Brew Cent 12 Cup Coffee Maker

For Christmas, my husband bought me a Verismo. I have a Tassimo. He knows I like making my own lattes. My Tassimo is over 10 years old and working just fine. I thought, "I don't need another latte machine, but it's a gift, "Fun! I'll try it!" Verismo leaked - a lot, took it back - got another, even exchange - Leaked - a lot. Took it back. (refund)He still wanted to buy me a nice coffee machine for Christmas. I researched this coffee machine, saw the great reviews, decided I needed a nice coffee pot to sit alongside my Tassimo latte machine. I ordered this on a Saturday afternoon, rec'd it Monday morning before 9am! Wow! Prime rocks!I have used this machine 10 times now and I'm very happy with it. I can't believe how tall it is - I sat it next to my Tassimo which I thought was big - laughing. This is an attractive machine. It comes with the gold lifetime coffee filter which I do prefer. I haven't had any problems with machine, I'm happy with taste of coffee, I like the temperature choices. I've only used the 1-4 cup setting - I can't see it being able to hold 12 but I've not tried it - I'm guessing those are small cups.Found it interesting - the price difference on the Cuisinarts. Depending on color. The brushed metal and black chrome were $20 more, some of the metallics are higher. So, you want to pay attention to this. I ordered this a few days after Christmas and I see the price has went up now (2 weeks later) since ordering this so getting it during the holidays was a good idea.Update: 1/17/2013Con: I just had someone ask me if I could think of a negative/con about this machine what would it be. So, I sit here staring at my coffee machine, chin resting on palm of hand, other hand strumming fingers lightly on the counter, hmmmmmm.. thinking....thinking....thinking I've Got It! I don't like that the clock is so light. When I walk in to the room, I'd like to see the time from across the room, but it is not bright enough for me to make it out. So, I have to walk up to the machine and get real close to it in order to make out the time.It's a keeper!Update: 10/2015I am still using this machine several times a week along with Tassimo. I love the look of this coffee pot sitting on my counter. The Charcoal water filter and permanent gold tone filter are still just like new - I was curious how long the filter would last and I've not had one single problem with it. I've never had this machine leak - no problems with it and the temp is perfect. I love this coffee pot - it was so worth the price to me.Look at the date on when I bought this and my updates - several years in between - this is definitely worth the price

We are a household of Java Junkies, that especially applies to me if there was a way to set up an IV of coffee to take intravenously I would most likely give this serious consideration.Much like when Proctor & Gamble bought out Braun, the build quality suffered. I've read this is the same scenario when Conair aquired Cuisinart. However the brand still ranks high according to Consumer Reports. After five years our Cuisnart coffee and tea maker model DCC-1200 began to fade, the coffee just wasn't hot enough making for a poor brew and so the process of seeking out a replacement began.Consumer reports rates this model at a 64 out of 100, not bad but not a CR recommendation. The Cuisinart Perfect Temp 14 cup scored an 84 however spec by spec I saw no significant difference in what it takes to brew an exceptional pot of coffee.The price difference between the two is an insignificant 10 bucks so based on both functionality, looks and appearance we chose this model and so far so good or rather great.Another strike against the Perfect Temp is that replacement carafes are only available through Cuisinart and the turn around time is 10-14 days. As for the DCC-1200 replacement carafes can be ordered from Amazon, purchased at stores like Bed Bath and Beyond and the cost is painless. So when you slam your carafe against a counter or drop it you can have new one in 24 hours as opposed to waiting 2 weeks.When we bought this old house a few years ago the entire inside had to be gutted - except for the kitchen, the bright red counter tops and red accents were like a 1950's kitchen, frozen in time. So I have to admit that getting this coffee maker in metallic red makes for a wonderful accent.Quality Touches:* Brew Performance is excellent at 195 - 205 degrees. This is the industry standard for optimum brewing and flavor.* Easy to fill reservoir* Adjustable brew and carafe heat* You can remove the carafe during brewing to steal a quick cup or two* Removable carafe lid makes for easy cleaning via by hand or dishwasher* Variable brews from 2-4 cups to 12 cups* Cleaning light alerts you when it's time to run some vinegar and water through the machine to eliminate scale build up* Easy to follow manual and quick start guide* Comes with a permanent filter, paper filters and a Charcoal water filter.About using the activated charcoal filters. I've been keeping fish for over 40 years and use activated charcoal to remove impurities from the water in my aquariums. It's important to note that if you commit to using the filters which I would recommend they should be replaced every four weeks.When activated charcoal has absorbed its full potential to neutralize chlorine, fluoride and a myriad of other impurities that make your coffee taste better - the charcoal will then release acids which will make even the finest Arabica bean coffee taste bitter.As for the flavor - this coffee maker produces a steaming hot full bodied cup of Joe. And so far we love it. Great Retro styling, no unnecessary bells and whistles means less of a chance for things to break - sometimes less really is more.Simply an excellent coffee maker that delivers a hot, lovely, full bodied cup of coffee time after time.Highly Recommended