Some models we tested had a warming feature that could hold set temperatures, so we checked their accuracy after letting them sit on hold for a period of time. We tested automatic shut-off features and took note of any excessive or annoying beeps while using each kettle. We tasted the water from each model after boiling to see whether it had any off flavors caused by plastic components. Finally, we made pour-over coffee with each of the gooseneck kettles to see how slowly and precisely they distributed water.
This machine also comes equipped with an integrated grinder, which is enclosed behind a door at the top of the machine. Since it is a thermal carafe, there’s no need for a hot plate. You should still be able to pour a great cup of hot coffee long after the brew cycle is completed. The downside is that it’s a bit smaller than the glass carafe, holding only about ten cups of joe at a time. You can brew a pot to share or just a single cup, whatever you’re in the mood for or what time allows. This 12-cup programmable coffee maker can brew for a crowd; or one exhausted and thirsty coffee lover.
The convenience factor is another reason why it’s my preferred way of brewing coffee. All you need to do is add some beans and water the night before and set the time for when you wake up. This feature is also helpful if you’re hosting guests for dinner. The Cuisinart can brew up to 10 cups Keurig K-Mini of coffee in a single-serve. So if you have a big family with high caffeine tolerances, then you can satisfy everyone’s craving with one brew. This is by far my favorite benefit since I can prepare the machine the night before, and when I wake up, all I have to do is pour a cup of coffee.
Anyway, I went ahead and added two scoops of medium ground coffee and brewed up a 10 ounce cup. I have to say, I was surprised by how fast the brewing process was. However, even though my coffee was ready in under a minute, the results were underwhelming, to say the least. Just know that this will affect the overall strength of your coffee, as it was measured out according to a specific coffee grind to water ratio. That to say, the earlier in the brewing process you grab a cup, the weaker it will be.
Still, it was somewhat heavy and unwieldy, and the top was tough to remove, which could present a safety issue if still hot. Finally, this kettle’s boiling speed wasn’t great—5 minutes 40 seconds for a liter of water. Like the buttons on the Cuisinart CPK-17, each preset button on the Breville IQ is marked with both the temperature and the beverage it’s used for .
Our top pick has six buttons with preset temperature settings on the handle, plus a Start button and a Keep Warm button. We started our original testing by timing how long it took each kettle to bring a liter of water to a boil. With the variable-temperature kettles, we also measured how accurate their internal thermometer was for various non-boiling temperatures. We recommend this precise-aim gooseneck kettle for anyone preparing pour-over coffee or for tea lovers who will geek out over its spot-on temperature accuracy.
Personally, I know not only is it hard to make coffee on the go, but it’s also hard to find a good cup of coffee when you’re camping or traveling. Most RV parks have only basic amenities, often not including a coffee shop. If you want to minimize dilution, brew the coffee into an empty cup and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before you pour it into an ice-filled glass. Although iced coffee looks nice in a clear glass, don’t use a glass cup or the extreme changes in temperature could cause it to shatter.
We used the Cuisinart CPK-17 kettle in our high-traffic office kitchen for about a year before the office closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The labels remained as good as new, and the lid always opened smoothly. This no-frills kettle lacks the bells and whistles of the variable-temperature models we recommend, but it Keurig K-Mini gets the job done on the cheap. Based in Lancaster, PA. WebstaurantStore is the largest online restaurant supply store servicing professionals and individual customers worldwide. With hundreds of thousands of products available and millions of orders shipped, we have everything your business needs to function at its best.
The Coffee Center also has a couple of features to conserve energy. There’s an auto off feature on the drip brew side that’s adjustable. This lets you decide when the coffee maker will shut off and can be set for up to four hours after the brew cycle is finished. Cuisinart Coffee First, the 60 ounce reservoir for the drip brewer is not removable. You’ll need to have enough clearance above the coffee maker to pour in your water. Not only that, filling the water tank takes a steady hand seeing as there isn’t much of an opening to aim for.