Technivorm Thermo Moccamaster CDGT with Thermal Carafe

You looking to find the "Technivorm Thermo Moccamaster CDGT with Thermal Carafe" Good news! You can purchase Technivorm Thermo Moccamaster CDGT with Thermal Carafe with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $299.00    

Product Feature

• Recommended by Cook's Illustrated. Roastmasters listed as their source.
• Certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America and European Coffee Brewing Centre (Oslo).
• Includes stainless thermal carafe with 2 lids, a brew-thru and a travel lid. Hand built. Copper heating system.

Product Description

The Technivorm Moccamaster Thermo Coffeemaker CDGT 741 is an elegant auto drip style coffeemaker which mimics the pour over method of brewing. It brews at the optimal temperature of between 197.6 � - 204.8 � F. It can brew 10 cups in 6 minutes.

Technivorm Thermo Moccamaster CDGT with Thermal Carafe Review

I own the CDT model and have used mine for five years now. It is different from this only in appearance, and in only one function, an improvement...the new model, the CDGT, has a new cylindrical boiler housing with a styling nod, ribbed sections, my CDT is plain. My Brew Basket is different, you can adjust the brew flow, if you want that feature, other Technivorm models have it. The important difference is in the lid of the carafe. Instead of the old screw-on lid that may be securely shut, or quarter-turned to allow pouring, is now called the "Travel Lid" and all new machines come with that lid also.

THE NEW CARAFE LID: the CDGT's "Brew-Thru-Lid's" exposed upper surface abuts very close to the underside of the "Brew Basket". Minimal air space, minimal heat loss. Plus, you can brew through the lid directly into the carafe instead of into the large opening of the carafe itself...keeps the heat in! So, the Brew-Thru-Lid receives the brewed coffee from the Brew Basket with minimal contact with the cooler outside air. The Brew-Thru-Lid's long and narrow "funnel" protrudes deep within the carafe when the hot coffee emerges from the funnel opening..."keeps 'er hot." Before this, the open gap allowed much more cooling to take place, so your carafe temperature was always a bit lower than expected...not now!

Sounds all complex, but it is ABC simple. The new CDGT Brew-Thru-Lid is a major improvement, major I tells ya, been there. It's standard equipment on all new Technivorm Moccamasters. Owners of older Technivorms may trade up to the Brew-Thru-Lid for $8.00 or so...and yes, it fits. Not to ramble, allow me to itemize the pros and cons as I see them:

PROS:

1) The Technivorm Moccamaster line is only one of four coffee brewers certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America to meet the following criteria: 1) brew at between 195-205 degrees F during the entire brew cycle to properly extract all flavors, while, at the same time, and 2) keeping the coffee hot at 179.5-185 degrees F for 30 minutes in the carafe. Only three other coffee makers cleared that high jump. It performed at 205 degrees at the shower-head and 201-203 degrees in the bed (bed of grounds). Now that IS a tall order.

2) All-copper coil boiler, made in Germany to Technivorm spec., no aluminum parts inside, no bull, all copper! So, the copper boiler brews fast--in 5.5-6.5 minutes depending on quantity brewed. By the way, with ANY automatic filter-drip machine, best flavor results when you brew to full capacity of the machine and carafe.

A fantastic tech review AND must-see photos of the copper boiler of the Technivorm are available right here...on the following George Howell Coffee Company's terroircoffee site--so copy and paste the following text onto your browser's search box: Technivorm KB-741 Short-Form Design Review and Brewing Notes.

CAPACITY ALERT! NOW HEAR THIS: Technivorm capacity is 10 Tasses or 1.25 liters; a Tasse is 1/8 liter, or 4.22 fl/oz U.S., yielding a total of 5 each of 8 fl/oz U.S. measuring cups. So, just like Braun, Krups, Capresso, Keurig, etc., European makers list capacity in Tasses, NOT 8 fl/oz measuring cups.

3) All ABS and aluminum construction...strong, high quality build...commercial grade muscleman. Sorry, I do go on. Swear to you, I am no marketing vampire.

4) Made in the Netherlands by Technivorm, a respected commercial coffee equipment manufacturer in Europe. This is a mini commercial brewer...their small office model. See their Dutch website to see the Moccamaster line and others...very big ones for restaurants and hotels. A commercial product also appropriate for the public is often called a "Prosumer" product, and that this is. That category is where I try to shop.

5) Bench-made (hand-made) assembly, not robotics, no slap together...incredible quality control.

6) The lid of the brew basket is removable, therefore accessible during brewing so that one can stir and sink the bloom of the grounds, as you can do with French Presses. This makes the brew more intense, richer.

7) It comes with a tight clearance CDGT Brew-Thru-Lid (to repeat) that ensures a close connection between the Brew Basket and the Carafe. Another lid, The Travel Lid, (to repeat) is also included. It seals the Carafe for transport, and given a quarter-turn, it will pour out your brew via the carafe's spout.

8) The Brew Sensor at the base, where the Carafe seats, will be pushed in when the Carafe is in place, turning the boiler on. Remove the Carafe and the brewing stops...really ingenious safety feature!

9) Auto shut-off when the boiler is empty, having delivered its hot water...an important safety feature.

10) 1475 Watts of power, 13 Amp output makes the copper boiler a powerhouse, and gets that 195-205 F degree water to quickly sprinkle down upon the grounds resting within the Brew Basket.

11) Space saving: very vertical profile...small footprint (11.5" x 7"), but low enough to clear most cabinetry (15.9").

12) The coffee the Technivorm makes is just superb. I am also a French Press person, and this is just a different kind of coffee, not better than French Press, or worse. I like to trade off. Technivorm coffee brewing is flexible, interceding with hands-on it can be adjusted so that you can increase the acidic, bright notes and expect more aroma, or floral notes, by brewing a bit lighter, or go for a bit more full body by deciding "To stir, or not to stir." This machine is the benchmark of drip coffee brewers...coffee magic. Buy it! Try to afford it! Have a garage sale, skip the Charbucks for 60 days and piggy-bank it...just do it.

CONS:

1) $300 Federal Reserve Notes to possess it.

2) A Niggle: The carafe's pouring "spout" is wide and shovel-shaped. Unless you quarter-turn precisely and pour slowly, it can dribble a bit until you get the hang of it. This is the only real design feature that needs some attention. Mold a narrower, deeper channel for easy, precise pouring...hear me Mr. Clement? (Clement, The guy that designed the the CDT model and this CDGT, and received some Big Fat Important Industrial Design Award, in Europe, for doing so).

3) Tiny Niglet: The circular, flanged plastic lids atop the boiler unit and the Brew Basket, and the Brew Basket itself, are light gauge, though flexible ABS...very tough...the good-force plastic (Probably, reluctantly specified by Darth Vader for his helm-mask because he could find nothing stronger). In keeping with the high quality of the machine, you would expect a more substantial gauge, more heft. But I must say, that in the FIVE years I have owned it, there have been no problems, no cracking at all, no warping...good as new. I am no plastics engineer, but some people do not understand and would like to see some reassuring overkill...Mr. Clement, are you listening?

4) Micro Niglet: Could be a tad more stylish, but then you are getting into glitzed-out consumer-quality, mainstream tinsel. Practical, commercial design seldom goes there, glitz is suspect...the money goes into the guts, not the glamor. Its freshman chemistry-experiment-looking functionality pleases me. Sometimes, very early in the morning, I forget to stir the grounds, mesmerized by watching the rising air bubbles when brewing...daydreaming......Oh! Clem, the new ribbed boiler housing will make better coffee? Ah, takes the edge off the industrial, utilitarian look, does it? It does?

Technivorm CDGT Summary: not enough cons to worry about, really: 4.8 stars...I pondered long on this: 4.8, Clem.

________________________________________________________________________________________
MY TECHNIVORM DRIP METHOD (Some ideas lifted from Sweet Maria's and Clive Coffee)

1. WEIGH WATER, THEN, FILL RESERVOIR. Use only fresh, cold, filtered water. Replace lid. Pour very hot tap water into your carafe and cups to pre-warm.

2. WEIGH BEANS, THEN GRIND. Dose at .055g per milliliter for "American" coffee, .065g per milliliter for Euro-style coffee (many coffeehouses do .06g). For instance, I dose my 1000ml (1 liter) Frieling press with 60 grams of beans for 1000 grams of water, or .07 (70g's) when I need a BAM!

(1 milliliter (volume) of water equals 1 gram (weight), 1000ml weighs 1000 grams...gotta love the metric system). Grind medium coarsely to coarsely, like coarsely ground pepper. Tinker with it a few days until you dial in to your taste.

3. FILL BREW BASKET. Close the Drip Switch, pour in your grounds, shake vigorously to level the grounds bed. Place the Brew Basket on its horizontal bracket, then replace the lid.

4. START BREW CYCLE. Empty the carafe of its pre-warming water, screw on the brew-thru lid. Turn on the Power Switch (small,round red light comes on). To begin brewing, place carafe on its pad, pressing against the white Safety Button at the base (large orange light comes on).

5. STIR THE BLOOM, THEN FINISH BREWING. Allow the Brew Basket to partially fill, then stir the bloom cake to ensure all grounds are saturated to deliver best flavor. Replace the lid. As the Brew Basket fills, watch for overflowing. At near-full, flip the Drip Switch to half-open to slow-drip, increasing dwell time of the infusion, or for smaller quantities, or use full-open for less intense flavor or for a larger amounts of coffee. Adjust to your taste.

6. DRIPPING STOPS, NOW SERVE YOUR BREW. When dripping ceases, close the Drip Switch to off and turn off the Power Switch. Replace the Brew-thru lid with the "Travel Lid," then turn the Travel Lid a quarter turn to properly pour into your cups without dribbling.

Please see my new blog on Blogspot.com: ONLY THE BEST: Prosumer and Consumer Product Reviews

Prosumer products: High performance, high durability products designed for professional, commercial, or industrial use where the emphasis is on function and not appearance, yet are also be available to the public. Consumer products: Lower performance, lower durability products designed for the public where the emphasis is on appearance and not function in the mass market. Let us find Only The Best products in each category. My reviews are based on hands-on, objective testing--Carl V. May

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Technivorm Thermo Moccamaster CDGT with Thermal Carafe" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Technivorm Thermo Moccamaster CDGT with Thermal Carafe ...

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife

You looking to find the "Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife" Good news! You can purchase Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $139.95 Too low to display   

Product Feature

• Long, narrow 10-inch blade for slicing ham, roasts, poultry, smoked salmon
• Alternating hollows on blade's sides prevent food from clinging
• Blade, bolster, tang forged from single piece of high-carbon stainless steel
• Tough polypropylene handle with full tang and traditional three rivets
• Made in Germany

Product Description

A company with a rich heritage%2C it%27s one of the World%27s leading manufacturers of precision forged cutlery%2E This amazing company remains family owned and under the management of the seventh generation of ownership%2C and bring nothing but the best into your homes%2E

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife Review

This knife was part of a gift, and I am pleased to say that it exceeded all expectations. There may be other brands with equal utility, but I have not had the pleasure of using them. I am not shy about blasting Wusthof or Henckels for charging obscene prices when another brand offers the same quality for less, but like several specialty knives in the line, this one is a winner. Put your electric whiz bang in the closet, and amaze your guests with this useful (and large) gem.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife ...

Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

You looking to find the "Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel" Good news! You can purchase Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $199.00 $165.00   

Product Feature

• Programmable espresso maker brews single or double espresso
• 15 bars of pressure; uses either ground espresso or pods
• Steam nozzle for cappuccino or latte; pre-programmed cup sizes
• 64-ounce reservoir; cup-warming tray; frothing cup and tamping tool included
• Measures 10-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-3/4 inches; 3-year limited warranty

Product Description

Brew a single or double espresso using either ground espresso or pods with this programmable espresso maker. The unit's 15 bars of pressure deliver consistently authentic espresso with excellent crema, while its stainless-steel steam nozzle makes it easy to turn an espresso drink into a frothy cappuccino or latte. Pre-programmed cup sizes include 1-1/2 ounces and 3 ounces. The espresso maker's 64-ounce reservoir removes for easy filling, and its steam button functions separately for convenience. Other highlights include a cup-warming tray on top, a removable drip tray and cover for easy cleanup, and a porta-filter holder with a locking mechanism, which makes it possible to quickly pump out wet grounds after each use. Accessories include a stainless frothing cup and a tamping tool with a measuring spoon. Beautifully designed in professional stainless-steel housing with an embossed Cuisinart logo, the espresso maker measures 10-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

From the Manufacturer

<img src=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kitchen/detailpages/smallappliances/Cuisinart-EM-200-coffees.jpg

With the EM-200, Cuisinart lets you prepare gourmet quality espresso at home. With a programmable system that allows you to pre-select serving size, 15 bars of pressure for maximum flavor, and the option of using ground espresso or pods, you’re in control. A separate steam function and stainless steel nozzle make it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and smooth lattes. With a removable drip tray and cover, and a portafilter holder with a locking mechanism that makes it easy to dispose of wet grounds after use, clean up is also quick and simple.

The Quest for a Perfect Espresso

<img src=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kitchen/detailpages/smallappliances/Cuisinart-EM-200-stack.jpg

It is generally agreed that there are four basic elements critical to the perfect cup: Water: When brewing espresso, make sure the water flows through the filter at the correct pace. The water flow can be adjusted by varying the pressure with which the coffee is tamped in the filter or by altering the grind of coffee. If the speed of the water is slow, the coffee will be over extracted and will be very dark and bitter, with a spotted and uneven crema (froth) on the top. If the speed of the water flow is too fast, the coffee will be under-extracted and the supreme flavor will not develop. The coffee will be diluted and there will be an inadequate amount of crema on the top. Coffee: While the bulk of the liquid is water, all of the flavor should be from the coffee. To achieve the same great quality of coffee you receive at a cafe, you need to use the same quality beans. If you choose to grind your own beans, buy the beans fresh and whole, only about a two week supply at a time for maximum freshness. Once the coffee bean is broken, its flavor degrades very quickly. If it is not practical to buy smaller supplies, we recommend you separate larger amounts of beans and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry area. They should not be kept for longer than 1 month as flavor will diminish. Do not refrigerate or freeze coffee beans. Grind: The grind of the coffee is critical for proper flavor extraction. If using a pre-ground coffee, be sure to purchase an espresso grind that is specifically for espresso/cappuccino machines. If the grind is too fine, over extraction and bitterness will occur with a spotted and uneven crema on top. If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too rapidly and there will be an inadequate amount of crema on the top of the espresso. Tamping the Coffee Grounds: If you choose to use ground espresso instead of pods, tamping the coffee is a very important part of the coffee-making process. Use the scoop supplied to fill the filter basket, then using the tamping tool, tamp down the grounds with moderate pressure. Add more coffee and tamp again if necessary to bring coffee to level. Do not overfill the filter basket. The ground coffee should be tamped with moderate pressure. If the coffee is not tamped securely, there is a chance the water will flow through the coffee to rapidly and the coffee will be under-extracted. Note: if the coffee is tamped too firmly, the water will flow through the coffee too slowly and the coffee will be over-extracted. Programming Your Espresso Machine This Cuisinart espresso machine has programming capabilities. Based on cafe settings, the single and the double espresso functions are set to 1.5 and 3 ounce. However, by following a few simple steps, you can pre-program your perfect serving size down to the ounce. Easy to follow steps with illustrations are included in the Instruction Book. Milk Texturing Milk texturing is the steaming of milk. The steam does two things; its heats the milk and mixes the air with the milk for form a foamy texture. As with learning to make an espresso, perfecting the art of milk texturing takes time and practice.

Features and Benefits

• Removable 64-ounce water reservoir with lid with 2 options for filling with water:
  1. Lift the lid at the top of the espresso maker and fill with cold or filtered water.
  2. Remove the reservoir to fill and then replace by pushing down firmly until the reservoir sets on the base flush with the unit.
• Cup-warming plate for warming espresso cups
• 15-bar pump
• Manual Button: Used for a continuous pour of espresso
• 1-Cup Button: Used for a single serving of espresso, 1.5 ounces
• 2-Cup Button: Used for a double serving of espresso, 3 ounces
• Program Button: Used to set the number of ounces needed
• Steam Button: Used when making cappuccinos and lattes--will flash until ready for use.
• Portafilter Holder: Can be used with ground or pod espresso--has two positions, lock and unlock, for ease of cleaning
• Brew Head: For easy fit of the portafilter holder
• Steam or Hot Water Control Dial: Use to activate steam or hot water
• Commercial Steam Wand: Use to steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes
• Removable Drip Tray: Removable drip tray with grate
• Cleaning Pins: Used to clean any excess milk that gets stuck inside the steam wand or any coffee particles that get stuck inside the filter
• Stainless Frothing Pitcher: Used for steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes
• Measuring Scoop/Tamping Tool: Use one side as a coffee scoop and the other to tamp the coffee grinds in the filter basket
• Filter Baskets: Use the one cup filter for a single espresso and the two cup filter basket for the double espresso, and the pod filter basket for espresso pods

Bringing the Good Life Home

Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long. Specialty items, like this espresso machine, offer today ��s consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends.

Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time.

Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today ��s relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Review

I've had this machine now 4 months. I've had many machines before it, including the ever popular DeLonghi. This is an amazing machine, but there are a few things to know.

1. All espresso machines, and even some coffee machines, need to be primed. If there is water in the tank, yet it's not pumping but making noise, chances are you just need to prime it. Turn the steam knob just like in the manual, and if it fails, try again. You only have to do this when you first get the machine, or if you some how let it run dry.

2. The specs list this as not coming with a tamper, that's only partially correct. It comes with a plastic scoop / tamper combo thang. Before you get too annoyed with it, I recommend ordering "RSVP Terry's Tamper" (probably advertised on the same page). It's less than 7 bucks, and the small side fits this machines portafilter perfectly.

3. Some reviewers have knocked this machine because the "Filter keeps getting clogged". Here's a news flash: All espresso filters will get clogged if your grinder leaves too many fines. You can get pre-ground espresso (I recommend LaVazza InBlu, or Illy), or you can get yourself a good grinder (doesn't need to be great, as long as it grinds *evenly*). If you accidentally grind too finely, this machine comes with pins to un-clog the filter. You can save a bit of time by just rubbing your thumb over the filter aggressively while running watter over it.

4. Noise. Without a doubt, this is the noisiest espresso machine I've ever owned. That said, I just purchased a Kurieg for my wife, and it is noisier and had even more trouble with it's initial priming. To the Kurieg's credit, there is no grind to mess with, and the clean up is Zero. :)

Now for the stuff that Hasn't been mentioned, but if I where Cuisinart, I'd be shouting this from the roof tops...

1. This machine has the most rock solid temperature across shots I've ever seen. Nothing else comes close.

2. This machine has integrated pressure relief. It's not perfect, which is probably why they didn't mention it, but even Gaggia's solenoid freaks out from time to time too. Most every other manufacture with this feature charge double this machines cost. It's a big deal.

3. I've been inside DeLonghis, Gaggias, and others, this thing is pretty well built. It also looks pretty nice on the outside, and has a water res that is easy to use, large enough, and above all else, leak free.

4. The steam wand works well. It actually works better than my Gaggia's (which was 4 *times* as much money), but it is Different, and takes some initial practice.

5. This machine has an auto power down. That's a Very Nice feature that is often overlooked on less expensive machines, and it's very handy too.

6. The dosing on this thing actually works. I've had a couple other machines that claimed dosing, yet they all seemed pretty random. This one actually works and it works reliably. Before you think this is a feature you can live without, consider this: With non-dosing machines, you need to use a shot glass or some other way of eye-balling when to stop, then put into final glass for mixing. But, with dosing, you can punch up a double shot right into the final cup, and it gets it right. Every Time. How cool is That??? Very Cool!

The only things I wish they did different:

1. I wish the machine was quieter.
2. I wish they had a non-pressurized portafilter basket option.

But, when you compare that to the plus side, it's a no brainer: Buy This Machine!

Not having to temperature surf, not having gooey cleanup, having a cup warmer that actually works, AUTO POWER DOWN, dosing, etc., all for the price of a used Gaggia? Just click "Add to Cart" already!

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel ...

SquareTrade 4-Year Large Appliance Protection Plan ($1250-1500)

You looking to find the "SquareTrade 4-Year Large Appliance Protection Plan ($1250-1500)" Good news! You can purchase SquareTrade 4-Year Large Appliance Protection Plan ($1250-1500) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $175.96    

Product Feature

• 4-year coverage from date of purchase: mechanical and electrical failures
• Free in-home service for large appliances
• Free 2-way shipping for smaller appliance repairs
• Your appliance is fixed or you receive full replacement cost
• Fully transferable with gifts. Cancel anytime, full refund in first 30 days.

Product Description

Upon purchase, you will get an email confirmation from SquareTrade.  You will not be mailed a paper contract.  If you have questions, please call: 1.877.WARRANTY.

SquareTrade 4-Year Large Appliance Protection Plan ($1250-1500) Review

We purchase a Samsung Refirigerator/freezer from Sears. It came with a 1 year warranty. I found out Square Trade was a fraction of the cost Sears charged for extended warranties, so I bought a 5 years extended warranty. As luck would have it, we encountered a problem about 10 months after we bought the unit. It was minor, but 1st, Sears said it wasn't covered, then told us to fix it ourselves. Finally they sent a tech out, who said he didn't have a clue. After the Square Trade warranty kicked in, we called about water in the crisper drawer. The tech they chose came out, fixed the 1st problem Sears didn't have clue about, then replaced a defroster panel. The fix seemed to work for about 2 weeks, then came back. The service tech refused to come back, so we called Square Trade. a different service tech came out, replaced the same panel and made a few modifications. This lasted a week. Again, once paid they did not want to come back. We finally called Samsung and arranged for a factory tech to service the unit. A called to Square Trade ensuered us they would fully cover the repair. The factory tech installed a $2 part that fixed everything. A call to Square Trade and an email with the receipt attached got a check mailed to us in 24 hours for the full amount. You can't do much better than that! I would recommend Square Trade to all my friends. I've placed claims on several items from eBay with good results, even used items. It's a small price to pay for worry free purchases.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "SquareTrade 4-Year Large Appliance Protection Plan ($1250-1500)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from SquareTrade 4-Year Large Appliance Protection Plan ($1250-1500) ...