The differrence in brewing quality between a $20 Braun and the $150 Technivorm is not worth 10 cents in my opinion.
Positive Product Points
The Clubline GCS is an attractive and seemingly well constructed coffee maker. The water that touches the grounds is approximately 195 degrees F, the proper temp for good brewing.
Negative Product Points
Although the water temperature is good, the saturation is probably the worst I have ever seen. It does not complete the brew in five minutes, but closer to 6.5 minutes. I don't consider the brew time a major defect, it just did not meet my expectations.
Detailed Commentary
I am really disappointed in the Technivorm GCS Clubline. When the SCCA rated it rather poorly in coffee saturation, I wish I had paid a little more attention rather than overlook the rating because of the raves I read on alt.coffee. It dribbles squirts of correct temperature water in a very small stream in the coffee basket. You can access the basket to stir the coffee while it is brewing. This is another good feature unique to this machine. I found that even with stirring, it was still inadequate in my opinion. This is my only major complaint with the Technivorm, but it is a major shortcoming. I had to grind my coffee finer and finer to keep it in the basket long enough to saturate the grounds. I have replaced the Technivorn with my old Bunn coffee maker. The water temp of the Bunn is 190 degrees exactly, and the water dispersion and brew time is so similar to a vacuum brewer that I really don't know why I changed.
Buying Experience
Boyd Coffee Company gave me prompt and courteous service. I will probably not call them since I used the Technivorm for over a month before I religated its home to my garage.
Three Month Followup
10/4/02 The Technivorm still resides on a shelf in the garage.
