Single Cup Coffee Maker

Riordan October 23rd, 2009 (#):

Purchased to replace our Brewstation Deluxe, which we absolutely loved! The only reason we did not purchase another one exactly like our old one is because of the leaking problem. About 1x/year we would need to replace the ‘carafe’ portion of the coffeemaker. The Summit was the 3rd replacement model we tried. It is the only other model that has all of the features that the Deluxe had (programmable auto shut-off & timer, brewing cycle selection). I agree with the previous post that it is a bit more awkward to fill. But, the biggest problem I have with it is the coffee basket. It has about 50 holes in the bottom for the water/coffee to flow out of the basket. The result is a very weak-tasting coffee because it flows through so quickly. I can’t understand why this model is made like this when other models have only one hole! There is no way to even use enough coffee to get a strong flavor, even when putting it on ‘Bold’ setting, which slows down the brewing cycle. I figured out how to solve this problem by purchasing a permanent filter basket to use inside the other basket, plus using a paper filter. This adds to the awkwardness of the whole process, but we are so hooked on this style of machine that are willing to put up with it. It is also messier than the Deluxe because of all of the condensation inside. When you lift the lid water runs down (but mostly back into the carafe), and when you take out the basket there is condensation all over it and it drips trying to get it to the trash or sink. I also just noticed one of the buttons to set the time is sticking. Well, maybe I should go back to the Deluxe…

Cuyler October 23rd, 2009 (#):

I bought this because I wanted to replace the free coffee maker I got with a Gevalia subscription a few years ago. That was a fine coffee maker in the beginning but eventually ran too hot and produced a foul burning stench after being on a few hours, even with a clean hotplate and plenty of coffee in the carafe.

In favor of the Brewstation Summit is its bright blue clock display, which is easy to set, and easy to program to brew automatically at a certain time. Also, it has a variable setting to keep the coffee warm for up to four hours, and two additional brew strength settings (1-4 cups and Bold). But those are its only strengths.

The problems are many. Chief among them is the fact that it’s a real pain to use. First, lift the top lid and remove the basket that holds the flat-bottom basket filter. My Gevalia coffee maker used a #4 cone filter, which I have now learned that I like much better, since wet grounds don’t spill over the soggy top edges when you try to lift it out. After you set the filter basket to the side and fill it up, you then have to remove the internal carafe, fill it up with water, pour the water into the unit, replace the carafe, then nest the filter basket in the carafe, and then close the lid. In other words, you need a goodly amount of clean counter space to lay out all these pieces as you’re trying to get ready to brew some coffee.

Another problem, the coffee is frequently only lukewarm. It’s never even close to as hot as I like it, unless I heat up the water myself in my electric kettle first and then pour that hot water into the unit.

Ironically, given that the coffee isn’t especially hot, the Brewstation Summit still produces that overheated burning smell toward the end of the four hour time that I have it set to keep the coffee warm.

I should have used my $60 to get coffee from Gevalia–and a free coffee maker to boot.