Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
->Deals Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This is my second Braun coffeemaker. My first was a FlavorSelect and we used it daily for 10 years. After reading several reviews for the newest models of Braun, I was a bit concerned that the quality has suffered. However, I'm pleased to report total satisfaction with this model KF590. Makes a very, very good cup of coffee. Buy it. When you get it home, read the owner's manual and follow the use instructions exactly. If you do that, you will be pleased with the results.
->For Sale Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This Braun coffeemaker brews coffee so consistently hot and very flavorful that, if Aaron Copeland had worked for an advertising agency (shudder), his moving composition, "Fanfare for the Common Man," could have promoted it. Fortunately, he didn't.
OK, that intro was a stretch. So, without further delay, let me sing the praises of this Christmas gift:
A. Temperature. "It's not hot enough!" is perhaps the most common complaint about coffeemakers. We can divide this into two categories: First, the coffee is not hot enough when made, and second, the coffee does not stay hot after it is made.
1. The Braun KF 590 (also known as the KF590E) brews very hot coffee, when initially poured you couldn't take it any hotter unless you had damaged nerve endings in your mouth. As with any hot beverage, the coffee will stay warmer depending on the coffee cup's insulation qualities (thick walls, relatively narrow, perhaps pre-heated with hot water)
2. Temperature Duration. The carafe of my old Krups (Crystal Arome Time, #400 series) seemed to keep things warm for about 20 minutes; this was completely unsatisfactory and the main reason for wanting a new one. My new Braun (thanks Mom and Dad!) kicks Krups' butt in this area, keeping it hot for hours without a burnt flavor. The default setting (until automatic shut-off) is 2 hours of heat, but you can manually adjust it from 20 minutes to 3 hours.
B. Convenience of Operation: The Braun is relatively easy to use, but a limited number of buttons (4) and indicator lights (2) operate the clock, the automatic shut-off described above, and the automatic start-up (setting the time that you want the coffeemaker to begin brewing). It does take a bit of time to learn these programming features; I consulted the brief instructions for a few days before I got the hang of it. Once learned, it not easy to forget. I don't think this should be a factor in deciding whether to purchase this. The Braum brews coffee faster than in the old Krups, and like many machines, this one stops the coffee flow when the impatient (or the addicted) simply must pour a little java before all the water has run through. Noise level is about average, you can hear it brewing, but it's doesn't sputter loudly when done. Another contrast to the Krups is the nicely designed carafe handle and the ease of pouring coffee without spilling it.
C. Features: THE WATER FILTER-It's almost unbelievable that the instructions don't include the replacement model number for the "Braun Brita" water filter. They're not hesitant to tell you that it "improves coffee flavor by significantly reducing chlorine and also prevents calcification ... Provided that the cartridge is replaced regularly every two months, it not only brews better tasting coffee but can also extend the life of your coffeemaker by preventing [this gets redundant] calcification buildup. Braun water filer cartridges are available at your local retailer or Braun service centers."
WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU... Use the following to replace the "Braun Brita" water filter: The KWF2. (web citation: http://www.theessentials.com/jump.jsp?itemID=994&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C8%2C65%2C336&iProductID=994 ). As of this date, this costs $9.99 for a two-pack. At one filter every two months (see below), annual replacement (assuming no shipping) will cost you about $60, or about 75% of the current Amazon.com sale price. Braun and Brita executives must be in their cups about this sweet little arrangement they've brewed.
As stated immediately above, Braun's manual recommends that you buy a new water filter every two months, but the Braun-linked website above tells you to replace it every 70 brews. Depending on your consumption, that could easily take three or four months, not two. Also, running vinegar through the machine twice should dissolve most or all of the calcification, and one can always just buy bottled water.
Big Brother Braun reminds you that it's time to change the water filter with a small but cheesy-looking 12-month "time for a new filter" dial on top. This is a slightly annoying and unattractive feature on an otherwise stylish machine. There's a permanent (but removable) "gold cone" filter, the type of filter that most aficionados prefer for its superior brewing properties. It appears you can buy a replacement filter at Amazon.com, although other than an accidental tear or accumulated stains (which can be removed with baking soda and scrubbing), the filter should last for years. However, it doesn't look gold and it's not clear to me whether there really is a gold coating over the fine steel mesh. One can manually swing out the filter holder, or lightly push a small silver button atop the machine. Very nicely done.
D. Maintenance: Very easy: Wipe off the outside, run vinegar or water through it, and take out the gold cone filter and run water over it. Because part of the holder for the gold cone filter is metallic, it is supposedly not dishwasher safe, the manual recommends wiping it down with a damp cloth with a small amount of dishwashing soap if desired. I didn't see any metal parts except the metallic exterior of the holder; personally, I'm gonna dunk the thing. Since the manual is so incomplete, you may want to copy the "authorized" Braun Service Center number: 1-800/272-8611.
E. Where to Buy Accesories:
1.The KWF2 Water Filter:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000062UH2/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=284507
2. Gold-Tone Filter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007W04A2/qid=1137279064/sr=1-12/ref=sr_1_12/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=284507
F. The Bottom Line: Easily one of the best coffeemaker out there, the Braun KF590 makes delicious hot coffee that stays hot, and it sells at a very reasonable price. I considered the Braun 600 "Impressions" machine because of its thermos-like carafe, but feature is a double-edged sword, you can't see how much coffee is left. Aside from the small but ridiculous water changer dial on top, the chrome and black Braun 590 looks good and is moderately sized for its capacity. Look at the reviews of the other coffeemakers and you may agree that this is the best one for the money. I will be updating this review in a few months to let people know about the Braun's durability.
->Buy Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This review is the result of my search for a decent full-featured 12-cup coffemaker, which seems to be an increasingly difficult task these days. The search began in August 05. We looked at the Cuisinart Retro-designed stainless model and after sifting through the reviews and examining the store sample, it wasn't for us. It had a dumb water gauge, a narrow fill area, and a single lid over the coffe and water compartments, which in my opinion, could lead to grinds getting into the innards of the machine. Further, despite its cool stainless retro-industrial look, the bulky black base it sat on was butt-ugly.
So, we selected the nice-looking Krups FME-4. It had a great feature set and a great reputation-after all, our six year old Krups Aroma Pro was still making decent coffee. Well, the FME 4 turned out to be a complete disaster. After returning three to the store because of peeling hotplates, I started sending them back to Krups. In my stubborness to get one that worked properly, over three months, I sent five of them back to the factory for replacement. Too bad, all of them were junk.
Remembering the little plain Braun 10-cupper that we had years ago, it seemed like a good coffemaker with but one detraction, the on-off button was on the lower front of the unit and could easily be inadvertently turned on with no water in it if an item on the countertop nudged the switch. Over time, it was an annoyance, so we bought the Krups Aroma Pro with the switch up high.
So, with the failure of the new Krups products, we went back to a Braun and resigned ourselves to a ten cup machine.
My impression of the KF590 is that it makes VERY hot coffee,about 180 degrees, after brewing three cups. It is hot enough to pour into a cold cup and still be hot afterward. I'd say it's a plus. With other machines we'd always preheat our cups with hot tap water. And the KF590's warmer keeps it pretty hot as well.
The machine brews quickly and quietly UNTIL is gets to the end of the cycle, when it spits, pops, and steams louder and longer than any machine we've had. I could hear it in the kitchen from our second-floor bedroom in the early morning quiet. The steam leaves a lot of condensation on the black plastic lid, but it evaporates without wiping.
The unit is very compact, and has a great carafe. The heavy basket is nice, but since it doesn't separate from the stainless steel shell, I don't think we'll be popping it into the dishwasher.
The timer is simple and easy to operate. The programmable auto shutoff is great. You won't need to dig through drawers for The manual. Brief instructions are inside the fill lid.
Like most Euro coffemakers, it uses #4 cone filters and makes a very good cup of coffee. It lacks a 2-3 cup setting, but I don't think it makes much difference. A gold permanent filter is included. We don't use ours except if we run out of filters. Even then, a skillfully folded paper towel will also work.
Overall, it's a well thought out design, but it could be quieter at the finish and also less steamy. I'd have to say it's a keeper, and is the best black and stainless programmable machine we've seen.
->Purchase Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
I don't drink coffee but I bought this coffee maker for my husband and he loves it. It makes great coffee.
->Purchase Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
I decided to purchase a Braun coffeemaker after reading how Consumer Reports had rated the Aromaster KF400 their top choice. I would have chosen the KF400, but am one of those people who use the timer function on the coffeemaker so that fresh coffee is brewed just before I wake up in the morning. After some debate I decided on the KF590 and I have not been disappointed.
In the box you receive a coffeemaker, a gold-tone filter and Brita water filter.
I think that the coffeemaker makes a good cup of coffee. Not as good the French press I use when I have the time, but definitely good for a drip machine. Maybe it is the effect of gold-tone filter versus paper filters, but I taste much more distinct flavors in my coffee than my old machine. Overall I am very pleased with the coffee.
The KF590 is part of the Impressions line which won the Reddot design award in 2004 and it does look slick. However, some of the design looks better than it functions. For example, the lid of the carafe is plastic and it feels cheap and rattles about. The lid does not open all the way and so must be removed each time you clean the carafe. However, the lid snaps into place easily which is good.
To open the compartment for the grounds, you press a button on the top of the coffeemaker. The compartment swings open which is pretty slick until it gets stuck. I have found that it opens as it should only 15% of the time. However, when it gets stuck all it takes is a little pull and it swings open. Not a big deal, but could have been done better. However, one nice touch is that the compartment easily comes off for cleaning and is easy to put back on which is really nice for cleaning.
The coffeemaker uses a Brita water filter. However, since I already have filtered water, I was curious to see if it would work without a filter since I don't need to filter my water twice. The coffeemaker works fine without the filter which is good if you already have filtered water or you don't want to spend the $30 a year.
In summary, a good choice for good tasting drip coffee. There are some quirks, but nothing that will effect your use of the machine or your enjoyment of the coffee.
->Wholesale Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
I owned this wonderful coffee pot when I lived in New York. I subsequently moved to Arizona and Chicago. My coffe pot did not work in either place. Evidently the mineral content in the water in both places is not compatible with this coffee pot. Buyer beware!!!!
->Deal Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
When our old Braun coffee maker quit I was determined to get only another Braun as I had been so happy with my other one! THis is not true of the new one. The new one has a smaller pot which is a big deal when you brew 6-8 pots per day. The new style pot LEAKS!!!! One of the best features of the old machine was unlike Mr. Coffee it didn't leak all over the counter each time you poured a cup. Stock up on paper towels! The new and improved brew basket pops out of place on it's own often. Nice mess that makes. I bought the original Braun based on Amazon users review. At that time one of the biggest "features" was it actually kept hot coffee hot. The new one does not seem to do as good a job. And oddly it seems that it takes longer now to brew 10 cups then it did with the old one that brewed 12. I sure wish I had the old one back!
->Deal Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
I love this coffeemaker. It is superior to any others that I have ever owned. Makes very hot coffee in a short period of time, the coffee stays hot, when you pour the coffee into your cup, it does not end up all over the counter, easy to clean, love the timer (it's great to wake up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee), seems to take less coffee to make a pot, love the handle on the pot. Originaly bought the coffeemaker due to some of the reviews I read, and must say, they are true. The only thing I am not really fond of is the "gold filter". Seems to leave some type of sediment in the bottom of the pot. Remedy that by using the paper filter. All the good far outweighs the one thing I don't like! Highly recommed this coffeemaker. My first Braun, but probably not my last.
->Wholesale Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
We purchased this coffee maker as a replacement to the Braun Flavor Select model which stopped working after 10 years of use.
While we do like this pot, there are some options that this pot does not have which our old one did. There is no longer a 12 cup model. The new one is only 10 cups. One of the features we really liked on the old one was the 2 temperature warming plate which is no longer avalible. We also miss the flaver select feature that is not on this model. While we do enjoy the timer feature that you can set so your coffee is ready when you wake up in the morning, it takes much longer than the old model to brew a pot of coffee.
All in all it is a good product, just not as good as you would expect a replacement model to be. When upgrading a model I feel you should add features not take them away.
->Sale Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Love it! We were replacing a 12-year old Braun coffee maker (which is still working!), so the Braun brand name was a plus for us. The coffee tastes better. We love the gold cone filter and were happy to be rid of the paper variety. The machine runs well without the Britta water filter in place, but we enjoy that feature and use it. We also like the programmable turn-on/shut-off feature and the coffee is REALLY hot!
->Cheap Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
The water filter makes a big difference. The sleek design matches our appliances. If the carafe is too full, it tends to spill a little bit when pouring...not a big deal. Overall, we like it though. Highly recommended!!!!
->Buy Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
After breaking several carafes on my 4 year old Braun (bad carafe design coupled with a clumsy user), I opted to move onto something completely new. I read all the reviews posted for this particular Braun and went for it.
Ergonomically, this is a sweet coffeemaker with one exception. It's compact (shorter than my previous one) and is very easy to set up and program. The quick-release button for the coffee filter is nice, and the water filter is a great extra, though my old one had that, too. The carafe fits securely in the coffeemaker and its handle is comfortable. The one negative is the carafe design. I thought all the folks on here complaining about the drippy pot were just fumbling around when pouring their coffee. Not so! Pour the coffee slowly, and you're fine. Pour it a bit quicker, and you'll have coffee all over the counter. I'm not sure how that managed to make it past the Braun design team.
But more importantly is what this coffeemaker produces, or doesn't produce. I'm big on rich robust coffee, but this coffeemaker isn't delivering. My first pot was virtually flavorless. So I modified how I made the coffee and tried again. No luck. I've gone from the gold filter to paper filters, to adjusting the coffee used, to changing coffee brands. What I get is coffee that seems to brew too quickly and with little flavor.
My previous Braun had a flavor setting which contolled the brew time. Too bad they took that feature off this model.
To be fair, I could have a slightly defective coffeemaker. Since many reviewers are indicating that this model makes great coffee, I'm a little suspicious about mine. But in the meantime, I'm going to order a replacement carafe for my old one and go back to the old tried and true.
->Compare Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Makes a very hot coffee but the flavor is very good. It has a fast brew time. Only thing that was hard to figure out was the preset brewing timer...once you figure it out, it is simple to adjust. Key = holding the auto brew button down until the light blinks - release and then hold down either the hour or min. key and it will start moving.
->Shipping Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
We have owned this coffee maker for less than a year and it has started leaking coffee all over the counter every 3rd time we brew coffee. We can't quite tell where it is leaking from and why it doesn't do it consistently. Each time we cross our fingers and hope for the best. This has been so frustrating! We have run the filter and the cone piece in the dishwasher and maybe this has caused the problem?? We brew coffee twice/day usually and have been more disappointed with this machine than any we have owned.
->Sale Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
I contacted Brawn. Even though the warranty had just expired, they did honor it and fixed my coffee maker at no charge. Kudos to Braun.
This is the first time I've written a product review. I've found them helpful so I want others to know what I've experienced with our Braun KF590E coffee maker. A week ago I would've given the product 4 or 5 stars. The only problem we had with it at that time was that we had to pour the coffee slowly or coffee would drip on the counter.
Yesterday, 12 days after the warranty expired, our coffee maker went totally dead after making a pot of coffee. The authorized service centers are nowhere near and Braun customer service is closed for the weekend. I hope to get this problem resolved through Braun next week but doubt that I will be able to do so. I would've expected a coffee maker at this price to last more than a year.
->Sale Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
easy to use,clean, with the perfect features- who needs to grind coffee before brewing anyway? very sharp looking, fits neatly under counter. I love the braun coffemakers and replaced my older version of 10 years with this. wish it didn't take so long to get here though!
->Compare Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Like how quickly it brews. Easy to set. Great tasting coffee. Looks great on the counter. No qualms about it as of yet.
->Best Price Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Puzzling- how the carafe is difficult to pour without dripping.
Perplexing- how a few (and I mean VERY few) coffee grounds between the filter and its housing causes coffee to drip down the sides of the carafe and over the burner and counter-top. It can be an irritating discovery in the morning.
Surprising- how the Pause and Serve function doesn't always pause.
Wonderful- when cared for fastidiously, the coffeemaker makes excellent coffee, quickly.
I just wasn't bargaining for a 'high-maintenance' relationship.
->Deal Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This is a great coffee pot. Looks great in my kitchen (black)and is so easy to use. The wire mesh filter is great and the auto timer is easy to program. It brews very fast and HOT (my kitchen digital thermometer says 190 degrees). I am using this in conjunction with my first burr coffee grinder and I am really enjoying the great coffee they make together. The water filter is a great feature, but you can operate it without the filter if you want (one free one comes with it). I have poured at all different speeds and my pot has NEVER dripped on the counter as mentioned in other reviews. My experience has been very positive.
->Price Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This is a very basic coffee maker and does a great job without all of the bells and whistles.
->Compare Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Overall I like this coffeemaker. My only complaint is that it is a 10 cup vs 12 cup maker. I've had 12 cup makers for so long, I didn't think it'd make a difference. For quantity it does (duh). Otherwise, it's a great maker. Fast. Keeps it HOT for up to 4 hrs. Highly recommended.
->Lowest Price Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
I bought this based on the rave reviews.
It broke after 5 months.
The coffee was very bland and the measuring is far from accurate!
Its a piece of junk.
I had my little Krups for 10 years, but had read bad reviews about the newer ones. I had bought a cuisinart GRind and Brew, but when I opened the box, I saw it was made of cheap plastic and the lid would not click in place (cheap plastic).
So I searched the net, saw the reviews about this Braun coffee maker and bought it.
You have to use MUCH more coffee than normal to get any flavor. 6 cups is ultimately only 2. Then of course now that it broke, well...3 strikes its out!
->Deals Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
The coffeemaker sends the water through so fast and hard that you end up with very weak coffee. When brewing a whole pot, it isn't as bad but, if you want 4 - 6 cups of coffee, it's too weak to drink. I tried adding more coffee but didn't make any difference - the coffee ends up all the way up the sides of the filter. I used it about 3 weeks and purchased a new Krups.
-> Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
No bells and whistles. Good coffee maker. Nice and hot. I like the filter. I don't like the level indicator. It's on the left side and hard to see. It would be better if it was in front like my Krupps Pro Aroma. Easy to clean. Pours nice, but not as nice as my Krupps. I will be using this till it breaks.
->Compare Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Overall the coffemaker is great. It brews the coffee good and hot and doesn't make a lot of noise doing so. I like the size as well; nice and semi-compact. Pretty much the only complaint I have is that the caraffe drips a little when pouring but most of them do. Oh, and the "free water filter" it says it came with.....mine was broken and therefore unusable. Oh well, it is a good machine and I would recommend it.
->Comparison Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Not at all satisfied. Did not make good flavor coffee and the grounds container kept coming open letting coffee spill out.
->Deal Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
We read the reviews and we read good things about the Braun KF590E. After using it several times the coffee maker is very loud and it leaks.
It does warm the water to a very hot level making a good cup of coffee.
If I had to reconsider purchasing it I wouldn't because of the first two problems.
->Discount Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This is the top of the heap when it comes to coffee makers. Absolutely outstanding!
->Deals Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
I am tickled pink about this coffeemaker! After trying at least five completely unsatisfactory coffee makers in less than four years (some so cheaply or poorly designed I wonder what the designers could have been thinking), we have FINALLY found a coffee maker we're happy with. The design is very nice and takes up slightly less counter space than others, which was a pleasant surprise. The caraffe, although only 10 cups (which equals about five largish mugs of coffee) is very nicely balanced and easy to pour. We like the little button on top of the machine that opens the basket door, and we like the permanent gold filter. No more paper filters for us! But what I like most is that the coffee tastes great and is HOT HOT HOT when it's poured. We can set the 'stay warm' feature to remain on for up to four hours. Not that any pot of coffee lasts that long at our house, but it's nice to have that option. Highly recommended!!