Capresso MT500 Review

What the reviewers like:
Not only does the Capresso MT500 produce the best-tasting coffee in the review at The Wall Street Journal (corroborated by owners), but it also keeps that coffee hot for more than four hours. Owners say the Capresso MT500 brews quickly and its water filter helps improve flavor.

What the reviewers don't like:
Though overwhelmingly positive, some owners had problems with overflowing when the carafe is not precisely lined up on the base. Others have difficulty pouring without drips. The most common concern is the Capresso MT500 coffee maker's high price.

Capresso MT500 review highlights

According to a consensus of expert and owner reviews, the Capresso MT500 is the best thermal carafe coffee maker and one of the best models among regular coffee makers, as well. Thermal carafes keep coffee hot and fresh longer, without the danger of 'overcooking' on a hot plate. The Capresso's high cost is a drawback. If this is a factor in making your decision, reviews point to the Zojirushi Fresh Brew (*est. $90) as the best value among thermal-carafe models, though reviews are more impressed with the taste of the Capresso MT500's coffee.

In addition to two professional comparative reviews, we found hundreds of owner-written ratings for the Capresso MT500 thermal-carafe coffee maker. The most detailed review is The Wall Street Journal's test of five coffee makers, where the Capresso is judged best overall. Consumer Reports includes the Capresso MT500 in its test of 34 coffee makers, but editors don't go into much detail, and we found it odd that coffee makers don't appear to be rated on the taste of the coffee. The largest numbers of owner-written reviews (and hence the best owner consensus) for the Capresso MT500 are found on Amazon.com and Cooking.com.

Also see full report: Coffee Makers

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. The Wall Street Journal
Warming Up to Thermal Coffee-Makers
Melissa Schorr
May 19, 2006

Editor Melissa Schorr enlists three Seattle-area coffee-roasting experts to help test coffee from five thermal-carafe coffee makers. Models are also tested for temperature retention after four hours. The Capresso MT500 is deemed best overall, with the most flavorful coffee and best features. Its carafe had the second-best heat retention after four hours (162° F).

2. Consumer Reports
Coffeemakers
Editors of Consumer Reports
Jan. 2007

Consumer Reports' latest report on coffee makers covers 34 drip coffee makers, including the Capresso MT500 thermal-carafe coffee maker. Models are rated on convenience, brewing ability and carafe design. Interestingly, editors don't appear to evaluate the taste or temperature of the coffee.

3. Amazon.com
Capresso MT500 reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

We found over 100 owner-written reviews here for the Capresso MT500 thermal-carafe coffee maker. Overall, owners award the Capresso an average of four out of five stars. A majority of owners say the coffee tastes great and stays hot. A small percentage of owners complain about overflows due to finicky carafe placement on the base.

4. Cooking.com
Capresso MT500 reviews
Contributors to Cooking.com

At retailer site Cooking.com, over 60 owners have contributed to the Capresso MT500's high overall rating of 4.5 (out of 5 stars). The overwhelming majority of owners say its coffee tastes great.

5. Epinions
Capresso MT500 ratings
Contributors to Epinions

Epinions' calculations are a little strange for this model. Although there are about 25 mainly positive reviews for the Capresso MT500, Epinons calculates the average rating as just 2 (out of five) and says only five people have written reviews. Most owners are very happy with the Capresso coffee maker. A few voice complaints that carafe placement is too fussy.

6. Vegetarian Times
Mug shots: Close-ups of five hot coffee makers
Alexandra Greeley
Apr. 2003

Included in this article are short evaluations of four automatic-drip machines and one vacuum coffee maker. The Capresso MT500 is touted as being fast, easy to use and producing "terrific" coffee, but information beyond that is scant.

Also see full report: Coffee Makers

Capresso MT500 Review