Hamilton Beach 43254 Ensemble 12-Cup Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before purchasing the HB 43254 Classic Stainless 12 cup coffee maker I read the reviews like I normally do before making any purchase. I decided to purchase this coffee maker knowing that there may be some minor issues with it - what doesn't these days? After many years of buying coffee makers I have found there is no "perfect" coffee maker that will make everyone happy. You just need to decide what is important to you and your family. That said, after about three weeks of use I found it to be exactly what I was looking for - it makes HOT coffee, the carafe DOESN'T drip and I didn't need to use a manual to set up the clock and timer! If this is what you are looking for stop reading and purchase this unit now. Enjoy the coffee maker...
For those that really need to know more before purchasing continue reading:
- This coffee maker uses basket shaped filters. So you can give your neighbor your unused cone shaped paper filters you may still have.
- The water reservoir does have a rather small opening but it is not too small like some very expensive coffee makers I have seen. Some may find it easier to use a large cup a couple of times to fill the reservoir instead of using the carafe. Either way I never needed to turn the coffee maker sideways to fill the reservoir.
- The water spout does swivel to allow you to install the filter and add coffee. You only need to move it once that is if you fill the water reservoir first. When closing the lid it will move the spout back into the proper position so you don't have to remember to do it yourself.
- I too had a defective carafe that leaked at the top between the plastic rim and glass. I called customer service, waited a few minutes, and spoke to someone in the USA. It was replaced within a few days at no charge. I sealed the original carafe until the replacement arrived.
- I never had an issue with pouring a cup of coffee using the auto pause and serve feature. Besides, how often do you really "need" to have a cup of coffee before it is done brewing? If you are that desperate, set the timer so it is done brewing before you get up in the morning.


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With its sleek contemporary styling, this 12-cup coffeemaker not only looks good on the kitchen counter, but it also provides an array of convenient features. The machine's user-friendly control panel and digital display ensure ease of use, while its programmable clock/timer function allows for waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A glass carafe comes included, complete with a stay-cool handle, measuring marks up the side, and a drip-free pour spout. For sneaking a quick cup of coffee midbrew, simply remove the carafe from the machine to pause the flow of coffee, then replace the carafe to continue the brewing process--a nice feature, particularly for those in a hurry for that first sip. Other highlights include a nonstick hot plate, two-hour automatic shut-off for safety and peace of mind, cord storage, and easy-to-clean removable parts. The matching Ensemble toaster, can opener, and blender can be purchased separately for a coordinated look. In black with stainless-steel accents, the coffeemaker measures approximately 11 by 8 by 14 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Krups XP7225 Compact Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We bought this machine from Williams-Sonoma and liked it so much that we stuck with the coffee through four separate units, each of which failed within three weeks for a different reason. My wife and I each drink 2-3 shots of espresso per day, for a total of 6-8 cycles of the machine (including self rinsing): this is within their warranty rate of 10 cycles per day. We use non-greasy beans and reverse-osmosis water, both of which are recommended by the manufacturer. At first I thought we just got unlucky -- every factory makes a few lemons -- but after four machines and four independent failure modes I'm convinced they're just poorly built.
For coffee : 4-5 stars. When they work, these machines are just adjustable enough for us - you can adjust the grind, the water temperature, and the water volume independently to "sight in" your ideal shot. For reliability: -4 stars. I would give this product just a single star, but the titanium fronted one comes with a terrific milk-frothing assembly that makes great, silky foam every time. That alone is worth a second star.
Machine #1: worked for three weeks, then mysteriously failed with an error code "DE" on the screen. Krups support was baffled.
Machine #2: worked for 1.5 weeks, then the burr grinder broke - motor would turn but wouldn't grind coffee.
Machine #3: DOA - on initial plug-in, entered an infinite loop of "calibrating machine" cycles. (I think an internal sensor was jammed).
Machine #4: worked for 3 weeks, then mysteriously started spewing acrid, electrical-insulator smoke.
I suggest a Delonghi Magnifica - they can be found for under $1k and are actually designed to be maintainable - or a semi-auto with built-in burr grinder (Breville makes one).

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Brew cafe-quality coffee drinks right at home with this easy-to-use fully automatic espresso machine. Simply add water and espresso beans, select the type of beverage and amount desired, and press the button--it takes care of the rest. The appliance grinds, brews, and tamps, then dispenses used grounds into a collection container. An oversized digital display and intuitive controls make it effortless to scroll through the on-screen menu and to follow detailed instructions for everything from set-up to brewing perfect espresso. In addition, the unit's commercial-quality built-in conical burr grinder holds up to 28 ounces of whole beans and comes calibrated to three optimal grind levels. Use the pre-ground bypass doser for pre-ground decaffeinated or flavored coffee--a handy feature when entertaining.
For added convenience, the espresso machine's innovative design combines the thermoblock brewing system and hydraulic jack into a single piece, which means an overall smaller build that takes up less space on the countertop. In fact, it's 30- to 50-percent smaller than most fully automatics available. The completely redesigned thermoblock comes cast in aluminum with stainless-steel tubing for precise control of the water and temperature and optimal heat transfer while reducing scaling and build-up of mineral deposits. Other highlights include a 64-ounce water tank, hot water on demand, and a steam function for cappuccinos and lattes. The 1450-watt espresso machine measures 12-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 14-1/4 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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