I sure wish someone (like Amazon?) could do some data-mining to objectively validate or discard an observation I've made after researching dozens of other reviews of this item. Compared to the ratings of other coffee makers on Amazon(try Melitta or Cuisinart if you want to check this out yourself), it is fairly obvious that most of the *5-star* ratings for the Zoji are from reviewers who have posted no other reviews. How many typical consumers go out of their way to rave about a product?
I'm now skeptical of a customer rating system that seemed like a great idea. If one has to do extensive background research on all the reviews of every item they are shopping for, the system has no value at all.
I purchased this coffee maker after agonizing over reviews on Amazon and other sites. The Zoji seemed to rank better overall than most machines with the features I wanted (thermal carafe and automatic brew timer), but after using it for a month or so, I'm sure there must be a better product out there.
Honest reviews can be useful, but one needs to take even those with a grain of salt. I realized that one coffeemaker I was considering didn't rank as high as I'd like because some folks were dinging it for making coffee TOO HOT for them. That reminded me of the well-meaning clerk who once dropped some ice into a cup of freshly brewed coffee because she didn't want me to burn my mouth. I nearly choked trying to stop her before it was too late, but then couldn't say anything because she had been kind enough to brew a single cup of fresh coffee late in the day, just for me.
So, when I ding the Zoji for not making my coffee hot enough for my tastes (and yes, that includes when I preheat the thermal pot), it may be perfect for you... IF you drop ice chips into your freshly brewed coffee!!
The unit is also very tall, which wasn't completely unexpected, but when the reservoir lid is open, the overall height is indeed extraordinary.
Like some of the other reviewers, I experienced coffee overflow when replacing the carafe under the basket after pouring a cup of java in the midst of a brew cycle. I did discover that if I watched carefully and jiggled the carafe just right, it would interrupt the flow from the basket long enough to let the coffee drain into the carafe and it would then flow without backing up, but what a ridiculous dance to have to perform so early in the morning! I finally resigned myself to waiting for the darned thing to finish brewing, which thankfully isn't long.
Finally, what sadist designed the carafe lid? The grooves across the top, intended to improve grip, are so sharp that one risks shredding their flesh trying to open and close the lid unless they use a towel or potholder to protect their hands.
The good? It brews a good pot of coffee quickly and keeps it as very warm (not hot) as it was for a few hours. It is easy to clean.
I fear I'd have been happier with a Mr. Coffee machine from WalMart for half the price I paid for the Zoji. I'll use this one as long as I can, though I do plan to take the carafe lid to the basement to sand down the sharp ridges.
I may have given the Zoji more stars if the reviews weren't so obviously stacked in its favor. It is WAY over-rated.
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