Back to Basics CM300BR Cocoa-Latte Chrome 32-Ounce Hot-Drink Maker
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Back to Basics CM300BR Cocoa-Latte Chrome 32-Ounce Hot-Drink Maker
Customer Review: Great Hot Chocolate
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had my Latte Maker for a few years and use it often in the winter. My kids really enjoy it too. It mixes the hot chocolate nicely and we can put milk in without worrying about burning etc. Cleaning it is a bit of a chore but not too bad if you do it right after making the cocoa and use a bristle brush. It can be a bit messy if you overfill the container too (make sure to include room for the dry mix and only fill to the line). My only problem is the frother. The button went out and now it only heats and stirs. So I'm not as happy with it now because the froth feature was it's big selling point to our family. It's a good product though. Some people may want hotter liquid too but for my kids it's just the right temperature. I liked it enough that I'm here looking at prices for new ones because I'll probably replace it when the other switch goes out. I notice the newer versions look like they have better switches so maybe they are designed to prevent what happened to mine.Customer Review: Great Machine but Short Life
Summary: 3 Stars
I have had two of these machines. It does a great job except for two major problems. First, if you fill it up to the 32 oz mark it overflows all over the counter which is a hugh pain. Second, the heating element has a very short life. I returned the first machine to the manufacturer in Utah....they were very accommodating and sent me a new one. However, I'm now experiencing the same problem.....no heat. I also agree with one of the reviewers that it is extremely hard to clean. I have used everything under the sun to clean the milk scum (and have actually wondered if that has contributed to killing the heating element, but probably not). I'm now in the process of looking for another machine, but am at a loss on which one to buy. There don't seem to be many choices (in a reasonable price range) out there. I tried to buy the one by Mr. Coffee but it's out of stock everywhere. I'm also surprised that other reviewers haven't had the heating element problem that I've had.Customer Review: Great little machine!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this over two years ago and love it. I hate instant hot chocolate but making it from scratch always seemed to take too long, plus the constant stirring to make sure the milk didn't scorch was a bore. But with this machine I just put everything in, turn it on, and go do something else. I know others have said that they did not think it got hot enough but my machine works great. I find the temperature perfect, hot enough with no need to wait or blow on the chocolate to cool it down enough to drink. I'm not into burning my tongue. I have used all kinds of chocolate mixes in it, even the original cocoa recipe with great results. I have even added liqours like Bailey's, etc. and caramel ice cream topper to it. The only drawback I found is when cleaning the machine it was hard to get into the very edge of the bottom heater plate, but I found if I use a wooden toothpick I have no problem cleaning any residue stuck there. I highly recommend this great little machine!Customer Review: Cannot use, leaks all over the table right out of the box
Summary: 1 Stars
Thought I got a good deal on this, now I see why. I opened the box, filled it up, turned it on, ran it until it autmatically shut off. When I came back to check it out, it was hot, but almost half or it was on the table. I found out it leaks out through the shaft in the pitcher. I took the mixer blade and shaft apart and there's not much there to keep it from leaking, just a metal shaft running through two rubber washers, so when the blade turns, the liquid just goes right past it. I put it back together and tightened it as much as I could and it slowed the leak considerably, but in the time of one run, it still leaks out enough to soak two full size paper towels.
Another reviewer said the black paint peeled off of the blade and left a silver metal blade, but my blade is made of flexible black plastic. Also, it has only one power button on the right side, so I don't know if I have a newer one or older one, although it matches the photos on the focuselectrics.com site.
Customer Review: Makes delicious, hot cocoa
Summary: 4 Stars
I have had this cocoa maker for a couple of months now. I have not tried any of the recipes, but I do use the Ghirardelli mix (which I was already using prior to this purchase). The cocoa comes out at a good, even temperature. There is a frother on one side of the machine which allows me to dispense it espresso style. This saves me money so that I don't have to go to my favorite coffee shop daily to get cocoa at close to $4.00 a cup. I make it at home the way the barista does with no mess and no burnt milk or chocolate. I use mine on average once a day & I usually make 2 cups of cocoa.
Drawbacks: When I first tried to clean the unit, I had a hard time taking apart the dispenser. I was afraid that I was going to break one of the parts. The thin gasket in the bottom of the pitcher unit needs to be cleaned carefully as bits of heated cocoa can get trapped there. I have to put soapy water in mine every time I use it & let it sit and soak in order to get it clean.