Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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87 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good looks doesn't equal good coffee, November 18, 2004
I bought the Melitta for it's ease of use and good looks. The first time I used it, the regular coffee was fair and the decaf was bitter. Disappointed, we also bought pods from other coffee makers and stuffed them in the holder. Despite the inelegant process, they didn't leak and the coffee was a little better. I agree with other reviewers that the the water reservoir is too small and it's difficut to fill. I spill a bit every time I refill, but that's me. The unit takes several minutes to heat up to operating temperature for cup number one and the second cup takes almost as long - go figure? Also, the coffee doesn't come out as hot as I like, but pre-warming the cup with hot tap water helps a bit. The tea pods are a waste of time. Basically, the tea's not very good so if that's the reason you are buying this unit, may I suggest you look elsewhere or buy decent loose tea and brew it in a pot like the Brits? The best thing we found you could make with unit is a half-way decent cafe mocca. Try this: Get a big mug. Fill with the contents of a hot cocoa pack. Install your favorite coffee pod. Press the regular mug button. When it finishes, press the smaller mug button (that's right, run water through 1 pod twice). The result is an acceptable cafe mocca - definitely not Starbucks but not $11.00 either. As for that elusive perfect "cuppa" - this isn't going to give it to you. Convenient, good looking, but only a fair cup-a-Joe.
Quick Update: I tried Maxwell House pods over the weekend. Stuffed them in the holder and the result, a very nice cup of coffee. Again, pre-heating the mug with tap water really helped. These pods are made from 100% Arabica beans - great smell and no bitterness. I like a smooth cup and so far, this is it (I had 2 with Sunday breakfast and my NY Times Crossword puzzle.)
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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good but not great., July 25, 2004
Don't believe everything you read about these machines. They do make good coffee (if you use the right blend) and are reasonably well built. But, the coffee is not coffee house quality. It really is a matter of expectations. I believe the Melitta MES2 is the better choice of the many available in a comparative price range. All one shot coffee makers can leak, some are down right cheaply built and some are over priced, but this is a growing segment of the coffee market and can only improve. I was also amazed at the different filter styles which forces you to use only the maker's particular filter brand. However, you can get away with stuffing a pod from another brand into your MES2 and it will work. I strongly suggest that you visit www.podhead.com for an excellent, although more expensive, alternative to one:one brands of coffee. And, these great coffee blends are available in filters that fit the MES2. Over all, I am pleased with the performance of this machine and the price (with rebate) is very competitive. Just remember the basics, filtered cold water, a good coffee pod and a clean machine = an excellent cup of coffee.
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
To like it you have to get to know it..., November 24, 2004
I got a really good deal on the MES2R, buy a box of 144 pods for $40 bucks and get the machine for free. So I figured it was worth a shot regardless of all the mixed reviews.
I like, and almost love it! Its not love because my favorite brand (Community Coffee New Orleans Blend) doesn't come in pods. However I have adapted quite well to the Melitta flavors.
This is NOT a machine for coffee addicts or snobs. If you know what crema is and care as to whether or not you get it, then don't buy this machine.
However, if you just need a decent cup of joe to get you going and out the door in the morning, then look for a good deal and give it a try.
If you read the reviews you will find some good tips that I have found to be true. Below is a recap, plus some things I have learned in getting to know my Melitta:
1) Read the instruction book, all that stuff about priming the pump is true and required. In fact, I primed mine several times before using it.
2) If you're not that interested in the tea, use one of the pods and run about 6 - 10 brew cycles through that one pod. (Just keep refilling the water tank about 3 times) to get rid of the plastic / greasy taste before you brew your coffee. You will only need to do this once, to break it in. Also wash the nozzle, mesh filter and pod holder really well.
3) If you like a large cup, but don't like strong coffee, then you are in luck, hit the big mug picture and when it finishes hit the little cup picture and you will have the perfect cup.
4) Yes you can use millstone and folger pods; however you must stuff them in, and be warned you may not get a good seal. If that happens you will have some leakage, nothing like what I have read in the reviews, but some streaming down the front.
Also note, when you using these other pods you will get A) more coffee when you push the big mug picture so you don't have to do it twice and B) and very STRONG cup of coffee
5) When using the Melitta pods, be sure to put the puffier side down first and the flat side up top. Make sure it fits snug, and you should be okay.
6) If you don't like Melitta try podhead.com, also they sell adapters so you can use larger pods with less manipulation, but I haven't tried it.
7) While you are waiting for the ready light to come on, allow hot water to run in you mug from the tap to preheat your cup, or stick it in the microwave for a second if you are a milk user.
8) JC Penney's sells Melitta pods
9) Don't expect Starbucks, just expect better than Mr. Coffee... actually much better because it always taste fresh brewed, like you just opened the can or package today.
10) If you give this as a Christmas present to someone, be nice enough to print this review and stick it in the box so they will have a pleasant end result.
Personally I like this appliance and can't wait until the third generation comes out, which I expect will be soon since they are giving them away now. My only fear is they will be run out of business by Phillips. I noticed SAMS CLUB is carrying senseo pods in bulk, but not Melitta, and we all know what SAMS/Wal-Mart want they get.
This machine has me drinking two to three cups a day whereas I used to only drink one (I now drink decaf for the additional cups) so there must be something to it. Also the ability to have variety is great, I could never do this with my other machine since I was only drinking one cup a day, I was afraid if I brought a variety of flavors they would go stale after I opened them. So I was stuck finishing one bag before I could go to something else.
If you get it, enjoy! If you are very picky about coffee (the way I am about crème brulee) then look elsewhere.
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