Krups FME214 Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and LED Control Panel, Black
by Krups
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: KrupsBrand: Krups
Model: FME2-14
Color: Black
Product features:
- 12-cup coffeemaker with cascading brew head for even extraction
- LED control panel; programmable clock/timer; brew-pause function
- Flavor-control aroma switch; auto shut-off; DuoFilter water-filtration system
- Glass carafe; 60-ounce water reservoir; audible "ready" signal
- Measures 10-1/2 by 8-1/2 by 13-3/4 inches
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Krups FME214 Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and LED Control Panel, Black
Customer Review: First Impressions-5 month update
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this for almost 5 months now and most of what I said below has not changed. I do not understand the complaints of this machine feeling cheap, it still feels solid and sturdy to me. The only negative I can think of after 5 months is the carafe, and I think it's worth taking away a star. The design truly is flawed, the steam coming out the back under the lid is more annoying than I thought it would be. I haven't been burned, but I can imagine some people would have less tolerance for the heat. It should be recalled and replaced by a new design, preferably with a removable lid. Overall though the machine still makes great, hot, coffee and I've never had a plastic smell or taste. It has performed perfectly and after a few power outages, I easily memorized how to program it.
First impressions: I just bought this machine so here a few first impressions. I got this to replace a vintage, discontinued, 1999 Krups ProAroma (which cost $100 back then and now leaks from the water level indicator tube) so most of the comparisons are based on that machine and some of the negative reviews I've seen here. Some of the reviews worried me enough that I bought it locally (for the same price as Amazon) just in case I have to return it, but I don't think I will have to do that.
First the negatives, which mostly have to do with the carafe:
1. The carafe handle is not secured by a metal band like the old one, it is attached by some kind of adhesive. I'll have to wait and see how well this holds up. I'd prefer the carafe lid to be detachable, but it is not. I get around this by propping the lid open on the water filter attached to my faucet while it's filling but I can see how someone with a deeper sink would have a problem filling it. Related to this, some have complained about bubbles in the water level indicator tube. I haven't seen any bubbles, but it wouldn't matter to me because I've always used the carafe to measure the water. That's the only I way I know to consistently get the correct amount of water.
2. As some other reviewers have noted, while pouring, some steam does flow out of the back of the lid under the tab used to open the lid. I get around this by not holding the handle with my thumb next to the tab. I do not, however, need to partially open the lid with my thumb in order to keep it from dripping. I think some people have drips because they hold the carafe too low or directly against the mug. If I hold it a few inches above the mug and pour straight down, no problems. Every glass coffee pot I've ever used will drip if you aren't careful, and this one is no different.
3. The buttons located at the bottom of the machine may be a problem in the long run. I'll just try not to spill water and coffee all over them.
Some features that appear to some reviewers as negatives but really aren't:
1. "The glass is too thin." I compared the carafe to my old one and see little difference. It is taller and more conical (more like a beaker) than the old one, and without the metal band it feels slightly lighter, but the glass itself appears to be the same thickness. The box says that the carafe is dishwasher safe, but I wouldn't try it with the attached lid. The manual (you always read your manuals, RIGHT?) actually recommends you hand wash it, which is what I have always done anyway. I saw my parents buy enough replacement carafes to learn that lesson.
2. "The LCD display does not stay lit all the time." It would be a little more convenient if it did, but I have three other clocks in my kitchen (oven, microwave, clock radio). On the old model, I could tell from across the room if the timer was set. But if you like to use the timer, just read the manual to know that it runs every day unless you turn it off, which is the opposite of how the old one works, which you have to turn on every day. I can handle this just fine, but I guess some people can't.
3. "It's hard to program." Well, it is different than the ProAroma and I think they were trying to limit the number of buttons. But if you read the manual, and you are able to use any other electronic device, you can use this. Unless you're VCR has been flashing "12:00" for the last 20 years, you shouldn't have a problem.
4. "It feels cheaply made." Compared to what? This unit is about the same size and weight as my old one, and the plastic feels just as sturdy. The reservoir lid and the filter basket feel and function about the same. The only differences I see are a more rectangular shape and a matte black (instead of glossy) finish. Perhaps the plastic has a bit more flex than the older model but the thickness and strength seem comparable. I can't see anything breaking unless I abuse it, or it wears out after another 8 years like the old one. If it lasts half that long, I'll be happy.
5. "Krups used to be made in Germany, now they're made in Czechoslovakia." I suppose this would prove the 'feels cheap' claim. Aside from the fact that there is no Czechoslovakia anymore, both my old one and new one were made in Mexico.
6. "The pause and serve function makes the machine leak." First off, I've never used this function, I can wait five minutes and the taste of the whole pot is affected by interrupting the flow. And they ALL leak. Every machine I've ever seen only has a simple little spring holding the coffee in the filter basket while you impatiently remove the carafe. Good luck getting that to work perfectly.
7. "The manual is poorly written and laid out." The English section is 13 pages, 5 pages of which are the cover, table of contents, legally required warnings on how not to electrocute yourself or burn your house down, and warranty info. It's short and straightforward, just read it.
8. "You can't turn the machine on to reheat the coffee on the heating plate." So you made coffee, didn't drink it, let it sit for hours and now it's cold and you want to reheat it? Set aside the flavor consequences (which are dire, but I must admit I have done this). Find a microwave. Or get a machine without this safety feature and run the risk of burning down your house.
Now the positives:
1. Great tasting coffee. I like a fairly strong brew and this machine delivers it. Krups seems to always make good coffee and I haven't noticed any plastic tastes or odors.
2. Good brewing temperature. This is probably one of the reasons the flavor is so good, along with the cascading brew head. I hate weak, tepid coffee, which is what you usually get from inexpensive machines, and I consider $50 for a 12-cup programmable machine inexpensive. I measured the temperature a few times in my cup and got a consistent 194-196 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature inside the machine may be slightly different, but that is good enough. I also see the Capresso models advertising 200 degrees for 2-5 times the price.
All in all, I am rather pleased with this machine. If there are any reliability issues, I'll do an update.
More Krups FME214 Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and LED Control Panel, Black reviews:
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Description of Krups FME214 Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and LED Control Panel, Black
The FME2 Coffee Machine follows Krups? long tradition of superior design and function. All Krups kitchen appliances have been inspired by experts and consumers with uncompromising standards of performance and quality. The FME2 quickly brews better tasting coffee thanks to a 1,100 watt heating element and a cascading brew head for even extraction. A highly visible blue LED control panel provides access to functions such as: a programmable clock for daily start and auto-off options (from 1-5 hours). The pause and serve feature allows interruption anytime during the brewing cycle to remove the carafe; an audible signal sounds when the brewing cycle is complete. The water reservoir holds 60 ounces and will automatically shut off when empty. Includes sturdy 12 cup glass carafe.Drip Coffee Machines
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