Update: November 23, 2008:
I regret to report that this coffee maker stopped working today, less than 3 years after I received it. The power light goes on, but the heating element doesn't heat, and the water doesn't flow from the tank. The warranty is only one year, so no recourse there.While I was very happy with the Braun while it worked, I would expect a fairly simple mechanism to last longer.
I'm not saying everyone's Braun will suddenly stop working at about three years, and I don't know how well other coffee makers fare. However, I do know that most Cuisinarts have a THREE-YEAR warranty at no extra cost. With that timeframe, I could have replaced this for free (or, no more than the the price of shipping.) SInce I gave pretty much a rave review of this product, I wanted all potential buyers to know of my experience with its durability.It may still be worth purchasing, but I can no longer recommmend it without reservation.ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This Braun coffeemaker brews coffee so consistently hot and very flavorful that, if Aaron Copeland had worked for an advertising agency (shudder), his moving composition, "Fanfare for the Common Man," could have promoted it.Fortunately, he didn't.
OK, that intro was a stretch. So, without further delay, let me sing the praises of this Christmas gift:
A.Temperature."It's not hot enough!" is perhaps the most common complaint about coffeemakers.We can divide this into two categories: First, the coffee is not hot enough when made, and second, the coffee does not stay hot after it is made.
1.The Braun KF 590 (also known as the KF590E) brews very hot coffee, when initially poured you couldn't take it any hotter unless you had damaged nerve endings in your mouth.As with any hot beverage, the coffee will stay warmer depending on the coffee cup's insulation qualities (thick walls, relatively narrow, perhaps pre-heated with hot water)
2.Temperature Duration.The carafe of my old Krups (Crystal Arome Time, #400 series) seemed to keep things warm for about 20 minutes; this was completely unsatisfactory and the main reason for wanting a new one.My new Braun (thanks Mom and Dad!) kicks Krups' butt in this area, keeping it hot for hours without a burnt flavor.The default setting (until automatic shut-off) is 2 hours of heat, but you can manually adjust it from 20 minutes to 3 hours.
B.Convenience of Operation:The Braun is relatively easy to use, but a limited number of buttons (4) and indicator lights (2) operate the clock, the automatic shut-off described above, and the automatic start-up (setting the time that you want the coffeemaker to begin brewing).It does take a bit of time to learn these programming features; I consulted the brief instructions for a few days before I got the hang of it.Once learned, it not easy to forget.I don't think this should bea factor in deciding whether to purchase this. The Braum brews coffee faster than in the old Krups, and like many machines, this one stops the coffee flow when the impatient (or the addicted) simply must pour a little java before all the water has run through.Noise level is about average, you can hear it brewing, but it's doesn't sputter loudly when done.Another contrast to the Krups is the nicely designed carafe handle and the ease of pouring coffee without spilling it.
C.Features:THE WATER FILTER-It's almost unbelievable that the instructions don't include the replacement model number for the "Braun Brita" water filter.They're not hesitant to tell you that it "improves coffee flavor by significantly reducing chlorine and also prevents calcification ... Provided that the cartridge is replaced regularly every two months, it not only brews better tasting coffee but can also extend the life of your coffeemaker by preventing [this gets redundant] calcification buildup.Braun water filer cartridges are available at your local retailer or Braun service centers."
WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU...Use the following to replace the "Braun Brita" water filter: The KWF2. (web citation: http://www.theessentials.com/jump.jsp?itemID=994&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C8%2C65%2C336&iProductID=994 ). As of this date, this costs $9.99 for a two-pack.At one filter every two months (see below), annual replacement (assuming no shipping) will cost you about $60, or about 75% of the current Amazon.com sale price.Braun and Brita executives must be in their cups about this sweet little arrangement they've brewed.
As stated immediately above, Braun's manual recommends that you buy a new water filter every two months, but the Braun-linked website above tells you to replace it every 70 brews. Depending on your consumption, that could easily take three or four months, not two. Also, running vinegar through the machine twice should dissolve most or all of the calcification, and one can always just buy bottled water.
Big Brother Braun reminds you that it's time to change the water filter with a small but cheesy-looking 12-month "time for a new filter" dial on top.This is a slightly annoying and unattractive feature onan otherwise stylish machine.There's a permanent (but removable) "gold cone" filter, the type of filter that most aficionados prefer for its superior brewing properties.It appears you can buy a replacement filter at Amazon.com, although other than an accidental tear or accumulated stains (which can be removed with baking soda and scrubbing), the filter should last for years. However, it doesn't look gold and it's not clear to me whether there really is a gold coating over the fine steel mesh. One can manually swing out the filter holder, or lightly push a small silver button atop the machine.Very nicely done.
D.Maintenance:Very easy: Wipe off the outside, run vinegar or water through it, and take out the gold cone filter and run water over it. Because part of the holder for the gold cone filter is metallic, it is supposedly not dishwasher safe, the manual recommends wiping it down with a damp cloth with a small amount of dishwashing soap if desired.I didn't see any metal parts except the metallic exterior of the holder; personally, I'm gonna dunk the thing. Since the manual is so incomplete, you may want to copy the "authorized" Braun Service Center number:1-800/272-8611.
E. Where to Buy Accesories:
1.The KWF2 Water Filter:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000062UH2/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=284507
2. Gold-Tone Filter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007W04A2/qid=1137279064/sr=1-12/ref=sr_1_12/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=284507
F.The Bottom Line:Easily one of the best coffeemaker out there, the Braun KF590 makes delicious hot coffee that stays hot, and it sells at a very reasonable price.I considered the Braun 600 "Impressions" machine because of its thermos-like carafe, but that feature is a double-edged sword, you can't see how much coffee is left.Aside from the small but ridiculous water changer dial on top, the chrome and black Braun 590 looks good and is moderately sized for its capacity.
Look at the reviews of the other coffeemakers and you may agree that this is the best one for the money.I will be updating this review in a few months to let people know about the Braun's durability.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable CoffeemakerProduct Description: This stylish coffeemaker calls for ultimate coffee enjoyment thanks to its brewing technology delivering hot, fully extracted and aromatic coffee. The exclusive Brita® water filter further improves the flavor by reducing chlorine, but also prevents calcification.
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If you're looking for a good basic coffee maker with a timer this is it! Not expensive, not fancy but works and makes a decent cup of coffee. I was attracted to the price and the B&D brand name. I have several other B&D appliances as well as tools and I'm happy with them all.
