Hamilton Beach 47686 Brewstation Plus Coffeemaker
by Hamilton Beach
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Hamilton BeachBrand: Hamilton Beach
Release Date: 2006-07-01
Model: 47686
Color: Black
Product features:
- 12-cup coffeemaker with one-handed, cup-at-a-time dispensing function
- Fits all travel mugs; enclosed brewing system; no carafe or hot plate
- Gentle keep-warm heater keeps brewed coffee hot and fresh for hours
- Large digital backlit clock for easy programming; 2-hour auto shut off
- Measures approximately 8 by 6 by 17 inches; 1-year limited warranty
- Hamilton Beach ChefPrep 3 Cup Chopper - 72700
- Hamilton Beach 730C Classic DrinkMaster Drink Mixer, Chrome
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Hamilton Beach 47686 Brewstation Plus Coffeemaker
Customer Review: Works for the reasons I purchased it
Summary: 4 Stars
I wanted to be rid of the glass pot and enjoy a hot cup of coffee after 20 minutes without it tasting burnt. This met my expectations.
I've had this machine since the beginning of December 2008. I admit I haven't been good about running vinegar and water through it from time to time. I drink a lot of coffee and when I think about the coffeemaker it's usually to draw from it another cup or to make another pot. I've also never replaced the filter. More "normal" coffee drinkers, who actually have and take the time to clean it once in awhile may get better mileage from it.
First, it is difficult to see how much water you are putting in it and very difficult to determine how much coffee is left. I solved the first problem by using an old Tupperware 8 cup liquid measuring container I happened to have to measure how much water I was putting into it. I learned how many scoops of coffee per "Tupperware cup" was needed (which IS different from a "coffeemaker cup") to meet my taste preferences. I also got pretty good at judging how many coffee-mug-of-a-certain-size-fills I would get from whatever amount I would make, though I have been caught off-guard more than a few times over the past year by an empty (or unsatisfactorily low) machine.
I've also always had to give the machine a little tilt to get the very last of the coffee out.
Even without a regular cleaning it has always made 6 "Tupperware cups" (about 8 or more in "coffeemaker cups") within acceptable minutes - 5? - unlike previous coffeemakers I've had. And you know it's near the end because it gets quite noisy. Once the noise stops, the brewing is done.
It is a bulky machine, but it is also reasonably light for it's size - it is made almost entirely of plastic. I read about the initial plastic taste from the machine in reviews last year, so I was sure to run vinegar/water through it followed by several cycles of water and was soon rid of that problem.
Though I have never been totally thrilled with the idea of my hot coffee sitting for long periods of time in plastic, I've yet to find an acceptable alternative.
The removable plastic parts are solidly built, and I've had no difficulty learning to handle them and to place them in there positions properly. One learns the special touches needed to run the thing that produces for them something that brings them pleasure. :o)
Speaking of special touches, the 1-4 cup and flavor boost buttons must be pressed to turn off or on BEFORE the button is pushed to begin brewing (turn it off if you need to change a setting). Also, if you decide to add more water (for whatever reason) to a pot of coffee that has already completed brewing, the machine must be turned off then back on to get the new water to run through.
I really liked this machine. With a few adjustments it gave me a fine cup of coffee even 90 minutes after brewing (though I still prefer to not let it sit that long).
Unfortunately, just in the last couple weeks it has begun to leak. The metal disk screwed into the bottom of the plastic brewed-coffee reservoir appears to have a slow leak, possibly around the screws. This produces quite a mess by the time I'm going after the last cup of coffee. Much of the seeped liquid sits within a recessed area under the reservoir, but I no longer dare tilt for that last drop!
With this machine, I've wasted a lot less coffee than I had with other glass-pot machines, the coffee just tasted better longer. But I fear I've also drunk more coffee than before - I've made coffee even more often, because I didn't have to worry so much about some "going bad" before I - or someone - could drink it.
In fact, I so need to curb my coffee habit I've been thinking of getting one of those fancy single-cup brewers (using an insert that allows me to use my own coffee). It'll give me coffee soon enough if I really want it, but it will also leave open an easy option of making a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate instead, without the 'worry' of <gasp!> Wasting A Pot of Coffee. But, I don't know, price and problems may keep me from taking the leap . . . although I may learn to make less coffee, then drink less coffee, and ultimately spend less on coffee . . .
Description of Hamilton Beach 47686 Brewstation Plus Coffeemaker
Hamilton Beach Brewstation Plus automatic drip coffeemaker- 12-cup capacity. Internal thermal brewing system- eliminates the carafe, for one-hand dispensing. Coffee stays fresh longer , no hot plate to scorch coffee flavor. New dispenser design is made for use with tall size travel mugs. Includes a Large easy to see digital clock with backlight. Stainless Steel front & top panel design.Drip Coffee Machines
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