Interesting thing, but I just take my iced coffee straight without blending, so this product is a "meh" to me. If someone gave one to me, I'd try it, but I think I'll wait until these start to hit Goodwill or Sally Ann.
Consumer Reports did a review of this in their May, 2010 issue. They said it takes about 3 minutes to make a batch, which they thought was quick. It makes a "venti-sized pitcher" full. Would that be enough for two people?
For a larger crowd, CR said a separate coffeemaker and blender makes more sense. Otherwise, CR thought it might be a good way to save on the expense of coffeehouse frappes, and/or a good way to make lower-calorie versions.
I seem to recall reading mostly positive reviews on Amazon, too.
I agree with CR on this one: A blender will allow you the option of making bigger batches. I think the CR review also mentioned the machine was designed to use only crescent-shaped ice cubes, common to refrigerator-freezer ice makers.
Having said that, if you plan to use it a lot---you live in the warm-year-'round South, after all---and only need to make one portion at a time, it might be worth looking into.
Let us know what you think of it should you decide to get one.
Of course I like it for the gadget value alone but it's not something I would use if at all. I don't much care for frappe coffee , worse if they're flavored. still if I see one somewhere on sale or clearance really cheap I'm gonna get one LOL
I am not very familiar with the frappé as a drink. I almost never drink coffee away from home, and at home, I generally go with iced tea in summer, not coffee.
That said, I did some research on the word. As a coffee drink, it appears to be Greek. (According to the Italian to English dictionary, frappé applies to "milkshake.") According to an article on how to make a Greek frappé, the article writer claims it's pronounced "frah-PEH." However, the authentic Greek item appears to use a different process, including instant coffee. (This must be the ONLY time an American approach uses actual coffee grounds, and the authentic item uses instant!) It also apparently does not require a blender.
However, I noticed on the Mr. Coffee site linked above that they pronounce their machine "frap." It's their gadget, I guess, and they can pronounce it however they want. It's always possible that their machine's frappé is so bad that the word that comes mind rhymes with "frap."
Link to article on how to make a Greek frappé, which uses instant coffee AND does not require a $70 machine.
Iced coffee recipes are more than a hot weather substitute for a hot cup of joe. It has a range of flavor, sweetness, and even texture options all its own.