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Tanzania, Dodoma
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Review on ☕ Redline MK1 Coffee Brewer: Optimum Brew Temperature (195-205°F) & Pre-Infusion Mode for Exquisite Coffee by Melissa Moore

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Improved taste! Great design!

I love the Redline MK1, it makes great coffee. Of course I looked at the Moccamaster kgb or the Bonavita, but after some research and trying to stay within my budget I settled on the Redline and I'm glad I did. Firstly, the brew, I definitely feel the difference from mine (Mr. Coffee BVMC) although I was able to get a decent cup out of my Mr. Coffee. Coffee, strong but not bitter, Redline has a cleaner, more complex taste and just the right strength (I use 60g per liter of freshly ground coffee from a Capresso Infinity grinder and I also use Melitta #4 white filter.) I have it too tested with pre-ground coffee no problem, although freshly ground tastes much better. I also use the pre-soak option on the MK1, which I think gives the best result in terms of flavor. Cup sizes are based on Euro 5oz. So at the 1 liter mark I get about 4 large coffees or about 6 small coffees which is perfect for my wife and I as we usually have a couple of cups in the morning or pour an XL into a glass on the go. I've been using a French press for a while when I needed a special mug and recently bought a V60 and love the results but don't want to leave despite the extra time it takes for each grief to get a great cup of coffee . So this MK1 was a compromise and I think it achieves about 80-90% of what a French press/V60 is. I think everyone will enjoy this machine, as long as they use fresh quality water/coffee/filters in the right proportions you will have a really good cup of coffee. PROS Makes great coffee! Premium Features - Pre-brew mode (e.g. Bonavita) / carafe lid funnel (e.g. Moccamaster) Temperature control - brewing temperature 196-205°F. Gold Cup ECBC and SCA standard. Hot coffee - temperature about 190-195 ° after I pour it into a cup or glass. Fast brewing time of 6-8 minutes depending on the degree of grinding. Easy to clean - much better than Mr. Coffee. (Redline also recommends descaling every 2 months). It has a nice style, the metal rectangular bottom of the tank looks good and the rest of the plastic parts look high quality, the carafe feels solid. My wife loves it. My wife hates complicated devices so this simple one button operation is perfect. CONS (mostly sophistry) Hotplate time - works well but only lasts about 40 minutes. (Manual says 120 mins) This isn't a problem for me, but I can see how it might be important for others. I don't know if the time can be adjusted? You can just press the "on" button and continue manually, but the coffee is supposed to spoil after 30 minutes. on a hot plate, so it is best to fill it in a double-walled thermos or a glass if you want to have it for later. * If you're a coffee lover who wants a great cup of coffee that stays hot for hours on the stovetop, this coffee maker isn't for you. it's right and sometimes I have to fiddle with it, which is the last thing you want to do when you're half asleep in grief (maybe with practice this will become second nature). The button blinks until it turns off, which may be annoying for some. The glass carafe's handle isn't the most ergonomic handle I've ever used, and if it's held too close to the top, the steam can bother your hand. PS A note on the coffees I've used - I've used a variety of beans and grinds. I find the 60g/1L ratio works well for this coffee maker and produces a strength similar to what you order from Peet's Coffee Shop. With Light/Med roasts like Ethiopian/Kenyan, you'll probably want a finer grind to tone down the intense, fruity, tart flavors. For a medium/dark roast like Colombian or French, you can choose a medium grind. I use an organic African Med/Drk roast blend for our morning coffee (between medium and fine grind) and then use finely ground Tanzania Peaberry for the afternoon slump if needed. Also, I always use filtered water and preheat mugs or cups to keep the best temperature and weigh my beans before grinding. It may be overkill, but this is how I always get a great cup of coffee. (* I also spent a lot of money on Asurion's 4 year protection plan, I know Redline covers a year but wanted to be quiet and Asurion has a great no fuss quick money back guarantee compared to moccamaster's 5-year warranty (it forces you to send the unit and wait a few weeks to get it back), and you'll still save a ton of money by getting the Redline MK1.

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