What do you use for coffee? I have been using a Bodum Santos (vacuum method) for about two years but its days are numbered. The plastic is cracking in several areas and it's a mess. I've also been using the single cup drip method which is mighty tasty.

What I am looking for is something that is easy to use, easy to clean, but most importantly, makes great coffee.

I'm interested in knowing what you use and if you like it!

We use:

Nespresso C-190 - for espresso and cappucino. We use this far more than our regular coffee machines.

Capresso - Grind and brew -

Bodum French Press.

America's Test Kitchen just ran tests and the Vaccum Brewers like the Black & decker came out on top.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jcocktosten,

Go to coffeegeek.com and see all you need to see.....

We also use a grind and brew... but we went w/ Cuisinart thermal carafe. Although cleaning isn't as easy as dump and rinse, I'll never go back.

Wow, coffeegek.com certainly has enough info.

Thanks for the input. I am leaning toward finding that Black & Decker that Cooks Illustrated recommended. I love the vacuum coffee, but it is kind of tough to clean. Also I remember seeing something a long time ago how paper filtered coffee was less healthy for you than non-paper filter coffee. Don't remember where and it might be bunk, but it has sort of stuck with me.

Thanks

Although I used to adore a good cup of coffee, we are now primarily tea drinkers.

About a half a year ago, got the Cuisinart Brew Central Programmable (Model DCC-1200). 12-cup, programmable (obviously), clock, 1-4 cup only option, carafe temp control, and self clean. Middle of the road in terms of price. (If you have one of the ubiquitous Bed, Bath, & Beyond 20% coupons, it becomes pretty inexpensive.) Mine is this retro-wannabe stainless steel (not why I selected it). Have been quite happy with it. I use my 10+ yr old Braun grinder. Makes good coffee.

I have been using a Barista espresso machine for about 5 years now.
And I use Illy espresso pods.

Two notes:

Buy a quality BURR Grinder.
Buy fresh whole beans and grind as needed.

Otherwise, it won't matter what coffee maker you get.

The Cuisinart Brew Central is a damn good coffee maker, as far as drip machines go. It comes pretty close to optimal temperature during brewing (yes, I measured the tempurature) and falls within the acceptable amount of steeping time as well. Makes a nice cup of coffee. If you want to go crazy and get the supposed ultimate drip coffee maker, look into the Technivorm line. I have been happy enough with the Brew Central, that I felt no need to go to that next level.

The best grinder on the planet is the Mazzer Mini, but it'll cost you about $350.00. Worth every penny as it will last for generations and is an absolute work of art.

I love my Rancilio Sylvia espresso machine. Again, expensive, but with Espresso machines, you get what you pay for. Any espresso machine that costs under $250-$300 would raise a red flag for me, as it probably cut enough corners to make the espresso suffer. Any "espresso" machine that costs under $150 DOESN'T ACTUALLY MAKE ESPRESSO. Instead it's a poor imitation.

I have a Miele Coffee Station at home because it mounts nicely in the cabinet.

At work we have a Jura Capresso S9 (which I'd recommend over the Miele if you can tolerate a countertop unit).

I have a West Bend Poperry II that I roast my beans in.