Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug
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List Price: Our Price: $17.95 You Save: $2.04 (10%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $16.90 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug
Customer Review: Works Great
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this coffee maker 2 years ago and use it just about everyday, twice a day, and it never lets me down. It makes a good cup of coffee. It is super simple to use (it only has 1 switch, no settings).
Things you should know about this coffee maker:
1. If you put too much coffee in the filter, you will end up with coffee grounds in your drink, in the basket, in the water reservoir, and maybe on the outside of the maker. Only use about 2 teaspoons.
2. If you pour too much water in the reservoir and it spills into the basket, it will drip right through and spill water on your table.
3. The mug is pretty good, but it has an awkward handle, and it is a bit shorter that it appears in the photo, but it holds about 12-14 oz. The handle is awkward because it sticks out a little too much, altering the center of gravity of the mug. When the mug is full of coffee, this isn't a problem. But when it's low or empty, it can be very easy to knock it over because of the handle.
4. You can pretty much use any mug with the coffee maker, as long as it fits in the area. But if you use a different mug, be careful with the amount of water you use. The size of the included travel mug is perfect for it.
5. In 2 years of use, it has not leaked, like some people have said. The only times it has leaked is when I filled it too much or when the condensation from the lid drips off, after making a cup (which isn't very much).
With all of that said, I highly recommend this coffee maker to anybody looking for a single cup maker.
Customer Review: Best temperature for inexpensive drip
Summary: 4 Stars
It's hard to get a drip coffee maker to brew at the right temperature, approximately 195 degrees Fahrenheit. I have tried and tested several drip coffee makers and this one is the best I've found. Although the Black & Decker doesn't meet the drip temperature specifications for making the best coffee it will begin at little over 170 degrees and toward the end of the brewing cycle it will reach 190 degrees. Most others like the popular Mr. Coffees don't get much above 175. I read the Bunn coffee makers brew drip coffees at the correct temperature but they only sale a 10 cup brewer or a pod machine and I think the water reservoir is always heated. They are also a lot more expensive. You can make improvements in brew temperature with this machine by filling the reservoir with hot water. The coffee will then begin brewing a little over 180 and eventually get close to 195. Caution: better not heat the water above 150 degrees before putting it in the reservoir or you will have a bubbling mess on your hands.
If you want drip coffee at the correct temperature it is probably best to heat your own water using one of the inexpensive (under $5) manual coffee filters. This machine, although not perfect, is more convenient. It is very cool how it automatically turns off and I really like the fact that it doesn't destroy the coffee with the usual drip coffee machine hot plate.
One other thing... I had a minor problem with the reservoir not emptying completely. Jiggling the plug at the bottom of the reservoir fixed the problem.
Customer Review: Excellent choice for the one-cup-a-day house
Summary: 4 Stars
I have had this product for a year now. I really like it and have used it daily with no trouble. Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Energy efficient little machine as it does not keep a heating element on after the coffee is made.
- No filters to buy.
- Small footprint.
- Makes very good coffee, no different from a larger drip brewer.
- You can't leave it on by mistake.
- No pot to clean.
- Durable so far!
- Fast - about 5 minutes to brew.
Cons:
- The provided mug does not have a lid that can completely close (the little sip-hole stays open), which makes it not a very good car mug - I have to pour it into my other commuter cup.
- You can't set it to brew and come back half an hour later, as your coffee will be lukewarm. It's more for the grab-and-go use.
- No timer function.
- You have to rinse the filter basket each time, rather than just dumping a paper filter - this may not be ideal for office use.
Things I have learned - a scoop and a half is good for most commercially ground coffee. However, if you grind your own and make it pretty fine, it can slow the drip action enough that the coffee can actually overflow the basket. If you use very fine coffee, you can't use more than about a scoop. This still makes perfectly strong coffee, though. Also, if you accidentally turn it on while the lid is still up, the unit will malfunction and turn itself off before heating all the water. The only way I have been able to reset it is to let it dry out completely.
Customer Review: If You're Always On The Go-This Black & Decker Should Be Part Of The Show! It's REALLY A Great Product!
Summary: 4 Stars
I can't say enough about this magic and mighty little coffee maker. Being Italian, I was raised with having coffee in the morning and after dinner. So you can imagine how much coffee I'm able to drink at age 37?
This Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug is one of the best deals on the market. Several times I've purchased an item or gadget that looked nifty, only to end up placing it back in a box and in the cellar for eternity! I hit the jackpot with this coffee maker that is incredible for anyone who loves java. And you don't have to be on the go to enjoy it. It's great to have at home to replace your old and bulky coffe maker.
I've had my Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker (with Travel Mug) for 3 months and I use it every single day. During the work week I take it with me in my vehicle and it fits perfectly in the cup holder. On the weekends, I enjoy it all day long and starting off with reading the morning paper. As a bachelor, I enjoy items that are easy to clean. This amazing java brewer is dishwasher safe and cleans spotlessly every single time.
I hope and pray that at least a portion of this personal review was helpful to you. With so many products out there, it sometimes helps to have an onwners opinion to make your decision easier. Black & Decker has a great product reputation and they also stand behind all guarantee and warranties.
Enjoy your next cup of coffee with the Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug!
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Customer Review: Perfect Cup, Perfect Convenience
Summary: 5 Stars
I have two of these, one for work, one for home. One has the stainless mug, one has the original plastic mug. I've been using this model for at least eight years. As the only coffee drinker at home, I find the product to be ideal for MY perfect cup. It's fresh, to my strength, and I only rinse the permanent filter after each cup. I can put it in the dishwasher, too (the filter and detachable parts. I love easy cleanup!
My teen and husband use it for tea and cocoa. I do have size 2 paper cones for days when I won't have time to rinse! I use these INSIDE the permanent filter, then grab and put in trash on my way out the door. Size 1 is the perfect fit, but hard to find. I buy generic size 2 at the grocery and fold them a bit. For cleaning, remove the filter and holder, and wipe a vinegar-sprayed cloth around the drip chamber bottom. Water works, too. That's it!
I've never had a single problem with the lids, or with off-flavors. I wash both of those pieces in my dishwasher. Lid will even accommodate a straw! Fits my car holders, too. Not one negative about this setup. It's portable, and space-saving.
As someone who only drinks FRESH coffee, and despises the burnt stuff that comes from coffeemakers with heated plates under glass carafes, this is the only way to go. It makes my fresh-ground beans shine with flavor!
I will be in a bind if this product is ever discontinued. Thanks, Black and Decker, for the best product you've ever manufactured. :)