Barista: Yes/No/Maybe So
Written: Feb 15 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Vacuum system makes great coffee; not over heated so bitter oils not released.
Cons: Plastic construction. Parts wear out quickly; but replacable
The Bottom Line: Pricey unit makes excellent coffee. Glass construction preferred.
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| meilie's Full Review: Starbucks Barista Utopia |
The vacuum purculating system makes a GREAT tasting coffee as it's not over heated so that the bitter oils are not released.
Over priced plastic construction feels flimsy. Why isn't this tempered glass? The wire filter/pacifier thingy wears out quickly, BUT if you register your unit via the postcard they provide, the unit is garanteed for 2 years. (The pot was left on while cleaning and it boiled over and base unit was saturated, making it useless.) I called the company directly (800# on base of pot) and they replaced the electrical unit and multiple filters at NO CHARGE, free shipping too! Originally I was cursing (#$%&*) that the whole unit was worthless without the base and that if it were made of glass you could have used it on the stove [which I still argue they should use glass], but they have redeemed themselves by replacing the unit FREE of charge.
Hand washing is a must [not dishwasher safe], the tube of the upper piece is hard to clean [**special brush should be included with unit], the top cover is a thin plastic that you're afraid of cracking it.
If you spring for this make sure you REGISTER your unit for the warantee. This would make a great wedding/special occasion present, as the timer on it is a bonus for morning automatic brewing.
This is my husband's coffee maker, as I prefer Kona and he loves his Starbucks and he drinks a LOT of coffee. MY pot is a vintage glass version of this vacuum style that sits on the stove. I believe modern ones are available for $50. +/-.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
meilie
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Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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