Krups Aromacontrol Therm Time Steel: One reason to wake up ...
Written: Nov 04 '02 (Updated Nov 15 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: modern design, thermo canister, aroma lock, good quality, excellent coffee
Cons: tall, no backup battery for timer, no grinder incl.
The Bottom Line: One of the most stylish coffee makers around (at a reasonable price). Aroma control and therm caraffe make it special.
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| theuerkorn's Full Review: Krups Aroma Control 229 10-Cup Coffee Maker |
One of the great advantages of a wedding is the registry and eventually the presents thereof. We just got married and also registered for essential items like coffee makers. The Krups was our favorite, and as it turned out so it was for 3 of the guests (ending up with 3 machines). Here is why ...
Overview
The kitchen appliance maker Krups (part of the French SEB) is well known in my home country and the styling met my taste just as good as my wife's. With a pricing just about where one would think twice if you had to buy it yourself, it was the perfect item for a registry. (With a little luck ... ;-)
Anyway, this coffee maker stands out of the crowd for its unique combination of style and functionality. The so-called Flavor Release Technology allows hot water to saturate coffee grounds longer than traditional coffeemakers (advertisement). Which in essence should allow more consistent results between small or large amounts of coffee. Further, the flavor is saved by avoiding the reheating of the brew and by minimizing air contact. Both usually contribute to the somewhat bitter taste (especially when brewing large amounts or 'warming' it for a long time).
The overall design is excellent with a stylish skin and modern stainless steel look (if that option is chosen). One switch operates the whole machine (nevermind the additional 2 buttons for timer). A small red LED shows when the coffee maker is operating.
The filling of the water reserve is easy from the top and a lid prevents dust deposit in the tank. A transparent indicator tube uses a floating indicator to measure the number of cups the filled water will yield. (The grey color of it is less than ideal for visibility. I would have preferred a red or orange one.)
Details
Flavor Release: Completely saturates coffee grounds with a unique brewing method that steeps for almost two minutes, resulting in a fuller bodied aromatic coffee that is richer in flavor and less bitter. Perfect result whether brewing a small or large pot of coffee.
For purists that are concerned about possible flavor alterations by filter paper (one should use unbleached for better taste anyway), Krups has a gold-tone metal filter ($15) available, that is reusable.
(Needless to say, that tap water is most likely not the Gourmet's choice and filtered or bottled water are preferred.)
10-Cup-Therm: The double wall insulation keeps the coffee hot for hours and preserves its freshness. A thermal coffee maker is an ideal way to brew and store coffee because it does not require a warming plate, which makes coffee bitter over time.
Depending on the model, the therm comes in Black, White or Stainless Steel which can be polished or brushed. The latter is my personal favorite.
The full function, however, is only achieved if the therm is taken off the coffee maker to allow the valve to close. While sitting in the machine, it's open to allow the coffee to enter the therm, but it also allows heat to escape and air to get in. In other words, small improvements in the coffee maker, bigger ones when taken off. (regarding freshness and temperature)
Some users may complain about the missing visual aid regarding fill level of the therm. (The Stainless Steel one is rather heavy and feedback about remaining coffee somewhat subtle.)
Time: The 12h digital clock lets you set current time and program timer for making "wake-up" coffee. It automatically shuts off after 2 hours for added safety. However, the time is not backed up in any way and short power outages may result in no fresh coffee in the morning.
However, it's simple to use despite the missing backlight and somewhat dimmed LED that signalizes that the coffee maker is operating.
Stop'n'Serve: Let's you remove the carafe at any time during the brewing cycle for up to 20 seconds, serve, then replace it for continued brewing. Which in general works great since one does not have to stop the cycle, twenty seconds can be up soon though.
When removing the therm from the coffee maker while brewing, one needs to be aware of a few drops (or more) coffee that are not captured. Have a cup handy to catch the drops. (The thermal caraffe does much better with the no-drip edge design.)
A perfect brew?
Perfect is such a final term that despite its qualities, the Krups Aroma Control cannot claim it either. (If somebody could, there is no need for 'better' products.)
Other than missing the eternal perfect spot, this coffee maker is close to ideal. Nice design, a good set of functionality and focus on flavor are the basic pros for it.
We enjoy it and just today woke up to a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Good enough to jump start any day ...
Recommended:
Yes
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