bit-tech Shopping: Braun Impressions KF600 Coffee Maker

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: Coffee tastes great; no concerns about leaving the unit on; carafe prevents "burned" taste of coffee that sits for an hour on burner; fast and easy

Weaknesses: No longer made; water filter insert is getting very hard to find. Wish it were a 12-cup.

Summary: Before this maker, I had an expensive Mr. Coffee (FTTX-85) that was a nightmare. Design was bad, and if I didn't get everything snapped into place, just right, I'd end up with coffee all over the counter and floor. It happened a dozen times, and I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. It's never happened with this one. I love the coffee this makes, and I will be sad when I run out of the water filters I've stockpiled, because once they're gone, I'll probably get something else. I'm sorry Braun didn't keep this one going.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 10

Strengths: Easy to remove filter basket that actually filters out the fine grounds. Dribble free pouring. Simple styling.

Weaknesses: Small capacity. Rated as 10 cups which is about the same as 8 cups in Mr Coffee which really works out to about 5 mugs. Wouldn't it be nice if there was some standard volume for capacity ratings?

Summary: This unit is replacing a recalled Black & Decker thermal carafe brewer. The B&D was a good value, but the filter let a lot of fines through and the carafe dribbled no matter how fast or slow I poured.This Braun is nicely and simply styled so it's easy to clean and non-obtrusive in it's little niche on my counter. Much more compact than the Mr Coffee unit I also considered. The carafe is easy to open to rinse and fill. It pours without dribbling.The reservoir comes with a Brita filter element which would require replacing. If I still lived in L.A., I'd use it. But I live in a rural area with clean well water that is routed through a below sink filter unit, so the brewer's filter would just be overkill.I'd recommend this unit for those wanting a thermal unit.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: Fast brewing. Thermal carafe keeps coffee fresh. Auto shut-off.

Weaknesses: 10 cup capacity? Who drinks coffee 4.4 oz at a time? Narrow carafe opening makes cleaning it a chore. No auto-start timer.

Summary: Since we usually take our time between cups, we wanted to try a thermal carafe maker this time out - coffee from our Krups tended to get stale after only an hour. The good news is that the carafe does the job - coffee was still hot after three hours, and it wasn't noticeably oxidized.We just wish it held a bit more - we use mugs, so that means a max of 5 servings. I determined that any more than 42 oz (which equates to just under the "9" on the water tank scale) will overflow the carafe. I suppose if you make it a point to use the brew-pause feature and take your first mug while it's brewing, you can overfill it and squeeze almost six mugs out of it at a time.Overall, it makes good coffee, and it's a decent value.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Good tasting, hot coffee. Easy maintenance!

Weaknesses: Probably will be the lid part if it is not handled carefully. I just bought mine and so far enjoy it. But I do feel the plastic insert inside the carafe could have been better designed. We'll see!

Summary: I've read other's comments and will be looking out for what they said! Warranty is 1 year so if it turns out to be junk, I'll get my money back. At least, thisone is not made in China like everything else these days. The coffee this machine makes is tasty, hot and the caraffe does keep it hot for 5 hours ( I did a test ). After 5 hours, it is still very hot and could last several more hours. The Brita filter is good if your water quality is poor. Cone filter definitely adds to the better tasting coffee. That and 1000W heat! Also, makes coffee fast! All other China made coffee makers I've had turned out to be real junk and rusted out! Some are dangerous and should not be allowed on this continent, just check out how they are made inside before you junk them! Anyway, have a java day and may the Good Lord be with you.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 20

Strengths: Brita filter, permanent gold filter, keeps coffee warm for a long time.

Weaknesses: Hard to clean

Summary: I really love this coffee maker, especially because of the sleek design and color. I also appreciate the Brita filter because it's nice to have fresh, clean-tasting water without having to refill my regular Brita pitcher everytime I make coffee. I also appreciate the gold filter because I'm tired of buying coffee filters. This also keeps coffee hot for quite awhile, which is wonderful. I would recommend this coffee maker, and the only downside is that it is a bit expensive, compared to some others.