I would probably not buy this machine again unless they make some major improvements. I do like their customer service and that might sway me to try other products of theirs.
Positive Product Points
Nice looking, clock that is lit, ease of use. I like the no-carafe part. Hamilton Beach customer service is superb.
Negative Product Points
Carafe gets stained quickly. Silver rubs away after a few weeks. Coffee leaks after a few months from the plunger mechanism eroding.
Detailed Commentary
This is the third Brew Station owned. We had the basic one for a long time with no problems, except for the plastic carafe staining, then we upgraded to the new model (Deluxe) so we could fill our travel mugs with ease. After a few months, the plunger/gasket on this one eroded and they sent a replacement. A few months after that, the same thing happened. I was thoroughly disgusted the second time it happened and I was ready to give them hell when I called. But, it turned out they were really nice and they offered to send me a new one free of charge. I think it's a great idea for a coffee maker, they just need to make some major improvements on it. Customer service was outstanding, they sent me a new coffee maker each time it broke, free of charge.
Buying Experience
Good
Three Month Followup
5 months after getting the 2nd replacement, the plunger eroded and fell off AGAIN, making the machine unusable.
One Year Followup
After 2 replacements of this same coffee maker (plus the initial purchase), we gave up and went for the Cuisinart version and have been happy with it for almost 6 months. The Cuisinart does tend to be messy, as water leaks from it from time to time. We haven't found a model or type that is perfect yet. Perhaps in time, they will perfect this system as it is a great idea not to have a carafe - coffee never tastes burnt or bitter as it is not sitting for hours on a burner. Overall, my experience with the Hamilton Beach Brew station has been that the product is inferior as it breaks down after time, but the company is fantastic as it has sent me 2 brand new replacements with no questions asked. But, on the other hand, they must know how inferior their product is to keep replacing it so quickly. I would not buy this coffee maker again.
