Cuisinart 11-Cup Pro Custom 11 Food Processors Review
Posted by: petitisobels on: September 29, 2009
I have owned this one (DLC-8S Pro Custom 11 cup – White) and a 7 cup processor for years. Both processors that I own have a compact flat cover, which I love. I only use the metal S blade, so I can’t review the other attachments. I only fill it to the top of the metal S blade or perhaps a quarter inch below the top of the metal S blade (about 4 cups), otherwise it seems to stress out the machine or if semi-liquid, it will spill out somewhat. I like the flat covers so much, I bought extra covers, just in case.
UPDATE: I recently bought this from amazon and the unit squeaks. It is irritating. It’s not an extremely high noise – probably a medium squeak, which comes and goes during processing. I called cuisinart and they said it wasn’t normal and to return it. I can’t return it because I threw out parts of the unit I never use and I even trashed the receipt. I didn’t realize the problem at first for some reason. I have an identical unit I bought several years ago, which does not squeak (yes, I own 2, 11 cup processors, but the new bowl is a little too loose on the older engine, even though they are both 11 cups). Actually, I have owned 4-5 cuisinart food processors and none of them squeaked. Units might make a noise similar to a squeak if abused or overfilled, but it always goes away once you stop and fill the unit properly. I do recommend this brand, but save everything in case of engine defects like this. The engine does have a 10 year warranty – see the last page of the book. I will keep this squeaky engine for now, since trying to deal with the problem is stressing me out. I will probably just buy a whole new processor in a few months. UPDATE: I bought another unit and it doesn’t squeak. It works great and I’m happy with the unit. I dumped my squeaky engine and kept the bowl and blade.
Briel ES35AF Chamonix Pump Espresso Machine With Auto Espresso Flow Review
Posted by: petitisobels on: September 18, 2009
I purchased the Briel Chamonix as a step-up/replacement for my Krups steamer. After brewing a couple of shots, I realized the flavor I was missing while I was using my trusty Krups. I feel I’ve made a reasonable purchase with this machine, with these positive observations:
- This is a _great_ value for the money I spent.
- Consistently positive reviews on Amazon (4/5 stars, 56 reviews)
- Nice compact form
- The machine heats up very quickly
- Contrary to a couple of other reviewers’ experience, the espresso produced is very hot, with no need to re-heat the coffee.
- Excellent steam for frothing.
These were/are some draw-backs:
- The distance under the brew-head to the base of the machine is, indeed, short. A shot glass fits comfortably, but nothing any taller. I need to find a short container that holds two shots because:
- When making two shots, the dispensor does not fill two individual shot glasses evenly. The right glass _always_ fills up before the left. I like double-shot lattes, so I find this an inconvenience.
- The frothing wand is at a rather odd angle…
Neutral thoughts and experiences:
- The package arrived with excessive moisture on and around the machine, packaged inside a plastic bag, just as this web-site and other reviews have noted. No surpise here.
- As several reviewers experienced, the stainless steel front panel had come apart from the machine and was laying loose in the box. I attribute this to the aforementioned excessive moisture in the package and probable tempurature swings the package was subjected to before arrival at my doorstep. I carefully cleaned the machine surface and removed the water droplets from the steel panel (used a blow dryer) and afixed it back to the machine. Seems to be holding fine.
- Following the enclosed instructions, it took three attempts to prime the pump.
- Having previous experience with espresso makers proved to be valuable in working with this machine. I think a beginner might not find the instructions very intuitive.
Capresso 440.05 MT-500 10-Cup Electronic Coffeemaker with Thermal Carafe Review
Posted by: petitisobels on: September 14, 2009
When I ordered the Capresso MT-500, I had mixed feelings. I’d never before bought a coffeemaker that cost more than [$$], and I was nervous about spending so much. But at the same time, I was weary of the ongoing battle with calcification in my old Mr Coffee ‘Accel’ coffeemaker (we have very hard water here). Furthermore, the coffee never did taste all that great, and after two or three hours on the warming pad the last cup was guaranteed to taste burnt and bitter.
In shopping for a new coffeemaker, my requirements therefore included both a thermal carafe and reasonable assurance that it would make decent coffee — and that it would do so for at least a few years. Unfortunately, most of the reviews I read reported that the carafes were flimsy and broke, or failed to keep the coffee hot enough.
The Capresso addressed all of these concerns and more, and everything about this coffeemaker says “quality.” There’s a replaceable charcoal filter that goes in the reservoir to help remove chlorine and other impurities. All of the metal surfaces that come into contact with water and/or coffee are stainless steel. The electronic controls are straightforward and easy to understand, and the brew-through sealed carafe is virtually idiot-proof… Moreover, the carafe, which has a stainless steel liner (not breakable glass), is very easy to keep clean. The clock doesn’t lose its settings during brief (<10secs) power glitches (a continuing annoyance with the aforementioned and now idle Mr Coffee). The Capresso is also very spiffy and attractive and looks great on our kitchen countertop.
And did I mention it makes great coffee? It does.
Although not absolutely essential, in my opinion, you will end up with hotter coffee — and hot coffee for a longer period of time — if you remember to pre-heat the carafe with some hot water for a few minutes before brewing. Just be sure to remember to -empty- the carafe before you start the cycle! Still, preheating isn’t always practical, such as when you’re using the automatic timer, and frankly, in my opinion the coffee’s stayed hot enough for up to 3 hours even when I haven’t prewarmed the carafe. Today, using a prewarmed carafe, my last cup was acceptably hot nearly 4 1/2 hours after I first made it.
I’ve been using my Capresso for a couple weeks now, and I have no regrets in shelling out premium dollars for a premium coffeemaker. I’d definitely do so again.
DeLonghi EAM3200 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
Posted by: petitisobels on: September 12, 2009
After reading, researching, and desiring one of these super-automatics for years — yes, years — I finally took the plunge and purchased this unit. There were two things that kept me from buying a machine until now: 1. Price 2. Dependability. I kept looking at the other models (you know them) and saw that they had potential problems after 6-12 months. I didn’t want to feel like a sucker when my $500-1000 unit quit working so soon. I also heard that customer service at any of the companies was questionable.
Here is how I addressed BOTH of these issues. I purchased a unit from BedBath&Beyond and spent $700 – 20% discount which (at least where I live in Texas) we receive at our house almost monthly. So a total of $560 + Tax. BB&B also provides an almost limitless return policy on items that aren’t working correctly. I assume that I won’t have any luck if it breaks in 10 years, but I received several assurances that I’m covered for at least several — no questions asks, no dealing with the manufacture.
As far as what I like about the unit. For < $600 I got a unit that is fully adjustable for grind size, grind amount, and coffee amount. In addition it has a by-pass for adding your own coffee grinds (instead of grinding beans internally) which works great for adding decaf for visitors. I’ve been super happy so far, I’ll update this review if I have any issues.
I know that this may sound like a ad for BB&B but it’s not, just wanted to throw the idea out there for someone else that is looking.
Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Review
Posted by: petitisobels on: May 17, 2009
I’m a coffee snob, plain and simple. I have a high end espresso machine, burr grinder, several french presses and an assortment of drip coffee makers along with a wonderful vintage vacuum machine. But, on a recent vacation, the condominium I was staying at came equiped with one of the Keurig machines and there were a few K-containers of assorted blends in the cupboard. Expecting nothing more than ordinary “motel room” coffee, I figured out how to use the Keurig, fired it up and put in a nondescript K-cup of “Columbian” and brewed a small cup while I was getting ready to head out in the morning….I won’t say I was shocked, but I was certainly impressed. That cup was significantly better than it should have been given the pre-packaged, pre-ground coffee and the somewhat “gimicky” appeal of the system. I purchased some additional “k-cups” that day from a local store and continued to have easy, no mess morning coffee for the rest of my stay.
When I got back one of the first things I did was investigate the Keurig and I wound up getting a B-60 along with several boxes of K-cup coffees. Is it as good a 100% Blue Mountain in a french press or Chemix drip maker? No, but it is pretty darn good coffee, that is consistent from cup to cup with literally no mess.
The machine operates pretty much the same way as an auto expresso maker with the K-cup replacing the espresso handle and filter. Hot water from a removable tank is heated and then injected into the K-cup after the machine punctures it top and bottom. On this particular model one can adjust the size of the cup and the temperature of the brew, though this is a rather narrow range. I got the best results from the smallest cup size and a 190 degree temp setting, but LIKE WITH ALL COFFEE MAKERS, BUYING ONLY THE FRESHEST K-CUPS AND USING GOOD QUALITY BOTTLED WATER, will be necessary to get the best results. The bottom line is that one can easily get a good decent cup of coffee in less than a minute (if you leave the machine on all the time) with practically no mess. Do I use it all the time? No, but for a single cup in the middle of the day, or if you only want one or two cups in the morning, it’s a simple, no mess fix. I also, got the available permanent filter and have had good success with my own grinds, though you do have to futz with the settings a little.
The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because of the initial and ongoing cost connected “the convenience”. But it does make very good coffee and is clearly superior to most auto drip coffee makers using store bought pre ground coffee.
Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Reviews.
Posted by: petitisobels on: May 12, 2009
I bought a Keurig after reading all of the reviews about it. I thought to myself, surely this machine has a lot of hype to live up to.
Not only did it pass the hype test, it did so with flying colors.
Let me just say that if you are doing research on this machine, you will discover that people just rave about it. Review after review say it is worth the investment.Easy cleaning: 4 It’s really not that bad, however, you have to take out the filter (the price you pay for filtered water – so it’s worth it, really 
) before cleaning the tank. The filter, itself, should be replaced – not too expensive. The only serious issue I have with this is that its surfaces are multi-level which creates lots of nooks and crannies. This makes cleaning the unit annoying – I have to use a cue-tip…but that’s just me…
Variety of coffee/tea/other available: 1 This is where the Tassimo takes a serious nosedive. I say “criminal” because most of its disks come from Gevelia. Now, if you like Gevelia, then this isn’t a problem. I like Gevelia, too, but I also like others, such as Timothy’s, Green Mountain, Gloria Jeans, etc. And this unit accepts only Gevelia, Maxwell House, Gloria Jeans (I think), and maybe one or two others. Nowhere near enough!
Price (per cup) vs. taste: 3 Okay, if you don’t mind your cappuccino, espresso, and lattes to taste a little “off”. What I mean is, I love coffee, tea, etc. but I’m not a prig about it; so, for me, what the cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes lack in quality, they make for in value. This is definitely a “you get what you pay for” scenario. Keep in mind, too, that the “milk” the machine uses is white…is liquid…but, since it doesn’t require refrigeration, I have no idea what it really is. I’m sure it’s fine – some sort of milk derivative – but still, do you really want to consume that regularly?
Buyer remorse factor: 3 Once you realize all of the above mentioned, you may feel a little buyer remorse. But still, it makes a fairly good cup of coffee.
The machine also does hot water, of course, for tea and hot chocolate….but I tried to take it a step further by placing a regular tea bag (minus the string and tag) into the chamber…and it brewed perfectly. So, loose tea in the “my k-cup” filter would also turn out great, I’m sure.
All in all, this is truly a QUICK, versatile, SUPERB coffee machine. Great for myself, who enjoys decaf and tea, and also for my husband who prefers strong as strong can get. He can have his cup, then I can have mine right after. No mess….no cleaning (except for having to clean the my k-cup filter, which is a breeze), and MANY options from a small, simple machine. Well worth the money. I can’t wait to use it when I have guests….that way everyone can have exactly whatever kind of coffee or tea they want and without a wait!
Cuisinart DLC-10S Pro Classic 7-Cup Food Processor Reviews
Posted by: petitisobels on: April 7, 2009
True to the listing, this little machine does a lot! Baklava requires a lot of chopped nuts. This machine does it lickety split. Beautifully sliced tomatoes, all the same width, in no time at all. Pesto in minutes. Every cook should have this item on the counter. Clean up is simple…put it in the dishwasher (but, not the motor part.) The machine is pretty quiet. The price is good at $99 w/ free shipping & handling. We had a $50 coupon that made this long overdue purchase even sweeter. I have nothing bad to say of this food processor. It’s awesome!
April 1, 2005 UPDATE:
Upon further use of this fabulous machine, I’ve come to rely on it more to save me time. Fry your bacon, dump it into this machine…instant bacon bits! 2.5 lbs of cheese from the warehouse club store…shreds in seconds! Put it in a zip-lock baggie for future uses in recipes, on salads or burgers. Making soup? Sliced carrots and celery have never been so fast! In the mood for fresh shredded potatoes for a meal? It shreds them up in no time. And, doughs really do mix well in this machine!
Background: I bought this Cuisinart after reading all the positive reviews on this site. I bought it mainly for making bread because my mother raves about making bread with hers. I already had a small food processor for chopping, so I wasn’t too concerned about that.
Opinion: I have made great bread with this (rustic style) with no problems, and it really is easy. I actually prefer this one to my smaller food processor for chopping, because the blade sits closer to the bottom of the bowl and so is better for chopping small quantities. So far I haven’t gotten the slicer to work as well as it does in the video (things fall sideways in the tube, etc), but I haven’t tried too hard. I only cook for two, and I do not think it is too big. In fact, it’s much better than the smaller one because I can slice several things into one bowl. Furthermore, I have sometimes found it to be too small (for making cole slaw, for example).
I am here now to get some additional blades. I recommend getting an additional, thinner slicer blade if you want to make coule slaw. The one that comes with the machine is a little too thick,
KitchenAid 700-Watt 12-Cup Food Processors Reviews.
Posted by: petitisobels on: April 5, 2009
I have had the 760 KitchenAid Food Processor for about a month now. It’s my third Food Processor over a period of 25 years or so. My first was a Cuisinart which was a good enough machine that lasted many years, then just wore out. The second was a Black and Decker: much less expensive and boy, did it show. It was LOUD. It danced all over the counter, and worst of all, the plastic housing cracked at the places where the bowl snapped on, rendering the machine useless. So…after doing some research with Consumer Reports, which named KitchenAid as the best brand of the lot, I chose this one.
Honestly, the 12 cup size is bigger than I really need, as I only cook for three now. However, the attachments that come exclusively with this model, make me glad I chose it. I got an extra full sized bowl. This was great on Thanksgiving. I could process in the mini bowl, large bowl, and outer bowl without having to stop and wash bowls in between. Very handy!
I have never owned a stand mixer, so I love the egg whisk on this machine. It means I can whip egg whites stiffly to fold into cake batter without stopping to wash my handmixer beaters.
And…the citrus juicer. My hands are beginning to be arthritic, and when I’m squeezing half a dozen lemons for a recipe, it will save alot of stress and time. (It has a strainer built in to catch large pulp and seeds…I love products that show alot of thought went into them.)I also got the nice accessory box which is extra expense on smaller machines.
This machine is very quiet. Very powerful. All the standard shredders, slicers, etc. work very well. I like the fact that I got two slicers, one for thin and one for medium thin.
I had read in other reviews about the problem with processing liquids. I don’t understand why this is, but I was relieved to see that there is a fill line on the outer bowl, so as long as you’re paying attention, you shouldn’t have trouble, not to mention how large the capacity of this machine is.
There was a learning curve. This machine is a bit more complicated to assemble and run than my other two. But after a half dozen uses, it’s becoming second nature. Not a big deal.
So…yes, it’s big. And if your counter space is at a premium, by all means, get a smaller one. It’s certainly too large to be lifting in and out of a lower cabinet very often. That being said, though, I am glad I bought this model and expect to enjoy it for many years.
