Brewing temperature just right, quite a step up from the ubiquitous $20 variety
Positive Product Points
-Sturdy build, quality feel to controls -Well engineered internal design (coffee brews beautifully) -Condensation and drippage are adequately contained when lid is opened and clean-up is relatively mess-free
Negative Product Points
-Any water trapped between carafe and warming plate causes crackles. Similarly, condensing steam crackles as it falls down the chamber after the end of the brew cycle. These issues are only auditory, quite frankly, and I don't particularly mind them. -Much of the operation of the machine is not self-explanatory and requires flipping through the manual. However, the control layout is logical once understood.
Detailed Commentary
My parents have always used a percolator and I really hadn't tasted much coffee until I began working hard on a daily basis. I knew I liked bottled coffee and hated the burnt taste of what came out of the percolator. After researching, I realized I needed a drip machine and that the Brew Central might be good. The big box stores had only the cheap stuff, so I browsed my wholesale club and found the exact model, Brew Central, for half of the $100 listed average price. I must say this machine is much much better than a percolator, is very well designed, and is well worth the money. Just remember to buy a re-usable #4 gold filter to avoid the bleach taste of paper.
Buying Experience
I like the small but excellent selection of small kitchen appliances offered at BJ's Wholesale Club. I bought an excellent Cuisinart toaster there previously. A membership is required, however.
