Customer Reviews

KitchenAid KCM514WH JavaStudio 14-Cup Stainless-Steel Programmable Coffee Maker, White

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

We had researched several brands (mostly European) before settling on the Kitchenaid JavaStudio. We own several Kitchenaid appliances and rate it as the most durable brand in the kitchen. That said, I've never known Kitchenaid to be regarded as "pros" in the coffee department. That changed when we purchased the JavaStudio. This coffee-maker won its place on our countertop not just because of brand reputation but, because of its size. Many of the machines we wanted were simply too large to fit under our overhead cabinets. Now, after four months of ownership, not a single moment of regret. The machine is simple to operate, uses less coffee than most to produce a full-bodied cup of coffee, and by darn it looks good doing it. I'm not going to pretend to understand how KitchenAid produces such a terrific cup of coffee by "spraying" the grounds before brewing...the proof is in the taste. And the slogan "good to the last drop" has never been so true. I usually get my first cup every morning about an hour and a half after brewing and I have yet to experience bitterness. The machine is easy to clean too. All of the parts remove easily and the gold filter eliminates the need for paper filters. From time to time, the stainless steel exterior gets streaked but a little windex on a lint-free cloth (wiped with the grain) brings the shine right back.

I know KitchenAid had production problems with the first set of units. I would say that accounted for the previous reviews.

The unit I received (almost a month now) works perfectly. The coffee brews evenly, whether 4 cups or 12. The spa spray nozzle creates a freshness and aroma that rivals any Starbucks. The machine is very easy to use, has useful displays (e.g., how long since brewed) and keeps the coffee piping hot.

I highly recommend this machine.

I, too, own several KitchenAid products and have been delighted with previous products. When I needed a new coffee maker, I decided to switch brands to KitchenAid based on prior history with the company.

HOWEVER, this is the WORST coffee maker I've ever owned, including cheaper models. I'm now on my second coffee pot after KitchenAid sent me a new one when the one I ordered failed. While the company has been more than understanding, I hesitate to call again because I don't even want another one. Getting my money back shouldn't lie with the hands of the seller I purchased it from.

Here's the problem. After a week of use, the water and grounds kept spilling over and coffee was not draining into the pot, saturating the electric plate and my kitchen floor. When I could get it just right (standing there holding the carafe in place), the coffee tasted burnt.

I thought I had a defective product, but the new one is starting to do the same thing. The carafe does not stay in place and slides forward when placed on the electric plate (until there is enough coffee dispensed. The coffee carafe is supposed to push (when it's in the right place) on the plastic piece that releases the coffee. It's a design problem. It's definitely cheaply made. I have to stand next to my coffee maker as it's brewing to make sure the coffee is dripping.

Believe me, I wouldn't have bothered writing this if I didn't think it might save someone else the headaches. Buy something else! It's not worth the hassle.

I purchased this unit after contemplating the Bunn and Cuisinart models that retail between $80 and $100. I dropped the Bunn because we do not drink enough coffee to be comfortable with their reservoir system. I just did not like the Cuisinart - too many moving parts for me. Cuisinart's reviews weren't too hot either. I liked the way the KitchenAid looked and the basic functionality it offered. After I ordered it I found a forum site at KitchenAid.com that just railed the unit for overflow and grinds in the coffee issues. So far we've made about 10 pots of coffee and have suffered neither issue.

This maker is about 30% faster and 15 degrees hotter than my previous Mr. Coffee. It brews a full pot (14 - 4.5 oz. cups) in just about 7-8 minutes and is 190 degrees. An hour later the temp was 180.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that no issues arise. The price was $100 when I ordered it on Monday and it is down to $80 today! I'm glad I got $25 off for purchasing $125 worth of kitchen gear otherwise I'd be a bit bummed out.

I owned the first Kitchenaid coffee maker and wasn't impressed. I bought a Cuisinart to replace it and thought I had reached coffee nirvana. After reading so much negative feedback about the new Kitchenaid, I bought one, just to see if Kitchenaid was dumb enough to market another mistake. I have found NO fault with this machine. It is esthetically attractive and the controls are easy to identify and use. The hinged lid allows open access to the basket assembly and to fill the resevoir. The machine makes wonderful coffee. The plastic used on the handle, mouth and lid of the carafe does NOT stain! Yippee! I have had no problem removing and replacing the cover to the carafe and frankly have not thought of one reason why I would ever want to. If you read my other reviews you recognize I have a critical eye, but the 14 cup JavaStudio coffee maker, by Kitchenaid, is above reproach and the finest coffee brewing system I have ever owned, seen or used. I caution you all again, Kitchenaid phone and customer support is so helpful. I have never had a pleasant experience with the customer support at Cuisnart. Think of that when choosing which brand to buy.
Postscript: June 23, 2006.
I am in so pleased with this coffeemaker. Two and three pots a day it performs flawlessly. The white has not discolored, it is easy to clean and program and it is the fastest pot I have ever used.
If you have any doubts, dispell them. This one is the real deal!

I pre-ordered this unit on Amazon back in February, and it finally shipped out to me arriving on March 16th. I note now that the the unit is now again on backorder, which is a bit odd. Anyway, I ordered this unit to replace my Cuisinart Grind & Brew, which never managed to brew a truly hot cup of coffee since the day I first started using it.

The KitchenAid is a nice looking unit. It's easy to use and the design is clever. I was a little surprised at how deep the unit was - it's substantially deeper than the Cuisinart, so the footprint it occupies on the counter is a little larger. It's not substantially larger, but enough that I notice the loss of space.

The coffee this machine brews is wonderful. It is piping hot, and tastes great. It also brews quickly, which is a bonus on those bleary-eyed mornings! There is an indicator on the display that shows you how long the coffee has been brewed - a boon to those of us who like to avoid burnt Joe.

So, all well and good, you might thing? Not quite. On the third day of operating this machine, I came downstairs, filled the reservoir, added the coffee and pressed the Power button. Nothing happened, apart from an error message on the LCD. I took out the manual, read the instructions for dealing with an 'Err1' and it told me to turn the machine off and try again. Which I did. Five times. I even unplugged it for an hour and came back to it later. Same error message. The manual said if the error repeated, there is likely a problem with the electronics in the unit, and to contact KitchenAid support.

I did contact support and they are sending me a new machine (part of the KitchenAid "Hassle Free" warranty - personally, I'd rather have a hassle free purchase, than a hassle free warranty!), but again it's on backorder. So now I am back to the Grind & Brew, and lukewarm warm coffee for a few more weeks.

I expected more of the KitchenAid name. An appliance that functions for three days is, in my opinion, a disgrace.

I've had this coffeemaker about a year now, and a few months ago it developed a problem. If you don't have the pot "just so" underneath the filter area, the coffee will not go through. It fills up the filter area, and fortunately I only make a few cups at a time. If I made more cups I'm sure it would spill over. As it is, some coffee does somehow miss the pot and end up sizzling on the burner. So when I make coffee I have to watch and make sure it's going through okay, or I could have a mess to clean up.

I'm usually a big fan of KitchenAid appliances and I own a Proline coffee grinder, which is excellent. But, I could not get a good full-flavored cup of coffeee out of this machine. I usually brew 4 cups at a time. They have a setting for 1-4 cups, but the coffeee still turned out slightly weak and slightly bitter. I returned it and will try something else.

We purchased this coffee machine with the idea that it must be good due to KitchenAid's rep and all of the good reviews listed. However, if you enjoy strong coffee this is not the machine for you. We have had ours a couple of weeks now and coffee grinds spill over into our coffee. If you like weak coffee, this is your machine.

I had originally given this 5 stars. My coffee maker just died after 3 months. I only used it once a week. I don't see a way to reduce the stars, but I would only give this one star if I could. It also overflows very easily while brewing, and that ruins a lot of expensive coffee. Keep looking for another brand.