Hamilton Beach 4 Cup Brewer w/ Stainless Steel Carafe (Free Coffee Samples) Review
Hamilton Beach Commercial 4 Cup Coffeemaker Model # HDC700S (Type A-18) with Stainless Carafe
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Commercial-Coffee-Maker/dp/B0008ISVXM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1252934079&sr=1-2
What drove me in getting this make ? frustration, that is in getting yet another 4 Cup Brewer that can't produce a Hot cup of coffee, so far was a Black & Decker and Cuisinart 4-Cup makers, both only made coffee at 163 degs believe me not hot enough, I used to drink it black with sugar now I am back to extra half / half, add that from the refrig one can lose 20 degs, in heat so starting off with a weak heating coffee maker then add cream one is at approx 140 degs ! now it's a re-heat in a microwave that is a extra dirty cup, I use double wall SS 15oz travel cup.
At last I didn't think I would find any coffee maker that made a higher temperature since my favorite Braun 4 Cup Coffee Maker # KF-12, 179 degs, add cold cream no problem out the door.
The stats
This model is very well made, it doesn't slide when pushing the on or off switch, it has no programmable controls, no problem at all with me, ever since I heard of a employee I worked with left his coffee brewer plug-in and his kitchen burnt down, I pull the plug ! it comes with the latest feature to get an advance cup or pause 'n serve cup, a feature I detest, since IMO only a ignorant person would do that because he/she can't wait a few extra mins, till it's all done, this person gets the "extra strong" cup and the rest is diluted left over, I was just reminded (she dose that : ) she likes the pause 'n serve because it's a safety feature she seen what happens at work to a lot of people getting coffee for customers when some one pulls the coffee pot out early and gets a hot splash, ok, ok that's different than some one who just can't wait, ok it's a safety feature : )
I ordered it with a stainless steel carafe, I am personally not a big fan of SS carafes, I like to see what is going on : - )) could only get a "fits all" replacement S.S. for my Braun (brews,179 degs) but with this one I now have a battle ready carafe as a spare when needed, yes I have ordered a HB glass carafe, but speaking about this S.S. carafe this is no doubt the best pouring carafe I ever used, bar-none, it is an issue with most 4 cup carafes believe me, even with my blessed Braun you have to be just right (read level and slow) in pouring, this carafe never leaked a drop of coffee out after pouring many times (start an stopping) in testing fast or slow and all of the coffee but the smallest drop came out of the carafe in the end, I just hope the glass one I ordered will work half as well, hopefully will update.
As for the taste ? I read reviews on this non-commercial model (here) and some stated it brews a little weaker no doubt because of the round filter design instead of the V shape which does make sense, well I am drawn a bit by this, to me it seems that its only a tiniest bit true, but by very little, I make my coffee 6 oz standard coffee cup with one level teaspoon (measuring spoon) for a 4 cup, I use 3 level tablespoons and 1 half tablespoon, I am use to my Braun maker taste, using the HB I have to guess it was a tad lighter tasting but the jury is still out on this, no big deal I will try using 4 level tablespoons if I decide it is a little weaker. One too two "level" measuring tablespoons is the standard for a standard 6 oz cup of coffee. BTW- this S.S. carafe makes / holds 20 oz as dose my Braun or one good travel mug, I don't believe there are any true 6 oz (4) cup, 24 oz makers out there, will see how much difference if any, the glass carafe will hold.
Ok the first brew after the first just water brew run, the temperature was an amazing 184 degs !! finally a maker who makes a cup of hot coffee the right temperature, instead of the typical coffee makers whos legal staff are running the design department.
As for the power draw:
Start-up or brewing cycle time 7 mins
570 Watts, 4.66 Amps
After brewing with warmer only on (one hour auto shut-off)
02 Watts, .06 Amps
Pros
A great hot cup of (184 degs) coffee with an automatic shut off, one hour instead of the typical 20 mins ones out there, the timer works and the temperature was 181 degs just before the time of shut off so the warmer keeps up with the brewer temp, over all height is 11", standard store brought 4 cup round filters work perfectly and a nice blue indicating on light, you know when this unit is done brewing by the littlest burst of final steam out the top sides, a little less than 7 minutes. .
Cons (To some)
Round filter basket design, not the V shape # 2 filter type, yes a small amount of liquid drops when after brewing swinging out the basket, either wait longer to open or have a paper towel ready.
Some people will not like the "how too" graphics on the top lid, remember this review is on the "Commercial" product made for motels / hotels, read heavy duty, the cord is a 3 prong 47" long to the end not the typical 18 inches or less cord, these both things are not a problem with me.
The only reason I ordered this unit was, I wanted one that would at least last as long as my Braun (still does work) first one '89 to 2003 (glass carafe broke) second one new 2003 to present (but with a fits-all S.S. carafe) can not get an original glass carafe for this unit, this new unit goes up to my girl friends place.
In the end I could have brought this model's in the non-commercial version the page your reading now (from Amazon)
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Brewer-Stainless-Samples/dp/B000OOQWFY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1253275448&sr=1-2
Just like this one and it has really great reviews like the "Hot coffee" but I was thinking how long will this unit last, that was my driving force so I'll live with the graphs and longer cord, in thinking now yes the difference is most likely just the length of cord and it's 3-prong, (only time will tell ) if you need a longer cord for a coffee maker and don't want to use an (10 amp rated min) extension cord, this model is for you, I have no regrets with this unit and just love buying form Amazon, 9 out of 10 times dose have the best price and shipping, I think their service is great if I ever do find a tiny price difference, I will, way it out, who is doing the selling at the other end ?, is it worth taking a chance ?, in the end it's, no.
UPDATE:
On the H.B. replacement 4 cup glass carafe #88085
It pours just like the S.S. carafe great and it holds 4 oz more
(24 oz total) that brings it up to a true 4 cup (6oz) carafe, price
approx
Good luck and hope this helps a little.
Hamilton Beach 4 Cup Brewer w/ Stainless Steel Carafe (Free Coffee Samples) Feature
- On light provides feedback to guests and hotel personnel
- Stainless Steel carafe (not thermal). Comfortable carafe handle makes pouring easy.
- Swing-out brew basket with removable filter holder for easy filling and cleaning
- Automatic Shutoff - This reliable function turns the coffeemaker off in one hour, even if guests forget.
- Auto Pause & Serve - Briefly interrupts the brew cycle so guests can enjoy a quick cup.
Hamilton Beach 4 Cup Brewer w/ Stainless Steel Carafe (Free Coffee Samples) Overview
Hamilton Beach® Aroma Elite 4-cup commercial grade coffee maker with stainless steel carafe (not a thermal carafe). Features one hour auto-shutoff, Pause n Serve, non-stick coated hot plate, lighted on/off switch. Filter holder lifts out of brew basket for easy filling and cleaning. The carafe design seals in flavor and heat for a delicious cup of hot coffee.
Hamilton Beach 4 Cup Brewer w/ Stainless Steel Carafe (Free Coffee Samples) Specifications
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 13, 2010 05:20:14
Unhappy w/this purchase. Very! - J. R Rodriguez - Bronx, NY USA
I've only owned this coffee maker for less than a month & it crapped out when I was craving for coffee. The only button/switch it has stopped working. When it worked, it made great coffee. I gave it 1 star for its appearance but that's it. If it looks good and can't make coffee, which is why I bought it in the first place, then it's no good. Why should I have to buy a replacement coffeemaker every month? Save & get yourself the Elite Cuisine 4-Cup Pause-'n-Serve Coffeemaker - EHC2022. Copy & paste that above in your product search & you'll see a very reliable coffee maker indeed. Please don't make the mistake & buy this one. The Elite Cuisine model I mentioned was the one I used for work & gave it to my girlfriend who is still enjoying it. What a mistake! I should've given her this model instead. Here I am now without a decent cup of coffee before work. Now I have to wait for its replacement; the same model.
Lousy coffee maker - Robert C. Johnson - Hendersonville, NC
This coffee maker died after about three weeks. It overflowed twice while brewing and even after cleaning, still didn't work. It made the coffee hot enough alright--enough to burn my hand when I tried to stop it from overflowing and making a huge mess. It went right into the trash. The carafe is cheap and the heating element made the coffee taste burnt even if left for 10 minutes after brewing (when it worked!). Save yourself the money and try something else!
