I enjoy coffee, and enjoy smelling it as it is brewing. The absence of any smell resembling coffee while brewing or when holding the cup to my lips is extremely odd to me. The absence of coffee taste, either brewed to regular or strong strength is strange. Mr Coffee has been making these machines for 300 years, so I would have thought they'd perfected the craft by now. I bought this based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, and the price. I have run through at least 6 cycles of vinegar and water, with each of those cycles followed by 2 fresh water cycles. Nothing I have done has eliminated the scent of a hot rubber hose. I have brewed a few pots of a hot liquid with many of the same apparent properties as coffee, but it smells and tastes like water that was run through a hot rubber hose. I really do not like to give up easily, and am on my 7th cycle. I am honestly a little hesitant to waste another few scoops of tasty ground beans on this device, but holding out some hope that the awful smell and taste can be neutralized. One other thing to mention is that the smell is evident when only water is run through the system, the problem is evident by simply sniffing under the cover (after the steam clears). I don't know if the one I received was made from a different batch, or a substituted rubber hose, or something that otherwise distinguishes this one from the others sold. I like fresh coffee, but hardly think I am such a snob that I am being overly picky. Just perplexed right now....
UPDATE....I found an alternative solution in some obscure corner of the interweb, and it actually worked fabulously. Somebody suggested rubbing down the interior with alcohol. He had experimented and concluded that the yucky plastic residue is soluble in vodka. First, I removed the tube that carries the hot water/steam and ran it through the dishwasher. Then, I wiped down the interior with about a shot of vodka on a paper towel. I also left a small amount in the bottom of the reservoir overnight to saturate the part of the tube that was inaccessible. Amazingly, it worked. I raised my rating from 1 star to 3. I have not had it long enough to provide a longerm review, and the stink and rotten taste was a major problem that should not be an expected part of a purchase, in my opinion. But, I am content now.
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
