It's always reassuring to know that you just can't get anything better and that you can notice the difference from the less expensive machines.
Positive Product Points
Produces a pot of coffee I brag about. The thermal carafe really keeps the coffee hot enough to drink for 3 hours. The ClementDesign version looks great on the counter. Brews at 200 degrees and 10 cups in 5 minutes. When the lid is on the pot it fits in place without touching the filter basket.
Negative Product Points
Doesn't turn off automatically when it's done brewing. It requires a bit more attention than most machines. You have to make sure you are there when it is done brewing so you can screw the lid on so it doesn't get cold. And you have to remember to have the filter basket set to flow (especially if you wait a 30 seconds before you let the coffee run into the pot. I nearly forgot twice.) A bit pricey, but that's partly due to the bad exchange rate these days.
Detailed Commentary
I originally purchased a Grind and Brew Cuisinart. The kind with a blade grinder. I paid $100 for the machine and was rather disappointed with the results. After about 3 weeks, I decided it had to go back, as it just wasn't worth the money. (See my review.) I searched the internet and discovered this site and was completely blown over by the reviews for the Technivorm. I had to have one even though a $250 drip coffee maker sounded like a 24k gold toilet seat. I was so happy to learn that the US distributor was in Portland, where I live. In fact, the distribution center was about 2 miles from my house. I called the 3 Portland locations a few days before Christmas and found a Boyd's Coffee Shop that didn't have one in stock, but would sell me the display model for 10% off (with the 2 lbs of coffee and box of filters).
I flashed my Techivorm box to everyone on my public transit ride home. I had high expectations for this major purchase. So, as soon as I got home I set it up and brewed a pot. It was great: smooth and not a hint of bitterness and very full bodied. Yes, a European cup of coffee (or as close as your going to get without brewing individual cups of coffee with an espresso machine).
I was feeling a bit of buyers remorse after buying this, as it took about 30% of what I make in a month. I wasn't sure if I was just telling myself that this coffee tasted better because I paid so much for the machine. But after 2 weeks and the assurance of my friend's comments about how great my coffee tastes, I am happy I splurged.
This machine is very well built and I'm sure it will keep brewing great pots of coffee for at least 15 years, as well as get great complements as a piece of countertop art.
Buying Experience
The people at Boyd's were great. I called them on the phone and they held the display model for me until I got there. They didn't have any boxes of filters so they subtracted the price of the filters from a Swiss Gold reusable filter - which I don't recommend - stick to paper filters and you won't get any sludge from coffee dust.
