THOMSON THC0912IX Filter Coffee Machine - Review 🏆

The Thomson THC0912IX is a filter coffee machine that offers a simple and affordable way to brew coffee at home. This model features a no-frills design and basic functionality aimed at budget-conscious coffee drinkers.

At around £40, the Thomson THC0912IX is one of the most affordable filter coffee machines on the market. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but provides solid performance for making drip coffee. Some of the main pros of this machine are the low price point, simple operation, and 12-cup brewing capacity.

On the downside, the build quality and features are very basic compared to pricier models. The plastic construction feels a bit flimsy and there is no programmability or temperature control. The machine also lacks an insulated carafe, so coffee won't stay hot for long after brewing.

Overall, the Thomson THC0912IX is a viable option for anyone wanting an inexpensive filter coffee machine that gets the job done. While it lacks premium features, it provides good value given the low asking price. Just don't expect much beyond no-frills functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The Thomson THC0912IX filter coffee machine has a stylish and modern design that will look great in most kitchens. It has a black plastic housing with stainless steel accents that give it a premium appearance.

The build quality feels solid and durable thanks to the use of thick, sturdy plastics. There are no flimsy parts that feel like they might break with regular use. The water reservoir and drip tray are made from durable plastics that can withstand daily use and cleaning.

In terms of size, the Thomson coffee maker has a compact footprint measuring 11.5 x 24.5 x 32.5 cm. It won't take up too much space on your kitchen counter or in a cupboard when not in use. The dimensions make it easy to store away or leave out on display.

The water reservoir has a 1.25 liter capacity which is sufficient for making multiple cups before needing a refill. The stainless steel carafe included can hold up to 12 cups of coffee. So the size and capacities cater well for individual use or serving several people.

Overall, the design is modern and stylish while the build quality makes it robust enough for daily use. The size is compact yet still offers decent capacity for brewing coffee.

Features

The Thomson THC0912IX filter coffee machine comes with several useful features that enhance the coffee making experience.

Capacity

This coffee maker has a generous 1.25 liter capacity, which allows you to brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. This makes it a great option for families or hosting guests.

Programmable Timer

A programmable timer allows you to set the coffee maker to automatically start brewing at a certain time. This means you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee ready and waiting. The 24-hour programmable timer is easy to set.

Temperature Control

The Thomson coffee machine has adjustable temperature control with 3 heat settings - low, medium and high. This allows you to customize the brewing temperature to achieve your ideal coffee flavor. Higher heat brings out more bitterness from the coffee grounds, while lower heat results in a milder coffee.

Other Notable Features

• The shower head is designed to evenly saturate the coffee grounds during brewing for full-bodied flavor extraction.

• There is a keep warm plate that keeps your brewed coffee hot for up to 40 minutes after it's done brewing.

• The water tank has water level markings so you can see how much water you are adding.

• A removable filter basket makes it easy to add and remove coffee grounds.

• The carafe has an ergonomic handle and drip-free pouring spout.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Thomson THC0912IX filter coffee machine is quite straightforward. It comes with clear instructions that walk you through the initial setup process, which involves washing the parts, filling the water tank, and loading the filter. The controls are simple and intuitive, with buttons for turning it on/off, programming the timer, and selecting your brew size.

Programming the machine is easy thanks to the digital display and button controls. You can set the 24-hour start timer, allowing you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee. There are also buttons to select your desired brew size - small (4 cups), medium (8 cups), or large (12 cups). Once programmed, the machine will automatically brew the selected amount at the set time.

Cleaning and maintenance are simple on this model. The parts such as the filter, carafe, and filter basket are removable and dishwasher safe. Descaling is recommended every 2-3 months to keep the machine running optimally. This involves pouring descaling solution into the water reservoir and running a brew cycle. The machine will then guide you through the descaling process on the digital display. Overall, the Thomson filter coffee machine is designed to be low-maintenance while still producing great tasting coffee.

Coffee Quality

The Thomson THC0912IX produces coffee with excellent taste and aroma for a filter machine in this price range. The coffee has a rich, full-bodied flavor that is smooth and well-balanced.

The aroma of the coffee is enticing, with lovely notes of chocolate and toasted nuts coming through. This is thanks to the stainless steel heating element that evenly saturates the coffee grounds to extract maximum flavor.

The coffee stays hot for a decent amount of time after brewing. The temperature is ideal for drinking straight away without needing to reheat.

A nice crema layer forms on top of the coffee, which indicates proper extraction. The crema is a light tan color and quite thick and foamy. While the crema may not be as pronounced as from an espresso machine, it's impressive for a drip filter coffee maker.

Overall, the Thomson produces a very enjoyable cup of filter coffee with great taste, aroma, temperature, and crema for the price. The flavor profile and quality rivals more expensive filter coffee machines.

Price and Value

The Thomson THC0912IX filter coffee machine has an RRP of £89.99, which positions it as a mid-range model compared to other filter coffee makers on the market. At this price point, the Thomson offers solid value for money given its features and performance.

The stainless steel design and build quality make the Thomson feel more premium than its price tag suggests. It doesn't have a cheap plastic feel, which is common among more budget-friendly filter coffee machines. The 12 cup capacity carafe is also a nice size for brewing coffee for gatherings and events.

Considering it has a removable water tank, shower head for even water distribution, keep warm plate to maintain ideal drinking temperature, and strength selector dial, the Thomson packs in useful functionality you would expect in this price range. It doesn't have any fancy bells and whistles, but it delivers on the core necessities.

For shoppers looking for an automatic drip filter coffee machine with programmable features, the Thomson may seem basic. However, it excels at the fundamentals of brewing a great pot of filter coffee. The Thomson hits a sweet spot between price, performance and durability. It's a cost-effective choice for those seeking an uncomplicated machine that consistently brews good coffee.

Pros

• Large 1.5L capacity allows brewing up to 10 cups at once, good for households or offices
• 24-hour programmable timer is convenient for setting the coffee maker to have fresh coffee ready in the morning
• Removable filter holder and glass carafe are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
• Brew pause function lets you pour a cup before the full brew cycle completes
• Permanent gold-tone filter means no need to buy paper filters
• Auto-off safety feature turns the coffee maker off after 2 hours
• Compact design doesn't take up much counter space
• Budget-friendly price point compared to similar models

Cons

• The water reservoir capacity is relatively small at 1.2 liters. This means you'll likely need to refill it more frequently compared to models with larger reservoirs.

• There is no digital display or control panel. The knob controls are simple but lack the precision and programmability of models with digital controls.

• The machine is fairly lightweight and made mostly of plastic. While this improves portability, it feels less sturdy and durable compared to metal models.

• Filter coffee aficionados may find the coffee lacking in richness and complexity. The simple design limits your ability to customize brewing parameters.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Thomson THC0912IX holds up well against other filter coffee machines in its price range of around £50. Here's how it compares:

• The Morphy Richards Pour Over Filter Coffee Maker is similarly priced at £45 and offers a simple pour over design. However, it lacks the programmable timer and keep warm function that the Thomson model provides.

• De'Longhi's EcoDecalk Coffee Maker is slightly more expensive at £60 but includes a permanent filter, saving money on paper filters in the long run. However, reviewers mention issues with durability over time. The Thomson seems better constructed.

• Swan's Retro Pump Filter Coffee Machine provides a classic look for £55 but has a smaller capacity at 8 cups. The Thomson offers 12 cups for not much more.

• Russell Hobbs' Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine is usually about £10 cheaper than the Thomson but only has a glass carafe rather than the thermal carafe that keeps coffee hotter for longer on the Thomson.

Overall, the Thomson THC0912IX provides comparable or better features and value than other filter coffee makers at this affordable price point. The programmable timer, thermal carafe, and 12 cup capacity make it a practical option for most households.

Conclusion

The Thomson THC0912IX is a reasonably priced filter coffee machine that produces a good cup of coffee. It has a simple and compact design that will fit well in most kitchens. The machine is easy to use, with intuitive controls and dishwasher safe parts for easy cleaning.

The coffee it produces is piping hot and has a rich, full-bodied flavor. The permanent filter means you don't have to buy paper filters. Overall, it's a great option for someone looking for an affordable and low-maintenance filter coffee maker.

Some downsides are that it only makes up to 12 cups at a time, and the carafe is made of glass instead of an insulated thermal material. The water tank is also on the smaller side.

For those seeking a basic filter coffee machine that doesn't cost too much, makes coffee quickly, and is easy to operate, the Thomson THC0912IX hits all the right notes. It's best suited for individuals or couples that drink 1-2 cups of coffee at a time rather than large families or office settings. The simple functionality and compact size make it a great choice for a first coffee maker or for small kitchens with limited space.