Try it and return it if you aren't happy. Have an open mind and see what you think!
Positive Product Points
Makes good coffee fast and HOT. It does what's it's supposed to do here, no question. Keeps the coffee warm while doing a reasonable job of not burning it.
Negative Product Points
LOTS of plastic. The filter disk seems very easily damamged (although just my opinion). There is no way to cut the brewing process short without unplugging the unit (which is not going to keep the coffee warm). With a full pot there is a lot of coffee agitation, however it can splash out of the vents on top of the unit and make a mess.
Detailed Commentary
I purchased this product on sale despite much of the negative press that I read. I was a big fan of Bodum's all-glass stove top Santos, however, I wanted something with a bit more capacity that would incorporate some mechanism to keep the coffee warm for a while after I brewed it. This is always a double edged sword, however, because burners do exactly that - burn... This product cylcles the heat on and off and because of that does a reasonably good job of not ruining your coffee prematurely.
Overall, I have been very satisfied with the coffee that this brewer makes. I feel it is consistent and fairly rich tasting. It would seem, however, that I have been lucky and not experienced a lot of the techincal 'issues' that many others have.
Would I buy it again? Probably. I have moved over more to the espresso world now, but I have been happy with this product.
While I understand the need for all of this plastic (from a safety standpoint), I can't say that I like it. It's very easy to scratch and just seems more prone to damage. I don't know why I say that - probably just the traditionalist in me. After all, the lenses for car headlamps have been polycarbonate for some time and they are extremely tough.
This product is not perfect. I don't think it makes coffee with the same richness as a press pot or a traditional vac. pot. I do think, however, that it is a good compromise between modern features and a tradional brewing method.
I did buy it from Starbucks because of their good reputation with regard to returns and at a sale price, nonetheless. Needless to say I have not seen the need to return it and have been fairly pleased with the purchase. It's not perfect - but neither am I. ;-)
Buying Experience
Typical Starbucks - no problem. It was on sale, which is how I would suggest that you grab one if you intend to.
