Brew up to 14 cups (70 ounces) of great-tasting coffee with this easy-to-use drip coffeemaker. The unit’s showerhead design helps extract coffee’s full natural flavor by allowing water to completely saturate all coffee grounds, while its aroma button activates a unique brewing process that enhances the flavor and aroma of coffee. The coffeemaker achieves this full-bodied flavor by saturating the grounds a little at a time using a time-released process that dispenses water into the filter basket in 30-second intervals. It also provides a pause-and-serve function, for pouring a quick cup midbrew, and a 24-hour programmable timer with two-hour automatic shut-off. Setting the timer allows for waking up to the aroma of freshly [Read More...]
Buy DeLonghi DC312T 14-Cup Drip Coffeemaker at Amazon
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October 31st, 2009 at 5:25 am
For most people, almost any coffeemaker on sale here at Amazon will be fine. But if you’re looking for the same kind of robust-flavor, non-bitter coffee served at places like Starbucks, then you need a coffeemaker with special capabilities. This machine has those capabilities–and at an excellent price. Here’s what I mean: 1. it has a 14-cup capacity. This is important because it means you can put more grounds into the filter without worrying about it overflowing. 2. Water temperature is hot and delivered though a “showerhead.” 3. This machine has a special setting that dribbles the water more slowly, steeping the grounds. This last (and unique to this machine) feature is what gives you exceptionally robust and flavorful coffee.
I’ve been through several coffeemakers (all exiled to the attic), and this one is the best–better than makers costing three-times as much. I bought mine for $35 at Target.
True, the clock-setting mechanism is clunky, but how often do you use that? On the other hand, the design of the water-tank and glass pot is very convenient.
On the downside, buying replacement parts might be a challenge. DeLonghi is an Italian company and doesn’t seem set up to supply parts for this machine. Given its low cost, however, buying parts might not be as advisable an option as simply buying a new machine.
October 31st, 2009 at 6:24 am
I’ve resigned myself to the reality of coffeemakers that last only a few years, so when we woke up to a coffeemaker full of cold water that should have been a pot of morning inspiration, we added a side trip to Target. The two criteria for the new coffeemaker: a timer and a basket that takes No. 4 filters. This DeLonghi fit the bill and was on sale.
It loses a star for its clunky timer which only advances a minute at a time, first at slow speed then more quickly, but earns back a half-star for its Aroma brewing option. By cycling the water flow on and off at 30-second intervals, the coffee develops a robust flavor reminiscent of perked coffee, but with the clarity and grounds-free smoothness of filtered. Yes, it nearly doubles the brew time but the 14-cup capacity should keep the java hounds at bay. To use the Aroma feature with the timer, figure on 2 minutes per cup and set the timer accordingly.
The entire top of the brewing unit swings open, revealing a generous pouring opening and an unusual “stair-step” water gauge. The filter basket is removable for easy cleaning and comes with a reusable nylon filter. I prefer paper filters and the basket accepts the No. 4 filters that fit our old coffeemaker. A thoughtful feature I haven’t seen anywhere else: After all the water has pumped through, the coffeemaker waits about 2 minutes and beeps several times to let you know the coffee’s ready to pour. Yes, it has a “pause ‘n’ pour” feature but, please, don’t do that. You’re stealing flavor from the rest of the pot. Your patience, especially if you use the Aroma option, will be rewarded.
October 31st, 2009 at 8:41 am
Love not having to make two pots of Coffee every morning. Don’t be alarmed if the first pot has a distinct plastic taste. Goes away forever after first pot.