Cookworks XQ663 > Reviews (9)

Who doesn't enjoy the smell and taste of a freshly made cup of filter coffee? Well, me actually. Let me tell you more...

When i was at secondary school, there was a particular teacher who's coffee breath was something of legend. He must have drank at least a gallon of the stuff a day(he actually bought a flask into lessons) and when he got up close to you, the stench of stale coffee breath was enough to make you wretch. This experience completely put me off coffee for years.

Then about 6 months ago, i went to an open mic night at a local coffee house (very cool, very Friends) and was persuaded by the friendly coffee maker to try a latte with hazlenut syrup. Well i did and i loved it! I felt that i had missed out on the joys of coffee for so long and made it my mission to buy a filter coffee machine and try out lots of different blends.

After having a good look in the Argos catologue, i came across this smart looking Cookworks XQ663 coffee machine. Cookworks is what you would call a budget brand, cheap and cheerful electrical machinery such as kettles, toasters, microwaves etc... I think it may be exclusive to Argos as i have not seen it stocked anywhere else. Indeed, it says in the catalogue it is " Only at Argos"
The Cookworks filter coffee maker describes itself as:
10 Cup capacity
1.25 litre capacity
Anti drip
Filter
Water level guage
Thermostatic hotplate
Keep warm function
Non slip feet

It has a black plastic finish, which honestley does not make it look cheap, with a black plug. It couldnt be easier to use. Simply pull out the filter, fill with your choice of coffee, fill up the water container at the back (you will need to use a measuring jug to do this as it is not removeble)and switch it on.

It takes around 5 minutes to make a full pot of coffee, in which time you can enjoy the satisfying aroma and the nice little gurgly noises it make.

It does say it has a 10 cup capacity...well they must be Hobbit cups then! As i am common(!) and drink from a mug, i found that realistically you only get about 3 mugs from it. But the thermostatic plate is very hot and does keep the coffee very hot and fresh for up to 2 hours

It is very easy to clean the glass pot and the filter, although the filter does tend to get quite stained. If this happens to you, the best thing to do is to buy filter papers which will stop this happening. It is very clean, does not drip or make a mess of your worktops and is compact enough to fit into a little nook of even the smallest kitchen.

The Cookworks XQ663 is avalable from Argos at the bargain price of £7.24. However, when i bought mine (the week before Christmas) it had been reduced to £4.99! What a bargain! But im not sure if it will still be at that price now as i know there is a new catalogue out.

Andrea x