Mug shots: close-ups of fives hot coffee makers - includes Krups #199 Aroma Control Therm TimeCuisinart Stainless Thermal Coffeemaker VTC-950 and DeLonghi ICM28B - Product/Service Evaluation

Vegetarian Times, April, 2003 by Alexandra Greeley

Krups #199 Aroma Control Therm Time

Features: Insulated coffee carafe. Instant cessation of brewing when machine turned off. AromaControl Thermostat. Stop `n Serve feature. Easy-to-read water level markings.

Performance: Fast, brewing 6 cups in just minutes. Almost silent brewing until the last water droplets cause the machine to sizzle. Easy-to-program brewing.

Comments: Fast and satisfying coffee making, but carafe cap difficult to twist into place.

Suggested Retail Price: $125.00

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Cuisinart Stainless Thermal Coffeemaker VTC-950

Features: Brew-Through Lid. Audible beep when brewing stops. Pause & Serve. Brushed stainless steel carafe exterior means no smudging. Buzzer sounds when brewing stops.

Performance: Simple to program. Easy-to-read off/on buttons that light up.

Comments: Noisy burst of steam at end of brewing cycle. Reservoir holds grounds and hot water, so avoid quick opening. Grounds may spill easily. Carafe cap hard to screw on. No easy-to-read water level mark on carafe. Must pre-warm glass-lined carafe to prevent its cracking.

Suggested Retail Price: $99.95

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DeLonghi ICM28B

Features: Chlorine filter and filter holder. Water tank with clear markings. Three brew cycles. Permanent mesh filter. Rotating coffeepot base. FlavorSavor brewing system. Three brew cycles,

Performance: Easy-to-read marking on glass carafe and on water reservoir.

Comments: Very complicated machine, not for those who want no-fuss brewing. Difficult to replace swivel basket, which needs exact placement and lining up of carafe for proper brewing.

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00

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CAPRESSO MT500 #140

Features: Permanent mesh filter. Stainless steel thermal carafe with lid; without lid, machine won't work. Replaceable charcoal water filter. Automatic and manual shut-offs. Two brewing cycles.

Performance: Fast, almost noiseless. Terrific coffee without any fuss.

Comments: Easy-to-read touch pad panel with clearly marked buttons. Easy-to-read water fill line. Brew-through closed lid keeps coffee hot.

Suggested Retail Price: $190.00

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TODDY

Features: White plastic reservoir to hold grounds and water Glass carafe for concentrate, rubber stopper and filter pad, which need occasional replacement.

Performance: Soak grounds and wait 12 hours to decant concentrate. Dilute with hot water to desired strength.

Comments: Simple to use, requires planning ahead. If you use up the concentrate, you must wait overnight for your next cup of coffee to "brew." Delivers a mild coffee taste without bitter acid overtones. Concentrate needs refrigeration and lasts well for up to 10 days.

Suggested Retail Price: $28.00 to $35.00

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