The Capresso ST600 10-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker 490 is an impressive-looking machine for today's state-of-the-art kitchen. It delivers a sleek stainless-steel look as well as a great cup of coffee.

This unique machine features a brew-through-spout design. The brew cycle can only be initiated when the spout of the carafe is correctly inserted into the brewing slot and the carafe lid correctly positioned with the opening. A safety stop feature allows you to remove the carafe briefly to pour a cup of coffee during the brewing cycle. Once the cycle is completed, the lid can be turned to close the carafe and keep the coffee hot. After brewing, the Capresso ST600 automatically shuts itself off.

The beautiful stainless-steel carafe with black lid and handle features a thermal vacuum, which keeps coffee hot for up to 4 hours. The ample drip-free spout is one the best working spouts we've seen. Another very nice feature is the concealed cord storage at the base of the unit. You pull out only the amount of cord needed, and keep the rest hidden away.

The controls are concealed under the unit's black lid, which opens by means of a spring-activated pushbutton. The open lid provides access to the water tank, coffee filter, programming functions and the filter holder. The water tank has a European 10-cup capacity. A water-level indicator is located on the outside of the unit. A charcoal filter, which is included, can be used to remove any impurities from your tap water. An electronic replacement indicator lets you know when the filter needs to be replaced, usually every 6 weeks. Use of the filter is optional and not necessary, for instance, if spring or bottled water is used. A goldtone coffee filter eliminates the need for paper and is easy to clean.

Setting the auto-on time for pre-programmed brewing took us several tries. A lower brewing speed may be set for "brewing now" or pre-programmed when making 4 to 6 cups of coffee.

The LCD display digital clock/timer is illuminated white on black. The timer is programmable up to 24 hours ahead. The top-located clock/timer as well as the on/off button and auto button are visible with the lid in the up or down position. Both the on/off and the auto are soft touch lighted buttons. The on/off button illuminates red when the coffee is brewing, and the auto button illuminates green to signal the pre-programmed brewing cycle.

This unit comes with a thorough operating instruction booklet and a plastic measuring spoon. It can brew 10 cups in 8 minutes, and the coffee stays hot for hours. The height, width, and length dimensions of the unit with the carafe in place are 13.5x11x14 inches.

Cleaning the machine is a simple matter of wiping the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. The filter holder and goldtone filter are dishwasher safe. The inside of the machine can be wiped clean with a paper towel.

The Capresso ST600 costs more than others in its class; however, its superb, hot coffee is sure to satisfy even the most demanding coffee drinker.


Pros: Concealed programmable control panel; dripless pour spout; thermal carafe
Cons: Pricey

Warranty
1 year, limited