Amazing Flavor - 1st UPDATE & Flashing "dcl"
By Bari S.Just to start, I'm extremely cynical and I don't subscribe to the idea that just because it's expensive makes it the best. I must admit, this is the best cup of coffee I have ever made. I just received this coffee maker (via Zappos,) as Amazon isn't shipping direct yet. I've been drinking my coffee virtually the same way for 25 years, so my test this morning contained the same coffee, measurements, and ingredients I have always used. I went through the steps as directed by Viking, and the end result was a hotter, deeper, zero-bitter cup of amazing coffee.*Side Note: Even though this coffee maker comes with a filter, always use filtered water. We have HIGH mineral content water, so this is something we have always used anyway. Viking states, that not doing so with this kind of water, will void the warranty. The coffee maker will tell you when it's time to "de-calcify" (this may or may not occur when using filtered water).There WILL be a bit of a time-consuming (roughly 30-40 minutes) initial process you WILL need to invest in - so don't intend on having that first cup if you are pressed for time. There is an initial "priming" (using roughly 2 cups of water), then a "first 10-cup brew" of just water only (for cleaning purposes). After that, you're ready for clock set-up, auto programming, and finally time to brew! I used the reusable filter that comes with it instead of the usual non-bleached disposable filters, and I have nothing negative to say about it.As far as our usual process, we use our favorite whole-bean coffee and grind it in a burr grinder at the finest setting.Is it worth $300.00? If the flavor, temperature, and dependability of the machine all hold up, it will be a resounding yes. I will update this review over time to let you know for sure.SIX-WEEK UPDATE: Still impressed, no regrets! Overflowed once (my fault) - I filled the water tank over the fill line when I selected the 12-cup serving. If I had one criticism, it would be how slowly it pours when opened to the "o" mark. I'm assuming Viking made it an intentional feature in order to keep the remaining coffee hot - which it does. Obviously, one can take the lid completely off to remedy that.**FLASHING "dcl": So it finally said it was time to decalcify. Easy process, but allow yourself ~20 minutes to do this. The only thing that wasn't covered in my instruction book was how to get the "dcl" to quit flashing after the process was done. It's not automatically detected - YOU NEED TO PRESS THE "ON" BUTTON, THEN HOLD DOWN THE "BREW" BUTTON (NOT SIMULTANEOUSLY) FOR A FEW SECONDS TO CLEAR IT. Hopefully newer packaged instructions will show this. Still no regrets! **Don't forget to replace the filter in the reservoir.**
34 of 39 people found the following review helpful.
CARAFE LEAKS!!!!! OOPS NO IT DOESN'T
By Demoola
You'd expect a bit more for $300 - carafe leaks everywhere when you pour the coffee. Who the heck tested this product at Viking??? Do not buy - looks pretty But doesn't pour correctly!!!!That was my original review. After speaking to Viking I learned that I had to keep it on the open (o) position and not between the locked and open, while pouring, as their directions state. Works GREAT - no more leaks and it's such a great looking coffee machine! They just need to correct their directions.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful.
Junk, run from the product
By B. K
When I first started using the product it seem to take long to brew. Within two weeks the product failed completely. Because it was used, regarless of how little, it could not be returned to AMazon. They did not care.A call to Viking met with rude people; however, one person promised a complete new coffe maker, but it would take 6-weeks. I agreed to wait. Surprise, surprise a partial unit arrived in two weeks. When I opened the box, it was clear this unit had been used:Viking did not even try to clean it or to buff out the scratches and dents before sending it me. Someone else had returned a damaged unit. And it just was sent to me. Follow-on calls to Viking are all met with not my problem call this number (I now have 7 different 800 for Viking in the and out of the US). Finally after hours on the phone, I got someone to listen. Send many detailed pictures which got me a third unit that did not work.Unless you have money to toss away, do not purchase this unit.
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