TASTE! and very simple to use. It may appear pricey for a home drip coffee maker, but believe me, once you sip the first taste, price will never matter again.
Negative Product Points
Not Programmable for those early mornings, but because it only takes 6 minutes, I can manage.
Detailed Commentary
Let me tell you it was a hard decision to spend $300 for a coffee maker, but it is worth every penny. I had spent several weeks deciding to finally purchase and had agreed with the promise that I would save funds by not having to stop at Starbucks for coffee anymore. I could make coffee at home (in the back of my mind, I thought I would still have to stop)
Well, I received the maker in the mail 4-5 days earlier than I expected (clivecoffee.com) I went to that site because I received 2 lbs of free coffee. All sites sell for the same price (I will tell you seattlecoffeegear.com has treated me wonderfully as well on other products.) Anyway, I made a pot of coffee, which could not have been more intuitive to do, and all I can say is "HOLLY WOW!!!" (That is actually what I said.)
I am in love with coffee again. The days of average to poor coffee and service are over. I had read the reviews by others and decided to test. I made a pot of coffee with the same beans I had used in a $120 Starbuck's purchased and branded maker for years. Besides the unbelievable difference, I got to wondering, with the taste of the beans being so much better, tasting the over 1000 nuances in beans and actually for the first time discovering coffee made at home could be as good as barista made, WHY WOULDN'T STARBUCKS SELL THIS MAKER? I think it is because you would never have to go to them again.
Since I have started using the machine over a month ago, I have been into Starbucks twice. The last time I stopped in, the barista asked if I was cheating on them because they had not seen me in weeks. I didn’t have the heart to tell her yes, I had found a new love. I estimate, because I am a solid drip coffee drinker and now make it a home, I am saving $40 +/- a month. So, unless my math is bad, hello positive ROI in 6-7 months.
PS - The ROI is going to be longer as I now have to buy a better grinder and other equipment to see if I can step up the taste even more. I have a new hobby.
Buying Experience
Purchased from Clivecoffee.com. The experience was wonderful. I was expecting to get the maker in the mail at least a week after ordering. I was surprised when I got it 4 days after ordering. I ordered Sunday morning and had it mid day Wednesday. I have gotten 2 emails since, one asking about the ordering experience and the other asking me to rate the product. I like the email that reminds me that my opinion matters.
I also received free coffee. They actually roast their own label. Love the Ethiopian blend. Combined with this maker, I am able to really taste the hint of choc in the beans. Great combo - I think they really know their beans
