Where I grew up, stovetop-percolated Folgers was considered pretty good coffee. These days my taste has improved, but I was frustrated at how burnt my coffee was after sitting for a brief time on the hot plate of my automatic drip machine. So I purchased a Cuisinart 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker. In addition to a timer and a water filter, it features a thermal carafe that keeps the coffee fresh for hours without burning it into undrinkable sludge. Now I can have a second cup instead of tossing the rest of the pot down the drain.
Cuisinart 10-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker, $79.95
I have one of these, although without the thermal carafe. It’s a great machine. If it ever conks out I’m going for the thermal one — right now I have to decant into a thermos. Still, I’m sold on the Cuisinart machines. For the price they’re the best on the market.
I love the thermal machines but I’m not convinced that this is the best model.