For Coffee Lovers, this is Utopia
Written: Feb 25 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Attractive style, easy to use, makes a fantastic cup of coffee
Cons: Expensive, questionable durability, cleaning
The Bottom Line: Drink coffee every day? Still looking for that elusive "perfect cup"? Utopia will take you to that place anytime you desire.
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| dan2k's Full Review: Starbucks Barista Utopia |
I think I drink enough coffee to qualify as a pseudo-expert on the subject of coffee and coffee makers. Certainly expert enough to tell you that Starbucks' Barista Utopia is an awesome machine that I'm not at all disappointed with.
The Utopia employs a vacuum system to brew the perfect cup of coffee. It's the only coffee maker I've ever owned that comes with an instructional video. Despite what this implies, there are only three simple parts to this system: 1, the carafe; 2, the filter; and 3, the filter basket.
Fill the carafe to the desired level (up to 50 ounces). Place the filter in the filter basket and add coffee grounds. Place the filter basket on the carafe and press start. Within 8-10 minutes, the water in the carafe will heat to the point of creating a vacuum. This vacuum literally sucks the water up the funnel-shaped filter basket where it mixes with the coffee grounds. After a pre-set amount of time, the water, er now coffee, drains back into the carafe allowing for the filter basket to be removed and cleaned. Not only is this a fun process to watch, the coffee tastes excellent and it remains the perfect temperature for up to 2 hours!
I chose the Utopia over other brands because I assume that Starbucks has- at the very least- more experience in making coffee that Black & Decker or Hamilton Beach. How can a company that makes power tools know what the perfect temperature for coffee is or how long water and grounds should be mixed together? I also chose the Utopia because of its design. It's more a conversation piece on the counter top than an eyesore taking up space. Another reason I chose the Utopia is because it's a simple, easy-to-operate machine. It's light, easy to assemble and disassemble, and stores conveniently.
However, it is a bit expensive ($129 at www.starbucks.com) compared to other national brands so I wouldn't recommend this to the casual coffee drinker. I'm not too enthused about the cleaning process either. My previous coffee maker required a few hard shakes of the filter basket into the waste can. The Utopia seems a bit more delicate; that a few hard shakes of the filter basket might break something. Also, once the coffee is brewed, you have to remove the filter basket or keep replacing it each time you want to pour a cup. I've become accustomed to leaving the filter basket in my old machine at least until the next morning. Still, a quick swipe with a paper towel and a quick rinse is all it takes. I also have some reservations regarding the long-term durability of the machine. With the exception of the heating element in the carafe, the parts are all hard plastic and may, over time, begin to dry and crack. They say that the filter, filter basket, and filter basket lid are all dishwasher-safe but it's recommended to hand wash if possible. There is of course a warranty period (1 year) that seems sufficient enough and I'm sure with careful use, it should last at least 2-3 years.
For someone who brews a pot of coffee a day, this would be an ideal gift. It's attractive, easy to use, and delivers on the promise of a great cup of coffee. For someone that doesn't necessarily look forward to the morning's first cup or even partake in an early afternoon taste, better to move on to something more their style; I'd say this is for the more serious coffee drinkers only.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dan2k
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Member: Dan Embry
Location: Stockton, CA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Hello and welcome!
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