It looks so appealing and the dispensing function is such a convenient feature. But how's the coffee with the BrewStation Summit? Find out the results of my home test.
Product Description
- Hamilton Beach BrewStation® Summit 12-Cup Coffeemaker Model 48464
- Keeps coffee fresher longer - no hot plate
- Brewing options: Bold, regular, iced coffee or small-batch
- One-hand dispensing
- Customizable auto-shut off - up to 4 hours
- Programmable clock timer
- Insulated coffee tank keeps it fresh longer; no glass carafe
- Learn more from Hamilton Beach
- MSRP: $59.99
How the BrewStation Summit Performed
July 4, 2009 The BrewStation Summit does look very stylish and you really can't beat the one-hand dispensing - it's that convenient and definitely its best feature. The dispensing area can accommodate various cup sizes.
It took a few tries to get a good cup of coffee and we finally settled on increasing the amount of coffee we normally use for 12 cups, by another scoop. It does have a Bold brew setting, but we did not find much difference in the coffee flavor, than with the Regular setting. It brews quickly and serves coffee piping hot. The insulated coffee tank keeps it hot for up to four hours (adjustable). The packaging boasts that "your last cup tastes as fresh as the first" - we agree - there's virtually no loss of flavor. This coffee maker does have an unusual but convenient function, you can make iced coffee. It works fine and keeps the coffee cold till the ice melts; follow instructions to set it up properly.
The clock and programmable feature are easy to set, but the cord is extremely short so we had to unplug it in order to pull it forward to fill and that means having to reset the clock every time we make a pot of coffee. It's a tall coffeemaker and the lid must be raised completely to remove the coffee tank.
I love to dispense coffee from this brewer, but the set up to get it perking is inconvenient. It requires removing the filter basket, then the coffee tank to get to the water reservoir and it's a messy task every time. It seems impossible to set up without dripping somewhere and the coffee tank is harder to clean, than a standard carafe.
It took a few tries to get a good cup of coffee and we finally settled on increasing the amount of coffee we normally use for 12 cups, by another scoop. It does have a Bold brew setting, but we did not find much difference in the coffee flavor, than with the Regular setting. It brews quickly and serves coffee piping hot. The insulated coffee tank keeps it hot for up to four hours (adjustable). The packaging boasts that "your last cup tastes as fresh as the first" - we agree - there's virtually no loss of flavor. This coffee maker does have an unusual but convenient function, you can make iced coffee. It works fine and keeps the coffee cold till the ice melts; follow instructions to set it up properly.
The clock and programmable feature are easy to set, but the cord is extremely short so we had to unplug it in order to pull it forward to fill and that means having to reset the clock every time we make a pot of coffee. It's a tall coffeemaker and the lid must be raised completely to remove the coffee tank.
I love to dispense coffee from this brewer, but the set up to get it perking is inconvenient. It requires removing the filter basket, then the coffee tank to get to the water reservoir and it's a messy task every time. It seems impossible to set up without dripping somewhere and the coffee tank is harder to clean, than a standard carafe.
Overall Impression
For style and price - it gets a thumbs up and the dispensing feature certainly is a crowd pleaser. As for brewing ability, it makes a good hot cup of coffee and keeps it hot for up to four hours, but expect to use more coffee.
The water level indicator is on the inside, which is fine because the water tank is low. The outside indicator actually shows the remaining coffee in the tank - which is nice. This coffee maker does have an edge over other coffee makers (besides the one-hand dispensing), you can brew a pot of iced coffee.
It it weren't for the messy set up and the fact that the cord is very short - adding to the inconvenience, this coffee maker would get a full rating.
The water level indicator is on the inside, which is fine because the water tank is low. The outside indicator actually shows the remaining coffee in the tank - which is nice. This coffee maker does have an edge over other coffee makers (besides the one-hand dispensing), you can brew a pot of iced coffee.
It it weren't for the messy set up and the fact that the cord is very short - adding to the inconvenience, this coffee maker would get a full rating.
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