I have this one in black, and have been making coffee at least once a day for the past three weeks.I was debating between this 10-cup thermal ($80), the 12-cup thermal ($130), and the 12-cup glass carafe with warming plate ($80), all by Cuisinart.In the end, I wanted something that used less electricity, so I went with the thermal.The added bonus with a thermal is that the coffee taste doesn't change from your first cup to your second cup a few hours later.I finally decided to save $50 and buy the 10-cup thermal because everything else was the same except for the 10 ounce difference (both coffeemakers brew 5 oz cups).I purchased mine from a different store, and I found out that there was no gold cone filter.I called up Cuisinart and they said depending on where you purchased the coffeemaker, it may use paper cones, or it may come with the gold cone filter.They graciously sent me a gold cone for free.So after 3 weeks:
PROS:
-easy to set up, easy to use
-charcoal water filter (I use tap water, so I like the fact that the machine filters it before going into my coffee)
-auto brew timer (the smell of coffee helps me wake up in the morning and I am fully brain dead when I first wake up.I can barely get dressed, much less make coffee.So I set it up the night before and I have amazing, fresh coffee ready for me in the AM).
-beeps to signal that coffee is ready
-coffee stays fresh for at least 4 hours. On weekends, I set my coffee to brew as normal at 7AM, but sometimes I sleep late until 11AM or later.I go to pour my coffee and it's still steaming!(and not burnt from the warming plate)
-thermal carafe saves electricity because there is no need for a warming plate
-I can use both paper cone filters or the gold cone filter. The gold cone is just as easy to clean as the disposable paper cones.I just shake out the grinds into the trash, and rinse with water.SO easy.And I save money because I don't have to buy filters!
-I drink my coffee black, so I can tell good coffee from bad coffee.I also like my coffee strong and bold.When I'm lazy, I use Illy medium grind, medium roast pre-ground.One mountainous scoop (comes with the coffeemaker) per 10 oz. of coffee.My one mug of coffee is equal to the coffeemaker's two cups, so yes, the machine makes 5 mugs total. When I make coffee for just myself, I fill the reservoir to 2 cups, add one giant scoop of coffee to the filter, press the 1-4 cups button, turn the dial to brew, and press "on."I love it.
-I have no problem with the size of the machine (I thought it was small).It is sitting on a side table in my tiny kitchen, not on the countertop or underneath cabinets.So I can easily flip up the top and have easy access to the water reservoir.It is also on the right side of the table, so I just use a cup and pour water into the reservoir. I don't think it's hard at all to pour water in.The triangular opening is on the right, back corner of the machine and is about 3" x 3" x 4".
-The water level is very clearly marked and easy to see on the right side of the machine.
CONS:
-The beep is not just one cute beep.It is 4 or 5 beeps in a row.This could be annoying to some people.
-Not really a con for me, but other people have commented on the pouring as "difficult."I think it is the nature of a thermal carafe to require some patience when pouring into a cup.It is well sealed to keep the coffee hot, so when you pour, the liquid has to go through a maze to get out.On my last cup, I just take the top off and pour.Definitely worth the "effort."It's really not hard, I promise.:)
-I read reviews of how people wake up with coffee all over the counter because the carafe was clogged at the top.So whenever I set up the machine to brew, I make sure to rinse the top with hot water and shake it around a bit to make sure the little ball isn't stuck.Also, not difficult to do.
-I guess if you don't have easy access to the right side of this machine, it could be difficult to pour water in and see the water level. If it's in the middle of your countertop, you may have to turn it to the side in order to pour the water in. For me, it's easy because my coffeemaker sits on the right side of a table in my kitchen.
I am so glad I went with this machine.I hope it lasts for a long time.
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Cuisinart DCC-1150 Coffee Maker, 10-Cup Thermal ProgrammableProduct Description: A nice addition to any modern kitchen, this fully automatic 10-cup coffeemaker features 24-hour programmability--great for waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The unit offers a 1- to 4-cup setting for brewing a smaller amount without compromising flavor, and its brew-pause function allows for pouring a cup before the brew cycle has completed. The included 10-cup double-wall insulated thermal carafe comes with a generous stay-cool handle and a dripless pour spout for comfortable, drip-free serving. Providing added convenience, the coffeemaker automatically shuts off at the end of the brewing cycle, and its 60-second reset "remembers" where it was in the brewing process and settings. Accessories include a charcoal water filter, a gold-tone filter, and a user manual. With its classic design and stainless accents, the stylish coffeemaker measures approximately 8 by 9 by 13 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.
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We were given this coffee maker as a gift, and it made great coffee.We didn't need all the settings - all we use is brew, delay brew, and clean.The problem - it doesn't last.A good coffee maker should last for at least 5 years, this lasted slightly over a year.
