Cuisinart Perfec Temp 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Save 55% Off

first, i like hot coffee not the tepid brew that comes out of most coffee makers nowadays. this machine brews coffee at the correct temp , especially if you add milk or creamer to your coffee. the large 14 cup capacity is perfect for my wife and me in the mornings when we both want a large mug of "starter" coffee and the have plenty left to carry to work. before we always had to make two pots. it is easy to operate and very easy to see the nicely lit display. if you want to make less than a full pot it has settings for that and more. it is slower to brew than our old coffee maker ,but worth the little extra for the correct temp. the only other nitpick is i wish it had a removable water resevoir to carry directly to the sink. our old coffee maker had that feature and we really liked it. but here''s the thingthis thing makes great coffee. if you go to the expense of buying good beans(or even if you don''t) you want the best cup to live up to your kona or celebes or whatever you prefer. this machine delivers where it counts,finally . there are a lot of expensive (and cheap) coffee makers that aren''t worth a darn-this one is!!!

This is our first Cuisinart purchase and so far we are pleased with the product. This coffee maker is very sleek looking, easy to use and clean. The carafe is light and easy to pour. The coffeemaker is simple to use, my husband set it up and programed it, I made coffee the next day without even reading the manual. It fits nicely under our cabinet( 18inches from countertop-cabinet) and the lid pops open with ease for adding water or coffee.

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I agree that this model makes great tasting coffee and very hot, perfect if you add milk/cream. However, as one previous reviewer stated, the top latch does not work. After 1 week of using this coffee maker, the top latch would not open. Had to open it with a knife. I then returned it and exchanged it for a new one hoping it was just bad luck, but the same thing happened after only a few days. I have now returned it for the last time and will find a different model, maybe a different brand.

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I wont take a star away for it, but my old Cuisinart is steel on the entire outside face of the machine including sides, whereas this one is covered in plastic for all but the bottom half of the front and the face of the handle. Even if it was black metal to highlight the lit and digital displays that would be better than plastic. Plastic says my parents'' Mr. Coffee to me--which I replaced to their immense joy at Christmas last year. Plastic is cheap; metal is craft and quality. The old one also has classic knobs and switches that I like. If it weren''t for the plastic design I would probably not miss the good old fashion knobs, switches, and buttons but without it this model in a word looks cheap by comparison.

But still it gets five stars because it''s the best machine. I especially like the BOLD setting because it genuinely gives me a richer tasting coffee. It''s not noticeably hotter, but the flavor option is definitely different than regular. For those of you who have been putting extra coffee in to get that bolder flavor, this should save you some money.

Another difference between this new machine and my old one is that there is no temperature control for the warming plate on the bottom, and no sensor. I liked this feature on the old machine but don''t miss it on this one since I typically just turn it off as soon as the coffee is made.

Otherwise, all the same great features and operation of the old machine.

BOTTOM LINE: It''s a better machine which makes even better coffee than the old Cuisinart, but the styling isn''t something to show off to your friends or highlight in your kitchen the way all other Cuisinart machines are.

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I liked it, but not as well as the Cuisinart DCC-2600 that I bought several months ago. Both are 14-cup both are programmable. Both have the same carafe.

I LOVED the large, easy to read clock on the DCC-2800! Wow, BIG improvement over the tiny, bend down and try to read the dark background clock on the DCC-2600.

I like the looks of the DCC-2600 better chrome and black. The all black plastic of the DCC-2800 was a major dust magnet and looked like someone had thrown gray flour at it after 2 days on the kitchen counter. Honestly, if looks are important to you, I think the DCC-2600 is a better looking machine and it matches my Cuisinart Microwave. My opinion only, of course :)

Maybe I got a defective machine, but the top did not open all the time. Ever had a DVD player that did not want to give up the disc???? Same with this coffeemaker. Did not want to pop open even though I pushed the top button time after time. I was ready to get a dinner knife out!

I also don''t like the way the coffee filter basket fits into the machine. It does not click into place like it does in the DCC-2600. This one has a little tab that fits into a small space provided for that purpose. And, the permanent filter itself does not fit snug into the filter basket holder. As a result of me just popping it into place (I guess it was in there too loose) and putting coffee in it, I got a real mess in the coffee pot...murky looking, coffee grind filled carafe that had to be thrown out.

And, then....there were the creaking, popping noises that had me thinking someone was coming in the sliding screen door off the patio!!!! The cats came running into my office scared. I went out and all I heard was the coffeemaker after the brewing finished.

I also don''t like the ''showerhead'' water dispenser in the lid as well as I do in the DCC-2600 either. It''s larger with more holes in the DCC-2600.

So, I don''t know if I got a defective machine or if this new DCC-2800 still has a few bugs to be worked out, but it''s going back and I am keeping the DCC-2600, which I love! Makes the best pot of coffee and it''s hot enough.....oh, on the DCC-2800 you can''t regulate the temperature of the carafe plate which you can on the DCC-2600.

I have always had the best of luck with Cuisinart, but not with this DCC-2800. The only way to know for sure is to buy one...other reviewers have had excellent results.

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Mavea 1007930 Classic Fit Replacement Filter, 2-Pack

Mavea Water Filters (for Brita Systems) are a direct replacement for Brita''s. They look a little different but fit the regular Brita pitcher. The differences are minor and in favor of Mavea.

1. Cheaper (of course, prices on Amazon go up and down all the time)

2. A little less fuss. Presoaking takes less than a minute instead 15.

3. No annoying specks of carbon floating around Mavea has an extra liner in the top of the filter to trap those. Because of that, you can add water faster without worrying about forcing out carbon specks.

Same capacity. 128 40oz uses for both brands.

Allegedly, Mavea has some silver in its filter for anti-bacteria. I can''t vouch for that.

I cracked open a Mavea and a Britta. The carbon stuff on the inside looked similar.

Tasted water filtered by both a Mavea and a Britta. Tasted the same.

So, if you can save money with the Mavea, go for it.

This is the most no-hassle filter you can find for a Brita pitcher. Priming takes only seconds, and there''s no charcoal residue in the antechamber of the pitcher, ever. Filters more rapidly than Brita filters and works every bit as long. Water tastes clean and fresh.

Oh, and the price! Did I mention the price? No brainer. I''ll stick with Mavea.

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The Amazon description claims that these replacement filters fit all Pur pitchers. (The literature on the box does not make that claim.)

I have a Pur Plus pitcher, and it was not an easy fit. I had to wedge it into place. It never clicked, and it doesn''t seem to be an ideal replacement. The filter does seem to be working, but I will probably buy the actual Pur replacement filter next time.

Also, the box literature claims that the filter does not need to be soaked. That''s sort of true, sort of not. You still need to wet the filter before placing it in the pitcher, and you''re required to run two pitchers through before it''s ready to use.

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This is an easy recommendation for anyone using a Brita filter. First, you get a lower price...not earth-shattering, but decent savings which everyone can appreciate if the product is at least equal in quality. Now, secondly, you can rest assured on the quality because not only is the water as neutral tasting as ever, but the top pre-filtered water doesn''t have stray charcoal particles that are a bit annoying plus, the water goes through a bit faster in the bargain.

So, if you use Brita pitchers at you home I heartily recommend that you try the Mavea Classic Fit Replacement Filter for Brita pitchers. This is one product I believe will be universally pleasing as it seems to perform better than the Brita branded filters at slightly less expense...What''s not to love?

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I have tried a number of pitcher filters in an effort to make our awful-tasting water palatable. None of them have done this so far. Yesterday I tried a little app on the EWG website that gave me the reason: the only pitcher filter they recommend for getting rid of hydrogen sulfide is another brand (Zero). I''ll probably try that next even though it means spending some cash and getting yet another pitcher.

So this one doesn''t make my water fresh-tasting or pleasant-smelling. However, if you don''t have sulfur water you may like it because it offers (1) a "classic" fit that works in several kinds of pitchers, (2) Ease of use (no long presoaking), (3) reasonable cost, and (4) less carbon escaping into the water. You might also like the added silver to kill bacteria. (Did you know that bacteria can grow in carbon filters? Yes, so remember to change the filters on schedule.)

I find that this improves the water well enough for my dog''s drinking water. Don''t worry, sulfur is not harmful; it''s just stinky. I can also cook with the water as long as I mix it with 3 parts bottled water. We have water delivered in 3-gallon jugs for drinking, and yes, the jugs are picked up and re-used.

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Light My Fire Original Swedish FireSteel Army 12,000 Strike Fire Starter Save 39% Off

Lanyard is plenty long and it makes lots of sparks (after a couple of scrapes to remove the paint). If lanyard was not long enough one could exercise ingenuity and put on a longer cord.

It would easily light propane, but if you try to ignite a piece of sheet paper you will have trouble. Sheet paper is not fine enough and is not proper tinder (though you could shred and rumple it to make good tinder). You need a finer tinder bundle. Paper towel was also unsuccessful. I had easy success with toilet paper and dryer lint. It sparks more if you slow down and increase pressure a little. If the woods are wet and you can find no dry tinder you are in trouble, which is why most people carry tinder or fire starter or pick it up on the trail when they can.

I think it is easier to use the magnesium fire starter with a basic metal jigsaw blade as the magnesium shavings will ignite paper towel easily, and can also ignite paper if you make a dime sized pile of shavings (when igniting paper don''t set the end of the magnesium fire starter on the paper as when you scrape the flint the vibrations will jiggle the shavings all around). Even better than a jigsaw blade may be a short hacksaw blade because it has a good hole you can put the cord through.

In summary: if you carry or can find/make good tinder the Swedish firesteel is tough, simple, and a good product. For normal people who want a firestarter that is somewhat easier to use carry the magnesium. That is what I will carry, in addition to good tinder (cotton balls with vaseline mushed in), and a very good lighter (more lights/space than matches).

P.S. Just watched Bear G. in Man vs. Wild (Discovery channel) use this after a major rainstorm starting a fire on the first strike BECAUSE he had previously harvested and protected some very good tinder. He did not use a magnesium firestarter. It does produce a 5,500°F spark, but it needs a purchase (tinder). Also I want to repeat that the lanyard I got was plenty long, but hey it''s just a piece of cord that you can cut. Live bold. Also the first time I tried to make sparks I made plenty. I do not see how someone could not (unless they had the metal striker upside down read the directions!).

P.P.S. Watched Bear G. in Ecuador (?) NOT be able to start a fire with grass using this because everything was wet and darkness came in not enabling him to search for better (dry) tinder. With typical Bear pluck he stuffed his shirt with the grass for insulation and kept his chin up. I bet the mag would have started a fire.

P.P.P.S. Watched ''Survivorman'' take a mag starter out into the desert and easily start a fire, but he used the edge of his knife to make shavings and strike the flint. I don''t reccomend dulling a knife like this, use the back or anything else. Also he CARVED off magnesium and I have found just SCRAPING works well. Finally on the magnesium starter the flint is a small rod on the side and you don''t whack it like in Jeremiah Johnson, but you just scrape it. I think I read one reviewer that broke his flint and I bet he was whacking it, just like in the movies.

This is a long review because this is a survival tool and you should have confidence in it''s capabilities.

Firesteel IS a great tool for starting fires. it sparks great and starts fires no problem. it took me 3 strikes to start my first fire. didn''t need to scrape the coating off, either.

Firesteel IS NOT a magic wand that you can wave around and command a fire to start on anything. you still need to prepare for a fire, i.e. tinder, kindling, etc. and aim where you are throwing those sparks. It works very easy, but you still need to understand the basic concept of fire starting before you question whether it works or not.

I would definitely depend on this tool in a survival situation!

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This product is terrific.

There is a slight learning curve involved with this product that breaks down into two parts:

1) You must know what type of tinder to use for this. If it is not good enough tinder, it will not light.

2) Realize that short, very hard strokes with this is the key. Longer, slightly softer strokes do produce many sparks, but it is the short, repetitive strong ones that create very big and hot sparks which will ignite the tinder into a flame.

Enjoy!

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This is a high quality firesteel and works very well. It takes a little practice and some basic firebuilding skills to be able to use it effectively. With a little coaching even my 9 year old son was able to light several fires with various types of tinder. You need to use good tinder and practice your technique to get a good shower of hot sparks right where you need them.

My son recently did a science fair project where where we experimented with several different types of tinder and ignition sources to see which was the best way to build a fire in the wilderness. We tested everything we could get our hands on in both wet and dry conditions. Everything worked OK when dry but after we soaked tinder, matches, lighters, etc. the list got a lot shorter. The lighters and regular matches were all useless. The lighters (butane) eventually dried out and worked again)Waterproof matches still worked but you can only carry so many of these some broke and some didn''t light. The firesteel and Coughlin magnesium block still worked but it took forever to scrape the magnesium block, the shavings kept blowing away, then when we applied the spark the magnesium shavings flashed and were gone almost instantly. We were able to make it work but it was a pain and dulled my knife. Some say to use the back of your knife blade to avoid this.

The best combination(s) when wet was waterproof matches or the fire steel and cotton balls soaked with vaseline and some of the commercial tinders including wet fire pellets and coughlin fire sticks. We scraped the wet fire pellets and fire sticks and scraped the firesteel to send a shower of sparks into the the small particles of tinder. The result was an instant fire that didn''t blow out easily. These things lit even when wet. I can usually get a fire going in 1 5 scrapes. The resulting flame from the tinder was steady in the wind and also lit our kindling (dry sticks, pine needles etc) easily.

We gathered all sorts of tinder at home and in the woods and found lots of things that worked. Cotton balls and dryer lint work great. Any cotton or fuzz from plants works, fine dry leaves as well. I can light shredded paper without too much work. Fine dry grass (shredded / pounded and fuzzed up if necessary) and certain types of tree moss light easily. The finer the tinder the easier it is to light. Cattail fuzz is extremely flammable and lights easily. I had difficulties lighting pine pitch scrapings with sparks but included them in my tinder nest to sustain a fire long enough to get kindling going.

Bottom line is these things work and are a fail safe way to start a fire if you have basic fire building skills. This includes carrying or gathering dry tinder, making a nest for the spark, and having kindling and larger firewood pre-gathered to build and sustain your fire once you get it started. I carry one as an absolutely reliable way to start a fire if I need one. I also carry some waterproof matches, a Bic butane Lighter and some commercial tinder (wet fire or fire sticks). Of all these methods I have the most faith in the firesteel. It was also a lot of fun to learn how to use.

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This "flint" is more expensive than the magnesium bars but it is a little more convinient for making sparks because it has a small handle and an attached striker (you have to find your own tender). I did not have a problem using the attached striker as another reviewer did. I also skipped the step of taking the paint off. I just scraped firmly and the ammount of sparks was crazy. My only complaint is the price but if it lasts as long as claimed it is a bargain compared to matches or lighters.

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Jura-Capresso 7525 Claris Water Care Filter Cartridge Save 11% Off

This review is just to let users of the impossibly difficult to find Krups F088 Claris Aqua Filter System that this particular filter is identical and a direct replacement. Makes sense since Jura manufactured some of Krups coffee makers including the late great XP9000 Super Automatic Espresso machine.

I purchased Claris 7525 for my Krups XP9000 Automatic coffee machine as Krups original filter is hard to find in Australia. The shops that do stock this product were 3 times the price of Amazon.

This filter fits and works perfectly on XP9000 so I''ve purchased 12. Those of you who owns XP9000 and live in Australia should purchase this Claris 7525.

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These are the filters I have been using for 7 years. They are of the same quality and I change them only every 2 months, no matter how many cups my machine makes.

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If you have a capresso coffee machine these filters are well worth the expensive price tag.

You won''t find them cheaper than Amazon and if you don''t use the filters you need to decalsify the machine when you clean it.

The liquid cleaner to decalsify the machine is expensive and your machine won''t last nearly as long.

The coffee also tastes sooo much better with the cleaner water... Hard water gives the coffee a bitter burned taste.

Worth every penny.

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This was a little difficult to install the first time since it did not come with detailed instructions. However, it seems to be working well. I have heard from others that using a filter will significantly increase the lifespan of the espresso machine, so it is well worth the investment.

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New Procter And Gamble PUR RF-9999 3 Stage Faucet Replacement Filter Improves Drinking Water Quality

Very good at filtering water improve drinking water quality will not drink any water without stage faucet filter saves me from going to store to buy bottled water

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Watts 520022 RV/Boat Duo Exterior Water Filter Save 24% Off

• Easy garden hose fittings, perfect for campers and RV''s
• Removes cysts, giardia
• Bacteriostatic media to extend life
• 2.5 GPM flow
• Meets all plumbing codes

I use this system to replace the evaporated water in my pond. Works well in removing chlorine from tap water. According to my test kit I need a replacement filter and cannot find one. I just noticed the picture of the filters and housing on Amazon''s web site are incorrect. The filters I received; one was a pleated paper filter for sediment and one was plastic tube filled with a brown sand type material with some carbon pieces around the edges.

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Good for catchment. The only problem is it goes through too many filters. because my [pump is not that strong.

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I had to move my home brew beer operation out of the kitchen for many reasons. I ordered this filter so that I could use an outside water spigot for my source of water and be sure the water I am using is very clean. The filter was easy to assemble with the initial filter cartridges supplied. The garden hose fittings made it easy to adapt this for my needs.

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Culligan US-EZ-1 EZ-Change Undersink Drinking Water Filtration System Save 44% Off

• Features twist-on and twist-off mechanism, quick connect fittings double water shutoff
• NSF certified
• 3000 gallon capacity
• Reduces: bad taste and odor, chlorine taste and odor, particulate class III
• Filter change reminder sticker

I may jump this up to four stars if it ever gets installed. The kit comes with a 1/2" threaded adapter; however my fairly new faucet comes with pre-attached hoses which are much smaller. So no where under the sink is there a 1/2" pipe to connect to. So off to the H big box store a waste of time. Then over to the L big box store one part which might work but the tube fitting for the "flexible" tube won''t fit. So I''m still trying to adapt this to the newer model faucet connections. Frustrating!! Culligan gives an alternate installation using barb fittings, hoses, and clamps. Sorry but I don''t do that for any type of perm. plumbing installation.

Time will tell if this even works....

Update!

Thanks to Ace Hardware part #4292330 (3/8 to 1/2in. faucet adapter) I was able to attach the Culligan tap to the existing 3/8" faucet connector. Combined with #41251 to adapt the faucet flex cable to the top of the tap the system is now functional and no leaks! Time will tell about the spout as others have said it broke upon mounting.

As for quality the water is noticeably free of odor and taste that existed without the filter. It does seem better than the Pur filer we had previously on the faucet and much cheaper since the filters last so much longer. My only headache and reason for lower rating the stupid tap was a pain to adapt to a standard 3/8" faucet connection.

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This kit is a great value for the price (especially compared to other well-known pitcher and faucet filters)! East to install the hardest part was drilling a 5/8" hole in the sink. Great filter life.

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After hooking the filter up I noticed a big difference in the taste of the water and it was for the better. The filter itself does deliver and do as it promises. Doing the install was a fairly simple process as well. The one thing I did do right of the bat was change out all the hardware. All the fittings and the faucet stem are all nylon which is not very sturdy. I went to my local hardware store and bought all brass fittings to use. Also I bought another faucet to use instead of the plastic/nylon on that comes with the kit. Even with having to upgrade the hardware the filter does deliver as promises.

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I purchased the Culligan unit to replace a GE undersink water filter I had been using. The GE filters had a very short life. Already I can see that the Culligan product lasts much longer and the water tastes fine. This is a good alternative to purchasing bottled water. It is handy for cooking also. The install is easy IF you have an extra hole in your sink. In our case we used the squirter hose hole and have an all in one faucet with the hose built in.

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The installation of the Colligan US-EZ-1 required a trip to home depot and an additional $10 because I wanted to add a T connector with an independent shutoff valve which paid off when installing the filter because I didn''t push it all the way up when I started twisting and the water would have been leaking for a while before I had it installed correctly. The major issue I am having however is not the installation which I got don''t with minimal effort but that the flow rate dropped dramatically after a month and less than 2 month with 2 people using it. When it was first installed I could fill an 8 oz. cup of water in a few seconds, it now take about 20 seconds to fill an 8 oz. cup which is a long time to stand at the sink waiting for water.

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Mr. Coffee FTTX85 10-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffeemaker

We have had one of these for quite a while now, and love it. As with any thermal carafe, you need to warm up the thing in order to make sure it keeps your coffee hot. Of course, you dont want to make coffee with hot water, so I fill the thermos half way with hot water, then the rest of the way with cold. This primes the thermos properly, and my coffee stays piping hot for hours.

This coffee maker has a control for "strong" brew, which is great, because I can make a proper cup this way. Also, it comes with a "water filter" that sits on top of the coffee basket. This has the added effect of keeping the grounds in the filter better, so I can almost fill the basket with grounds, without having them end up in my cup. The result of these 2 features is that I can make an amazingly strong pot of coffee, just the way I like it.

The timer dial is a bit trippy, but has worked just fine for us.

Overall, I would have to say this is one of the best coffee makers I have ever used, and the price point makes it an excellent value.

I strongly recommend this product.

I just bought this machine,and I haven''t had any trouble with it. The timer worked beautifully, it brewed excellent coffee, and kept it piping hot for the two hours I took to have a few cups. There was no spillage, but it is new. It did all it claimed to do.

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The subject of motivation is an interesting one, people are far more likely to write a bad review than a good one, because anger & frustration are better motivators than pleasure and happiness. So you see a great deal of "lemon reviews." Granted, most companies that outsource their customer service are going to get a bad review, because when no one at a call center understands English outside their little script, it is impossible to get any customer service.

That said, I will now review this product. I purchased this coffee maker as a Christmas Present for my wife. My first impression of it was of annoying beeps and a strange sonar type clock. I have come to appreciate it far more than I did on the first day. First thing, the coffee comes out hot, so don''t let a few broken product reviews throw you. Second thing is that the coffee stays hot due to the Thermal Carafe that this product is equipped with. The annoying beeps I originally complained about let you know #1. That the coffee is done brewing, and #2. Two hours later when the coffee is going to start cooling. The sonar screen is just a standard analog clock that lets you set brew times for early mornings when you might not have time (or really, any other time of day you wish to brew coffee).

All in all, it''s a good product the works fine for me. 4 months of use and it still produces a good cup of coffee.

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You would think by now that MR Coffee would learn from their mistakes or even test their product before putting it out on the market.

The first stainless steel one that I bought was nice for awhile. Loved the fact that you can take the carafe to the table with you. Then the coffee began to drip down the side when you poured it and eventually after about one year the fancy flat button panel quit working. Now this particular maker is going straight back to the store after the second time trying to brew a pot. The coffee grounds and water over flows the basket and goes down into the sides and then all over your counter.

I gave it 1 star for the appearance and the fact that it is has a 10 oz carafe instead of an 8 oz like it''s older cousin. But what good is having good looks if it can''t perform? And, when is someone going to come out with a 12 oz cafe like the old glass counterpart?

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Ok, I''ve had this coffee maker for about 6 months. It''s never gotten the coffee very hot and forget drinking it straight from the pot after about 10 minutes; the coffee is just warm. Every cup of coffee is headed for the microwave for 30 seconds to get it warm enough to drink. The coffee tastes ok however and the pot looks great and matches the other stainless steel in the kitchen; that must have been what seduced me. I''ve had two occurances of basket overflow malfunction which ruined a rug in the kitchen and wrecked the clock display on the coffee maker. I doubt I can return this pretty but rather lame coffee maker at this point and there is so much metal and plastic on the unit I don''t want to throw it away. I wish there was a recycle option for these units. I''ll go back to a nice $10 walgreens unit! I hope this is helpful. I give it one star for looks. Don''t buy it.

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Venta Airwasher Save 32% Off

At low speed you won''t even know it''s on and it''s still quiet at med. and high speed too. We normally run it on medium or high speed when the weather is 35 or colder here in New England and turn it down to low if the temperature outside goes up or it''s raining out. Doing this keeps the humidity in the house a pretty constant 40-45 per cent. We have a Colonial house and keep the upstairs bedrooms closed so the unit is just taking care of aboout 1100 ft. downstairs. I fill it in the morning and just before bedtime. They only hold a few gallons of water, but what a difference they make. We have had hardly any colds since we bought ours a couple of years ago, and we''re not constantly having to put on lip balm or hand lotions like we used to. Your skin will thank you for it. But wait...there''s more...hehe...Wait til you empty and clean it like I do every 2 weeks. The water you dump in the sink...unbelieveable what this unit takes out of the air. Remember, it''s an air purifier too. It''s amazing to see the junk that''s in the dirty water. Stuff you would normally be breathing in.

It''s light weight and small enough to be unobtrusive. I had a problem with mine the second year...called the company and within 3 days had a replacement part that was a snap to install, free of charge of course. Fantastic 10 year warranty.

Proof of how much we love this unit...the day it broke was a Sunday and dry as a bone...temp in the teens. Within an hour I was home from Bed and Bath with a new unit. Didn''t even want to go 3 days without one running. Now we run them both on low speed most of the winter.

Check out their website...commercial buildings all over Europe use them as well as musicians with expensive wooden instruments to protect. Little known product just introduced to the US a couple of years ago. Highly recommended.

My family owns two Venta Airwashers: this one and the Venta #5014436 LW14 Grey Airwasher. I am writing this after having used them for about two years. We live in a dry apartment, and we are also musicians with wood instruments, so it is important for us to keep our apartment well humidified. We are also sensitive to sound, so we need to make sure that whatever machines we purchase work quietly.

Before we purchased these, we measured our apartment to make sure we were purchasing the appropriate models for the space we live in. I think this is crucial, as you cannot expect a model that is too small to properly humidify a space that is too large, and vice-versa. This seems obvious, but I think a lot of people overlook this and purchase the wrong model.

I think people are missing the point when they complain about the level of humidity and whether it reaches an optimum level or not. Ventas humidify and purify at the same time, and once a room has a certain level of moisture, it will essentially stay that way if you leave it set to a certain level. It''s not like it ill keep ramping up the moisture until you are living in a rainforest. It can only humidify so much, unless you use the largest model in a closet-sized space.

Regarding the noise issue with the fan, I found that when it starts making that subtle clicking noise that some reviewers mention, it is because the fan mechanism has lost lubrication. A few drops of light oil (such as lemon oil) clears up the noise immediately.

As long as you follow their directions--and we all know how much Germans love accuracy and directions--these will last a long time and provide and work excellently.

The reason I am giving this four stars is because I am convinced that they could have designed these with less hard-to-clean crevices. There are many hard-to-clean spots, and a few spaces that are almost impossible to clean. Granted, you won''t see them as they are deep inside, but I like to know that I can clean every bit of gunk that I see. You really need to thoroughly clean the Venta every month or so, which should only take a few minutes, but there are an awful lot of crevices.

Another tip: the way to clean the rotating disc assembly inside the Venta is to use a soft brush, and scrub in-between the discs, and it can also be washed in the top rack of a dishwasher. They offer a special substance that also cleans gunk from inside and off the bottom half of the Venta, but vinegar works just as well.

Also, as mentioned by others, you need to use their additive in order to allow the water to sheet off the rotating plastic disc assembly. Some folks mention using a few drops of dish washing soap instead, but I haven''t tried that yet. When you consider that other models by other companies require you to purchase filters and the like, I think buying a few bottles of this additive is not so bad. Each bottle lasts ca. 3-4 months.

Now the crucial information: does it really clean the air and humidify well? Although we have not tested our air with any gauges to see if there is a marked difference, I can assuredly say that the air in our apartment is cleaner and definitely moister. The air even seems to smell cleaner. Our wooden floors creak when we don''t run the Ventas, and after a day of running them, they are silent. The truth is in the water: when we clean the Ventas and replace the additive every two weeks, the water is definitely filthy. The Ventas must be doing something right.

All in all, we have no regrets. These are simple, yet well-built humidifiers, albeit a little pricey. They are a little difficult to clean, but if you are even somewhat attentive and can follow directions, they should serve you well.

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We have two of these units. They work well and humidify efficiently and quietly. I find them easier to clean than other humidifiers and like the fact that I don''t have to buy filters that cost $20-$40 depending on the brand. I gave it three stars, because the fan mechanism seems to be poorly made. In both units the fan was defective and had to be replaced. The first did not engage the discs, while the second made a rattling noise. Venta sent me replacement parts without questions, however that should not happen at that price level.

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It''s of course bogus to point out the German social system as reason for the price. A free market is characterized by supply and demand setting the price. I asssume there is a free market in the U.S.?. What you effectively pay for in this humdifier is the idea and patent, not the material. It''s the same why an Armani suite costs 2000$ and why Microsoft Office costs more than the CD it is burned on.

I have this humidifier now for a year. I am an allergy sufferer and dry air makes it worse. I live in CA. Thye humidifier extends on the principle of what my Mom always recommended: Put a bowl with water in your room. Since it does not heat the air you don''t have problems with overheated air that then condenses on windows etc. The dryer the air the more it will pick up the humidity. It''s kind of self regulating.

It does the job for me. I measure it and I get usually a jump from 45% to 55% of humidity in my room. I personally think cleaning is very easy. You have to use their cleaner, I do it every 8 weeks or so. It''s true there will be mineral deposits on the air cleaner. I wipe them away every 2.5 months. It''s not a problem as you can dissassemble this thing completely.

I think this is the best humdifier out there. It avoids all the problems of heated humdifiers and it''s self regulation is ingenious. I don''t believe it does a good job of cleaning the air however. That''s why I have Friedrich B as well. BTW speaking of which it costs 500$ and is a set of metal plates with a fan made in the U.S.

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I purchased the smallest version, the LW 14, for the purpose of cleaning the air in a small kitchen without windows.

Air ionizers didn''t rid the air of the frying smells, but this appliance works.

The initial price is high, but not the cost to keep the Venta running. Water is cheap. Power consumption on highest setting is about 35 Watt. For whisper-quiet use in a bedroom a lower setting is better. Any air-con would be much louder anyways and drown out the Venta on the highest setting.

The motor used to power the machine is indeed very silent, and possible can''t be manufactured for 30$. The other components are ruggedly constructed and hopefully last many years.

The device can also be used for aromatherapy, which I''m just testing with some natural Mint oil against my cold.

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Small Fan & Mini-Air Conditioner: The Original Handy Cooler Save 56% Off

• Small fan cools air up to 30F. Runs on 4x batteries or USB power (adapter included). Adjustable analog speed control.
• The original Handy Cooler as featured in the Technology Review magazine (M.I.T.) 2010.
• Our cooling fan utilizes a 30db whisper-soft turbine system. The perfect desk fan for the office.
• 90 degree vertical airflow control. Flat bottom surfaces allows easy transformation from a hand held fan to a desk fan.
• This mini fan produces a 15 knots sensational breeze *measured at outlet vent.
• Simply add water to activate patent-pending cooling feature.

Since there are controversial discussions if the handy cooler REALLY works, here''s my video review of my take on this product. Verdict is, the handy cooler does work and it''s a nicely implemented product. The weather here at Palm Springs is great for swamp coolers like this and it gives a nice kick if you freeze the filter. (Sorry about the background construction noise and the wind noise from handy cooler!)

I''ve had the handy cooler for just over a year now and so far I really like it. It''s been lying under my bed for the whole winter, but now the heat is back and I''ve brought it back in action.

What I liked:

The design. Looks good. Feels good. I like the swivel vent head too.

Portability. I bring it around to classes, work and around home.

Performance. Cools like a charm.

Size and weight.

What I would like to see improved:

Rechargeable lithium battery option. The unit is not capable of recharging batteries. However, I recommend getting 4 rechargeable batteries, and charge them with battery docks. It''ll cost you $40+ but will save you on the long run.

Longer cooling duration.

a longer USB cord!

It''s a nice little fan with a twist, but be sure to stock up on batteries.

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Yes, this little puppy really does work as advertised. Just wet the sponge, turn the unit on, and point the air stream at your face.

Ahhhhhh...

The Handy Cooler appears to be well built. The fan is very quiet. You can put the unit on a desk or tabletop, and it will blow a nice stream of cool air at you.

I like the way you can rotate the air head ninety degrees, giving you greater flexibility in positioning the unit. I also like the little water bottle they give you, which holds two "recharges". Yes, they have figured out how much water you can add to keep cool without water dribbling from the unit. They figure you can go from thirty minutes to three hours on a "full" sponge, depending on your environment.

I have told the company that makes the Handy Cooler that they need to introduce a shoulder holster, so you can wear it around and use it hands-free. In the meantime, I am going to see if I can rig up some sort of shoulder sling or something that will suit this purpose.

At any rate, if you hate the heat, the Handy Cooler is the real deal -cool relief to go. HIGHLY recommended.

My only gripe, as another customer commented, is the high UPS shipping charge. A lower-cost USPS shipping option would be welcome...

And yes, I use NiMH rechargeable batteries, and they last for hours on a charge. Ahhhh...

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I''m in the Navy, therefore I sleep in a tiny, tiny, often hot space with no air circulation. I ordered this because there is only so much night-sweat and dude-funk one can take in this sort of environment. It just came in the other day, but it appears sufficient to cool a cramped, curtained, coffin-like enclosure! The noise at high-speed is a total non-issue; trust me, the engines drown it out completely. If you''re ordering one of these for your sailor, I recommend the pink one. The guys who''ve seen it all want one, but nobody is going to steal something in pink.

Honestly, I wish it were less expensive, but the build quality is solid enough that I think it''ll survive until I get back, and that''s really all that counts.

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I suffer from Hot Flashes induced by Cancer medications and HRT withdrawals; I found this product to be exactly what I need. I spent a ton of money on small personal fans, all endorsed or made by major retailers like Coleman, Brookstone, Target and many more. I should have invested in this product first. My hot flashes come on about every 45 minutes, 24/7. I have been told by my doctors this can be expected for the next three years. My daughter found the Handy Cooler online and sent me the link. I found the product to be very intriguing, opposed to the pile of personal fans that were cluttering my desktop, end tables, car, purse and trash can. I ordered it immediately.

This little cooler provided immediate relief within seconds of adding batteries and water to the sponge. Now when I start feeling warm I turn on my Handy cooler and the cool air starts flowing. I use it everywhere. It prevents me from turning into a giant mess. I''m on the go and very active indoors and out, this product has been fantastic, for me personally a life and sanity saver. I would recommend this product to anyone. I think it is fairly priced for a personal fan that provides more than a breeze but an actual Cooling effect. Thank you, Handy Cooler.

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I don''t tolerate heat well at all and when I made plans to attend an all-day outdoor event in Eastern NC a few weeks ago, I knew I had to bring something other than just a sweatband. Stumbled across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. It is terrific! It fit in my normal-sized fanny pack with an extra set of batteries and the little water bottle, along with a small still camera and a Flip video camera. By midmorning my t-shirt was soaked and I had already wrung out my headband twice, so I found a little shade and fired this guy up. It is just amazing the fan alone would be great, but the air blowing out of it is genuinely cool! Not like your car A/C blasting on max, but still unbelievable. I ran into several people throughout the day who looked and looked and finally said "what IS that?" and I explained and let them try it. I think I made a few sales. Within 20 minutes I had wrung out my headband and stashed it away for the last time that day.

If you''re going to be out and using it consistently all day, load up with new batteries in the morning and take an extra set.

I like this so much that I decided to order a replacement sponge (the one the comes with it advertised to last about a year). They come in a two-pack for $10. I thought that was a little pricey for pieces of sponge, but OK. When I saw that the shipping was an additional $12 for two lightweight slices of sponge, I wrote a nastygram to the manufacturer. They wrote back. They are embarrassed by that and are working to develop an alternative that won''t cost so much (UPS is going to charge something to deliver a box, no matter what''s in it). I work in IT in an order fulfillment/shipping operation and I know it takes a while to put a system in place, so bear with ''em they are trying to get the shipping costs down to a reasonable level. And no, I have no interest of any kind in this company! I''m usually pretty cynical but got the impression these folks are trying to get it right.

All that said, this product is worth every dime I paid, shipping included. I would buy again, and I would recommend to a friend.

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GE FX18P Reverse Osmosis Pre- and Post-Filter Save 24% Off

• The GE FX18P water filters reduce chlorine taste and odor and improve flavor of hot and cold beverages including coffee, tea, and juices
• The GE FX18P Water Filter set contains one Activated Carbon Block Pre-Filter and one Granulated Activated Carbon Post-Filter
• Replacement Filters - Under Sink Water Filter and Reverse Osmosis systems
• Activated Carbon Block Pre-Filter and Granulated Activated Carbon Post-Filter
• The GE FX18P water filters should be replaced every 6 months or 900 gallons, whichever comes first

Several years ago the dealer for GE replacement parts doubled the price of this filter replacement set. I couldn''t find this model in any hardware stores in the area. I''ve been ordering this through Amazon ever since. The various suppliers are efficient in delivering this product to me.

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This is review of "Non-Watts Premier Brand RO Membranes" like this one. While it should work as described, DO NOT USE on Watts Premier WP systems (i.e. WP-4V, WP-4, WP-5). The WP systems are the one-piece manifold systems from Watts Premier.

This does not have the built-in Check Valve or Brine Seal inside the white plastic tube of the RO Membrane. Without this Check Valve or Brine Seal, water from the reservoir tank (when full) will back flow to the RO membrane and damage it, and waste water.

This back flow or reverse flow will happen when your reservoir tank gets full. So basically, you will be wasting water as the water trickle will not stop. When I tested it, water continued to trickle out of the reject water outlet tube even when my reservoir tank is full already (it should stop when reserve tank is full). The water coming out is at a much slower rate though, but still plenty enough to raise your water bill since the water trickle will continue 24 hours a day.

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