I have only ever used Plextor for CD-writing. My now 5 years old Plextor PX-W1210S is a SCSI 12/10/32 rewriter, that has never made even 1 coaster.
Sofar I think I have burned about 2'500-3'000 CDs on it.
IMHO nothing beats Plextor, at least for CDs.
As to DVDs, for players it is very hard to beat LiteOn.
I will be upgrading next to a DVD-writer, and it is guaranteed to be a Plextor again.
I just got a new mobo with SATA, so something like this PX-716SA will fit in perfectly.