Immediately appealing, but, in the long run, not a great value.
Positive Product Points
The 1350 watt heating unit, effective shower head and flat basket will make 12 cups of full-flavored coffee.
Negative Product Points
Build quality is not what one would expect.
Detailed Commentary
After having disappointing experiences with coffee makers in the $100-$200 range, and, swearing by the quality of my KitchenAid mixer and blender, I decided to spring for the ProLine coffee maker, largely because of the high-wattage heater unit. The gold mesh basket was required, because paper filters do not hold sufficient coffee for 12 cups without spilling over the grinds. The unit worked properly as advertised out of the box, and makes 12 good cups of coffee. I immediately noticed that the heater plate is too hot, and, even at the low setting, scorches a full pot after half an hour. And, I also had the condensate problem other reviewers have mentioned, which leaves a pool of water under and around the unit. Otherwise, I was happy with its performance.
Unfortunately, after two years with this machine, I am less sanguine about the build quality. When water is poured into the reservoir, some of it leaks through the shower head out onto the healing plate. Occasionally, the timing indicator and clock fog up. Some of the LEDs have been intermittent. These are indications that the unit has an internal leak, and that water is getting into the control electronics. The grill over the water inlet is showing rust spots. And, the area around the grill, part of the unit's thick, enameled top, is growing crystals and bubbling, indicating that water has gotten under the finish and is causing rust. The heating plate is also showing signs of corrosion.
This is not what I expected out of a unit in this price range.
Buying Experience
While the initial purchase was fine, the unit is now out of warranty, so I'm on my own.
