Melitta Mill and Brew: A simplified grind and brew coffee maker.
Written: Aug 24 '05 (Updated Sep 15 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Timer/clock, easy to clean, easy to use, cheaper than other units, grinds the beans internally.
Cons: Not a cone filter, one latch broke.
The Bottom Line: An easy to use coffee maker that grinds the beans prior to them being used.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Salton Melitta Mill & Brew Coffeemaker |
This is an easy to clean, easy to use grind and brew coffee maker. Unlike other units, this unit grinds the beans in its own permanent filter. This way you have the freshest beans possible that morning when the coffee timer turns on this appliance.
How it works
You have two different containers. One container is for water and it holds just over 10 cups. The other container is the combination grinder/filter basket. This is where you put the beans to be ground up.
The unit has a timer and clock so it can go off at a predetermined time. You just need to fill it with beans and water.
The grinder also has 7 grind settings. This way you can grind it to suit your taste. One of the differences between my coffee maker and this one is that there is no alternative path for the water. This method improves the taste or at least I think so.
About the grinder. Advantages and disadvantages in the design.
If you grind your own beans with an electric grinder then you are already familiar with the design. Inside the permanent filter is the same type of spinning blades that dismantle the beans. I personally have no problem with this grinding method and the coffee does not appear affected. What I do not like is that there is no cone filter. In a cone filter, the water contacts the grounds more evenly.
My mother-in-laws impression and opinion.
She really likes this coffee maker because it is simple to use. You only have two compartments. The water compartment is standard. The bean compartment just has two pieces, the filter/grinder piece and the lid over this piece.
My mother-in-law does not like my coffee maker (and my sister-in-law’s) because she feels it is too complex with all of the different pieces. She is not really too sure how to put it together.
Cleaning
Cleaning is simple. You have the coffee pot itself that just needs to be rinsed out. As I mentioned the filter unit is just two pieces that need to be rinsed under water. When I took the filter out I noticed some dark coffee stains and coffee grounds at the bottom of the compartment. Because of the design, the stains will not come into contact with your water. This compartment would be the hardest part to clean but it can be done.
Durability
My in-laws have had this coffee maker for over two years with almost no problems. The only issue my in-laws have experienced is the top lid over the 2 piece grinding unit does not lock. My father-in-law just fixed it by strapping a large rubber band around it. My in-laws take very good care of their property so anytime I hear of something of theirs breaking then I immediately blame it on the manufacturer.
There have not been other problems to date and they both love this coffee maker.
What I like
-Compact for a grind and brew style maker.
-Very easy to assemble/disassemble (very few parts.)
-The unit is easy to clean.
-The unit is easy to use (my mother-in-laws favorite feature.)
-It grinds the beans, which eliminates the typical two-step process.
-Clock and timer. You can set it the night before.
-Pause and pour feature.
-Relatively inexpensive
What I do not like
-Not a cone filter.
-No alternate path for the water to flow.
-Limited to 10 cups (not enough for 4 people, we usually need to make 2 pots)
Dimensions: 9.5w x 7l x 13h inches.
Summary
This is a coffee maker that grinds the coffee beans and brews coffee all in one package. In addition it has a timer and a pause-n-pour feature. I like the simplicity of the design, and it works. It also is a little more compact than my own coffee maker. What I do not like is that it is not a cone filter design, so I would never buy it. I feel that a cone filter design makes a better brew. But if you do not care about a cone filter and want something simple then I highly recommend. If you are a purist then you may want to look elsewhere.
Other coffee related reviews.
Cuisinart grind and brew
Lexan coffee press
Vacuum bottle I use for coffee
Cuisinart CCM-16PC Electric Burr Grinder
Recommended:
Yes
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