Basic Coffee Makers

With many visitors this weekend I was approached by one gentleman that had heard of my "demon possessed" coffee maker.  He related that he had not heard about my coffee maker from just one person but three different people were rejoicing that the "demon possessed" coffee maker was no more.  I had to chuckle.  I have used an upgraded model of a Mr. Coffee for the past 6 years.  Hubby and I had no trouble with the machine, however if anyone else tried to make coffee, it was a disaster.  When I say a disaster I am dead serious.  My daughter was a victim many times when the receptacle for the coffee would over flow pouring water profusely over the counter and onto the floor.  Many others have tried to be helpful and make the coffee only to have water everywhere coming either from the coffee receptacle or from the bottom of the pot.  Well, finally, the "demon possessed" coffee maker died.

Prior to the "demon possessed" Mr. Coffee, hubby and I tried a Black and Decker coffee pot and returned it only two days after purchase.  The carafes do not fit the base on the Black and Decker pots.  We have looked at several models of the Black and Decker and all have the same problem.  With the automatic buttons on the machines, the carafe must fit properly for the coffee to flow into the carafe.  If not, the coffee will overflow the coffee receptacle and flow onto the counter.  Either the carafe is too large for the base or the base is not designed to properly hold the carafe. 

While shopping for a replacement, we looked at the Mr. Coffee machines.  They were a little overpriced compared to the other brands and with the difficulties others had with our machine, we decided to try the GE brand.  The GE carafe fits well and we sure don't have time to stand by to make sure the coffee is flowing into the carafe.  The design was pleasing to the eye and functional.  Programmable, it is easy to operate and you can set the start time and go about your business.  Though not a daily choice, gourmet coffee can also be brewed in the machine.  After a week of use, we are pleased with the new machine as are our guests. 

Mr. Coffee's basic coffee maker is still a good buy, but add a few bells and whistles and they have priced themselves out of the competition.  I know there are several brands that I have not covered as they are more complex and provide functions that we do not use.  For basic coffee making, I am very pleased with this GE brand.

Happy reading!
Belle

Coffee - My Drink of the Morning

I am changing lanes in the middle of the red light to get some feedback from my reader's. It is a test of me - am I "out of it?" I love my coffee - my day hasn't started until I have my first cup and it really needs to be good. I can remember a time when coffee started most everyone's day, but now it's Coke, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper or some other concoction. But did you notice, they are all caffeine filled drinks?

I have tried all the brands of coffee, with and without the additives and I consistently drink Maxwell House - cup after cup it is what I like. I have tried Folger's, Chock Full O'Nuts, Eight O'Clock, Gevalia, Community, and many other brands, but nothing has replaced my Maxwell House every morning and through most of the day. Yes, I know, I should limit myself to two cups a day, but I don't. I am a coffeeholic.

When on the road, I prefer McDonald's coffee over Starbuck's. I am talking coffee here folks, not cappuccino, not cafe latte', not espresso - just coffee. Those other drinks are a poor attempt to "dress up" a cup of coffee and drive the prices up. A good cup of coffee doesn't need dressing up. It needs to be savored!

From the first tentative sip to the next bigger taste, coffee should make your brain smile, your heart jump and your skin tingle, all signalling the beginning of another day. The drink that send signals to your brain that the breaking of the fast has begun and the start up of the body for another day.

• Did you know that the darker the coffee bean the smoother the flavor?
• The lighter the coffee bean the more caffeine it contains?
• Did you know that the drink made from coffee beans originated in Arabia?
• Brazil is the number one producer of coffee beans, not Columbia
  

Tell me what is your favorite drink of the morning and why?