Hi - Having walked into my local TKmax store today, I was surprised to find a Bodum e-santos 1.5lt on display - in the reduced price section too!
Having read mixed reviews about this item in the past, I had decided not to bother with one, but noticing a "special clearance" sticker on the box, however, indicating a price drop to £18, I bought it on the spot!
Having just finished a cup of Kenya AA, brewed in the e-santos, I'm pleased & impressed with the results, but I know some tweaking is definitely required. The length of the brewing cycle is too short - one of the main negative criticisms I picked-up on while researching this model some time ago.
A number of reviews on the C. Geek site have highlighted an alteration that apparently is very effective in controlling this brew-time flaw. (it's severe and it will render my machine null & void re. my guarantee, but having only paid £18 I'm willing to alter).
Here is the alteration form C.Geek consumer reviews section.
All you have to do is cut 3/16 - 1/4 of an inch off of the end of the downtube in order to fix a manufacturing flaw. A sharp ( CLEAN ) hacksaw works perfectly ( just cut the end SQUARE!!! ) otherwise the stand in the base for the top chamber won't work any longer. The end of the downtube should be CLOSE to 3/4, but NO HIGHER than, 3/4 of an inch above the heating element when the unit is fully assembled. The "FINISHED" length of the downtube measured from the bottom face of the rubber seal to the end of the tube should be 3+5/8 to 3+3/4 inches long ( This length is ONLY for the LARGE capacity model 10-12 cups ) . I don't know if the mini model (5 cup) has the same issue. JUST REMEMBER......The LONGER the length of the downtube, the SHORTER the brew contact time and the cooler the brewing temperature.
If anyone has any other alteration tips or tweaks, regarding this model, I'd be very grateful if you would share them with me - I'll hang fire with the hacksaw!
Loving too much coffee.co.uk
Regards
Wil