... We spent a very long time searching for a replacement product and finally decided upon the Kenwood CM651. While scouring the market we discovered many different coffee machines which were adorned with various spangaly extras such as timers and "aroma switches" but to be honest - all we wanted ... Read review
Advantages: great tasting coffee at a drinkable temperature Disadvantages: looks quirky (but maybe you like that)
...and finally decided upon the Kenwood CM651. While scouring the market we discovered many different coffee machines which were adorned with various spangaly extras such as timers and "aroma switches" but to be honest - all we wanted was a decent cup of COFFEE!
THe Kenwood CM651 has a fairly basic design (which is exactly what we wanted - less to go wrong) Water is poured into the back reservoir which is easily accessable. ... ...that it pours really cleanly without any dribbles!
The Kenwoods capacity is 13 cups which is rather generous amount for such a petite design. As we are normally making coffee for two, filling up to the 4cup level makes two rather generous mug-fulls with some to spare or share if we are feeling generous.
The design of the water jug looks odd and dispropotioned - however it pours like a dream, so we're not arguing with ... more
Our last coffee machine (Tefal) had been part of our family for nine years - until he sadly died due to being put too close to a rather hot microwave and melted. We spent a very long time searching for a replacement product and finally decided upon the Kenwood CM651. While scouring the market we discovered many different coffee machines which were adorned with various spangaly extras such as timers and "aroma switches" but to be honest - all we wanted was a decent cup of COFFEE!
THe Kenwood CM651 has a fairly basic design (which is exactly what we wanted - less to go wrong) Water is poured into the back reservoir which is easily accessable. We use the glass jug for this and discovered that it pours really cleanly without any dribbles!
The Kenwoods capacity is 13 cups which is rather generous amount for such a petite design. As we are normally making coffee for two, filling up to the 4cup level makes two rather generous mug-fulls with some to spare or share if we are feeling generous.
The design of the water jug looks odd and dispropotioned - however it pours like a dream, so we're not arguing with the design boffins over that one.
A button on the top of the machine swings open a small door where the coffee grounds are put in to either a filter paper or the permanent filter which is provided. This filter has a rather nifty handle for easy emptying.
We find that the coffee made is at the correct temperature for drinking and that the hotplate keeps the coffee at a decent consistant heat (not so hot that it scalds you - but hot enough that you don't need to nuke it in the microwave)
Cleaning is simple as the parts that get dirty when used all come away simply and are dishwashersafe.
The quality of the coffee produced is very good. We have friends who swear by Krupps and have spent a small fortune on their coffee making apparell. We think this machine produces some rather good coffee and for the price is excellent.
Overall we are very happy with our purchase and hope you like it too.
Advantages: Coffee comes out hot, reusable filter supplied Disadvantages: no timer, no strength setting
My first purchase of a coffee maker made luke warm coffee, so I was quite relieved to find this one made pretty hot coffee! It's not scalding when it first drips through the filter, but if you leave it on the hotplate for a while it does actually get hotter. There is a button on the top which you press and the door opens allowing you to put in or take out the filters. It's easier if you move the coffee jug to open and shut the door.
A reusable filter ... ...a pain to wash and I don't use it. The machine holds enough water to make about 6 reasonable sized cups of coffee - the measurement up the side is based on very small cups so I tend to use 2-3 of those per cup of coffee.
It doesn't have a timer - so if you want your coffee ready and waiting for you in the morning then you need a different model, but it doesn't take long for the coffee to drip through. It also doesn't have a setting for varying strengths ...
caitfox 19.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Kenwood CM 650 / 651
