$40 maker that rivals the $170+ Technivorm in the cup!
Positive Product Points
A $40 coffee maker that rivals the $170+ Technivorm coffee makers in the cup...need I say more?
Correct brewing temperature.
SwissGold #4 cone filter a must have!
Brews as much as 52-ounces of brewed coffee.
Extremely gentle warming plate that doesn't obliterate brewed coffee.
Works well with half or partial pots also.
Negative Product Points
Somewhat lightweight filter holder.
Clock is small, but remains functional.
Pause and serve feature makes it less smooth inserting and removing the carafe.
Detailed Commentary
The Presto Scandinavian has reintroduced me to the world of automatic drip coffee brewing. Most automatic brewers simply do not brew at the correct temperature for optimum flavor extraction yielding a sour non-drinkable cup. The Presto brews at the optimum 200F and makes for an outstandingly full flavored cup of coffee.
How easy is it to make coffee with the Presto Scandinavian?
Other methods of brewing coffee at home tend to be less convenient than the automatic drip option. With the Presto Scandinavian brewing is quick and easy. Simply pour the water into the water reservoir and watch the little red ball float up the viewing window until you reach the desired level. Although the window is labeled with "cup" measurements I used a marker to mark 16oz, 32oz, 48oz and the max 52oz. This makes for far easier and more accurate filling. Add the coffee grounds and filter then hit the start button twice. Once will set it to automatic brewing twice will start a manual brew.
How is it built?
Let's face it folks when paying $40 for a coffee maker you can't realistically expect an all metal clad machine like the Technivorms. However the Presto is built quite well. I am impressed with the sturdiness and rigidity of the maker. The swing out filter basket is somewhat lightweight but not enough to be a problem with regular use. The carafe is also nice with a medium heavy glass and a secure pouring handle. Pouring is also drip free. The lines are sleek on this machine so cleanup is a cinch. A very user-friendly design and build that should last a very long time!
How is the coffee?
Fine. Damn fine. I home roast my own coffee so my expectations when brewing are extremely high. This machine delivers. I hold it in high regard with my French presses and vacuum brewers. The cup itself is outstanding. Fully flavored and not a hint of sourness from under extraction. With the SwissGold filter the coffee very closely resembles vacuum brewed coffee with all the oils and none of the grit or sludge from press coffee. Best of all because the Presto Scandinavian brews at the correct temperature the quality of the cup rivals the cup produced by the $170+ Technivorm makers. That alone is a great testament to the Presto Scandinavian!
Buying Experience
Ordered from amzon.com arrived well packaged and on time.
Three Month Followup
See one year follow up...
One Year Followup
My Presto is still performing well. I did remove the little stopper under the drip basket that stops the flow when you remove the carafe. I did this because it was allowing coffee to run over the lid and down the side of the pot onto the hot plate, making for a sizzling sound. I also removed the lid so the coffee drips directly into the carafe. Aside from that it seems to function quite well.
I also need to run some Cleancaf through my maker to remove water deposits though, I get a lot of shooting steam at the end of the brew cycle as the maker sucks up the last of the water from the water tank. This may mean that the Presto is running a little hot due to water deposit build up. You should run a cleaner like Cleancaf through any coffee maker every 6 months or more!
All in all I love my Presto and can still rely on it for a great hot cup of delicious coffee!
