Krups FMF514 Programmable 10 cup Thermal Coffee maker with stainless steel double wall carafe
by Krups
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: KrupsBrand: Krups
Model: FMF5
Color: Stainless Steel & Black
Product features:
- Fully programmable 1100-watt coffeemaker brews up to 10 cups
- LCD display; clock/timer; 1- to 3-cup aroma switch maximizes flavor
- Thermal stainless-steel vacuum carafe with no-drip spout for graceful serving
- 60-ounce water reservoir; built-in water filter; electronic de-scaling indicator
- Measures 10-1/2 by 8-1/2 by 13-3/4; 1-year warranty
- Krups 016-70 Replacement Carafe, White
- Krups GX4100 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder
- KRUPS GVX1-14, Burr Grinder
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Krups FMF514 Programmable 10 cup Thermal Coffee maker with stainless steel double wall carafe
Customer Review: KRUPS FMF5: Burning Hot Disappointment
Summary: 1 Stars
I have read what I am about to relate only on one other review site, so I thought I might as well give people a heads-up here. I didn't own the KRUPS FMF5 long enough to make a pot of coffee -- although for all the many complaints about the design of this model and its glass-carafe cousin, the FME2, folks generally seem to agree that it brews a great tasting cup of joe.
I could have adapted to the heavy and bulky feel of the thermal carafe, or the fact that pouring out that last bit of coffee necessitates a virtual inversion of the decanter -- unless, that is, you take the lid off, which defeats the purpose of the heat-trapping thermal design (and would be even less advisable in view of the fact that the hot plate on these thermal models goes off after just 20 minutes and will therefore be incapable of compensating for cooled coffee). In exchange for an above-average cup of coffee, I could have also learned to ignore the annoyance of bubbles in the water-level indicator (which I experienced, quite true to other reports of the same). And eventually I would have become used to the fact that the thermal carafe, by definition, prevents one from having much of an idea as to how much coffee remains behind after pouring that first or second cup (meaning it might be possible to forget every now and then that you left old coffee inside).
All of the aforementioned I could have ignored or grown used to. But there are two deal-breakers in the KRUPS FMF5 design, which I simply can't overlook. 1) The Pause 'n Serve didn't work well enough to prevent drizzling on the metal hot plate. Since I don't care for peeling or rusting hot plates as a result of exposure to liquids, this was the first Fed Flag -- but by no means the worst. 2) When I was in the process of putting a full pot of rinse water through as directed by the user manual, hot water entered one of the many grooves on the lid as I went to pull it off the warming plate, and it came splashing out of the back where the thermal carafe handle enters the lid. There's a hole there that not only allows the carafe to release heat faster than it should, but the hot liquid can potentially exit the area around the handle, which can result in a burn to the hand (the water enters the pot at about 170 degrees per my tests, so perhaps not a true burn but alarmingly close). Because I used the carafe to measure and fill the water reservoir, there was no overflow of the machine through a weep hole due to having been overfilled. Rather, I suspect that the full pot of hot liquid sloshing around as I tried to remove it from the overly-snug fit on the warming plate probably resulted in water being trapped in the grooves of the lid. Fortunately, I didn't lose my grip on the thermal carafe as a result of the scalding, otherwise it could have potentially caused me to drop the decanter like a hot potato, slam into my foot like a lead weight and, in the process, spew hot liquid all over the floor if not my entire front side!
After this incident, I emptied the hot water and I refilled the carafe with cool water. I tilted it forward and it slightly leaks from the spout even when the lid is locked. To see if the problem was a fluke or something that could be duplicated, I then tilted it backward so that the handle was angled down, and sure enough it leaked through the hole at the top of the handle all over my hand (whether the lid is in the lock position or not). Because I purchased the FMF5 "remanufactured" at a discount store for only $30 complete with a 90-day manufacturer warranty, it would be tempting to conclude that I bought a lemon. However, I suspect that this is a design problem, not evidence of a defect. Therefore, anyone who chances this model should fill the decanter up with cool water, lock the lid in place and test whether or not it has the potential to leak out the front or the back (spout vs. top of handle area).
I suppose IF you don't brew a whole pot, and IF you keep the thermal carafe level at all times -- which is difficult because it fits on the warming plate so snugly that removing it requires a second hand to prevent the rest of the coffee maker from dragging across the counter with it -- than you might not get burned. Nobody wants to be burned by hot coffee when they least expect it, even if it was a $30 bargain. Needless to say, I returned this crappy KRUPS to the store.
Initially I considered exchanging the FMF5 for the FME2 instead -- which appears identical but for the inclusion of a traditional glass carafe -- but I passed on the Krups FME2 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe, White, too. Turns out the FME2 series has a carafe that uses GLUE to hold the handle on (as opposed to reinforcing the handle connection with a metal band/brace). Checking the reviews, I learned that those thin glass carafes not only break more easily than average, but the cheaply mounted handle can come off the pot resulting in the entire thing shattering at your feet! KRUPS may have the coffee brewing technology down pat, but from the looks of things they are not putting a premium on safety.
Ultimately, I replaced the FMF5 with a Mr. Coffee 35 Anniversary Maker, Model MRX35. Not only is the Mr. Coffee Classic Edition easier to program than the KRUPS, but it is more stylish than most machines presently on the market (if you like the retro look, that is). In addition, the Mr. Coffee Classic Edition also brews such a smooth cup of coffee that I find myself adding far less milk and sugar than I used to prefer in effort to drown out bitter overtones. The other advantage to the Mr. Coffee MRX35 is that it has far more features for the price -- and those features are not mounted right below the hot plate where overflows or spills might otherwise damage the "splash resistant" electronics.
Although the thermal carafe may be the latest and greatest in automatic-drip coffeemakers, I much prefer being able to see what is left in the coffee decanter without popping off a lid to peer inside (or swooshing it about given the handle and spout entry points that will enable it to gush out). Although coffee purists put down automatic-drip coffee brewers with glass carafes due to the necessity of a hot plate, the simple flavor-sparing remedy is to purchase an automatic-drip coffee maker that allows the warming plate to be turned down so that the less coffee remains in the decanter, the less likely it is to overcook once the temperature has been adjusted to suit what remains in the pot. Unlike the KRUPS FME2 or FMF5, the Mr. Coffee Classic Edition offers an adjustable warming plate, and I have yet to experience bitter, overcooked results.
In closing, coffee maker buyers would do well to remember that a glass carafe imparts less flavor than metal -- not, of course, that everyone is likely to notice given that the hot coffee brews through and over plastic, which also imparts an off flavor (particularly when new). Nevertheless, if you are one of those health-conscious types or simply someone with a discerning palate or a sensitive stomach, an Aeropress Espresso Maker or a Toddy Cafe Cold Brew Coffee System may be more satisfactory than a conventional auto-drip coffee maker. Not only are the reviews for these alternative coffee-brewing devices far more positive overall, but they cost a lot less money to boot. Ever in search of Starbucks-quality coffee from the comfort and convenience of home, I intend to try one of the aforementioned brewing alternatives myself.
More Krups FMF514 Programmable 10 cup Thermal Coffee maker with stainless steel double wall carafe reviews:
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Description of Krups FMF514 Programmable 10 cup Thermal Coffee maker with stainless steel double wall carafe
Refined European design combines the current trend for matte and metal surfaces and the iconic look of Krups coffee machines to produce and elegant, timeless design that is equally at home in traditional and contemporary kitchens. Better coffee- the stainless steel vacuum carafe ensures optimal flavor and temperature longer. Practical and elegant, the carafe can be brought directly to the table to serve coffee. More convenience, program the night before and wake up to the fresh brewed aroma or as the guests arrive it serve piping hot fresh coffee with ease.Drip Coffee Machines
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