I bought the 12 cup, clear, automatic timer version from Greenbeanery.ca. almost a year ago. I was looking into getting a thermal French press just to avoid the filtering aspect of coffee making, but opted for this automated version of that. I roast my own beans and grind fresh each morning, so I was interested in trying to get an even better morning cup of coffee.
Now, I've since "moved up" to an entry-level espresso machine, the Gaggia Carezza, so I just use the Santos for larger gatherings. If it ever quits on me, I would buy another one but I would opt for the electronic, non-timer version.
Contrary to some of the other reviewers' experiences, I have had no trouble cleaning out the grounds. I just position the drain tube over the sink drain, position the faucet over the bowl, and run water while I lift out the snap-in nylon filter and rinse it, the bowl and my fingers. Everything runs down the drain and the process takes less than 30 seconds.
Keeping the plastic clean is relatively easy using the Bodum Santos cleaning powder and giving it a gentle brushing. The clear plastic is very tough and scratch resistant. Still, not as easy as drip-pots for keeping clean and the parts don't really fit in the dishwasher that well. (Plus the actual coffee pot has the heating element inside of it.)
I performed a modification (instructions somewhere on the net; can't find them just now) that required cutting off the bottom ~3/8" of the bottom of the tube. Before, the water forced up the tube and sitting with the beans was quite cool at first. Now, that water is hotter initally, plus the hot water is in contact with the beans for 4 minutes (before it was around 90 sec.) which apparently is better. Modifying the Santos has detracted a little from the "wow" factor. Before, the water would whoosh up the tube, bubble there for a while, and then whoosh even more loudly down the tube. A bit of a crowd pleaser, really. Now the whooshing is more subdued. I miss the whoosh. |
