Review on Bodum Bistro Maker Programmable Coffee Machine with Borosilicate Glass Carafe, 12 Cup, 51 oz, Black - Model 11754-01CA by Andrea Larson

This is our second Bodum Bistro coffee maker. We brew 12 full cups of coffee every day, 365 days a year. Our first one was still working after 2 1/2 years, but it had a few issues which I'll address later. Pros: Simple and stable filter coffee machine. Easy to use. Stainless steel strainer (paper filters are not required, but some may not like very fine coffee grounds at the bottom of the pot). The design of the showerhead distributes the water more evenly over the ground coffee than some other designs. Relatively east for cleaning. Cons: The plastic shower head breaks over time. will rust over time (like other coffee makers). Clear plastic components will become blotchy or milky white over time. We used the first one we bought for 2-1/2 years. The main issues are cracks in the shower head and rust on the heating plate (like other coffee makers). Although the shower head was cracked, the machine still ran. The rusting metal heating element also made the glass carafe difficult to remove and replace with regular use. Second, the water tank filling hole is small, so you need to be careful and patient when filling water to minimize spillage. Workaround/suggestions for usage: We learned a few things using the first one. There is nothing to be done about the shower head, which can crack over time. If adding water to the tank, do so BEFORE adding the filter basket AND BEFORE placing the carafe on the heating element so that the filter basket tab does not interfere with your pour. IF using a glass carafe to add water, pour slowly to minimize spillage. To fill the machine, we use a jug of filtered water. After filling the tank, wipe off any water that has dripped onto the heating element (also wipe the sides and bottom of the glass carafe). Pour ground coffee into the filter BEFORE inserting the filter into the coffee maker to prevent ground coffee from entering the water tank. BEFORE placing the jug on the heating element, make sure the outside of the glass jug and the heating element are COMPLETELY DRY, otherwise they will rust over time. Also, after each use and after the heating element has cooled down, wipe/clean any coffee that may have seeped onto the heating element and dried - this should help slow down the rusting of the heating element.