A state-of-the-art drip brewer, but be sure the flow lever works properly.
Positive Product Points
Maybe the best coffee from a home drip brewer.
Negative Product Points
Purchased 2 units- One was defective (Read review). Unit is pricy.
Detailed Commentary
This is the only home brewer which brews coffee at its proper temperature and time, resulting in a cup which is of at least restaurant quality. Combined with a Rancilio Rocky grinder (the difference in grinders becomes noticeable), and zero in on the fineness (I set it between 22 & 26), and you're in coffee heaven.
The defective unit did not latch the basket-flow switching mechanism, resulting in basket overflows. For such a good unit otherwise, this is a disappointment. Since this is a rare brewer, not readily available in most local markets, exchanging the unit can be a chore. If you get a unit that doesn't properly latch the flow valve, and don't mind waiting for a full brew cycle before serving, I'd suggest you simply remove the lever mechanism from the basket.
Purchased from Boyd's Coffee for $185 plus shipping, incl. one pound of coffee.
Buying Experience
Generally no problem. This is a product that can only be purchased mail-order from Boyd's coffee.
Three Month Followup
I was able to fix the defective unit. (Melt-bent the flow lever, which works fine now.) I think the unit may have been damaged in shipment, since there were broken-off bits inside the unit. The fixed unit is still in use by my mom, and the original unit, after 500 brew cycles and routine cleanings, still looks like it came out of the box. And is still brewing great coffee. (I'm thinking of getting a high-end conical grinder.)
