 |
Prestige 50668
by bratsampson
Like many people, I tend to only consider my day genuinely started after a cup of coffee or two, and this is my choice of machine for the purpose. Capable of holding up to 1.5L (6 cups) in its glass container, making the coffee is as simple as pouring the desired amount of water into the top, adding a scoop per cup of coffee powder into ... the removable coffee holder under the lid and pressing the pleasantly over-sized 'Start/Cancel' button.
The jug has measurement indicators down the side in two forms, one supposedly the amount of larger cups, and one the amount of smaller cups. Unfortunately I find neither actually scales to the size of cup I would actually use, so instead just use each indicator as another regular cup, rather than the maximum of 15 small/12 large it states, I get roughly 6 out. The scale itself also appears to be uneven and so not especially useful at its stated purpose, though it works as a guideline if used as described.
The coffee filter is removable and reusable, however if desired disposable filters could easily be used instead and fit easily in the same space. The included filter has an attached handle and sturdy rim, making it simple to remove and knock out used powder.
A hotplate under the jug keeps the coffee warm for two hours after brewing, and there's a standard valve that stops it pouring out if the jug is missing, though obviously removing it part way through the process will result in a few drips.
It's not the fastest maker on the market, but I find it to be reasonable at around a minute per cup. The size is about 22cm x 22cm x 33cm so it fits safely on most counter tops. As for reliability, I've been running mine for a good five years now with no decline in quality, so very happy with that.
The main hook of this device is the included clock/prog function. Relatively easy to set up, this allows not only for the machine to display the time (because of course everyone needs another clock in their kitchen...) but also to program in advance when the machine should turn on and start making coffee. This means that those with the inclination can set up the machine the night before and have it on and ready with coffee brewed to go by the time they're out of bed the next morning.
The process is fairly simple, if a little unintuitive. There are a pair of buttons labelled 'Auto' and 'Prog', neither of which has an obvious function. Prog, it turns out, cycles through setting the system clock, the allocated auto-brew time and back to nothing. Each of these are simply set with another pair of Hour/Min buttons. Auto simply puts the machine into a state of waiting for the time to come around when it's due to start brewing. This is only cancelable by pressing the start/cancel button twice, which first starts the machine off immediately and then the cancelling resets it to default state. So yeah, not that confusing, but might need to go through the manual a bit. Overall though this is a great feature on a device of this cost and in fact for a time I even used it as a kind of alarm clock, waking me to the sounds and smells of coffee.
The level indicator on the side does its job effectively, though I find the only special feature of it is that it emits a nice blue glow when in programmed mode to let you know it's set.
Overall, despite a couple of idiosyncrasies regarding the jug units and button labels I'd recommend this machine wholeheartedly for a relatively cheap (I paid around £30) filter machine with a genuinely useful extra feature.
Read the complete review |
 |
Kenwood kMix CM022
by x-cupcake-x
From the first time I saw the Kenwood kMix Coffee machine I knew that one day I would own one, I just loved the retro design and in my opinion looks far nicer than many of the other machines available.
One day I was in the reductions area of our local Makro store for a great price of around £40 so I didn't hesitate in buying it as ... it was at least £15 cheaper than I had seen it elsewhere.
My machine is the lovely bright blue colour (CM023) which really stands out compared to the stainless steel or black coffee machines available.
The machine is also nice and compact with a footprint of 25cm x 16cm and standing at 27cm tall. This was important when I originally purchased it as we didn't have much work top space in our kitchen.
The machine came with two filter papers when I bought it, although it does have a permanent filter with it so can be used without although I prefer to use it with filter papers - I use Melitta Classic Two Cup Coffee Filter Papers which are available from Tesco for around £1.20. By using filter papers it means I can just dispose of them when done rather then having to faff about cleaning the permanent filter.
Using the machine is very straightforward - fill up the water reservoir with enough water for your desired amount of coffee (I use the carafe), place your coffee into the filter, close the lid and switch on. For a one mug brew it takes less than two minutes. Obviously if you are making more it will take longer, but I'm trying to stick to one mug a day :-)
Due to the simplicity of the machine there is no timer function, however I have plugged it into a digital timer and successfully come downstairs to a pot of fresh coffee first thing in the morning.
Keeping it clean is fairly easy too, I just give it a wipe down with a damp cloth when it needs it. Giving the carafe and filter holder a wash in with the washing up - please note these aren't dishwasher safe so hand-wash them only.
Whilst it does have a cup warmer on the top of the machine, which does get hot it doesn't seem to make my mugs feel any warmer. Although it's not really a function I use so it isn't an issue for me.
I have noticed that occasionally the anti-drip valve, well drips but this seems to be remedied with a good clean so perhaps it suffers from a slight blockage.
There are 8 different colours available in this design from black to bright orange or magenta, so bound to be one that fits your decor.
Read the complete review |
