De'Longhi ICM 17210 Filter Coffee Machine - Review 🏆

The DeLonghi ICM17210 Filter Coffee Maker is an affordable and compact filter coffee machine that is ideal for the home or office. This model from the renowned Italian appliance brand DeLonghi provides a simple and convenient way to brew fresh filter coffee.

The ICM17210 has a 10-cup capacity and can brew directly into a glass carafe, making it easy to serve coffee for a few people. It has a compact footprint, with dimensions of 27.5 x 17 x 32.5 cm, so it doesn't take up much counter space. The contemporary design features a black and stainless steel finish that will look stylish in any kitchen.

This filter coffee maker has basic functionality focused on brewing classic American-style filter coffee. It lacks some of the more advanced features of pricier models but provides good value given its affordable price point. The ICM17210 is a no-frills but reliable choice for anyone wanting freshly ground and brewed filter coffee at home without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 is a compact and sturdy filter coffee machine made primarily of plastic with metal accents. Despite the plastic construction, the build quality feels solid with no creaking or weak points. The water reservoir and filter holder are made of durable transparent plastic that allows you to monitor the brewing process.

At just 8.3 x 13.4 x 13.8 inches, this is a nicely compact unit that won't take up much space on your kitchen counter. It weighs only 5.29 lbs, making it easy to move around and store away when not in use. The relatively light weight is due to the plastic body, but it still feels sturdy during use. There are non-slip rubber feet on the bottom to hold it in place.

Overall, the ICM 17210 has a simple and functional design focused on portability and ease of use. While made primarily of plastic, the materials feel durable enough for daily use and occasional transport between locations. The compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens.

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 shares some design similarities with other popular filter coffee machines like the KRUPS Simply Brew Family. These KRUPS models also feature plastic housings and water reservoirs for lightweight portability. However, the KRUPS models may have slightly more metal components for added durability. The control panels are also different, with De'Longhi opting for simple knobs while KRUPS uses buttons. But both aim for convenience and ease of use with their interfaces.

When it comes to size, the De'Longhi ICM 17210 is one of the more compact options. The KRUPS models are taller to accommodate larger water reservoirs and filters. So the ICM 17210 may be a better choice if counter space is limited. However, the KRUPS models can brew larger batches of coffee at once. So there are always tradeoffs to consider when choosing a filter coffee machine.

Overall, the De'Longhi ICM 17210 is comparable to the KRUPS Simply Brew line in terms of design, quality, and functionality. The choice comes down to specific needs like batch size and dimensions. But both offer reliable performance from trusted brands. So coffee lovers have good options to consider for their kitchen.

Features and Settings

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 filter coffee machine comes with several useful features and settings to help customize your brew.

• Programmable timer: This allows you to set the machine to automatically brew coffee at a preset time. You can program it to have freshly brewed coffee ready when you wake up or get home from work. The programmable timer is very convenient for people with busy mornings who want to wake up to a hot, fresh pot of coffee.

• Keep warm function: After brewing, the machine will keep the carafe warm for around 40 minutes. This prevents the coffee from cooling down too quickly before you're ready to drink it. The keep warm function helps maintain the optimal drinking temperature so you can leisurely enjoy your coffee over time.

• Water filter: The machine has a removable water filter that helps remove impurities and chlorine from the water for better tasting coffee. The filter is easy to access and replace. Using filtered water is an easy way to improve coffee flavor and aroma.

• Brew strengths: You can choose between two settings - regular or bold. The bold setting utilizes more ground coffee and longer brewing for a more intense, full-bodied coffee. The regular setting produces a standard coffee strength. Having the option to customize strength lets you tailor the flavor to your preferences.

The De'Longhi offers great customization and convenience for daily coffee drinking. However, for those wanting even more advanced features, the GEEPAS GCM41504UK is an excellent alternative to consider. This model has a built-in grinder allowing you to grind beans right before brewing for incredibly fresh and aromatic coffee. It also has a separate hot water spout for making Americanos, tea, instant foods and more. The GEEPAS machine allows ultra precise strength control with 15 grind settings and 3 brewing amounts. For coffee aficionados who want maximum options to craft that perfect cup, the GEEPAS GCM41504UK is hard to beat.

Overall, the De'Longhi ICM 17210 provides great convenience and customizability for daily coffee. It's programmable timer, keep warm function, water filter and brew strength control offer plenty of useful settings. But for those wanting next-level features like a built-in grinder, separate hot water spout and ultra fine tuning options, the GEEPAS GCM41504UK is an excellent upgrade pick.

Brewing Performance

The ICM 17210 brews coffee quickly and efficiently. The powerful 15 bar pump provides fast brew times, delivering a full 10 cups of coffee in around 6-7 minutes. This is comparable to other drip coffee makers in this price range.

The coffee comes out piping hot, around 190-195 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot plate keeps the carafe at an ideal temperature to maintain warmth and flavor. The brewed coffee has a robust, full-bodied taste with pronounced aromas.

I found the coffee flavor to be smooth and balanced, without any bitterness or acidity. The metal filter allows for good extraction of the coffee oils and essences. The aroma is intense, filling up the kitchen with that unmistakable fresh brewed coffee smell.

You can brew up to 10 cups at a time with the 1.4 liter water tank capacity. The carafe also holds 10 cups of coffee. This is great for entertaining guests or making coffee for the whole family in the mornings. The large capacity means you won't have to brew multiple small pots.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

The De'Longhi Filter Coffee Machine ICM 17210 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The control panel has just two buttons - one for turning the machine on/off, and another for starting the brewing process. There are no complicated settings or programming required.

The brewing process starts with a simple press of the brew button. The machine takes care of the rest, from water heating to coffee dispensing. The flow stops automatically once the carafe is full.

The LED display shows the clock and has indicators for heating, brewing, anti-drip and decalcification operations. The display is easy to read and intuitive.

Cleaning the machine is also straightforward. The water tank, filter holder and carafe are all removable and dishwasher safe. The drip tray can be removed and rinsed under tap.

De'Longhi recommends descaling every 3-4 months based on usage. The descaling process is simple - just fill the water tank with a descaling solution and start the brewing process. The machine guides you through the descaling cycle.

Overall, the ICM 17210 is designed for no-fuss, everyday use. The simple controls, removable parts and automatic features make it easy to use and maintain.

Capacity and Output

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 has a decent capacity and output for a drip coffee maker in this price range. The water reservoir can hold up to 1.8 liters of water, which De'Longhi claims is enough for up to 14 cups.

The glass carafe included has a 10 cup capacity, with cup markings up to 14. This allows you to brew directly into the carafe in the desired amount. Each brew cycle can produce anywhere from 4 to 14 cups of coffee.

The water reservoir is easy to access and fill. There is a water level window on the side of the machine that allows you to monitor the water level as you fill and brew. The carafe also has a comfortable handle for easy pouring.

Overall, the ICM 17210 provides ample capacity for brewing multiple cups of coffee at once for households or small offices. The large water reservoir reduces the need for frequent refilling, and the carafe size is sufficient to hold a full pot of coffee. With the flexibility to choose 4-14 cups per brew, you can customize each brew to your specific needs.

Value for Money

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 offers excellent value for money given its build quality, features and performance.

At around £150, it sits at the mid-range price point for drip filter coffee machines. While not the cheapest option, the De'Longhi provides features and durability beyond basic budget models.

The ICM 17210 comes with a permanent filter basket, measuring scoop, and a glass carafe. The included accessories are sufficient for brewing and serving without needing to purchase anything additional.

One area where value really shines is the warranty. De'Longhi provides a 2-year warranty which is generous for this category. Many competitors only offer a 1-year warranty. The extended coverage provides peace of mind on an investment.

Overall, while not the most affordable choice, the De'Longhi ICM 17210 represents a sweet spot for build, features, and warranty at a reasonable price point. The longevity and performance make it a worthwhile mid-range investment for regular filter coffee enjoyment.

Pros and Cons

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 filter coffee maker has several notable pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Simple and compact design takes up minimal counter space
• Drip stop feature allows removing carafe mid-brew
• Permanent reusable filter included, saves on paper filters
• 24-hour programmable timer for scheduled brewing
• Pause and serve function lets you pour a cup before full brew is complete
• Keep warm plate holds coffee at ideal temperature after brewing
• Makes up to 15 cups with each brew cycle
• Easy to use control panel with self-explanatory buttons
• Removable parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Cons

• Brews are sometimes inconsistent in strength
• Water tank capacity is relatively small at 1.4 liters
• Filter basket can be tricky to properly insert
• Lack of thermal carafe means coffee cools down over time
• Brew time is slower than average drip coffee makers
• No option to adjust brew strength or volume
• Exterior gets very hot during brewing
• No indicator lights for on/off or heating element

Comparison to Alternatives

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 compares well to other filter coffee machines in a similar price range. Here's how it stacks up:

• Breville Precision Brewer: The Breville is more expensive but offers greater brew customization and control. It can brew full pots or single cups. The De'Longhi only brews full pots. The Breville may produce a more "crafted" cup for coffee enthusiasts.

• Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker: Very comparable to the De'Longhi in design, function and price. The Bonavita lacks a pause and serve function but some users prefer its glass carafe over the De'Longhi's thermal carafe. Brew performance is on par.

• OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker: The OXO has a rainmaker shower head for improved saturation like the De'Longhi. It also has a single cup setting and slightly larger capacity. But the OXO has a glass carafe instead of insulated thermal carafe. The De'Longhi may keep coffee hotter longer.

• Technivorm Moccamaster: This drip coffee machine is twice the price but considered the gold standard by many. It has commercial-grade components, precise temperature control, and fast brew time. The Moccamaster makes exceptional drip coffee, much better than the De'Longhi, but costs significantly more.

The De'Longhi holds its own against competitors, offering solid performance and convenient features at an accessible price point. It lacks some customization options found in higher-end models but satisfies most casual coffee drinkers.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The De'Longhi ICM 17210 Filter Coffee Machine is a solid mid-range filter coffee maker that produces reliably good coffee with minimal fuss. It has a simple and compact design that will look good on any kitchen counter, and is easy to operate even for beginners.

The machine brews a full carafe of coffee directly into a thermal jug, keeping it hot for hours. The jug is well-insulated and features a flip-top lid for convenient pouring. Brewing speed is decent at around 6-7 minutes for a full carafe.

The coffee flavor is clean and balanced, without any bitterness. The permanent filter allows oils and subtleties to flow through for a fuller, richer taste compared to paper filters. There are no complex settings - just load the filter, add coffee grounds, fill the water tank, and press start.

Cleanup is also straightforward with removable, dishwasher-safe parts. The drip tray can also be removed for fitting taller mugs.

Considering the simple operation, solid brewing abilities, and durable build, the De'Longhi ICM 17210 provides good value for money. It's a great choice for anyone wanting delicious filtered coffee without much fuss. I would certainly recommend it for households that regularly drink filter coffee. The thermal carafe is a handy feature that keeps a whole batch hot and fresh for hours.