Russell Hobbs 22620-56 Filter Coffee Machine - Review 🏆

The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 is a drip filter coffee maker from the well-known British home appliance brand Russell Hobbs. The company has been manufacturing small kitchen appliances since 1952 and is now part of the wider Spectrum Brands portfolio.

This particular Russell Hobbs coffee machine is a relatively compact, entry-level model aimed at the budget end of the market. It has a 10-cup capacity and utilizes a simple drip filter system to produce American-style brewed coffee. The plastic and stainless steel design gives it a smart, contemporary look that would not appear out of place in most modern kitchens.

As an affordable automatic filter coffee machine, the Russell Hobbs 22620-56 offers basic functionality and ease of use for making drip-filter coffee. It doesn't have any fancy features or settings but focuses on reliably delivering good tasting filter coffee with minimal fuss. The brand name also provides some reassurance regarding quality and reliability.

Design

The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any kitchen. It is made of black plastic with stainless steel accents, giving it a premium look and feel.

In terms of size, it has a compact footprint measuring just 24 x 19 x 29cm, so it won't take up too much counter space. The coffee maker has a rectangular shape with curved edges and a flip-top lid.

The materials used in construction seem durable, with a sturdy plastic housing and stainless steel carafe, filter basket, and showerhead. The water reservoir is made of clear plastic so you can easily see the water level.

Overall, the design is aesthetically pleasing yet functional. The black and stainless steel color scheme gives it a sophisticated look. The compact size and shape allow it to fit well on most countertops without occupying too much space.

Another excellent option is the Krups KM468910, which combines style and functionality. This coffee maker features a striking design with a glass carafe and sleek controls that enhance user experience. Its advanced brewing system ensures optimal coffee extraction, delivering rich flavors in every cup. With a larger capacity, this machine is perfect for serving multiple guests without hassle. The Krups KM468910 also boasts a compact size, making it easy to store or place on your countertop. Its blend of modern aesthetics and practicality makes it a fantastic addition to any kitchen.

Features

The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 filter coffee machine has several useful features that make brewing coffee convenient.

• Capacity: It has a 1.25 litre capacity, which allows you to brew 5-12 cups of coffee at a time. This is ideal for making coffee for a few people or a small family.

• Brew settings: There are aroma strength settings to customize the flavor of the coffee. You can choose mild, medium or strong aroma. This gives you control over the strength of the brew.

• Timer: There is a programmable timer that allows you to set the machine to automatically brew coffee at a preset time. This is very convenient if you want to wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

• Temperature control: You can select the ideal water temperature for the type of coffee being brewed. The options are 85, 92 or 98°C. This helps extract the optimal flavor from the coffee grounds.

• Filter type: It uses #4 cone shaped paper filters. These are widely available and inexpensive replacement filters.

The features allow easy customization of the brewing process for consistently good tasting filter coffee. The capacity, programmable timer and temperature control make the Russell Hobbs 22620-56 very convenient to use.

Another excellent option is the Krups KM321 Pro Aroma Plus, which offers enhanced brewing technology for rich and flavorful coffee. With its robust design, it can brew up to 10 cups and features an adjustable coffee strength selector, allowing for personalised brewing. A unique aroma function ensures that coffee retains its intense flavour, making it a great choice for coffee lovers who appreciate quality and convenience.

Ease of Use

The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 filter coffee machine is designed to be simple and intuitive to use. The controls consist of a main on/off switch, plus buttons to select cup size and start the brew. There is no digital display or programming options, just three cup size options for a 4, 8, or 12 cup brew.

The water reservoir is easy to access and fill, with water level markings on the side to gauge the amount. The filter basket slides out smoothly for adding ground coffee and paper filters. The lid opens widely for access. There is an anti-drip valve that stops drips when removing the glass carafe.

Overall, the machine is straightforward to operate with a minimal learning curve. The lack of complex controls or settings makes it easy for anyone to brew a pot of filter coffee. Cleaning is also simple, with removable, dishwasher-safe parts. The carafe, filter basket, and water reservoir can be washed normally. Descaling is recommended every 3-6 months.

First time setup just involves washing the parts, filling with water, inserting a filter and coffee grounds, then pressing the desired brew size. The Russell Hobbs filter coffee machine aims for simplicity and achieves it through the intuitive, no-frills interface. It's an ideal choice for households that want fuss-free filter coffee without complicated steps.

Brew Performance

The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 coffee maker brews a pot of coffee in around 10 minutes, which is fairly standard for drip coffee makers in this price range. The coffee comes out hot, usually around 185-195 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal temperature for brewing and serving coffee.

The resulting coffee has a nice, balanced flavor that isn't too weak or too strong. The coffee maker evenly saturates the grounds during brewing, extracting a moderate amount of oils and solubles from the coffee for a smooth, nuanced taste without any harsh bitterness. The brew is also very consistent from cup to cup.

The water dispersion shower head in the coffee maker helps extract flavor evenly, and the mesh filter allows some fine grounds to pass through for a bit of natural body and mouthfeel. The end result is a smooth, medium-bodied coffee with pleasant aroma and mellow acidity.

While the coffee flavor is not as rich and intense as a French press or pour over, for a drip coffee maker the Russell Hobbs 22620-56 produces a very enjoyable cup of coffee with no off tastes or inconsistencies batch to batch. The brew performance provides great everyday coffee with fuss-free convenience.

Pros

• Large 1.25L capacity: The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 has a generous 1.25 litre capacity, allowing you to brew up to 10 cups of coffee in one go. This is ideal for larger households or hosting guests.

• Removable filter holder: The filter holder is removable which makes it very easy to fill with coffee grounds and clean after use. No need to fuss with a built-in holder.

• Permanent filter included: This model comes with a permanent filter so you don't need to buy paper filters. The permanent filter is reusable and easy to rinse clean after brewing. Saves you money in the long run.

• Keep warm function: There is a keep warm plate that keeps your brewed coffee hot for up to 40 minutes after brewing completes. Very handy if you want to brew a full pot and drink it over time.

Cons

• The water tank capacity is quite small at just 1.25 liters. This means you'll have to refill it more frequently, especially if making coffee for multiple people.

• There is no programmable timer, so you can't set the machine to brew coffee at a certain time like some pricier models. This can be inconvenient if you want to wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

• The build quality feels a bit plasticky and cheap according to some reviews. Durability may be a concern for heavy usage over time.

• The cord storage at the bottom is a bit awkward. The cord doesn't retract fully and can get in the way.

Value for Money

The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 Filter Coffee Machine provides decent value for money given its price point and features. At around £25-30, it sits at the lower end of the filter coffee maker price spectrum. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it delivers satisfactory performance for day-to-day use.

The plastic build means it doesn't have the premium feel of pricier stainless steel or glass models. However, it doesn't feel overly cheap or flimsy. The simple design focuses on the basics rather than fancy extras. For the average user who wants tasty filter coffee without breaking the bank, it hits the sweet spot.

Compared to other entry-level filter coffee machines in the £20-40 range, the Russell Hobbs holds its own on price and quality. Brands like Morphy Richards, De'Longhi and Swan offer similar products at similar price points. The Russell Hobbs compares well to those in brewing decent pots of filter coffee.

More expensive models around £50-100 do provide upgrades like thermal carafes, strength control, and timer functions. However, the Russell Hobbs provides an affordable alternative focusing on no-frills functionality. For budget-focused buyers, it delivers sufficient value without overspending on unnecessary add-ons.

Overall, those seeking an inexpensive but capable filter coffee machine will find the Russell Hobbs 22620-56 hits a sweet spot for price and performance. It makes satisfying filter coffee without breaking the bank.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Russell Hobbs 22620-56 compares well to other filter coffee machines in its price range. Here's how it stacks up against a couple top competitors:

De'Longhi Brillante Filter Coffee Machine

The De'Longhi Brillante is a similarly priced filter coffee maker with a glass carafe and 1.25L capacity. It lacks some of the features of the Russell Hobbs like the keep warm plate and timer. However, it does have a removable filter holder for easy cleaning.

The Brillante brews at slightly lower wattage (950W vs 1050W) which may result in slower brew times. It has a more premium brushed metal design but lower water tank capacity. Overall the Russell Hobbs edges out the Brillante in features and brew speed.

Morphy Richards Pour Over Filter Coffee Maker

At the same price point, the Morphy Richards Pour Over coffee maker is another alternative. It has a unique pour over style design with a permanent filter. This eliminates the need to buy paper filters.

The pour over functionality allows more control over brewing but can be more time consuming. It lacks the programmable timer and keep warm place of the Russell Hobbs. The Morphy Richards carafe is glass but has a smaller 1L capacity.

The Russell Hobbs provides a more hands off experience with its timer and warming plate. But the Morphy Richards is great for pour over enthusiasts who want more manual control.

Conclusion

Overall, the Russell Hobbs 22620-56 Filter Coffee Machine is a solid budget option for anyone looking for an affordable and straightforward drip coffee maker.

The simple design and intuitive controls make it very easy to use, even for beginners. It doesn't have a lot of fancy features, but it excels at the basics of brewing a pot of classic filter coffee.

The coffee it produces is decent, though not exceptional. Flavor is acceptable but unremarkable. Those looking for a top-notch gourmet coffee experience may want to consider spending more for a higher-end machine.

For the very reasonable price, this Russell Hobbs model provides good value. It's an ideal choice for college students, office settings, or anyone who just wants a basic coffee maker that gets the job done.

The plastic parts feel a bit flimsy, so durability over many years of frequent use may be a concern. But occasional or light use should pose no issues.

Overall, the Russell Hobbs 22620-56 Filter Coffee Machine is recommended for anyone seeking an affordable, no-frills drip coffee maker that brews good old-fashioned filter coffee. It provides great value for the price. Just don't expect complex features or incredible brewing prowess, and this budget-friendly model will meet your basic daily coffee needs.