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Posted: 8/18/2008 12:05 PM

#255248

	explorerny

	Member

Total Posts:36
Last Post:6/2/2010
Member Since:8/19/2006

Subject: Technivorm KBT741 Thermal Coffee Brewer

Did anyone buy this or does anyone own it ? I've had alot of trouble over the years trying to buy a decent coffee maker that makes good coffee. Seems like this one might "be the one".

Currently I own a Cuisinart with a glass carafe. After trying many I think it makes HOT coffee with fairly good flavor.

--
Steve G

Posted: 8/18/2008 12:33 PM

#255252

	javafiend

	Member

Total Posts:3707
Last Post:7/12/2010
Member Since:9/18/2006

we were just discussing this

recommendations for food processor/coffee maker

Martha...no, not that Martha

the kitchen gods will not smite you if you don't do it ATK/CI/CC's way

I dream a dream of home...Where there’s coffee on the table...And kindness in your hand
- Lyle Lovett

Posted: 8/20/2008 5:48 PM

#255473

	Mortar and Pestle

	Member

Total Posts:7172
Last Post:8/26/2010
Member Since:4/1/2003

Too bad it's so darn ugly, I am having a hard time convincing my wife that we can deal with the aesthetics if it brews the perfect cup of coffee...I'm not making much headway.

-Kurt

Posted: 8/20/2008 6:40 PM

#255479

	munchkin

	Member

Total Posts:691
Last Post:8/26/2010
Member Since:7/2/2007

Posted by: Mortar and Pestle
Too bad it's so darn ugly, I am having a hard time convincing my wife that we can deal with the aesthetics if it brews the perfect cup of coffee...I'm not making much headway.

We don't mind the looks; our issue is it is not programmable. If we could set it to go off and make that perfect pot of brew every morning at 05:00, we'd buy one based on the review alone.

As it is, still debating ...

Challenge List:
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Posted: 8/21/2008 7:58 AM

#255512

	anisette

	Member

Total Posts:1994
Last Post:4/8/2010
Member Since:9/23/2003

Kurt,

I've been eyeing this one as well. But you're right, the aesthetics issue comes into play. I mean, who wants to have their Grade 8 Chemistry Lab sitting on their countertop?

- Jen

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand
-Miss Piggy

Posted: 8/21/2008 9:38 AM

#255537

	tim

	Member

Total Posts:5527
Last Post:8/31/2010
Member Since:6/27/2003

Hi,

If you want good looking and 10 larger cups, there is the Capresso MT500. It makes nearly as good coffee but can present some issues with maintenance. It's like a pre-schooler in that it requires thorough and regular cleaning or it makes a mess in your kitchen.

I was surprised that Cook's did not include this model in their test. The grind and brew machines tend to be a daily cleaning nightmare.

Tim

Posted: 8/21/2008 1:53 PM

#255568

	anisette

	Member

Total Posts:1994
Last Post:4/8/2010
Member Since:9/23/2003

Tim,

Does the Capresso need potty training too? I honestly cannot face that issue again.

- Jen

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand
-Miss Piggy

Posted: 8/21/2008 2:13 PM

#255570

	tim

	Member

Total Posts:5527
Last Post:8/31/2010
Member Since:6/27/2003

Jen,

That is the perfect way to describe the quirks of living with a Capresso MT500. It peas on the counter if the drip-stop gets clogged, if the basket is not locked in place, if repeated bloom is not cleaned up or if you put too much water in the machine.

Once you have learned how to clean the machine with a bottle jet cleaner, you are fine.

The coffee is better than excellent and very close to Technivorm's. My neighbor and I have blind tastings and his Technivorm is marginally better.

Tim

Posted: 8/21/2008 4:15 PM

#255580

	anisette

	Member

Total Posts:1994
Last Post:4/8/2010
Member Since:9/23/2003

Thanks for the rundown Tim. I could swear that CI did have a review from quite a few years back of the Capresso, but I cannot find it now for the life of me on the Equipment site. They also had a review of the Black & Decker vacuum pot which again I cannot find. Kurt are you there? Are you able to find them or is it just me? In fact what has happened to the equipment corner? It's all messed up.

I may have to take a look again at the Capresso. I know that Consumer Reports rated it highly as well. It is quite a bit cheaper than the Technivorm (the Technivorm in Canada will cost me $286 with taxes and shipping YIKES!), but I'm not sure I'd like such a high maintenance machine as the Capresso. I deal with a Pre-K'er everyday and frankly, I don't think I can handle another. LOL!

- Jen

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand
-Miss Piggy

Posted: 8/21/2008 5:02 PM

#255588

	tim

	Member

Total Posts:5527
Last Post:8/31/2010
Member Since:6/27/2003

Jen,

The best way to learn about the machines is on the CoffeeGeek discussions.

The Black & Decker coffee maker (almost like my Mom's) had actually been taken off the market by the time their recommendation appeared.

I kind of kid about the Capresso but I would buy another in an instant. But, this time I would know how to clean the machine.

Tim

Posted: 8/21/2008 6:20 PM

#255596

	KatharineB

	Member

Total Posts:1051
Last Post:9/1/2010
Member Since:12/3/2006

Jen,
Is this it?
Drip Coffee Makers
OOps-that can't be it-this is written 9-2008.
Katharine

Posted: 8/21/2008 7:44 PM

#255602

	Mortar and Pestle

	Member

Total Posts:7172
Last Post:8/26/2010
Member Since:4/1/2003

Posted by: anisette
They also had a review of the Black & Decker vacuum pot which again I cannot find. Kurt are you there? Are you able to find them or is it just me? In fact what has happened to the equipment corner? It's all messed up.

I hope this is just an issue with the website upgrades in the works and NOT a conscious effort by Cook's to "replace" it with the newer article. The "Where To Shop" articles appear for the article, but the article itself is MIA. The article, The "New" Coffee Makers, appears in the November 2003 issue if you want to check it out.

So, now I have decide between two champions; one that is aesthetically challenged and one that is incontinent. Decisions, decisions...

-Kurt

Posted: 8/21/2008 7:54 PM

#255603

	anisette

	Member

Total Posts:1994
Last Post:4/8/2010
Member Since:9/23/2003

Posted by: tim
Jen,

The best way to learn about the machines is on the CoffeeGeek discussions.

The Black & Decker coffee maker (almost like my Mom's) had actually been taken off the market by the time their recommendation appeared.

Thanks for reminding me about CoffeeGeek, that place is a treasure trove. I am, unfortunately, a serious coffee geek/snob.

Funny, several years AFTER the CI recommendation for the B&D vacuum coffee maker was published, I stumbled upon it for sale locally at, of all places, Home Hardware. I bought it and the coffee was good, but I didn't like that it had all plastic parts so I returned it.

Kurt,

LOL!

- Jen

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand
-Miss Piggy

Posted: 9/10/2008 10:27 AM

#257315

	stljrs

	Member

Total Posts:19
Last Post:11/13/2008
Member Since:1/17/2006

I have this coffee maker (actually with old style carafe). I really like it. I don't think it's ugly at all. Unique yes. If you want to better understand it, sweetmarias.com writes up how they use it and I do the same. You can control the drip speed and I keep the dripper closed until all the grind are infused then let it go. Doing this will saturate the grounds better than any other coffee maker. This machine makes HOT coffee. Unlike most other coffee makers there is no pump that moves the water. It boils the water out of the left reservoir and it runs over into the grounds so the water ends up hitting the ground at or about 200F, ideal brewing temperature.

Caveat. You have to preheat the carafe or it will cool the hot coffee too much. I use water boiled on the stove.

Posted: 12/30/2008 9:05 AM

#270760

	january13

	Member

Total Posts:2
Last Post:12/30/2008
Member Since:12/30/2008

You know, if you have to pre-heat the carafe with boiling water, you might as well use a press and have your coffee in the six minutes for about $40, instead of the $265 that they are charging now.

Posted: 12/30/2008 9:21 AM

#270766

	Chad

	Member

Total Posts:47
Last Post:8/22/2010
Member Since:12/28/2007

Posted by: munchkin

We don't mind the looks; our issue is it is not programmable. If we could set it to go off and make that perfect pot of brew every morning at 05:00, we'd buy one based on the review alone.

As it is, still debating ...

If you let the beans sit overnight you aren't going to have a perfect pot of coffee no matter what machine you use. The beans should be ground within 4 minutes of brewing. If you want to have coffee made before you wake up get something else and then use the Technivorm for other times.

What I do is get up. Grind the beans and empty them into the pot that already has water and a filter. Take a shower. Come back to coffee.

Chad

Posted: 12/30/2008 10:11 AM

#270770

	Tartine

	Member

Total Posts:1193
Last Post:7/3/2010
Member Since:9/1/2006

Chad, I recall an experiment Cook's did a few months (years?) ago where taste of freshly vs. pre-ground beans was the issue. After testing it was determined that it was OK to pre-grind and freeze (or refrigerate??) coffee as long as the grind was allowed to come back to room temp around 10 minutes or so before brewing.

That said, DH and I are huge coffee lovers, and even we pregrind our beans. Why? It makes such a racket in the morning and some days we simply need that cup of joe before the toddlers wake up and ruin our 'morning chi.' What we do is buy the beans in the huge bags at Costco, grind them there (I can hear you all gasping, quit it!) and then keep the bag in the freezer as we use it.

I have hyper sensitive taste buds and even I can't detect anything amiss--well, except when someone at Costco had used the regular coffee grinder to grind their flavored coffee. Then I taste hazelnut in every cup and I always end up returning the bag to the warehouse.

If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?
Scott Adams (1957 - )

Posted: 12/30/2008 11:30 AM

#270778

	Paul Kierstead

	Member

Total Posts:1323
Last Post:8/31/2010
Member Since:8/15/2006

I have, in coffee makers, ...
- A technivorm
- 3 Vacuum Pots. Yes, 3. 2 are electric, one not. All are bodum
- A few French presses
- A defunct Rancilio Silvia. Defunct one too many times. Maybe someone on craigslist will give me a few bucks for it.
- An Aeropress (occasional use at work)
- A DeLonghi Magnifico fully auto
Turfed a few makers over the years, too. I have a couple of grinders (a rocky and some starbucks model). Killed and turfed a couple of those over they years too. I roast my own coffee.

With all that choice, what do I use? The Magnifico gets used everyday, making somwhere between 2-8 shots/day. With well roasted beans, the Cafe Americano made from it is really great too (though I use 2 short shots + water from kettle). If I am home for the day and want 2 or 3 cups (real cups, mugs), I'll use the Technivorm; also for company. Sure coffee geek guys would scoff, but the Magnifico puts out excellent (or at least very very good) espresso time after time and makes a great americano, plus is extremely convenient. I only use the technivorm when I really want a few cups "on tap" or want its slightly different flavour (americano is very good, but a little different).

If you only drink one mug at a time, the french press is kind of hard to beat for great quality coffee. But otherwise, an espresso machine or technivorm is the way to go, IMO. Mind you, I've had great coffee from a pod machine. If I could get the pod price down, I'd install one at the office for employees (but I think they would balk at >$0.50/cup)

Posted: 12/30/2008 4:21 PM

#270804

	annewaldron

	Member

Total Posts:555
Last Post:8/13/2009
Member Since:8/13/2003

Posted by: january13
You know, if you have to pre-heat the carafe with boiling water, you might as well use a press and have your coffee in the six minutes for about $40, instead of the $265 that they are charging now.

It is because of this post that I am going to drag out my french press and give it one more go, before investing in the Technivorm. We just got a water cooler with a 195° hot water dispenser (the convenience of hot water has always been the reason a french press has been difficult for me to love) and I'm going to coarse grind my Angel City blend tomorrow and go for it! I'll report back!

-Anne

Posted: 12/31/2008 9:28 AM

#270886

	annewaldron

	Member

Total Posts:555
Last Post:8/13/2009
Member Since:8/13/2003

Well, dangit, french press is (still) really good. So I'm going to use it for a week, and see how I'm feeling at the end of the week.

(The Technivorm angel that's sitting on my shoulder is already saying, "But what will you do when you need a pot full of coffee for company?" I think that Technivorm angel is a little devil in disguise!)

: )

-Anne

Posted: 1/1/2009 12:58 AM

#270960

	stfxgal

	Member

Total Posts:1
Last Post:1/1/2009
Member Since:1/1/2009

French press is the only way to go....I have three of them for company use....all of them are stainless steel....BonJour brand....I always have boliling water available...with my electric kettle....when company comes, I have a new pot brewed for when they want their second cup....for every day, we just have 2 cups each...the max it makes.

Posted: 1/1/2009 7:42 AM

#270972

	MattW

	Member

Total Posts:1
Last Post:1/1/2009
Member Since:1/1/2009

Lets see, over the past few years I have owned (or currently own) a Presto Scandanavian, Melitta Clarity, three or four Kitchen Aids, three Krups coffee machines, and finally the Technivorm (on the espresso side the list is longer including an Andreja Premium, Expobar Pulser, Rancilio Silvia, and Olympia Cremina) in addition to Vacuum Brewers, French Presses and Pourovers. As a reference, all coffee we drink I have either roasted myself or it has been purchased from Counter Culture and roasted in the past 3-18 days. I take coffee way to seriously, I admit it. I have three commercial grinders in the "coffee area" of our house that say "Hey this guy is a bit of a coffee nutjob."

For brewing, based purely on taste I would take a French Press, then a Pourover, then the Technivorm all in pretty close competition. A tier below would be the Presto Scandanavian and Melitta Clarity (neither which are made any longer). Way back in the pack, in the "Recommended only if you hate coffee" category are the Krups/Kitchen Aid/etc.

The Technivorm (I use a Swissgold filter with it, which I think brings it a little closer to French Press flavor) does two things really well: heats water to about 198-200 degrees and puts the water on the coffee grounds. It isn't anything high tech, but it is pretty accurate in its heating, does it very quickly, and is well-engineered. Almost any piece can be replaced if needed and folks with little know-how can fix any problem they may have very easily.

I wish the Clarity or Presto were still made, as they were a nice, cheap alternative (although not as sturdy) to the Technivorm. If you are serious about your cup of joe (and by serious I mean you are buying freshly roasted beans, grinding them fresh for the pot, etc. - all the things us coffee nuts consider 'normal') the Technivorm is the way to go. If you are using preground, roasted who knows when coffee, then you will likely not tell any difference in between the Technivorm and a Kitchen Aid (one thing to check is what date your coffee has on it, if it has a "Sell By" date instead of a "Roasted On" date, then you can't know when it was roasted unless you watched them do it).

To Tartine: I know that I, for one, can tell the difference between freshly ground and not freshly ground coffee (even if the old coffee has been refrigerated or frozen - I did the test with a couple other coffeegeek friends and a deep freeze, we were all able to pick out the old coffee in our pseudo-scientific blind testing). I really wish I couldn't tell the difference, for convenience sake, though...

To Munchkin: If you just adjust your routine slightly, its not that big of a deal. Since you are already pre-grinding your coffee for the next morning all you have to do is flip the switch when you wake up. The technivorm has a pretty impressive heating element in it and usually has my coffee ready in less than 10 minutes (since it takes me about 10 minutes to shower, I can't say exactly when its finished...).

Bottom Line: Technivorm is hands down the best coffee machine available. French Press is still the best cup of coffee you will drink, though.

Posted: 1/1/2009 8:11 AM

#270978

	Snooks Marlowe

	Member

Total Posts:740
Last Post:9/1/2010
Member Since:12/29/2007

I swear by Technivorm (T) coffee makers. I even have a new Braun (I believe) in the garage ceiling given to me by my son before he knew I had T on order. I kept it for a backup. Someone else ordered a T with an extra glass container just so they would not have to wait for one to arrive if they broke the original and have to be without their T perk in the morning. I call that not wanting to be without the best coffee maker right, MattW!!
[Edited on 1/1/2009]

Posted: 1/1/2009 9:37 AM

#270984

	Tartine

	Member

Total Posts:1193
Last Post:7/3/2010
Member Since:9/1/2006

Posted by: MattW
...To Tartine: I know that I, for one, can tell the difference between freshly ground and not freshly ground coffee (even if the old coffee has been refrigerated or frozen - I did the test with a couple other coffeegeek friends and a deep freeze, we were all able to pick out the old coffee in our pseudo-scientific blind testing). I really wish I couldn't tell the difference, for convenience sake, though...

Welcome to the BB Matt. Yeah, I didn't consider doing a side-by-side test but you're probably right, one can tell the difference that way. But stand-alone I can't--either that or I'm used to my crappy frozen grinds, LOL! Thanks for the post and sharing your insights; sounds like you know a lot about coffee!

If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?
Scott Adams (1957 - )

Posted: 1/1/2009 11:07 AM

#270991

	NorthShoreMN

	Member

Total Posts:171
Last Post:12/8/2009
Member Since:3/23/2008

We had the childlike Capresso and it was more than we could manage after a few months...too much maintenance and cleaning up, and the coffee wasn't that good. We have a wonderful Cuisinart that makes much better coffee than others from that same model (weird, I know, but true), when it dies I'm pretty sure I'll spring for the Technivorm.
We love great coffee. I have a commercial grade coffee grinder and used to use it religiously, but it's just more trouble than I'm willing to go through (mainly the mess I always make, cleaning up ground coffee is akin to sugar to me).
I'm with Tartine on the earlier grind. Our Costco is busy enough and coffee is roasting everyday, that we are assured of buying coffee roasted within a couple of hours. For the small difference in flavor (admittedly, I'm not able to detect a real difference), a come home with a ground bag that we go through in 10-14 days max. I often split the bag with a neighbor so that we replace it more frequently.
The redesigned Technivorm doesn't offend me in its aesthetic.

Ya, you betcha!

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