De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

The DelLonghi EC155 is an excellent budget machine found for under $100 that is pump driven. I was happy with my old steam driven Delonghi, but once I received this I realized that I didn't even know what I was missing. This espresso is as good or better than anything you'll get in a nice Italian restaurant or at your local Charbucks. The chrema that this thing produced is flat out great (you'll get a nice 1/4 layer of tasty emulsified foam). The convenience of pulling a single shot is great too, and you really only need the machine to warm up a few minutes before you pull a shot.

Buy from AMAZON

Aerobie 80R08 AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

This makes a good cup of coffee (Really an Americano but if you don't know the difference who cares). As far as an Americano, I found it to be very smooth, not too sharp and not too flat but just right. It really brings out the flavors in the beans if made right. As a snob, I have my favorite methods of brewing, and this, I would have to say, is number 2 or 3 in my book. It is very simple, and the clean up is awesome, but it is meant for one cup, and repeating the process for multiple cups can be a pain. I tend to share my coffee, or want more than one cup, so I don't mind the extra clean up of a simple french press or vacuum siphon. I would say that if you want to become a snob, this would be a good starter, but get some good beans.

Buy from AMAZON

Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder

I have been using Bodum Burr Grinder almost every day for a year now. It still works perfectly fine. I used to use those small blade grinder but it was so cumbersome and messy. This Bodum Grinder is so easy to use, not messy, easy to clean, and looks very elegant in the kitchen.

Buy from AMAZON

Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemakers

After buying a succession of cheap coffee makers which broke down after a year or two and made mediocre coffee, I decided to upgrade to Cuisinart.
I don't agree with the negative comments about this product.
The clock is easy to program and it's clearly indicated that you should either use paper or gold filter (twice in the instructions). It's also easy to pour water in the reservoir if you use the carafe. You can turn the coffee maker to the left, and the reservoir opening is easily accessible. Its opening is by no means tiny, as a reviewer described it.
The center funnel which holds the filter is well situated and there is very little risk of dropping coffee grounds into the water reservoir.
The carafe is well designed, with a comfortable handle. It pours neatly, without dripping coffee all over the counter, something which always happened with my old Mr. Coffee.
You do have to realize the lid snaps down on top of the carafe. This is not explained in the instructions.
Most importantly, it makes an excellent coffee.
There is a 3 year guaranty which is more than I have seen for others.
So far, I have no complaint, and I am glad I bought this product for a great price.

Buy from AMAZON

Cuisinart CPT-120 Electronic Cool Touch 2-Slice Toasters

I bought this Cuisinart toaster about a month ago. Previously, I owned a cheap Toastmaster two slice toaster that I had since college.

This toaster is compact but has everything you could need. It has slots wide enough for homemade bread and bagels, a reheat and defrost button and a cancel button. It is a very powerful toaster for sandwich bread. The first time I used it I was too excited to read the instructions first so I set the LED dial at 5 which was the level I used on my Toastmaster. That was a mistake because I burnt the toast crisp. This toaster I only have to set to a 2 to get my toast a nice brown shade. It really puts off the heat. I don't eat bagels so I can't say how it does on them. On Toaster Strudels it works well at a level 4 or 5 setting. I love this toaster and would buy it again!

Buy from AMAZON

Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffeemakers

Overall, this is a great little unit and it has inspired others in my office to purchase this model as well. Making my own coffee is much cheaper than paying a $1.00 for a 16 oz. cup in the cafeteria and I love the smell when the coffee is brewing. Having this unit allows me to drink the specialized coffee I prefer. The small size means making a second pot isn't so much of a chore on those days when one pot isn't going to cut it. I recommend the Mr. Coffee DRX5 to people who like fresh coffee with a minimum of fuss, either at home or at work.

Buy from AMAZON

Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug

This nifty little coffeemaker is difficult to find in stores, so I was glad to see it at Amazon. It saved my marriage because my spouse doesn't drink coffee (hates the stuff) and there's no pot to clean. Even though it comes with a huge mug, the coffee tastes best when you use it with a normal china mug or cup, and with beans that are ground fine. I'm on my second one -- it lasts about four to five years in daily use. Not bad for the money. I won't drink coffee that's been sitting for more than five minutes, so the Brew 'n Go is perfect. If you're the only Joe drinker in the house, it's an absolute must!

Buy from AMAZON

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

After purchasing 3 other coffee makers, the 4th one is the charm! This coffee maker makes great tasting coffee. I never knew there was a difference -- it's worth spending a few more dollars on. It also has all of the features I was looking for such as: adjustable warming plate, 1-4 cup selection, water filter, programmable. It is a rather tall machine, but certainly not a problem as it fits fine underneathe most cabinets. Als, the carafe is well-made and has a spout that pours nicely without spilling. No complaints about this one!

Buy from AMAZON

Krups GVX Burr Grinder

One other reviewer stated that this grinder is ungodly big - soooo not true. At a little under 10 inches tall, 5 inches deep, and 4 and 1/2 inches wide, this grinder is WAY smaller than my previous Cuisinart Burr Grinder which just recently broke. And the noise! DECIBLES quieter than my Cuisinart!!! It is such a low sound for a grinder. Mainly sounds a little louder than a murmur....First time I grinded coffee, I nearly jumped for joy that the volume was loads lower than my other one! Grinds were also very even. I grind in between medium and fine, and I did not see extremely powerdy grinds or even course grinds. Everything was very even in it's texture! Great grinder. I love it already!!!

Buy from AMAZON

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1)

First off, the grind you get from a burr grinder is superior to a blade, hands down. This grinder makes a superbly uniform grind, and the fineness/coarseness is easily adjustable. For the price, this is an excellent burr grinder. Highly recommend it for your average coffee drinker. If you are grinding things finely, grinding spices or flavored coffees, or grinding lots of coffee, read on for important details.

I was a little disappointed with the plastic grind hopper. Burr grinders I have used in the past were glass, and while I didn't think plastic would be a big deal, extremely fine grinds tend to 'stick' due to static electricity.

When doing longer grinds (for larger pots of coffee, etc) the motor really starts to sound strained. I'm worried that with heavy use over a few months I might have issues with it. If I do, I'll update this review.

*most* of the grinder is very easy to clean... however, inside the base there are a couple of pieces out of reach, and really fine grinds tend to collect just inside the chute that dumps the grinds into the hopper. If you grind flavored coffees (or, in my case, fresh seed spices) and need to clean it, you might be a little frustrated.

Buy from AMAZON