Water Filter Reviews

Showing posts with label omni water filters. Show all posts

Vicks 1.0 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier is cheaper than most, especially if you buy something else from the same manufacturer (the $10 off $30 coupon helps out).

It only has two speeds, low and high. HIgh is somewhat noisy, but what you would expect. However low is whisper quiet, you can''t even really tell it''s on at all. I have a somewhat large room 17x14 or so, and it easily keeps it humid in here (I have a clock that has humidity on it, and can see the difference). As far as replacement filters, it appears as those are reasonable as well.

It doesn''t have any real features, but it works and it has worked well for me so far with no complains. Quiet, cheap, and humidifes, it''s win-win.

I originally purchased this unit for my child''s room 2 years ago -worked fine. There was no soaked carpet, no leaks, no fires, and no problems finding filters. I even liked the level of sound it would get loud gradually. My child (now 2 yrs old) loved the sound so much we had to find a sound machine to duplicate it.

We purchased another unit for our second child''s room. Strangely, this unit worked differently than the first. The second one leaked (very litte nothing a hand towel under the unit couldn''t fix) and was MUCH louder than the first. I also found that I needed to refill this unit more often than I did the first.

I didn''t see too much of a problem with the difference, just thought it was worth mentioning...

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I started getting sick, and for the first time since grade school had a bloody nose. That coupled with getting dry mouthed and dry skin and chapped lips every morning made me consider a humidifer.

When I went to the store I wanted a cool mist one, as cool mist would be nice in my room that is hot and dry during the winter. I expecte a misting machine, this thing doesnt mist, but I''m happy it doesn''t after reading all the review of people with soggy carpets because of their misters...

Since having this I haven''t felt as dry in the morning which is nice, I breathe easier and started feeling better. It a little louder than some but if you dont like the noise, turn down the speed to lower at night, I personally like some background noise and keep it on high.

The water last for a long time in these ones that use these wicks. There is only one downfall, mine is about a month old and the filter is getting pretty nasty already, although I admit my room is a dusty place and I''ve been using tap water. Apparently if you use those cheap 1 gallon Distilled waters the filter wont get all dirty or smelly as easily, as distilled water is pure, and tap water well....no matter what you think isn''t ;).

PRO: Humidifies room with few refills and doesn''t soak room.

CONS: The filter gets moldy/dirty pretty quick.

Hopefully this is usefull, I''m happy with it and I''m sure you''d be.

Read Best Reviews of Vicks 1.0 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier Here

I have purchased and thrown away at least 3 other humidifier''s prior to this one. I really like this one. The maintenance is so much easier and so far no scaly build-up like I had with the others. I love that the basin tray can go in the dishwasher. I put the filter in the sun to dry out weekly. I am very pleased with this item and haven''t experienced any of the problems others have mentioned. Very happy!!

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When I purchased this humidifier and set it up, I expected after a couple of hours to walk into my son''s room and be able to noticably tell that the humidifier was on. I couldn''t tell at all. The room felt just as it did a few hours earlier. With those old humidifiers that I grew up on, I was used to being able to see the humidified air coming out, and to have the room feeling almost muggy. I guess that''s what I expected.

At first, I was a little bothered that I couldn''t physically tell it was on and working. But, after running it for 3 days in a row now, my sons stuffy nose and cough have remarkably subsided, there''s no moisture buildup anywhere in the room, and my son is sleeping better.

So, although you don''t see or feel this humidifier working, it seems to have done really well in alleviating my sons cold symptoms. I am definitely becoming a fan of the evaporative technology this humidifier uses in controlling condensation build-up.

Bottom Line: If you buy this humidifier, be patient with it. Don''t assume it''s not working. You have to just watch for it to alleviate symptoms. You will NOT feel or see this thing working, but it has done wonders for my son.

KitchenAid 14-Cup Glass Carafe Coffee Maker Save 26% Off

KitchenAid 14-Cup Glass Carafe Coffee Maker, Onyx Black

I bought this coffee maker to replace my $350 Krups that I always thought made iffy coffee. Great decision! For the first time in my life, my coffee tastes like really great restaurant coffee. I''ve never been able to do that before. The box made mention of a "refined" brewing process for better tasting coffee, no further explanation. I don''t know what that process is, but it could be a contributor here. I do notice that the coffee doesn''t drip down into the carafe constantly, but rather gently shoots through in spurts, so I wonder if that has something to do with it. I have read that when water goes through the coffee faster, it''s better for the taste.

Also, I really like that I can (don''t have to) take the water tank off the back to fill up directly, rather than having to pour it into the coffee maker. I usually spill water, so that''s a nice feature for me.

The electronic display has blue letters/numbers, which is gentle on the eyes and pretty. The gold tone filter means no more paper filters, which is great.

So far no cons...

We have purchased several other brands of coffee makers over the years, but this is the first time we purchased KitchenAid. This coffee maker brews an awsome cup of coffee. It is easy to use & has several options so you can customize it for your own taste. Also, the 14 cup carafe is nice & this will keep your coffee hot for up to 4 hours.

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This coffeemaker is much better than the old versions of this coffeemaker. Its totally redesigned with a removable water tank. I love that. The best thing about it is it doesnt leak all over like my old one. Im very happy with this coffee maker.

Read Best Reviews of KitchenAid 14-Cup Glass Carafe Coffee Maker Here

Not very difficult to program for normal use, contrary to the complaints in other reviews. You do need to read the manual though. Removable water tank makes for a spill free beginning to your coffee ritual, but removing the tank and reinserting is an additional step in the process. Unlike most coffee makers, the filter basket doesn''t "hang" in the machine when you add the grounds. You must remove it entirely and fill it while holding it (you can rest it on the counter top, but it''s a bit wobbly that way). So that''s additional step #2. Both steps add about 20 seconds to your coffee process. It makes great coffee. Uses a three pronged plug, an indication of the high wattage of the unit.

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We bought this product in Canada (Sears) just before Xmas. We love all the features. It is especially handy to take the water reservoir to your sink to fill it. Your pot does not need to be beside the sink. Pours well. Keeps coffee nice and hot. You have to remember to push the ''program set'' button after you make your choices (hold until it beeps) or else it just reverts to the default. It took me a couple tries to realize this. We use the 1-4 cups setting when we are not making a full pot. BOLD brew seems to suit us. You don''t need any filters as it comes with a permanent filter basket. Once you master the settings you can just sit back and enjoy a great cup of hot coffee. Much better than our previous brand which only kept the coffee luke warm. Also like the automatic timer which lets you program it to come on in the morning.

Amazon''s price is very good. Highly recommend.

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Melitta Ready Set Joe Single Cup Coffee Brewer

I like this product. It is inexpensive, has filters that can be found anywhere, and provides real coffee taste in instant coffee quantities and time. This is great for me, because I do not drink more than 1 cup at a time, and making any more would just waste coffee time and money.

This cone allows you to come up with your own perfect brewing recipe without wasting pounds and pounds of coffee. The way the beans are roasted, the quality of those beans, the amount of coffee grounds you use and how they''re ground, the temperature of the water: all of these have a bearing on the taste of your coffee.

First, the water:

The industry standard for the ideal cup of coffee begins with a water temperature of 195-205 degrees. This is not quite boiling, which is why the "Monsieur Brew" brands make such bad coffee. Brewing with water at the boiling point over-extracts the beans, making for an overly bitter-tasting result.

Use a food thermometer to find this temperature range and use it with 2 tablespoons of coffee per 8 ounce cup of output as a starting point. Then vary the amount of grounds and water temperature as you see fit.

Now for the grind and blend of your coffee beans:

Melitta recommends that you get a coffee ground a little finer than the standard drip grind. You can easily get this done in one of the better supermarkets that has a coffee grinder for specialty coffees.

As for the blend, I''m not going to recommend brands, but the hallmark of inferior blends of coffee is that they start tasting sharp and nasty as they cool down. If this still happens with your Melitta filter after you''ve used the right amount of coffee and the right temperature of water, then you can blame it on your daily grind. With this filter you will quickly find which brands are good and which are bad in a matter of cups, not pots.

After this, keeping a couple of brief notes on what you do and how much stuff you use per cup will lead you to the best recipe for your kind of coffee in a relatively short period of time.

I''ve been using the Melitta system for over 20 years, and about 5 years ago starting using a new technique, which I like better. So here it is.

First, I fill my coffee cup with hot tap water to preheat it. Then fill the Melitta brew cone with a #4 filter, and wet it down with hot tap water. I like the over size # 4 filters, it keeps grounds from going down the side of the filter using this technique.

Next, I heat room temperature spring water in a Pyrex glass measuring cup, using a microwave. If you measure the water, you can easily get the right microwave time to produce 185 F degrees. For me, it''s about 1:50 for 8 oz. You want to avoid adding the coffee to boiling (212 F) water, it can make the coffee taste bitter. If it boils, let it cool for 60 seconds or so.

Then, I add the coffee, measured with a scooper, directly into the Pyrex cup full of hot water, and stir vigorously for 10-15 seconds. If you want, you can wait a little longer, depends on your taste.

Last, I pour the coffee and grounds into the Melitta cone/filter, which is placed over the empty pre-warmed coffee cup.

I think the end result is better, due to the longer contact time, and better ability to stir the coffee/hot water mixture. Give it a try yourself.

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Good product and improved over previous design...open at bottom so you can view how full the cup is getting so no overflow. New handle design is also an improvement.

Read Best Reviews of Melitta Ready Set Joe Single Cup Coffee Brewer Here

I''ve been using one everyday for 4 years now. I make a single cup of good coffee at home before I come into work where there are gallons of Starbucks at no cost to me personally. For many years previously my former office partner and I shared a French Press (I recommend the Portugese-made Bodum with a brazed and chromed brass frame and borosilicate glass decanter rather than their lesser spot-welded sheet metal units) -but presses are more effective at "8 cup" sizes and now I''m drinking only "2 cups" that I brew myself. Also, this filter holder is far easier to cleanup than a press. The coffee is a little tamer than that made by a french press but comparable to drip brewed coffee.

Drip brewing is really done best in very large volumes because some of the beans'' flavors are not extracted immediately unless a super fine grind is used. Small volume drip brewing tends to overextract finely ground coffee and underextract coarser grinds whereas large volumes of water tend to even everything out regardless of the coarseness of grind provided there is sufficient volume of coffee grounds. In small volumes, a perfect medium is difficult to achieve and using the right volume of coffee grinds is also important as too much will result in overextraction of the most available compounds whereas too little will result in a watery brew. Finer coffee will slow the drip down whereas coarser grinds will drain faster. Finer grinds conserve coffee beans but require more precise quantities.

With this type of brewer, you are in control of the water temperature and I''ve found it makes a big difference. Near boiling water tends to overextract tannic acids and make a bitter brew. Although some reputable experts suggest 190-200 degree water, I''ve found that 180-185 degree water produces less bitterness. It must go into a pre-heated cup.

The plastic here I understand is polypropylene -no BPA, phthalates or PVC. I doubt ceramic versions are safer.

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Sometimes the simplest things are the best things ever. Nearly 30 years ago I bought a 1-cup plastic coffee filter cone that is the greatest thing for camping since boiling water. Then they went out of style. For years I''ve been looking in vain for a backup/replacement and nearly gave up in despair. Melitta delivers and then some! The new style lets you gauge the water level while the cup fills, which prevents spills my biggest gripe with the old style. My gold-tone #2 filter also fits so I can eliminate paper filters at home. For better coffee extraction, slowly pour in the hot water a little bit at a time, two or three times, so the filter doesn''t fill more than about half way. Voila! The best.

F-201R Two Replacement Filter Cartridges Save 23% Off

Home Depot and Lowes did not stock the replacement filters. Neither did a big Appliance Parts store. They could all order but the price was really high. Easy to install.

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Sprite Industries Universal Shower Filter in Satin Nickel

Replaceable cartridge filter lasts up to 5,000 gallons or six months
Totally neutralizes chlorine and other contaminants
Blends in with other metal shower fixtures
Compact style offers powerful filtration performance
Extends the shower head by only 1 inch

I purchased the plastic (white) version of this at local big box home improvement store. Was not difficult to install, I did use teflon tape (I think some varieties come packaged with it, mine didn''t but I know to use it for things like this). It leaked at first. A little tightening, a little twisting and a little lining up and things are fine since. I have a generic hand-held shower head hanging off of it. Nothing major heavy but heavier than a little shower head. I use the shower attachment and don''t bang it around or anything and haven''t had any trouble yet (installed a little over a month ago). It takes a week or two until I noticed the difference for sure in skin/hair. But my hair color is definitely holding better, hair is not as schizoid and I am not feeling burned/itchy after a shower either. I think it is certainly worth the reasonable price I paid for my model and with filters lasting approx 6 months should not be an undue burden to keep using. I would recommend but I think they should include a little bit of teflon tape for people that aren''t familiar and don''t have it in the house so took off one star.

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Matches my other Satin Nickel fixtures Perfectly!!! It is heavier than I thought it would be, but it doesn''t seem to put a strain on the shower arm. You can tell it is working right away, especially if you live in an area like we do where there is a lot of chlorine in the water, the smell of the chlorine is gone and the water feels softer especially when rinsing your hair. We already had a Sprite shower wand, so I was used to their product quality, just was a little unsure due to the small size of this filter. Overall I would definitely buy this again.

Read Best Reviews of Sprite Industries Universal Shower Filter in Satin Nickel Here

This is an amazingly well crafted precision turned piece of solid metal. I couldn''t be happier with it. It looks like a engine part. The threads are clean and tight, the exterior surface is prisine. I got the Satin Nickel and it matches well with the Kohler Vibrant BN and Danze BN as well. It''s heavier than heck! And of course I love not being itchy and flaky from all the chlorine in our water. I have been a fan of Sprite since my first purchase 3 years ago, but this one is the absolute best yet! Worth every penny. And, it''s nice that they include the first cartridge with it. You just need one of these and you will see....

Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer

This simple device works like a charm. There''s a felt pad for a filter in the bottom. Dump a pound of ground coffee in and top it off with water(I use spring water).Wait 24 hours and pull the plug, draining the concentrate into the decanter. Mix with hot water to taste(1:2 or 1:3)and you have the sweetest coffee you''ve ever had (without sugar).It seems the hot brewing puts bitter compounds in the coffee. Keep the concentrate in the fridge. Love it.

First, let me say that this product makes excellent coffee. I usually regret drinking regularly-brewed coffee because of the acid, but I''ve been drinking this cold-brewed coffee for two weeks now and have had NO ill after effects.

The only reason I''m not giving it 5 stars is because it''s basically just a couple of pieces of plastic, and so I''d consider it fairly overpriced for what you get.

What you get is: a plastic carafe with snap-on lid, a container to put ground coffee in, a filter pad, and another container to put water in. Water empties through a small hole into the container with the ground coffee in it, and you let it sit over night. In the mornning, pop the cork out of the coffee container (on the bottom), and let the syrup drain into the carafe (through an included filter pad). That''s it. You could, if you were motivated enough, make one of these out of those x-large soda cups from 7-11.

But, the coffee is excellent. I''ve been using it to make iced coffee, and it''s wonderful. One part syrup, 2-3 parts milk, a shot of chocolate syrup and you''ve just saved yourself $5 from Starbucks. It''s that good.

It''s easy to use, easy to clean, you only have to use it once every week or so (depending on how much coffee you drink), and the coffee is excellent. And it has low acid, to boot.

(Disclaimer: I like mellower roasts of coffee. I''ve never been a fan of very strong, dark roasts and that may factor into my appreciation of cold-brewed coffee. Smooth is how I''d describe it.)

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I was very satisfied with this product. I was a barista for three years and we used this same brand of brewer for our cold press. It''s easy to use and clean. It makes great iced and frozen lattes. The directions that come with the product are very easy to understand. I purchased this for my boyfriend and he loves it.

Read Best Reviews of Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer Here

I ordered this one as a replacement to my Toddy Cold Brew machine. The filter in the Toddy was inadequate to prevent dripping during the brewing time. To compensate I pushed the plug further and further in to create a better seal. This eventually led to the bottom of the Toddy getting cracked.

The Filtron, when compared to the Toddy, is much better product. The filter is slightly oversized for the bottom of the container which creates a much better seal. Also, the fliter has a pull/draw string on top so taking the filter out after brewing is a snap (Toddy filter does not have this draw string and getting filter out is dificult). Also, the plug on the Filtron is thicker than the Toddy plug. Also, the Filtron comes with a plastic cover for the top of the unit. The Toddy does not have a top cover so I had to use a dinner plate to seal the top. Finally, the Filtron stuff is black which does not show the brewing stains as bad as the white Toddy plastic does.

However, the one advantage that the Toddy unit has (besides being less expensive) is that it comes with a large glass jug. Filtron has a narrow plastic one that I don''t like. I use Toddy glass jug with the Filtron brewing stuff. Overall, though the Filtron wins hands down and is best value IMO.

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I can not state it simpler than the title of this review. This coffee is GREAT. I am single and making a pot of coffee or even a half pot of coffee most times results in stale coffee left in the pot that gets thrown out. Talk about waste. So at home, making coffee in a conventional drip maker is really not economical for a single person.

I drink probably 5 cups of coffee every day. One each morning before work, two at work, and then no coffee until after dinner which I am back home by then. So, at home three cups of coffee at best. At work, having no coffee maker, I had been drinking a double cup of Instant (I shutter to even think of it). Talk about NASTY tasting. I have tried many different brands of instant and none of them tasted worth anything. If it is not fresh brewed, its NOT coffee. While searching for a better way of brewing coffee, my main goals was easy, convenient, and FRESH Brewed taste. I was about to think I could not get these three together until I stumbled on Cold Brewed Coffee Concentrates which I have never in my 51 years ever heard of.

I decided on the Filtron over the Toddy because it seemed easier and a better thought out little system. My first cup which was drank with a certain amount of apprehension was just eye opening GOOD. I do not think I had ever drank a home made cup of coffee that good...and because its a concentrate what could be easier than mixing 1 ounce with 4 or five of water and heating it in the microwave? As easy as instant but that fresh brewed taste makes it a winner.

After two weeks of drinking this concentrate both at home and work (getting my 5 cups in a day :) I brewed a pot with my trusty ole plug in Hamilton beach drip machine and I could hardly drink the bitter cup of muddy water with an oil slick on top that I used to call a good CUP O JOE. I unplugged my drip machine that evening, and I am never looking back. I love the Filtron''s smooth, great tasting coffee.

Update: I am still drinking nothing else but coffee concentrate from my Filtron coffee brewer. Ah that cold brewed coffee. Thought I would give this helpful hint. I may be the last person aware of this helpful tidbit, however, get yourself an ice cube tray from say walmart. I chose the plastic Rubbermaid, which as luck would have it holds exactly one ounce liquid per cube. Every batch of coffee take out enough concentrate to make say eight coffee cubes...or a whole tray but that uses up 16 ounces of your coffee...at any rate put this into your freezer and when frozen, remove from tray and put into zipper freezer bag. Keep enough frozen coffee cubes for that day, when in between batches (it does take 24 hours you know) when you need a cup. One coffee cube to your cup, fill with water and heat in microwave, no stirring required.

Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Brew Station

I just received this coffeemaker directly from Hamilton Beach after my previous Hamilton Beach coffeemaker (purchased from Amazon) died after less than one year. Hamilton Beach replaced it under warranty after some bickering. I''m still chuckling about Hamilton Beach''s request that I cut the electrical cord on my old coffeemaker & mail it to them, then mail them a photo of the cordless machine (which I did). Luckily, I was able to search for the order & I e-mailed the date of purchase to Hamilton Beach. The HB before that one lasted seven years, but I guess those days are over with cheaper manufacturing & outsourcing of parts. I have always liked these carafe-free coffeemakers & the coffee always came out hot enough--provided you preheated the unit by running water through it before brewing coffee.

One of the supposed "upgrades" or "improvements" is the detachable water reservoir. I have never had trouble filling the old non-detachable reservoir, so I don''t find this feature especially useful.

The worst (and dumbest) thing Hamilton Beach could have done is to make the round filter in the coffee tank non removeable. With the previous models, the filter is removeable. I always left it off because it filters out too much coffee flavor & the coffee comes out weak regardless of how much ground coffee is used. Besides, I always use filtered water anyway. I just made a 12-oz cup of coffee & I used 5 tbsp. of coffee which should make pretty strong coffee. The coffee came out weak. I prefer coffee with a little cream & sugar, not cream & sugar with a little coffee.

I bought a $10.00 Hario Coffee Drip from Starbucks & made better, stronger coffee using less grounds than with this machine.

Had I paid for this machine, I would have returned it.

If you like weaker coffee, you''ll like this coffeemaker, otherwise, buyer beware.

Update: 10-13-12: After contacting Hamilton Beach & asking if I could remove that filter without damaging the unit, they explained that I could not, because if I did remove it, coffee would leak from the tank. So, I tried an interesting trick: After making the coffee, I lifted the coffee tank & poured the coffee directly into my cup instead of using the dispenser lever. That bypasses the filter. The coffee came out a bit stronger but still rather weak. WARNING: If you do it that way, you have to be very careful not to touch that metal heating plate at the bottom of the tank. Yeah...it''s very HOT.

UPDATE: 10-28-12. I found my older Hamilton Beach Coffeemaker & made an interesting discovery that further explains why the coffee is so weak regardless of how much coffee is used. On my old HB coffeemaker, there are NINE LARGE HOLES, spaced far apart in a large shower-head design that allows the hot water to fall on ALL the coffee in the basket simultaneously. This is ideal. On this new coffeemaker, there are only SEVEN SMALL HOLES close together (like a hose nozzle) so the coffee can''t possibly be completely saturated by the water. This is likely a much bigger issue than the permanent filter in the tank. MAJOR FAIL on Hamilton Beach''s part. If you use expensive coffee in this machine, you''re wasting money with each cup.

For our last 4 coffee makers we purchased only Hamilton Beach Brew Stations. This latest is the best so far due to the separate water tank. While I agree with others that a light would be helpful under the fill spout, the only thing that really concerns me is the percolating sound it makes for the entire 2 hours that it is keeping our coffee warm. None of the other models over the years have made this continuous noise. It sounds like the coffee is still brewing when it clearly isn''t. I''ve never seen a review that mentioned this problem, so maybe it''s an isolated issue. If anyone has input I''d like to hear it. Other than that, once again we''re satisfied with the brew station.

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This is my 3rd Hamilton Beach Brewstation. The first lasted 3 years and the last one still works after 3 years but looks old and tired in our new kitchen. So it was a no-brainer to try this new iteration of a great concept in drip coffeemaking.

It makes fantastic coffee every time. Bold, regular, iced coffee all great!! We clean the filter and tank every morning so they don''t get scuzzy, and we clean the pot itself every month with either vinegar or dispenser cleaner. Not a problem ever. Easy to program, looks good on the counter, with an improved footprint from the 48464 (not as tall or deep, but slightly wider to allow for the water reservoir). A snap to use. Love the fact there''s no carafe and we can fill up any container we want to easily and quickly from the well-positioned, high pour spout.

We feel the use of filtered water is important, not only to the taste of the coffee, but to the longevity of the machine as well. For this reason, the addition of the water reservoir was an important selling feature for us. However, when we try to use it at the filtered water dispenser on our fridge, we find its curved shape and non-removeable lid make this awkward, so we''re back to filling a Rubbermaid pitcher and pouring filtered water into the reservoir that way. Note this Brewstation has no water filter inside the tank.

We''d love it if there was light at the pour spout so we can see when to stop pouring when the only light comes from undercounter lighting or from the instrument panel (which lights up the room at night with a pleasant soft blue glow).

If this machine had a lighted pour spout and an a removeable water reservoir lid, it would be PERFECT! :D

Read Best Reviews of Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Brew Station Here

I like the idea of the brew station, but after a few days I returned it to the retailer. There were two issues. First, even on the "BOLD" setting, it require more coffee than my old $20 pot to get a good flavorfull cup of coffee. Intead of 12 tbs as recommended, it needed 14-15 to get a strong enough brew. Most importantly, it would not keep the coffee hot enough in the on-board pot. Even after being in the resevior for 30-40 minutes, I still had to microwave each cup to get them piping hot.

I don''t know if I go a lemon, or if this is normal for a Brewstation. I didn''t take a chance on another. I''ll go back to a conventional coffee maker.

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This is the third BrewStation we''ve owned. The first one had that horrible leaky tank problem... the second one was pretty good and lasted us for a long while, but still had the issue w/being difficult to fill, plus the serving spout was too low for filling travel mugs.

When the second one died w/o warning (still not sure what happened), I purchased this machine. I really like the look, the removable/refillable water tank, and the higher dispensing spout. The coffee is very good and stays drinkable until the end of the pot. The features of this machine (timer, customizable ''keep warm'' time) are the same as the last machine I had, so nothing new to remark on there, but it works well. I particularly like the fact that the ''program'' button glows brightly and is easy to see across the room when I''m not quite sure whether or not I''ve already set it up for the next day (don''t ask, I''m getting old.)

Bar Maid Glassware Sanitizer Tablets

We use these tablets when washing dishes on Scout campouts. You really need warm/hot water to dissolve these, though. When camping in January, we had a hard time. Otherwise, we feel better about our dishes and their sanitation when using these tabs.

great addition to the rinse water. excellent for camping just make sure the water is hot to dissolve faster. also use in the rinse cycle in the dishwasher.

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Cigar Oasis XL Plus Electronic Humidifier Refill Water Cartridge

These refill cartridges use a very cheap foam and will not hold water for more than a couple of days.

this is the third one I have purchased. I would buy another if I get another humidor. it is very quite.

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TotalPond PF850 Pressurized Biological Filter Save 30% Off

I have a 400 gallon Koi pond. During the mid-summer heat wave my pond was completely green. Within 4 hours of installing this filter the pond was totally clear! The filter is really well built and very easy to maintain. I have tried other filter systems, but this little wonder is by far the best. The installation is very simple. I would highly recommend this filter for smaller Koi/fish ponds. For its ease of use, its quality construction, and ultimately for how well it works to keep the water clear and healthy.

I have a 400 gallon pond as well... I installed the unit IN the pond but be prepared because it does float, even when filled. I have a large stone on the top to weigh it down.

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HIC Porcelain Coffee Filter Cone

This is a solid piece of ceramic with good glazing. It rests securely on either a coffee mug or my old Mr. Coffee carafe.

This cone has three holes in the bottom, a feature which I have come to see doesn''t make much difference. Apparently, how fine the coffee is ground determines the flow rate more than the number of holes. Once the coffee is through the filter paper, it is going to flow at a steady rate through one hole or three.

This cone is a little heavy, but I feel that it will last a long time. The handle is nice and thick.

I bought this item after trying the more expensive Frieling/Cilo and having bad luck with two of them. (You can see my review on that item''s page.)

Using a cone of any type seems to make better coffee than the many drip machines I''ve tried over the years. You can control the temperature and flow of the water exactly the way you want.

Enjoy!

UPDATE: Have had this now over two months, using it twice every day. Love it. Good, solid, well balanced, and very handy.

I had a difficult time comparing this to the Frieling Cilio version that''s significantly more expensive. I ended up getting both, and prefer the Frieling Cilio. I''ve uploaded some product photos to help others make the comparison.

Weight and thickness: the HIC is significantly heavier and thicker than the Frieling Cilio. I like the lighter weight of the other one.

Number of drain holes: HIC has three, Frieling Cilio has one larger one. No noticeable difference in draining time.

Outer diameter of bottom rim: this is the ring that helps keeps the filter holder in place on your carafe. Frieling Cilio has a smaller diameter (2 7/16") vs. HIC (2 3/4"). My carafe opening diameter is also 2 3/4" which makes the HIC very awkward and unsteady. Your carafe needs to have a larger diameter opening than the bottom rim on the filter holder.

Small differences, but they add up. I like the Frieling Cilio much better and feel it''s worth the extra cost.

Buy HIC Porcelain Coffee Filter Cone Now

For the ultimate coffee experience, this is a must have for the home brewer. The obvious ingredients for great coffee is the coffee itself (My favorite is Starbucks Casi Cielo), quality water and this simple device. You will need to tweak the coarseness of the grinds to your own personal taste. I recommend the Capresso 560 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder, Brushed Silver Finish

Follow the steps below or this link and enjoy coffee a whole new way. Note that it takes a bit longer this way to make but definitely worth the extra effort.

The coffee geek''s guide to home brewing

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1. Bring 20 oz good, clear water to a boil and grind 3/4 oz coffee beans to medium-fine (soft, but gritty enough to clump when pressed between fingers).

2. Pour hot water through a Melitta cone (this rids inner filter of paper taste) into your cup, then pour 10 oz of the boiling water into a measuring cup.

3. Empty the water from your cup, add the grounds to the filter, and pour several tablespoons of the measuring-cup water over the grounds to wet them.

4. After a few seconds, slowly pour the rest of the measuring-cup water over the grounds, stirring the mix while you pour.

5. When the coffee has drained from the filter, stir once and consume immediately. You''ve earned this one.lver Finish]] Follow these instructions:

Read Best Reviews of HIC Porcelain Coffee Filter Cone Here

This cone is very sturdily built, and the glazing does not seem to have any thin spots. Learning to brew a respectable cup of coffee took a few tries but is worth the effort (at least compared to the company coffee!). Pour in a shot of water to get most of the grounds wet and let the water go though and the grounds settle. Then slowly add the water along the sides of the cone. The idea is to keep as much of the water in contact with the grounds for as long as possible. If you add too much water, the grounds will float to the top of the water causing the rest of the water to filter through much too quickly. I like to squeeze some of the really dark coffee from the grounds after the last of the water has filtered through.

The filter has 3 fairly large holes in the bottom. I might have given it 5 stars if it only had 1 hole in the bottom so that the water filtered though more slowly on it''s own.

If you''re a bit uncomfortable with the idea of hot water being in contact with plastics (I am, not that it stops me from using my coffee maker at home though), then this is a great device to use to brew your morning cups.

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Just received this item and have made a few individual cups of coffee. Love it. Water flows through at just the right rate for good coffee flavor. Tastes better than our auto drip coffee maker. Maybe it''s because I can get the water hotter boiling it in the tea kettle? Maybe the rate of water flow is better? Super-easy clean up. Lets you make a cup of coffee with only slightly more effort than making a cup of tea. Much cheaper than using a K-cup or pod coffee maker, almost as convenient, and the coffee tastes worlds better. I''d call this no. 4, a good ''medium'' size. Not a good size if you need something to carry to work; just right if it''s going to stay in the kitchen. You can use it on a mug, but will also hold enough coffee grounds to let you make a 12 cup pot. The cone shaped paper coffee filters (1, 2, 4, and 6) only vary by overall height, the slope of the sides is the same; so you can use smaller sized filters in this No. 4 sized cone if you prefer. I''ve also used this to hold a paper filter for making cold brewed coffee. I''m considering putting away the auto drip coffee maker and Keurig machine and gaining back some counter space.

Jura 7520 Claris Water Care Cartridge Save 14% Off

The Claris filter is manufactured for the Jura Coffemakers, but does not fit the F9 perfectly.

It only has 3 slots to lock in place however the water container comes with 4 blades which should lock into 4 slots.

It still fits, but the clearyl water filter has a better fit.

Amazon had the lowest price I found on this filter which is the one specified for use with a Capresso C1000.

Buy Jura 7520 Claris Water Care Cartridge Now

These things are so freakin expensive and my machine makes me change them every 5 7 weeks. They work great for not having to. Descale the machine but I can''t believe what a rip off they are. I rate them 1 star based on price to value, but as far a how they work, I guess they do what they are designed for,

Read Best Reviews of Jura 7520 Claris Water Care Cartridge Here

Nothing special and way overpriced but necessary for the Jura coffee maker and it''s not available locally. I buy filters for my water at a fraction of the price but this is the only game in town for the Jura.

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I normally did not use this filter with my S8 because I use R/O water, but now our present RO system can do no better than up in the 90 ppm range due to the hardness of the ground water so I decided to try this filter again. I was surprised to see it immediately bring the 90 ppm level down to 28 ppm (AMZ // HM Digital COM-100 Waterproof EC/TDS/TEMP Meter)... and apparently thee filter is good for 500 cups at $20 or two months whichever comes first... for me that would only be 120 cups in two months before I had to throw it away and I probably would because I don''t know what''s in that filter, but someone does!!

I thought that it was just a "filter" but something that brings down the ppm level that far down is more than just a filter. I have a Spotless Water System (AMZ // DI-120 Cr Spotless Water System) for washing my cars and windows, it also turns water into distilled (de-ionized) water quality of 0.00 ppm. It uses a resin to remove ALL minerals in the water. I''m guessing, just guessing that this Jura filter uses a resin of some sort too. I wasn''t expecting that. I don''t drink my Spotless Water System water per company recommendation, but I don''t know why they don''t recommend drinking it and it probably has nothing to do with a Jura filter process. Spotless recommends for one thing that totally mineral-less water is of no value to drink...?

Plan B:

$35 per 3 gallon glass water bottle (cheaper locally without shipping) plus an AMZ Dolphin Manual Drinking Water Pump @$17... then $.50 per gallon of water for commercial RO water @ 5 ppm max. At $20 per filter that equals the price of 40 gallons of high quality commercial RO water if you have an outlet near you... and I don''t have to throw my water away after 2 months, or 500// (120 actual) cups!

Once the two Jura filters that I bought are used up (two months or 500 cups whichever comes first per filter) I plan to follow my Plan B...

Sorry Jura, but I just don''t know what that stuff is that is shaking around inside that filter... It has taken so long to write this that I''ve now decided to toss the two new filters immediately anyway. I don''t even know why I gave it 3 Stars maybe just trying to give the other 3 Star guy company... just trying to be nice I guess. (No more Mister Nice Guy... now down to 2 Stars). Folks might not have access to RO water companies so this could be an alternative... a dumb alternative!

Even my wife said... "What''s in there shaking around? Does our water go through that! Do we drink that? Where does it go?" Not wanting to appear too dumb for buying $40 of these filters I said that whatever is in there it must gets out with the coffee grounds!! Smart girl.

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