Dan got me a wonderful coffee maker for Christmas in 2004, a 12-cup Bodum Santos vacuum coffee maker. The principle is pretty cool, and neat to watch: The water in the lower chamber boils, and all of the steam moves up to the top chamber (where the ground coffee is), where it condenses. After a predetermined period (determined either by time or by a sensor – probably time because it’s cheaper), the heater switches to a lower setting, the water stops boiling, and the condensed steam runs back into the lower chamber, pulled by the vacuum created by the water boiling. It’s all very efficient, and yields a great cup of coffee.
Over the last month or so I noticed that the coffee maker would behave oddly, like switching to boiling (higher-output heat) after the coffee was done brewing; since I immediately decant into a pre-warmed carafe it wasn’t a big deal, but a bit disconcerting. Then yesterday, whatever was wrong came to a head: I turned on the pot, the light indicating the brewing process had started came on, and…nothing happened. No heat at all from the heating element. Aieee! No matter how much jiggling, rattling, or power cycling we try, it makes no difference. I suspect that the internal computer control of the heating element has gotten borked, and there’s probably not a lot we can do about it. Obviously, it’s over a year old so I doubt any warranty would still be in place, though I intend to review the paperwork and maybe even call Bodum, just in case. The sad likelihood is that it’s probably toast. While I have my emergency-backup French press, I really want an electric unit for company and such. I’ll probably suck it up and drop another $100 for another Bodum Santos, but I won’t be particularly happy about it. Also, while I doubt if anyone else has had much experience with problems like these with this unit, I’d be open to any suggestions.
Oh my… Um, I’m sorry for your loss? You have my condolences.
*sadfaces*
That was the coolest damn javamachine I had ever seen. Stay strong you two and if you need to talk with someone please know I am here 😉
all hope is not yet lost!
from: http://www.bodumusa.com/shop/product_details.asp?MD=1&GID=52&LID=280&CHK=&SLT=&mscssid=G0W800CNB6CD8KAVRXQ73F1AXTA3FRUB
“Our electrics products come with a two year limited warranty.”
*wags*
from ze pdf filez….
Guarantee. BODUM® guarantees the “Santos” coffee maker for 2
years from date of purchase against material defects or malfunctions
which can be traced back to defects in manufacturing or
design.
Repair is free of charge provided all guarantee requirements are
fulfilled. No refunds can be made.
Guarantee requirements. The guarantee certificate must be completely
filled out by the seller at the time of purchase.
Only agents authorized by BODUM® may perform guarantee services.
BODUM® makes no guarantee for damage which can be attributed
to use for unintended purposes, incorrect handling, normal wear
and tear, defective or incorrect maintenance or service work, incorrect
operation or manipulation by unauthorized persons
SQUEEE!
You just made my day! Woohoo! I’ll be getting them on the phone tonight, then.
Re: SQUEEE!
lets just hope you can find this guarantee certificate, UPC and reciept showing date of purchase.
That would explain why you two looked like you were moving slowly yesterday. 😉
Well, only me – Dan doesn’t drink coffee (well, he likes coffee, but it doesn’t like him…). And me? I woke up at 6:30 AM the morning after we went to Blue Man Group. Yeah, I was moving kind of slowly 🙂
O_O It’s a nightmare!
If they don’t repair it for you, let me have a go at it before you toss it out.
*have soldering iron, will tinker*
I immediately decant into a pre-warmed carafe
Geek.
…your point being?
🙂
I have to admit that people say things like “pre-warmed carafe” and I look down into the caustic darkness of my black all-night-diner coffee, and wonder if I’m from some other planet– or maybe just low-class.