The B&D model DDCM200 is a great product for two people. It's advantage is in allowing two different cups to be brewed - different flavors, strengths, caffinated/decaffinated, or even tea.
Every cup comes out consistent once you learn how much coffee to put into basket for the amount of water you put in.We have learned this ratio for varying amounts of water so if we feel like a full or half mug we can get what we desire - consistently, and fast.
A knob on the top turned to the left diverts water to just the left side for one cup, or when turned to the right yields two cups. When brewing two, the left cup always gets a bit more water than the right - the right mug's coffee level is about 3/8ths of an inch lower than the left mug.
You can use the supplied baskets and forgo filters, but I like to use the #1 paper filters inside the baskets as cleanup is even easier than just the basket - the choice is yours.
As for noise, it does make some but I in no way find it offensive. Unlike some coffee makers that seem to linger, when the brew cycle finishes the water stops entering the basket almost immediately. I like this as when it's done, it's done.
There are no hot plates in this maker - nothing to burn any errant drippings, no safety issues.In fact if after brewing you leave the machine on, it will turn itself off. The coffee is meant to brew directly into your mug. I generally brew into an old, large, Dunkin Donuts (made by THERMO) mug without it's lid. This mug is better insulated and keeps my coffee warm enough for me for a long time. I do NOT like coffee too hot to drink. If a coffee shop wants me to use a cup insulator sleeve to keep from burning my hand, then the coffee is way too hot for me. I mention this as the B&D DDCM200 makes a hot cup of coffee but if you are expecting it to be so hot you'd need a sleeve, it won't be.
This machine is fast. It is faster than many of my Mr. Coffee machines and only the single cup machine I use at work is faster.
Would I buy it again? YES, YES, YES!I'm here at Amazon looking for a second one for use at my girlfriend's house. She got me mine a year ago (been working great for a year) and likes it so much she now wants one. When she moves in here next year, we will have two so I'll have a backup.I don't see this model # on the B&D website so I'll presume it is no longer made. Another reason I want to get a second unit ... that's how much I enjoy the one I have!
I recommend this to individuals who like different cups of coffee - gone will be the waiting between first and second pots, or arguing over which coffee do you both drink, or its strength. What a terrific peace keeper!!
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Black & Decker DDCM200 Dual Personal Coffeemaker, Black and StainlessProduct Description: A single water reservoir and two independent brewing baskets with permanent filters lets you brew one or two cups of coffee in the variety of each person's choice - decaf in one basket; French Vanilla in the other brewing basket.A convenient switch on the top of the coffeemakers lets you select if you want to brew one or two cups into the two included 16 oz. stainless steel travel mugs.The unit features a power indicator and auto-off and uses cone shaped filters.
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I found this coffee press at a Crate and Barrel Outlet and picked it up because I wasn't satisfied with the durability of the standard glass beaker style press. The 8 cup size is perfect for me and my husband to have a generous mug each with a bit left over, or for me to drink the whole thing when I'm feeling especially sluggish. Makes perfectly strong but non-bitter coffee, keeps it hot for a reasonable amount of time and it looks rather handsome on the breakfast table, too! Absolutely LOVE this coffee press!
