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

• 14-cup brewing capacity
• Programmable timer
• Small Batch setting (1-4 cups)
• Strong Brew mode for bolder flavor
• Adjustable Keep Warm timer (1-4 hours)
• Reusable filter included

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.

Convenient Features

The programmable timer allows you to set the Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker to automatically brew coffee at your desired time. This ensures freshly brewed coffee ready when you wake up. The Brew Later function lets you set the timer up to 24 hours in advance. The Keep Warm function keeps the carafe contents hot for 1-4 hours.

The Small Batch setting lets you brew just 1-4 cups of coffee. No need to waste electricity and beans making a whole pot if you just want a single serving.

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.

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.

Keep Warm Feature

The Keep Warm function allows you to customize the duration for which the warming plate remains active after brewing. Follow these steps to adjust the Keep Warm time:
1. Press the KEEP WARM button to display the current Keep Warm time on the clock.
2. Continue pressing the KEEP WARM button until the desired Keep Warm time (1-4 hours) is shown.
3. The Keep Warm time will be set after 5 seconds of inactivity, and the coffeemaker will remember this setting until changed or unplugged.

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.

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

Warranty Information

The Mr. Coffee 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker comes with a 1-year limited warranty from Sunbeam Products, Inc. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Sunbeam offers repair or replacement of defective parts during the warranty period, and proof of purchase is required for warranty claims. However, the warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or acts of God such as fire or flood. For more details or warranty service, customers can contact Sunbeam’s Consumer Service Department at 1-800-MR COFFEE (1-800-672-6333).

Coffee Maker User Manual

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.

Decalcifying

Removing scale buildup from your coffee maker is essential for its performance. Minerals (such as calcium/limestone) found in water will leave deposits in your coffee maker and affect its performance. As per the material, when the coffee maker displays CLEAN, it’s recommended to decalcify your coffee maker using vinegar. Here are the specific steps:
1. Important: Remove the advanced water filtration system from the coffee maker.
2. Prepare 4 cups or 20 fl. oz. of undiluted, white household vinegar. Pour the vinegar into the water reservoir on the carafe side.
3. Place an empty 8-12 cup basket-style paper filter or the Mr. Coffee Reusable Coffee Filter into the brew basket.
4. Place the empty carafe on the unit, centered on the warming plate.
5. Hold down the STRONG button for 3 seconds so that the Clean Indicator begins blinking and the Brew Now Indicator is illuminated. The prepared cleaning solution will begin the cleaning process through the coffee maker. The CLEAN will blink throughout the entire process.
6. The entire cycle takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. At the end of the cycle, the Brew Now Indicator will turn off, beep, and the clock time will change to CLn, indicating the cleaning cycle is complete.
7. Discard the cleaning solution and thoroughly rinse the carafe with clean water.
8. Fill the water reservoir with 14 cups of clean, fresh water.
9. Place the empty carafe back onto the unit, centered on the warming plate.
10. Discard the paper filter used during the cleaning cycle. If a Mr. Coffee Reusable Coffee Filter was used during the cleaning cycle, thoroughly rinse it before reinstalling it into the brew basket.
11. Press the BREW NOW button to illuminate the Brew Now Indicator, then allow a complete brew cycle to finish, flushing the coffee maker with hot water.
12. Pour out the water from the carafe and thoroughly rinse the carafe with clean water.
13. Repeat steps 8 through 12 once to ensure the coffee maker is thoroughly rinsed. If you wish to stop the Clean cycle after it has started, simply press either the BREW NOW or STRONG button, and the Clean cycle will stop, and the Brew Now and Clean Indicators will turn off. Press the BREW NOW button again to ensure the cleaning solution is flushed completely through the machine and proceed with steps 7-12. If the Clean Indicator is not illuminated, but you wish to use the Clean function, you can still proceed with steps 1-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker brew smaller batches?

Yes! It features a convenient 1-4 cup setting designed specifically for smaller coffee servings. This is perfect for those times when you don’t want to make a full pot.

Does the Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker have a strong brew option?

Absolutely. The machine includes a “Strong Brew Selector” button. With the push of a button, you can customize your coffee for a bolder, more robust flavor profile.

How long does the Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker keep coffee warm?

The “Keep Warm” function has an adjustable timer. You can choose to keep your coffee at the perfect temperature for 1 to 4 hours, providing flexibility depending on your needs.

Does the Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker come with a reusable filter?

Yes, the machine includes a reusable nylon filter which is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. This provides an eco-friendly alternative to paper filters.

Can I schedule the brew time on the Mr. Coffee® 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker?

Yes, the “Brew Later” feature is designed for this very purpose. Set it up in advance and wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Your mornings just got a whole lot better!

Tips

• Optimize Grind Size: Experiment with slightly coarser grounds than you might use for a smaller coffee maker. This helps ensure proper extraction time with the larger water volume.

• Use Fresh Beans: For the best possible flavor, always start with freshly ground, high-quality coffee beans.

• Keep it Clean: Regularly run the automatic cleaning cycle to remove built-up residue and maintain the best possible coffee taste.

• Store Coffee Properly: Store your coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.