Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker: Brew for the Whole Crew

Historical Context


The development of coffee makers has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of coffee culture and technology. Dating back centuries, the process of brewing coffee has undergone significant transformations, leading to the diverse range of coffee makers available today.

Coffee has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins traced back to the ancient coffee forests of Ethiopia. Initially consumed as a brewed beverage, coffee gained popularity in the Arabian Peninsula during the 15th century, where it was prepared using various methods, including boiling in pots known as “dallahs.”

The first recorded coffee maker resembling today’s designs emerged in the 18th century. Early coffee makers, such as the vacuum pot and percolator, revolutionized the brewing process by introducing methods for efficiently extracting flavor from coffee grounds.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the invention of the drip brew method further transformed coffee brewing. Drip coffee makers, which utilize gravity to slowly drip water over coffee grounds, became a staple in households worldwide due to their simplicity and convenience.

The modern coffee maker, as we know it today, has continued to evolve with advancements in technology and design. From programmable features to precise temperature control, contemporary coffee makers offer a plethora of options to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

For large households or coffee lovers who like to brew multiple cups at a time, a programmable coffee maker with generous capacity is a must-have. The Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker aims to fit the bill with its extra-large 14-cup brewing capacity. But how does it perform in real-world use? This review will examine the key features, design, and performance of this coffee maker model.

Overview

The Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, model #2143561, offers a sizeable 14-cup brewing capacity. It has a silver and black plastic exterior with LCD display and control buttons. Features include a programmable timer, Brew Now and Brew Later options, Small Batch setting, Strong Brew mode, adjustable Keep Warm timer, and a removable filter basket.

Key Features

• Extra-Large Capacity: Brews up to 14 cups of coffee, ideal for large households or gatherings.
• Small Batch Setting: Allows brewing smaller batches (1-4 cups) without sacrificing flavor.
• Strong Brew Selector: Offers a bolder, more robust flavor profile for those who prefer stronger coffee.
• Programmable Timer: Schedule brewing in advance, so you wake up to fresh coffee.
• Brew Later Function: Set the coffee maker to brew at a specific time, up to 24 hours in advance.
• Adjustable Keep Warm Setting: Keeps coffee at the ideal temperature for 1 to 4 hours.
• Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause: Temporarily stops brewing so you can pour a cup before the cycle finishes.
• Reusable Filter: Includes a reusable filter for eco-conscious brewing.
• Advanced Water Filtration: Removes up to 97% of chlorine for better-tasting coffee.
• Auto Shut-Off: Automatically turns off after 4 hours for safety and energy efficiency.
• Auto Clean Cycle: Reminds you when it’s time to clean and simplifies the cleaning process.

Design Concept

A coffee maker is more than just a simple brewing tool; it also embodies the designer’s philosophy and creativity. An excellent coffee maker should not only perform well in functionality but also have an appealing appearance and user-friendly design.

The designers prioritized user experience when crafting this coffee maker. Every detail, from the exterior to the internal mechanism, has been carefully designed to provide users with a simple and convenient experience. Moreover, durability and ease of cleaning were emphasized to ensure users can enjoy high-quality coffee for a long time.

The coffee maker features a sleek and elegant design, crafted from high-quality materials to ensure both durability and a premium feel. The user interface is simple and intuitive, allowing users to master each step easily and brew their desired coffee effortlessly.

Furthermore, the coffee maker takes into account users’ personalized needs by offering various customizable functions and options. Users can adjust parameters such as coffee strength and temperature according to their taste preferences, enabling a personalized coffee experience.

Overall, this coffee maker not only excels in functionality but also provides users with a comprehensive coffee experience through meticulous design and thoughtful consideration of user needs.

Ease of Use

With labeled buttons and clear LCD screen, the coffee maker is fairly intuitive to operate. The included user manual provides helpful guidance for programming the timer and using each function. The auto-clean cycle reminds you when it’s time to descale the machine.

Coffee Brewing Basics

The brewing process of coffee involves a chemical reaction between water and coffee grounds. During brewing, hot water comes into contact with the coffee grounds, causing the chemical compounds in the coffee grounds to dissolve into the water, forming coffee. This process is influenced by several factors, including water temperature, grind size of the coffee grounds, brewing time, and more. Here are some key factors in the coffee brewing process:

• Water Temperature: The temperature of the water affects the rate at which chemical compounds in the coffee grounds dissolve. Generally, higher water temperatures lead to faster dissolution rates, but excessively high temperatures may compromise the flavor of the coffee.
• Grind Size: The coarseness or fineness of the coffee grounds also affects the flavor of the coffee. Finely ground coffee dissolves more readily but may result in overly bitter coffee.
• Brewing Time: The duration of the brewing process directly impacts the strength and flavor profile of the coffee. Generally, longer brewing times result in stronger coffee, but may also lead to bitterness.

Brew Performance

The Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker utilizes an Advanced Showerhead to evenly saturate the coffee grounds and extract maximum flavor. In testing, it consistently delivered bold and flavorful coffee. The optional Strong Brew mode enhances the richness and intensity of the coffee, catering to individual preferences for a bolder taste profile. The coffee maker consistently brews flavorful coffee, thanks to its Advanced Showerhead that evenly saturates the grounds. The Strong Brew mode allows users to customize the intensity of their coffee for a bolder flavor. However, some users have noted that the coffee may not be as strong as they prefer, even with the Strong Brew mode activated.

Strong Brew Selector

The Strong Brew Selector is a feature that allows users to customize the strength of their coffee. By activating this mode, the brewing process is adjusted to extract more flavor from the coffee grounds, resulting in a bolder and more robust cup. This is a great option for those who prefer a stronger coffee or who are brewing a smaller batch and want to maintain a full-bodied flavor.

Advanced Showerhead

The Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker features an Advanced Showerhead that evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds. This ensures that all the grounds are saturated, leading to consistent extraction and a more flavorful cup of coffee. The showerhead design also helps to prevent dry spots, which can result in weak or unevenly brewed coffee.

1-4 Cup Function

The 1-4 Cup Function is designed to enhance the brewing process for smaller batches of coffee, ensuring a richer and bolder cup. To activate this function, follow these steps:
1. Press the 1-4 CUP Button once to illuminate the 1-4 Cup Indicator.
2. Proceed with steps 1-4 in the “Brewing Coffee” section or steps 1-3 in the “Brew Later” section.
3. Press the BREW NOW button to start brewing.

Capacity

This Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker lives up to its promise of an extra-large brewing capacity. It reliably brewed full 14-cup pots of coffee in testing. The water reservoir is generously sized to hold enough water for the maximum brew volume. The water reservoir is designed to hold enough water for a full 14-cup brew, eliminating the need for frequent refills.

Adjustable Keep Warm Setting and Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause

To ensure that your coffee stays hot and fresh, the Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker features an adjustable Keep Warm setting. You can choose to keep your coffee warm for 1 to 4 hours, depending on your preference. Additionally, the Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause function allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete, without creating a mess.

Reusable Filter and Advanced Water Filtration

This coffee maker comes with a reusable filter, which is not only environmentally friendly but also eliminates the need to purchase paper filters regularly. The Advanced Water Filtration system is another noteworthy feature, as it removes up to 97% of chlorine from the water, ensuring that your coffee tastes its best.

Water Quality

The importance of water quality in coffee brewing cannot be overstated. As mentioned in the material, coffee is 98% water, so the quality of water used directly impacts the final taste. It’s recommended to always use fresh, cold, filtered water free of impurities, and to avoid soft water or well water whenever possible. Refer to the “Advanced Water Filtration System” section for more information on how your coffee maker reduces impurities in water.

Noise:

The Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker operates at normal brewing noise levels, not significantly noisier than other standard drip coffee makers. The sound of it brewing issteady hum that users describe as unobtrusive. Some users have reported that the coffee maker operates at a normal noise level for a drip coffee maker, while others have found it slightly louder than expected.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To maintain optimal performance, the coffee maker features an automatic cleaning cycle that prompts users to descale the machine periodically. This process involves running a mixture of water and vinegar through the system to remove mineral deposits. Additionally, removable parts such as the carafe, brew basket, and reusable filter are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Regular maintenance, including decalcification and daily cleaning, ensures prolonged durability and consistent brewing quality.

Best Use Scenarios

This coffee maker is ideal for:
- Large households with multiple coffee drinkers
- People who entertain and need to brew for a crowd
- Those who like waking up to freshly brewed coffee

Analyzing User Feedback

With over 30 global reviews, the Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker receives an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars, indicating mixed but generally positive reviews.

Examining the feedback more closely reveals plenty of satisfied customers who love this coffee maker’s ability to brew large batches of tasty coffee. They describe it as easy to use with intuitive programming buttons. Many are impressed with the generous 14-cup capacity, calling it perfect for serving coffee to crowds of guests or big families. The adjustable keep warm timer earns praise for keeping pots hot for several hours without burning the coffee. Overall, fans of this coffee maker say it consistently delivers delicious, hot coffee in a large quantity thanks to useful features like the Brew Later function.

However, a fair number of critical reviews focus on a few consistent complaints. Some report the filter basket overflowing when trying to brew full 14-cup pots. They advise using paper filters instead of the included reusable filter. Others find the buttons confusing at first when trying to set preferences like brew strength and batch size. A few are disappointed that the coffee lacks robust flavor compared to models with cone filters. Additionally, some critique flimsy construction and plastic parts that seem prone to breaking.

Addressing the most common downsides, customers recommend using paper filters for better flow and flavor. They also urge new users to read the manual thoroughly to understand the programming options. Trying different coffee to water ratios and using the Strong Brew setting can help maximize taste when brewing large batches. Overall, most agree that with a little trial and error, the coffee maker’s capacity and convenience outweigh shortcomings for an affordable, quality machine.

Pros

• Brews up to 14 cups
• Programmable timer
• Strong brew mode
• Keep warm function
• Reusable filter included

Cons

• Small filter basket
• Potential reliability issues over time

Price

With an MSRP of $79.99, this coffee maker is competitively priced given its large brewing capacity and programmable features. It represents a solid value for households that need to make lots of coffee.

Conclusion

The Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker delivers on its promise of high brewing capacity. Convenient programming options, brew strength control, and warming make it a functional choice for large coffee demands. A few design niggles like the small filter basket keep it from scoring higher, but overall it’s a solid mid-range programmable coffee maker.

Specifications:

• Product Name: Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
• Brand: Mr. Coffee
• Model Number: 2143561
• Capacity: 14 cups (112 fluid ounces)
• Color: Silver
• Dimensions: 8.7 in x 11.4 in x 15.1 in
• Weight: 6.89 lbs
• Material: Glass, plastic
• Power: Unknown
• Water Reservoir: Unknown capacity
• Filter Type: Reusable nylon filter basket
• Features: Programmable, Brew Later, Keep Warm, Strong Brew, Auto Clean
• Origin: China

Box Includes

• Coffee maker unit
• Glass carafe
• Reusable filter
• User manual

Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker User Manual

Getting Started

1. Unboxing: Carefully unpack your coffee maker and remove all packaging materials.
2. Cleaning: Before first use, wash the carafe, brew basket, and reusable filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Water Filter (Optional): If your model includes a water filter, soak it in cold water for 5 minutes, then rinse for 1 minute. Insert it into the designated slot in the water reservoir.

Setting the Clock

1. Plug In: Connect the coffee maker to a power outlet.
2. Set Time: Press the “HR” and “MIN” buttons to set the current time. The clock will set automatically after 5 seconds of inactivity.

Brewing Coffee

1. Fill Reservoir: Pour fresh, cold water into the reservoir, using the water window as a guide.
2. Add Filter & Coffee: Place a paper filter or the reusable filter in the brew basket. Add your desired amount of coffee grounds.
3. Place Carafe: Ensure the carafe is securely placed on the warming plate.
4. Brew: Press the “BREW NOW” button. The indicator light will illuminate, and brewing will begin.

Brewing Options

• Small Batch (1-4 Cups): Press the “1-4 CUP” button before brewing to optimize the process for smaller quantities.
• Strong Brew: Press the “STRONG” button before brewing for a bolder, more robust flavor.

Brew Later Function

1. Set Time: After filling the reservoir and adding coffee, press the “BREW LATER” button.
2. Adjust Time: Use the “HR” and “MIN” buttons to set your desired brew time.
3. Confirm: The “BREW LATER” indicator will remain lit to confirm the setting.

Keep Warm Function

• Adjust Time: Press the “KEEP WARM” button to cycle through the options (1, 2, 3, or 4 hours).
• Default: The default setting is 4 hours, after which the coffee maker will automatically shut off.

Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause

• This feature lets you pour a cup of coffee before brewing is finished. The coffee maker will automatically pause and resume brewing.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Daily Cleaning: After each use, wash the carafe, brew basket, and reusable filter.
• Descaling: When the “CLEAN” indicator appears, it’s time to descale. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of water and vinegar, then run a brew cycle without coffee. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
• Water Filter: Replace the water filter cartridge every 30 days or 30 uses.

Troubleshooting

• Coffee not hot enough: Ensure the “KEEP WARM” function is activated and set to the desired time.
• Coffee tastes bad: Use fresh, filtered water and the correct coffee-to-water ratio. Clean the coffee maker regularly.
• Coffee maker stopped brewing: Check if the water reservoir is empty.

Safety Precautions

• Do not immerse the coffee maker in water.
• Unplug when not in use and before cleaning.
• Do not use a damaged cord or plug.
• Keep away from children.

If you encounter any issues or have further questions, please refer to the full user manual or contact Mr. Coffee customer service.