searching for the perfect cup of coffee

I love a good cup of coffee in the morning.

Most mornings, including this morning, begin the same way.  I run my tap water for a long 10 minutes until it is cold.  I have no idea why I can't get cold water from my kitchen tap.  The handyman, who can fix anything, has no explanation and no solution.  

I measure about 6 tablespoons of coffee for five cups.  Then I I flip the switch on my (until now reliable) Cuisinart DCC1200 and nothing happens. I check the socket.  I check my fuse box.  I even check other switches on the coffeemaker.  The self-cleaning button works fine.  It’s just the critical ON switch that doesn't work.

I purchased this coffeemaker on August 13, 2011, at Bed Bath and Beyond, for $64.95. (I note when I buy appliances and electronics).  

I call Cuisinart.  The customer-service rep calls me Miss Lyn; I feel like Scarlett O’Hara.  After a difficult exercise of finding the serial number that is black on black on the bottom of the coffeemaker, she tells me it’s out of warranty.  “I’m sorry, Miss Lyn.  Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

I toss my coffeemaker and go online searching for a new one. 

I read reviews. I watch a few YouTube videos.  I compare models.  And finally I find it:  the Bonavita BV1800TH 8-Cup Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe.  Reviews are outstanding.  It’s rated #1 by some coffee experts.  It’s perfect, but pricey.  Too pricey for me right now.

But then I recall a conversation I overheard at my office the other day.  Someone there said that Bed, Bath and Beyond has incredible customer service and a great return policy.  It’s worth I shot, I think.

So I retrieve my old coffeemaker from the trash, along with the glass carafe and lug it down to Bed, Bath and Beyond.  I have no receipts.  

Manny helps me.  The transaction goes like this.

Me: Hi.  I’d like to return this coffeemaker.  It was working fine yesterday, but today it won’t turn on.

Manny:  No problem.

Me:  A store credit is fine.

There’s no may I see your receipt please. No I’m sorry but this is out of warranty.  No we no longer sell this model. No I'll have to check with my manager. No nothing!

Five minutes later I walk out with a store credit for $97.98, more than I originally paid.

Today I order my new Bonavita coffeemaker.  The BBB website isn’t working so I call and get Cheyenne.  She sounds about 12; I doubt she’ll be able to help me with both a 20% off coupon (that expired in 2009 but that I know BBB will honor) and my credit.  She surprises me, and is helpful and efficient.  She does everything right, and then throws in free expedited shipping.  I hope the coffee is as good as the service.