bit-tech Shopping: Braun Aroma Deluxe Coffeemaker KF550B

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4

Strengths: Simple to use, and FAST. Able to use less coffee and water to get same results. Large, lit on/off switch.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: As an all-day coffee drinker a quality coffeemaker is a must-have. I researched and decided on the Braun KF-550B as my new coffeemaker.The design is compact and done well. It's smaller than my previous coffeemaker and doesn't require much clearance above the unit.After cleaning the unit, I brewed my first pot of Louisiana Dark Roast coffee. Surprisingly, there was a bit of extra coffee in the pot and it was a bit stronger than before. I think this is due to the water temperature being higher, and the "wedge" shape of the coffee holder. (could be this shape allows more coffee to drip out and not stay in the grounds.) Regardless of why, I was able to use a bit less coffee & water to get similar results.The coffee is HOT! I used to be able to sip on the coffee made with my old coffeemakers as soon as I poured it. I learned that was no longer the case, and I adjusted quickly!!I had read of the carafe dripping when pouring, but so far I haven't had this problem. Maybe there has been a design change on the carafe, which seems a bit thicker than my old coffeemaker. The handle is great, and feels solid.Just an observation: when the cycle is ending, there is a fair amount of steam emitted from the coffee basket for several seconds. Be aware you may want more clearance if this is placed in a somewhat enclosed area of your kitchen.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4

Strengths: great design,braun quality,

Weaknesses: none so far

Summary: I owned Braun coffeemakers before and I was extremely happywith their performance. After experimented with Gevalia coffeemakers (tried 2) I came back to Braun. It is a great inexpensive coffeemaker for everyday use. I lake on/off switch:it is big and it has a red color so you can clearly see if the coffeemaker is on. Also, you can buy a Braun gold filter if don't want to spend money on paper ones and it comes with Brita water filter.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 30 Days

Strengths: looks good and works reasonably well

Weaknesses: some functional difficulties

Summary: Because of good design it does not need as much height or clearance above it to load with water and coffee for brewing. However, care is needed when pouring because the lid on the caraf tends to catch the liquid (coffee) and causes it to run down the side and drip on the counter....a constant mess. It is best to try to keep the lid open when pouring to avoid this problem, which is not a natural way to pour hot coffee. A redesign of the pour spout and lid on the caraf would probably cure this problem. We do not have this difficulty with our other coffee maker, a GE. However the GE requires more clearance than we care for between the open top of the coffee maker and the bottom of the cabinet.