DeLonghi 12-Cup Digital Programmable Drip Coffeemakers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)At this price level, most coffee makers are terrible.This Delonghi model seems to be one of the rare exceptions.I've had it for over a week now and I'm very pleased with it.

The Good:

-Well designed carafe.When you pour a cup of coffee, it doesn't spill everywhere like some makers I've used in the past.Additionally, it's proven easy to clean

-Fairly solid design.While not bullet proof, the maker as a whole seems sturdy, with one small exception (see below)

-The "Aroma" setting is AWESOME.I've owned many coffee makers in the past and it always takes quite a bit of grounds to brew a pot that's strong enough for me (I like my coffee almost espresso strength).Not with the Delonghi!just put in the grounds, pour in the water, hit "start", then hit the "aroma" button and in 15 minutes you've got yourself coffee that's (at least) twice as strong as coffee from a regular maker

The Bad:

There are only two problems I've had with this maker (and I must stress that they are very MINOR)

-When fully open, the tray for the filter does not quite clear the top of the maker.As a result, you have to tilt the filter and mess with it a bit to get it free of the machine.Additionally, the filter is sometimes a little tricky to get back in, but once you figure out the trick to it it's a bit easier

-The spring that holds the "pause and serve" lever in place seems cheap and looks like it would be easy to break (it hasn't broken yet, so this is just an assumption).This isn't a really big issue for me as I never use this feature, but I know that some people do.On the plus side, the spring is easily accessible, so if it ever did break or come loose, then it would probably be easy to put it back in or replace altogether

Despite these minor problems, the Delonghi coffee maker performs like a champ (indeed good enough to still earn a 5 star rating in my eyes).The good far outweighs the bad, and I'd recommend this maker to anyone who just wants a simple, well-made machine for a decent price.

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Product Description:
Along with its 12-cup capacity, this drip coffeemaker features a digital programmable timer with two-hour automatic shut-off. Setting the timer allows for waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, or for having coffee ready--without getting up from the table--to serve with dessert. The unit's showerhead design helps extract coffee's full natural flavor by allowing water to completely saturate all coffee grounds. In addition, its aroma button activates a unique brewing process that enhances the flavor and aroma of coffee. To achieve this full-bodied flavor, the coffeemaker advances through several continuous cycles that release water into the filter basket in 30-second intervals. This special time-released process saturates grounds a little at a time to extract the best flavor and aroma from coffee.
The coffeemaker also provides a pause-and-serve function for pouring a cup midbrew, and its non-stick warming plate keeps coffee hot after brewing and makes cleanup a breeze. The included glass carafe offers measurement markings, a generous cool-touch handle, and a drip-free spout for graceful serving. Other highlights include simple push-button controls, a swing-open filter basket with a permanent gold-tone filter, a convenient water-level indicator, and cord storage to keep countertops tidy. Designed and engineered in Italy, the 12-cup coffeemaker measures 8-8/9 by 10-8/9 by 14-2/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Gaggia 11400 Achille Lever-Operated Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this beautiful espresso machine in June.It is a stunning work of functional art.Out of the box it had two problems: a leak in the boiler water level gauge and the steam valve would not turn off completely.I called the number given for service and reached Importika, the importer of the machine.The people I dealt with were not timely in responses to phone calls and e-mails.I had to be persistent beyond reasonableness to receive the necessary approval to send it in for service.I was told repeatedly that they would notify me when the part arrived from Italy.They never did that.I had to contact them.Then I had to pay $50 for shipping.The only service center that had the part was on the east coast, I live on the west coast.The west coast service center did not have the part.That repair took 3 1/2 weeks from the time it left my door until it returned. In early December the machine started dripping uncontrollably from the showerhead.Again, I had to deal with the same people at Importika.Again, I had to be the one to continually contact them even though I was told several times that they would contact me.They never did.Finally, they told me it had to be sent in for repairs.Since this was the second time it was being sent in for repair in 6 months, I made two requests of them.First, I asked that they send to me a prepaid shipping label, and secondly, that they replace the machine with a new one.These requests, in my experience, are not unreasonable, especially given the over $1,000 price tag.That was at the end of December.It is now Feb. 7 and they have not responded.For the cost of this machine, I expect exceptional service if it is needed.I have NOT received exceptional service.I would not even call it acceptable.The machine has stopped dripping in the mean time and I'm hoping that it has miraculously cured itself.
The machine makes wonderful espresso.I've made espresso for years with other Gaggia machines and it took weeks of experimenting to get the correct combination of grind fineness and tamping pressure.Once I had it figured out, it makes the best espresso I've had from a home brew machine.I use Illy Caffe beans.Using it will build your biceps.
In summary, it's a fantastic machine with a couple of realiability issues and absolutely awful customer service for after the purchase repairs.Cross your fingers that you won't need to do so.

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Product Description:
The designers at Gaggia know a good thing when they see it. Just one look at this lever operated espresso machine and you'll journey back to the golden age of espresso, when Gaggia founder Achille Gaggia was king. This vintage-looking espresso machine is a real throwback, and with its cylindrical body, stainless steel housing, and domed water reservoir, the Achille is sure to grab your attention. To operate the Achille, simply raise the lever on the front of the machine and a piston inside the group is raised, allowing water under pressure to infuse the coffee in the filter holder. When you lower the lever, the pressure causes the piston to force water through the coffee and into your cup. And with the Achille's easy-to-use Turbo frothing wand, your friends will not only be impressed with your old-world brewing skills, but also with the decadent, creamy froth you are able to create. When you have a Gaggia Achille on your counter, it makes a bold statement: you are serious about making coffee. The Gaggia Achille comes with both single and double shot filter baskets, as well as a tamper.

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