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However, I bought their new model, ME1MSB, which is similar to the old, but with more complex electronics and a weather radio. As for the new model, electronics are too complex, weather radio not only doesn't work, it connects to MSNDirect which is stopping service in 2012. I loved this maker--simply elegant, easy to clean and reliable. Lo and behold, the filter basket in the new model is EXACTLY THE SAME as it was in the old model. As for the new model's coffee brewing design, it's still good. Unfortunately, my filter basket screen started to separate from the plastic allowing grounds to flow into the coffee. Melitta has not only discontinued this item (model MEMB1), but it has made parts unavailable.
from this most reasonably priced machine.however, this is my second macahine and, like the first, the latch broke forcing me to get creative with ways to hold down the cover while it grinds using the timer mode.in both cases the latch lasted about a year maybe 18 months,,,clever way to get you you to buy a new one. Great Coffee(.).
Also, the temperature tends to be be toward the warm side, as opposed to hot.These problems should be easy to fix, and obviously they are very common, as seen from other reviews.As a result, I am now looking for a non Melitta coffeemaker with great coffee and fewer problems. We had two of these units, and both made great coffee, but.The latch does break, and you end up holding it down with a weight in order to make coffee.
I have had my Melitta MEMB1 for 5 plus years (latch on lid broken in first 4 months). I also find it doesn't fit well under my kitchen cabinets and I have to slide it forward to load and clean it. I use autoclave tape to hold down the lid to the grinder compartment. I probably change the tape strip every 2 weeks or so.
Oh and the filter is not to be placed in the dishwasher. I bought a black piece of felt (.29 cents) and cut it to the shape of the footprint to make this virtually a non-issue. I can't find a new replacement either. I remove the build up on the screen with a soak in vinegar water and scalding tap water. I'll stick with this one for now even if I have to tape the entire machine together. It isn't what I'd call an exhibit appliance, it is well used and loved and does show it's wear.
I have looked for parts, but even Gormet Depot doesn't carry any for this model. If you must, a soft bristle infant tooth brush is gentle enough, too. It withstands the steam and holds the lid down long enough to mill the beans and brew. In spite of this cosmetic hiccup, I refuse to toss it.
The only complaint we have is that the keep-warm timer is hard wired to stay on for just one hour. Now we've gotten used to resetting the power every time we take a cup, but we still wish you could program the keep warm time like on the Cuisinart. We had the Cusinart and found it hard to clean, loud, and in the end, unreliable (bad electronics build quality - cold solder joints - caused the whole thing to die after about 18 mos). This is OK on a busy work morning, but on a weekend where we make 8-10 cups and then spend the morning drinking, it's an inconvenience. Bottom line: strongly recommended over other G&Bs. In contrast, we are quite pleased with this unit overall. It's comparatively quiet, is easy to clean, operates well even when the grinder is wet (unlike the Cuisinart which has to be perfectly dry or the grind gets stuck in the grinder and never makes it to the basket), and seems reliable.
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