Really a poor design and very dissapointing response from Capresso when I requested help resolving the issue. The replacement they sent works well - but this should not be necessary.
Positive Product Points
Looks nice, brews quickly and produces a fine cup of coffee. The following is an update: I returned the coffee maker to Capresso and for $35 plus shipping they replaced it. The new machine works well and we have had none of the problems mentioned below. It appears, and Capresso will agree of the record, that a certain percentage of machines are defective and overbrew causing the floods of cofee encountered by about 30% of owners. If your machine does this even once and is in warranty - replace it! Though I am not sure it matters, always take care to line up the coffee pot dead center under the cone and keep the breather valve on the lid clean!
Negative Product Points
Frequently overflows and floods kitchen counter. And to the reviewer who suggests it is because i am dimmer than a night light : 1) that should be enough to operate a coffee pot and 2)- I do indeed have a PhD and this machine beats me! (see note above)
Detailed Commentary
We brew a fine-medium grind always fill to about 7 cups with a cone 3/4 full. 2 times out of 5 we wake up to a counter covered with coffee grounds and cabinets full of coffee. I suspect there is a tendency for the chute to block, or the carafe to develop an airlock or the lid 'valve' to become sticky. Regardless, there are many makers of drip machines with 'drip stop' mechanisms and I have never read of these encountering the same issue. A quick look at Amazon or Epinions reviews will find about 30% of all users having this problem. What really made me mad was when Capresso Service Agents claim they are unaware of this problem -BUNK! they did offer to have me send it for repairs at $35 plus shipping and a 'threat' that if they suspect i mistreated the machine that a supplemental cost may be incurred. I am certain they will find coffee grounds in the electronics, and likely, they will blame me!
So, no, this is not a machine worth $160 and yes, Capresso should pay attention, afterall just what sort of customer pays $160 except those with plenty of disposable income.
Buying Experience
Peets is always good and would have refunded if it was not >1 year since purchase
