Alright, fellow coffee addicts, let’s dish about the Brentwood TS-213BL 4-Cup Coffee Maker. I recently snagged one of these little blue guys, and I’ve been giving it a whirl. Living in a cozy apartment means counter space is prime real estate, so the idea of a compact coffee maker immediately grabbed my attention. Could this be the answer to my small-space coffee prayers? Let’s find out.
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First Glance:
Right off the bat, the Brentwood TS-213BL scores major points in the looks department. That blue color? Seriously eye-catching! It’s a fun pop of color compared to the usual boring black or silver appliances. Plus, it’s super compact – a lifesaver when you’re short on counter space. The glass carafe felt a bit on the lighter side, which, spoiler alert, became a thing later on.
Brew Time:
Using this thing is a breeze. Just fill the water tank (that little window is handy!), toss in the reusable filter, add your coffee grounds, and hit the “on” switch. I’m a big fan of the reusable filter – saves a few bucks on paper ones and it’s a bit kinder to the planet. The included scoop is a nice touch too, no more hunting for a tablespoon!
It whips up a full pot – that’s 4 cups – in just a few minutes. Perfect for those crazy mornings when you’re practically running out the door. The warming plate does its job, keeping the coffee warm for a bit, but don’t expect it to last all day.
The Million-Dollar Question: How’s the Coffee?
The coffee itself? Pretty good! Not the best I’ve ever had, but definitely decent for a drip coffee maker in this price range. I played around with different grinds and found that a medium grind seemed to work best. Like they say in the product description, the grind really does make a difference, so experiment a little to find what you like.
Uh Oh… Glass Alert! (My Oops Moment):
Okay, let’s talk about that glass carafe. It’s a bit delicate, and I’d heard whispers about it being fragile. Well, let’s just say I found out the hard way. Last week, I was washing it, gave it a tiny bump against the sink, and… CRACK! Yep, shattered. So, learn from my mistake: handle this thing with kid gloves! I’m already ordering a new carafe, and I’m officially extra careful now.
The Good Stuff:
- Takes up hardly any space – perfect for small kitchens
- That blue color is just plain fun
- Super easy to use, even when you’re half-asleep
- Brews coffee fast
- Reusable filter is a win-win
- Won’t break the bank
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- That glass carafe is a bit of a liability
- Only makes 4 cups – might not be enough for everyone
Final Thoughts:
All in all, the Brentwood TS-213BL is a solid little coffee maker, especially if you’re flying solo or have a small household. It’s cute, compact, and makes a decent cup of joe. But that fragile carafe is a real bummer. If you’re willing to baby it (unlike yours truly!), it’s a great value. Just be prepared that you might be buying a replacement carafe down the road.
My Rating: I’m giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars. I had to knock off a star and a half because of that carafe incident!