I'd buy it again, but think Bodum should seriously think about re-designing the length of the dip tube. It definitely works better with that 1/4" removed.
Positive Product Points
I've been using the Santos for over three months now and have really enjoyed the results. However, I found that I had to stand right next to it to mix the grinds, otherwise a decent amount of it would never mix with the water, resulting in a weaker brew. Plus, the temperature never got above 187F, less than ideal temperature. The whole process took about 1.5 minutes, far less than the 4 recommended
I took the plunge and made the modification that was suggested here and cut off 1/4" from the bottom of the stem using a dremel. I gave it a light sanding and tried it out. Works perfectly -- the whole process runs right at 4 mins and I get a vigorous boil of the upper contents that thoroughly mixes the coffee with the water. Temp runs around 206-208F. Perfect. I think Bodum should be contacted to make this modification on all future units. It's that big of an improvement. Thanks again for the suggestion
Negative Product Points
Durability -- this unit needs to be handled with somewhat care. Additionally, the cleaning of the unit takes much more time than an automatic drip and requires a good bit of rinsing to get clean.
Detailed Commentary
Great coffee maker that makes a rich and robust taste. Without the mod, the unit worked well. With the mod, the unit works great and just like the more expensive and difficult to use, glass ones. The mod gets the water up to the appropriate 205-208F and right at 4 minutes. I now don't have to use as much coffee to get the same taste.
The unit's design makes cleaning the inside of the coffee pot to be a bit of a pain, but I've been using a quick swish with hot water and an occassional scrub and it looks as good as the day it was first used. Haven't had to change the filter yet, but think I may look at adding that metal screen. I've been simply running hot water through the screen and it's been clean and working fine for a little over 3 months.
Buying Experience
Bought it through Amazon so the purchase was painless. Paid $99.99 for it and they had a $25 off on all kitchen and housewares over $125 so got a couple of other items for essentially free.
