Mr. Coffee 2134286 Filter Coffee Machine - Review 🏆

Mr. Coffee is a well-known brand that has been manufacturing coffee makers and other small kitchen appliances for over 50 years. The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is one of their popular entry-level drip coffee machines. It's an affordable and basic model aimed at people who want a simple, no-frills coffee maker for brewing up to 5 cups at a time.

This compact Mr. Coffee model has a classic and straightforward design. It lacks some of the features and customization options of pricier coffee makers but provides the essential functionality for brewing hot, fresh coffee. The simple switch operation and removable parts make it easy to use and clean. While it may not satisfy coffee aficionados, it's a solid choice for budget-focused shoppers who want an uncomplicated coffee brewing solution.

Design

The Mr. Coffee 2134286 has a simple and compact design that will fit well on most kitchen counters. It measures 10.2 x 7.9 x 12.6 inches, so it doesn't take up too much space. The housing is made of black plastic with silver accents on the top and front. There are no color options available.

The plastic materials keep the machine lightweight at just 5.1 pounds. While the plastic does feel a bit flimsy, it's fairly sturdy once assembled. The top-loading water reservoir also has a plastic construction.

Aesthetically, this Mr. Coffee model has a no-frills look. The design focuses more on function over form. It lacks any flashy details or accents. The control panel contains basic on/off and brew buttons. Given the budget price point, the simple design is understandable. Those wanting a more stylish coffee maker may need to spend more.

Overall, the Mr. Coffee 2134286 has a straightforward design tailored to the essentials of brewing. The compact footprint, light weight, and mundane aesthetics cater more towards utility rather than appearance.

In comparison, the Melitta Look IV Therm Timer has a more premium design with stainless steel accents and a digital display. It has a similar footprint at 9.4 x 7.8 x 14.6 inches but weighs more at 7.3 pounds. The Melitta model also offers additional features like a programmable timer, adjustable brew strength, and thermal carafe. While the Mr. Coffee aims for simplicity and affordability, the Melitta caters to those wanting higher-end finishes and customization in a drip coffee maker.

With its plastic housing and minimalist interface, the 2134286 Mr. Coffee drip coffee machine focuses on compactness and functionality over aesthetic flair. Its lightweight build and small size make it easy to tuck away in storage when not in use. The lack of extra bells and whistles reflects the lower price point. For those wanting more durability, customization, and upscale styling in a coffee maker, upgrading to a model like the Melitta Look IV would be recommended.

Features

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker has several useful features that make brewing coffee simple and convenient. It offers multiple brew size options, including a 5-cup setting that's great for smaller households or single servings. There's also an adjustable brew strength selector, allowing you to customize each pot to your preferred boldness.

For added convenience, this coffee maker has a pause-and-serve function. The auto pause stops the flow of coffee so you can grab a quick cup before the full brew cycle finishes. Once you remove the pot, brewing automatically resumes. There's also a 2-hour automatic shutoff that turns the coffee maker off if it's been idle for too long. This helps prevent accidental burn risks and saves energy.

The water window lets you view the water level as you fill the reservoir, taking the guesswork out of how much to add. An indicator light illuminates when the coffee maker is on, so you always know when it's actively brewing. The included glass carafe has a drip-free pour spout and knuckle guard handle for easy, mess-free pouring.

If you're looking for a more advanced coffee maker with additional features, consider the Tefal Includeo CM533811. This machine has a built-in bean grinder so you can use fresh whole coffee beans. There are 12 grind settings to choose from for the perfect texture. You can brew a single cup or up to 12 cups using the Aroma Extract system that optimizes extraction time and temperature. The Tefal coffee maker has a keep warm function to maintain an ideal serving temperature for up to 2 hours after brewing completes. It also features dishwasher safe parts for easy cleanup.

With programmable start time, adjustable strength control, and quiet grinding, the Tefal Includeo offers more customization and convenience for the serious coffee drinker. However, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup model provides solid performance and helpful features like brew pause and auto shutoff at a more budget-friendly price point. It's a great option for making delicious drip coffee without all the bells and whistles of pricier machines.

Ease of Use

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The control panel is straightforward, with a simple on/off switch, brew button, and power indicator light.

The water reservoir is easy to access and fill. It has clear water level markings on the side so you can see at a glance how much water is inside. The water window makes it simple to fill to the desired capacity.

The buttons have a satisfying click when pressed. The brew button starts the brewing process, while the on/off switch allows you to power down the machine between uses. The brew pause feature lets you grab a cup before the full pot is done brewing.

The coffee maker doesn't have a digital display or clock. But the minimalist control panel helps avoid complicated controls. The basic buttons allow you to start and stop brewing with just a press.

Overall, the no-frills control panel and single-button operation promotes fast, fuss-free coffee brewing. The water reservoir is visible and simple to fill. The coffee maker delivers straightforward functionality for quick daily use.

Brew Performance

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker brews a full pot in under 10 minutes, producing piping hot coffee that stays warm in the carafe. The water reaches an optimal brewing temperature between 195-205°F to properly extract flavor from the coffee grounds.

The resulting coffee has a smooth, balanced flavor without any bitterness. The brew is medium-bodied and robust but not overpowering. It showcases the natural notes of whatever coffee you choose.

The carafe design includes a drip-free pour spout and comfortable handle. It keeps the finished coffee hot for over an hour. The carafe is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

Overall, the brew performance delivers flavorful, hot coffee in a short amount of time. The carafe keeps it ready to drink with no drips or spills.

Cleanup

The Mr. Coffee 2134286 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker is very easy to keep clean. The carafe, filter basket, and drip tray are all removable and dishwasher safe. This makes cleanup a breeze since you can simply pop them in the dishwasher after use.

The heating plate also wipes down easily after each brew. Descaling is recommended every 3-6 months to remove mineral deposits. Mr. Coffee provides clear instructions on how to descale the machine using vinegar. There is even a Clean Cycle mode that walks you through the descaling process.

Overall, the removable and dishwasher safe parts combined with the easy-clean heating plate make cleanup and maintenance simple with this coffee maker. The descaling process is straightforward as well when needed. These convenient features help keep your coffee maker running like new.

Durability

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffeemaker has a solid build quality that should hold up well over time. The plastic housing feels sturdy, and the metal handle and top cover add a nice heft that makes the machine feel substantial.

Reviewers note that it seems well-constructed, with no flimsy parts. The power cord connects securely into the back. Inside, the water reservoir and filter basket are made from good quality plastics that should resist cracks or breaks from daily use.

Overall, customers find this coffeemaker durable enough for years of regular use. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty, which is fairly standard for an appliance in this price range. While that's not an exceptionally long coverage period, it provides some assurance on workmanship.

As far as lifespan goes, owners report the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch has continued brewing reliably after a few years of frequent use. Provided it's cleaned and descaled periodically, it should keep functioning properly for quite some time. The simple mechanics with few moving parts also bode well for longevity.

Price

The Mr. Coffee 2134286 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker has an MSRP of £47.99, which is very reasonable for an entry-level drip coffee maker. This puts it in the budget-friendly category for a basic machine that can brew up to 5 cups at a time.

When you consider the simple functionality and plastic construction, the price seems appropriate and delivers good value. It's not loaded with extra features like some pricier coffee makers, but it provides the essentials like auto-shutoff and a removable filter basket at an affordable cost.

For a basic machine that gets the job done, the Mr. Coffee 5-cup model is competitively priced compared to other brands. While it may not have the bells and whistles of a high-end coffee maker, it provides an economical option for brewing a few cups quickly and easily. The price point matches its straightforward design and performance capabilities.

Overall, the £47.99 MSRP offers a fair price and good value for a no-frills small-capacity coffee maker. Consumers get decent performance for daily home brewing without extra unnecessary features driving up the cost. The price fits with its place as a budget-minded brewer.

Pros & Cons

The Mr. Coffee 2134286 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker has several pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Simple and straightforward design that's easy to use
• Brews up to 5 cups quickly, around 3 minutes
• Includes reusable filter basket to use ground coffee or paper filters
• Pause n' Serve feature stops flow of coffee when carafe is removed
• Affordable price under £30

Cons:

• Small 5-cup capacity
• Brew temperature is not very hot
• Water reservoir is difficult to access and fill
• Materials and build quality feel cheap/flimsy
• No programmable features or temperature control

Overall, this Mr. Coffee model is very simple and budget-friendly, but lacks more advanced features and struggles with brewing very hot coffee. The convenience and low price point are positives, but coffee enthusiasts may be disappointed by the performance and build quality. It's best suited for occasional use or small households that just want basic drip coffee.

Conclusion

Overall, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker is a great budget option for someone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use drip coffee machine. It has a compact design that doesn't take up much counter space, yet can brew up to 5 cups at a time. The switch controls make it incredibly simple to operate - just flip the switch to "on" and it will start brewing.

The brew performance is quite good for the price - it brews a basic pot of coffee that's piping hot and fairly well-extracted. While it may lack some of the features and brew quality of pricier coffee makers, it gets the job done well as a basic brewer.

The plastic parts do feel a bit flimsy, but the machine should hold up fine with regular use if treated properly. Cleanup is also straightforward with removable parts that can go right in the dishwasher.

Overall, this Mr. Coffee model is best suited for someone who wants an inexpensive and no-frills drip coffee maker. It's ideal for brewing basic pots of coffee to drink at home or the office. The simple operation and low price point make it a great choice for someone looking for their first coffee maker or a backup option.