Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Simplest, Least Expensive, Foolproof Way to Make a Delicious Pot (or Cup) of Coffee
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2018
I chuckle when I see all the expensive and complicated ways people choose to make coffee in their home. Nothing is as SIMPLE and INEXPENSIVE as this Melitta system, and it makes a fine cup (or pot) of coffee! You do NOT need electronic equipment to make coffee. You do NOT need pods or other pre-measured portions (so overpriced and wasteful for the environment). You do NOT need to impress your friends about what a sophisticated barista you are. THIS is all you need, assuming you would like a traditional American brewed cup of coffee (rather than espresso, latte, cappuccino, etc.)
You get a carafe (a simple glass container); a plastic cone that fits on top, a paper filter you place in the cone, scoop some ground coffee into that filter, and pour hot water over it. You can easily control the strength of the coffee by putting in less or more coffee grounds (and it's not gonna matter that much if you're a little off).
The basic package comes with the glass carafe, the plastic cone, and a few No. 4 size paper filters. (Refills of the filters are readily available, including at many stores, at just pennies per filter -- and you can use just about any brand of filter, you're not locked into having to use Melitta).
The carafe is easy to clean. (MUCH easier than, for example, the Chemex coffee maker), dishwasher safe (upper tray only). Everything works, every time. No fuss, no muss.
I also own a single cup Melitta plastic cone -- those are great because you can place that directly on to your coffee cup, use a smaller (No. 2 size) paper filter, and thus make your coffee directly into your coffee cup. I mean, how convenient is that.
I am a coffee lover whose day does not really start until I've had my morning coffee. I swear by my Melitta Coffee Maker. It really is hilarious to me how people go out of their way to spend more money on complicated coffee makers. In part, this is because the kitchen supply stores like Sur Le Table, Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams & Sonoma, etc push the more expensive stuff. (How much profit can they make by selling you this item,which only costs about $12???)
OK, there is one minor negative. The glass is not super-strong. It's not uncommon after a few years that it breaks or chips. For example, if you drop it, it will break). But that's a trade-off for how inexpensive it is. You can just buy a new one if/when that happens. Really no big deal.
