New coffeemaker at Starbucks. Looks like R2D2. Brewing temp too cool.
Positive Product Points
Very nice styling.
Negative Product Points
Low brewing temp. Carafe lid takes forever to put on and take off - but that seems to be necessary for best results with these carafes.
Detailed Commentary
The following was written immediately after buying the unit. A few days later I have to say I'm quite tired of tepid coffee and will be returning the thing to Starbucks to exchange for a Barista Aroma, as J.D. (second reviewer) did. It's ridiculous to have to prewarm the carafe and cups and still get just a warm cup - which obviously wasn't brewed at optimum either.
Too bad, because it's a great-looking unit.
I'm writing this before the requested one-week ownership because the Starbucks sale is on now and ends April 3. Realizing my opinion may change and flying high on caffeine I'm submitting my initial impressions as a person who has for years made his coffee with a Melitta cone on a thermal carafe, preheating carafe and cups. It has worked well for me. But I felt that surely thermal machines had advanced by now and I could do better....
Starbucks is replacing the larger Aroma model with this coffeemaker (and adding the De'Longhi Magnifica Auto Espresso as well). After reading other De'Longhi reviews I would say that the company has tried to make sure the carafe is impossible to position wrongly and corrected any problems with filter, etc. I also bought the Barista burr grinder (on sale) and the first pot I made was delectable, if a bit cooler than I like.
Next batch I warmed the carafe and cups with hot tap water before brewing and the temp was much better. Again a smooth delicious brew.
There will be much more professional reviews than mine going into how the water hits the grounds and all that, but just wanted to get the word out. I think I'm much happier with this machine than I would have been with the large Barista Aroma, which is what I went to Starbucks thinking I would be buying.
Buying Experience
Other than making people wait in line for their lattes while I bought equipment, the experience was fine and from what I hear Starbucks has no problem refunding if you don't like the merch.
