Alright, coffee lovers, let’s get real. As someone who’s practically fueled by caffeine and has a serious soft spot for a good-looking kitchen gadget, the “Beautiful Coffee Maker” by Drew Barrymore caught my eye instantly. That cornflower blue? Seriously stunning. It promised to be more than just a pretty face, boasting the ability to brew a whopping 14 cups of delicious coffee while adding a touch of modern glam to my kitchen. So, after putting it through its paces for a few weeks, here’s the unvarnished truth.
First Glance: Total Eye Candy
No denying it, this coffee maker is a looker. That soft matte finish, those sleek steel accents? Forget basic – this thing’s an upgrade. The touch-activated display is kind of cool too, lighting up only when you need it. It definitely makes my morning coffee routine feel a little more… fancy.
Brewing Business: A Bit of a Rollercoaster
Okay, so it says it can handle 14 cups and get it done in under 14 minutes. Mostly true, in my experience, though the brewing time can wiggle a bit depending on how much water you’re using. One feature I really dig is the adjustable brew strength. You can dial it in from mild to bold, which is awesome. I usually go for the “gourmet” setting – it gives me a rich, flavorful cup that kicks my day into gear.
Now, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. I did run into a couple of minor annoyances. That touch screen, as pretty as it is, can be a little temperamental. Sometimes I’m tapping those buttons like I’m trying to Morse code, and it still doesn’t register! Plus, the carafe, despite supposedly having a “perfect-pour spout,” seems to enjoy dribbling a bit when I pour. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely a “c’mon, man!” moment.
Love It, Like It, Meh
The 24-hour programmable timer? Absolute game-changer on those crazy mornings. Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee already brewing? Priceless. And the “keep warm” function? Super handy for keeping that coffee at the perfect temp for a few hours.
I also appreciate the 1-4 cup setting. Sometimes I just want a quick cup for myself, and this setting means I’m not wasting coffee or ending up with a weak, sad brew.
Now, the reusable filter… eh. I get the sustainability angle, which is cool. But it stains easily, and getting it really clean can be a pain. Plus, I’ve noticed it lets a little sediment through, so sometimes my coffee has a slightly gritty texture. Not ideal.
The Bottom Line: Pretty, But Not Perfect
All in all, the “Beautiful Coffee Maker” is a decent machine that delivers on the style and programmability fronts. It makes a good cup of coffee and looks fantastic doing it. But those little quirks – the touch screen, the drippy carafe, the so-so filter – do take a little shine off the experience.
If you’re willing to live with those minor issues and you’re all about the aesthetics, then this coffee maker could be a good match for you. But if you’re after something totally reliable and super user-friendly, you might want to shop around a bit more.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s pretty, but I expect a little more from my coffee maker these days.