I have a Senseo pod coffee maker that dispenses hot water....put the cocoa mix into the mug and add hot water....simple and nothing to wash but the mug.
Linda C

I was the happy recipient of of the Back To Basics in the last swap..My BOYS used it twice a day every day for atleast 2 weeks when it first arrived..It's not difficult to clean..but you do have to NOT let the "leftover" that doesn't make it down the drain not sit in there to long, or you'll need to scrub a bit more..I use a toothbrush every now and then to run around the inside edge. I didn't notice any plastic melting into it???

Thanks, Terri -- I just wanted to make sure it wasn't an issue that they found as time went on -most of the reviews were good - don't you wish you knew the people who wrote the reviews so you had a better idea of how serious to take what they say? I appreciate you posting.

I've had the Back To Basics for almost a year-- and have used it almost daily ( for Chai)-- it can be a pain to clean if - as Terri mentioned--it's not cleaned immediately after use (or at least rinsed out immediately including running clean water thru the spigot).

I'm not a big fan of "for one purpose gadgets/machines" but I do love this one.

Diane

I love my BtoB Cocoa Maker. I bought mine in Jan '07 so I've had it not quite a year now. It was recommended by someone on this list and I thought I could pick it up on sale after the Holidays but no such luck.

I only use it during the cold months and maybe 4-5 times a month and I've not had any problems with mine. I like it because of the automatic heater which heats to a perfect temperature. And when the liquid cools it will automatically heat again. And the foam feature is great!

Like Diane, I am not one for 1-purpose appliances, but the BtoB Cocoa Maker is one I am glad I own.

I read some of the negative comments at Amazon.com and it seems to me the problem is using too much mix so it settles on the bottom and if you do not clean this it dry and be a sticky mess. But this can happen in a sauce pan too.

For St. Patrick's Day I made white hot chocolate tinted green and added brandy and I had no problem at all cleaning the machine.

I've seen some others out on the market this year but have not heard anything about them yet.

Michelle

Seriously? A saucepan and a whisk. :) Easier to clean, too.

Oh, lord, now you've done it. I think I may need a cocoa for my afternoon slump. :)

Bean, true..a saucepan and whisk are in most kitchens...
But my boys~15, 10 and 7 can fill it, and use it all on their own..I don't much trust them with milk and a gas flame. LOL

Ah, I see the predicament now. :)
And I forget that most teens nowadays don't cook.

Thank you everyone for info on the BtoB cocoa maker - I was thinking of hot chocolate makers for gifts for out of town kids I send gifts to. I ordered 2 this morning after reading your reviews!

Bean, Actually my teen son does cook and I do allow him to use the gas range on his own unsupervised..it's the younger two that worry me..(However the 10 yr old will turn the oven on for me.)

My 7 year old can make the "cocoa" all by himself..and that empowers him.
He's also the reason why when I did the kitchen remodel and put in an OTR Micro, we kept the old one and have it at his level in the dining room. Because he knows how to use it.
:o)