Our old Gevalia coffeemaker was having problems… the clock and the digital timer on the screen would suddenly start sputtering and blinking, and the coffeemaker would suddenly turn on or off, again and again. I suspect it may be my less-than-adequate power supply here (the kitchen still has no electrical power, and we are “borrowing” power from a shared circuit). And I didn’t like the fact that the Gevalia was ALWAYS on– one of those “vampire” appliances we are always hearing about (appliances that continue to use energy, even when they are “off”). So I shopped around for a more basic coffeemaker that turned OFF when I turned it off and turned ON when I turned it on. And I didn’t need any fancy doo-dads like a digital clock, auto-programming, and etc. I just wanted a basic coffeemaker.
I got it with the Mr. Coffee 12-cup Coffeemaker. It’s on sale right now at Buy.com for under $18. (Shipping is not free, though). This is my first experience with Mr. Coffee. And I’m still “testing” it out (for example, at what point will the plastic basket start to smell like musty old coffee?). But I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and I really like it! And it’s SIMPLE!!! All is has is an ON/OFF switch. That’s IT. No blinking lights, no computerized features, no power-eating displays or lights. I’m a simple gal and I like my appliances simple. This fits the bill. And, at a price under $20, it was a good deal for me. So if you are looking for a simple coffeemaker, I’ve had good success with Mr. Coffee. It makes 12 cups which is *just* enough for the 3-4 coffee drinkers in the house. 
If you are looking for good deals on household appliances, appliance parts, garden tools and supplies, and especially electronics, computers, and back-to-school stuff, I really recommend Buy.com. They have a weekly and daily sale page on the website, with incredible deals. (I saw a Netgear extension router for only $15 today! I’m definitely going to nab that!). Buy.com currently has some incredible prices on back-to-school stuff, too– backpacks, durable netbooks (the Samsung models look SWEET), books– they’ve even got the 2010 Farmer’s Almanac on sale right now! Check them out– I have had excellent success with the folks at Buy.com. And now.. off to make more coffee!
17. August 2009 at 4:53 pm
Great coffee maker. Nothing fancy, real solid. Good buy.
17. August 2009 at 9:20 pm
Several years back (at least five) I found a vintage GE percolator coffee pot at a yard sale for $3 dollars. My parents have been through three new coffee makers since I bought mine. The joy of the percolator is that it actually uses less coffee because the water flows through the grounds more than once and there are no filters to buy. Add to that – if something does go wrong – I think I can even fix it.
I occasionally use the saved money to treat myself to some Hawaiian grown coffee
18. August 2009 at 8:47 am
Simple is always better. I’m thinking along Rebecca’s line of getting a percolator I hear the coffee is so much better tasting.