Review on Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Single by Kristin Bennett

I hesitated to order this coffee maker because of the mixed reviews, but I've been using it daily for a month and I'm very happy with it. Before the first steep I doused it with white vinegar and ran it through 1 cycle, then 2 cycles with plain water to remove any residual plastic taste. I will also do this once a month for cleaning. I have adrenal damage so I can't drink caffeine, so no coffee for me, but I can drink Teeccino Teeccino Variety Pack (Hazelnut, Mocha, and Java) Chicory Herbal Coffee, Decaf, Acid-Free, 11 oz (3 Pack) Packed). I call it my artificial coffee and you brew it just like coffee. I also needed a coffee maker for company and wanted it to make individual servings without those K-cups. This is a simple machine that is easy to use and quick to clean. It has 2 water levels at 8oz and 14oz which are clearly marked with two pieces of plastic that look like steps molded into the back wall inside the tank. The bottom one shows 8 ounces and the top one shows MAX, so just add water until the measuring cups are needed. There are 2 filters, so the 2nd mesh filter catches any tiny granules that might get through the metal filter. Once brewed, pick up the 3 parts - filter and dripper, pour out the grounds (I use coffee grounds in my rose bushes, they love acid), rinse the 3 parts and either set aside to dry or make another cup . . I like to leave the lid open to dry inside. It looks like the silicone gasket pops out for cleaning, but it hasn't gotten dirty so I haven't tried it yet. It does a great job on the Bold setting, which drips a little slower than the Regular setting (haven't used it on a Regular yet). If you use a mug, you might get a few drops splattering on the sides or front, but without a major mess. This holds 14 ounces with enough room to add collagen powder and goat milk and use my milk frother to mix everything together. Perfect for the best latte, Bean Neid Manual Electric Milk Frother, Whipping Frother, Includes Stainless Steel Stand that consumes 14 ounces of water. I get enough coffee for two 8 ounce mugs. This isn't going to be much bad. Stainless steel is easy to clean and looks way better than most coffee makers. I like the quality of the stainless steel filter with a nice solid metal handle so there's no chance of it falling off and ruining the floor. 12 1/2" tall (17 1/4" with lids open). In my photos I show it under my microwave set to standard power. all cabinet heights. It fits a 7 1/4" or 4 1/4" tall mug with the metal shelf installed. My only complaint is that the previous model came with an extra dustpan/filter, but now they only include one. I would like another one. TIP: Here's a little secret my grandfather taught me. Add a pinch of sea salt (or Himalayan salt) to your coffee before brewing. It sounds gross, but trust me, just one drop will improve the taste of coffee, and no, it won't be salty! I also add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the cup (not the coffee maker!). It adds a delicious taste. This isn't specific to the machine function, but thought I'd add it in case anyone is interested. I wanted a pull out shelf but I don't like those plastic shelves so I made one out of 8x10 tiles and attached thick felt pads to the bottom. Now my coffee maker slides out to fill and then pushes against the wall again. It works fine as long as you have a smooth surface.