Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)What a machine! It's small but mighty -- you are able to brew every type of coffee or tea drink using this single unit and its companion, the CBTL LM-145P Milk Frother, Black. Are you a fan of specialty drinks such as espresso, cappuccino, latte, special roast coffee, hot chocolate and flavored or regular tea? If you can dream it, you can make it.
The machine isn't heavy and takes up only the same area on your counter-top as a regular coffee maker or 4-slice toaster. When you first open and unpack the machine from the box, you will need to put the filter piece in the clear plastic water reservoir, fill it with water (I use cold filtered water - holds about a quart), and prime the machine. The handy instruction card that's included will walk you through the process and then you're ready to try making your first beverage. Select one of the CBTL capsules from their private collection of roasts and blends and pull back the top lever, drop the capsule in the slot and push forward to close it. Then push the button to start the brewing process. There are three water level settings on the machine -- the smallest one at the top for espresso (about 1.5 ounces), the middle for long tea or other specialty beverages (about 3 ounces), and the bottom for brewed coffee or tea (about 8 ounces). You can experiment with the various levels to get the strength desired. I like to use an espresso capsule with the brew setting and top it off with warmed milk. When the coffee cycle is complete, remove your cup and raise the lever to eject the used capsule into the pull out receptacle behind the drip pan and discard it. After you have used your unit and are ready to turn it off for the day, run a short water cycle through the machine without a capsule to clear the small tubes. Clean up is easy, just remove the receptacle and rinse it off in the sink. I empty the water reservoir as well.
After a week with the machine and with the various products offered by Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf company, I'm a fan! The only drawback is that the capsules are not available in any local store and must be ordered online through the company. When you go online to find out how to get the capsules you find the following information about the CBTL(tm) premium club:
What you need, when you need it!
Sign up for monthly shipments of your favorite CBTL(tm) Capsules and flavored powder sachets and you automatically become a member of our CBTL(tm) Premium Club. As a club member, you'll receive:
* A low $5.95 fixed shipping & handling fee on monthly shipments.
* Free shipping with minimum monthly subscription of $40.
* Free CBTL(tm) Capsule Holder upon first-time sign up.
* Eligible to receive free limited edition espresso, coffee and tea samples.
* Exclusive promotional offers.
There are 4 espresso flavors including a decaf version, 4 coffee brews including decaf, 4 different teas including chai, and 2 powder sachets -- chocolate and vanilla -- to make the latte and mocha drinks. I have now used them all! According to the literature included with the machine and on the website, you cannot use any other brand (Keurig or Tassimo) in this coffee maker. That makes it difficult as you have to order the capsules online and pay about $6.00 for a package of 10 capsules and the shipping and handling fee unless you become a premium member with a monthly subscription. I know that my local grocery store carries other single serve capsules and hope that CBTL can get its product in the supermarket venue as well to make it easier to get what you want without the hassle and price of subscribing to a coffee delivery service. Amazon.com does offer the capsules on its website.
I had a few issues with the machine I received, but the exceptional technical support and customer service of CBTL saved the day and now I am enjoying my coffee and tea each day. I recommend this product to anyone who wants to try the single cup brewer method. It does make a perfect cup of coffee or tea.
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