Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker

The Drip Coffee Maker: History and Principles

Drip coffee makers, like the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto, utilize a method of brewing that involves pouring hot water over ground coffee, which then drips through a filter into a carafe. This method, popularized in the mid-20th century, revolutionized home coffee brewing by providing an easy and consistent way to brew coffee that previously could only be achieved in coffee shops or with more labor-intensive methods.

The key to the drip method is the temperature and distribution of water over the coffee grounds. Ideal water temperatures range from 195°F to 205°F, which extract the coffee’s full flavor without pulling out bitterness. The Zutto’s design ensures this by heating water to the optimal temperature before passing it through the coffee grounds in a controlled manner, showcasing how modern drip coffee makers have evolved to maximize extraction efficiency and flavor.

The Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker (EC-DAC50) is a compact yet powerful coffeemaker that brews up to 5 cups of great tasting coffee. As part of Zojirushi’s Zutto collection which focuses on quality and style, this coffeemaker features an attractive design and delivers consistently good coffee. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, performance, durability, accessories, and overall value of the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker .

Overview

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker is a compact and stylish coffee maker designed for those who appreciate both form and function. With its sleek silver finish and minimalist design, it complements any kitchen décor while delivering a consistently flavorful cup of coffee.

This coffeemaker is tailored for individuals, couples, or small families who enjoy freshly brewed coffee without the need for a large, bulky machine. Its 5-cup capacity is perfect for daily use, ensuring you have just the right amount of coffee without any waste.

One of the standout features of the Zutto is its charcoal water filter, which purifies the water before brewing, resulting in a cleaner, more vibrant coffee flavor. The removable water tank adds convenience, making it easy to fill and clean. Additionally, the automatic keep-warm function ensures your coffee stays hot for up to 40 minutes after brewing.

Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply enjoy a good cup of joe in the morning, the Zojirushi Zutto offers a user-friendly and efficient brewing experience. It’s a perfect blend of style, functionality, and convenience, making it a valuable addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.

Key Features

The Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker boasts several key features that set it apart from other coffee makers in its class:

• Compact and Sleek Design: Its minimalist aesthetic and compact footprint make it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens or offices where space is at a premium.
• Charcoal Water Filter: This unique feature ensures your water is purified before brewing, resulting in a cleaner, more flavorful cup of coffee.
• 5-Cup Capacity: Ideal for individuals, couples, or small families, the 5-cup capacity allows you to brew just the right amount of coffee without waste.
• Removable Water Tank: The removable water tank adds convenience to the brewing process, making it easy to fill and clean.
• Automatic Keep Warm Function: This feature keeps your coffee warm for up to 40 minutes after brewing, ensuring a hot cup whenever you’re ready.

Design and Build Quality

This Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker feels sturdy and solid despite its compact size. The water reservoir, carafe, cone basket, and lid are all made from durable plastic that can withstand daily use. The heating plate, water tank, and other interior parts are metal for maximum durability.

The cone-shaped charcoal water filter is a critical component, enhancing the coffee’s taste by purifying water, removing chlorine, and other impurities that can affect flavor. This ensures that each cup of coffee is not only strong but also clean and pure tasting, which might be particularly noticeable if your tap water has a distinct taste or odor.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Operating the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker is straightforward. Fill the removable water tank directly from your tap, add ground coffee to the filter, and press start. The coffee brews in about 7 minutes, with clear tank markings to guide water filling. Post-brewing, the machine maintains coffee temperature with an automatic keep-warm function that runs for 40 minutes before shutting off.

Cleaning the Zojirushi Zutto is hassle-free. The removable parts including the water tank, carafe, and coffee basket are all dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleanup process. Regular maintenance such as descaling is recommended every 2-3 months, depending on your water hardness, to keep the coffee maker in optimal condition. The charcoal water filter, enhancing the taste by reducing impurities, should be replaced every two years to ensure the best tasting coffee.

Brewing and Coffee Quality

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker employs a drip brewing method, which is one of the most popular ways to make coffee. This method involves pouring hot water over ground coffee, which then filters through to the carafe below. The cone filter basket optimizes contact between the hot water and coffee grounds, ensuring uniform extraction and full saturation. The 650W heating element efficiently heats water to the optimal temperature range of 195°F - 205°F, which is crucial for extracting the full flavor from the coffee without bitterness.

Many reviewers commend the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 for producing coffee that is notably stronger and more robust than what typical drip machines offer. Its ability to maintain high temperatures results in a hot plate that keeps coffee piping hot long after brewing, which is a key factor for those who take their coffee drinking seriously.

Sight Gauge

Achieving the perfect coffee-to-water ratio is crucial for a great cup of coffee. The Zutto’s sight gauge simplifies this process, allowing you to accurately measure the right amount of water based on your desired number of cups.

Permanent Cone Filter Basket

The permanent cone filter basket eliminates the need for disposable paper filters, saving you money and reducing waste. This eco-friendly feature is not only practical but also contributes to a more sustainable brewing experience.

Drip-Stop Mechanism

No more messy spills! The drip-stop mechanism activates when the carafe is removed during brewing, preventing any coffee from dripping onto the heating plate. This keeps your countertop clean and ensures that you get every last drop of your precious brew.

Charcoal Water Filter

Enhance your coffee experience with the built-in charcoal water filter. It removes impurities like chlorine, ensuring your coffee tastes pure and flavorful, unhindered by any undesirable tastes from your tap water. The filter is designed to last for up to two years under normal use, providing long-lasting value.

Removable Water Tank

Refilling your coffee maker has never been easier. The Zojirushi Zutto’s removable water tank allows for effortless filling directly from your tap, eliminating spills and messes.

Automatic Keep Warm Function

Savor a hot cup of coffee whenever you want. The automatic keep warm function kicks in after brewing, maintaining your coffee at the perfect temperature for 40 minutes. This feature is especially handy for those slow mornings or when you want to enjoy a second cup later.

Noise Level

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker operates at less than 70dB, quieter than a typical conversation. The low noise makes it well-suited for use in settings like offices without disturbing others.

Power

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker is powered by a 120V 60Hz AC plug with a power consumption of 650 watts during operation. This enables rapid heating while keeping electricity usage low. There is no battery option.

Accessories

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker comes with a measuring spoon for coffee grounds - 1 spoonful per cup. Paper filters can also be used but are optional.

Replacement parts like carafes, water filters, and descaling solution are available from Zojirushi and many retailers.

Use Cases

The Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Coffee Maker is ideal for making drip coffee at home or the office. Its 5 cup capacity serves 1-2 people comfortably. The compact design takes up minimal counter space, making it perfect for small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, and office kitchenettes. The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker allows coffee lovers to enjoy fresh, hot drip coffee without needing a large machine.

User Feedback Analysis

With over 3,000 customer reviews on Amazon, the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker has earned an impressively high 4.4 out of 5 star rating, placing it among the top rated products in the category.

Users consistently praise the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker for its ability to brew exceptionally flavorful coffee that rivals the quality found in coffee shops. Many are surprised by the full-bodied and robust taste it delivers, considering its compact size.

The coffee maker’s small footprint is a significant advantage for those with limited counter space, making it a popular choice for small kitchens and offices.

While a few early users reported minor dripping issues with the carafe, Zojirushi has since addressed this concern with a redesigned model. Additionally, some users have found that using a thumb on the filter basket while pouring or transferring the coffee to a sturdy mug can help prevent spills.

Overall, the vast majority of feedback for the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker is overwhelmingly positive, with users highlighting its convenience, reliability, and most importantly, the delicious coffee it produces.

For those seeking a personal coffee maker that can rival the performance of larger, more expensive machines, the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker is a compelling option that consistently exceeds expectations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Brews full-flavored, robust coffee
- Compact 5-cup capacity great for 1-2 servings
- Charcoal filter improves taste
- Automatic keep warm function
- Easy to use and clean

Cons:
- Small capacity not ideal for large households
- No programmable start time
- Carafe may drip slightly during pouring

Value for Money

With an MSRP of $100, the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker provides excellent value given its performance, durability, and quality construction. While more expensive than basic drip coffee machines, it outperforms cheaper models and produces coffee shop quality. For a personal small-capacity coffee maker, the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker is a worth the investment.

Conclusion

The Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker delivers hot, robust coffee in a compact package. While it lacks some bells and whistles of pricier machines, it excels at the basics - quickly brewing delicious coffee. The durable construction and simplicity of the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee maker make it an ideal choice for couples or singles who want great tasting coffee without a bulky machine. Overall, it provides excellent value and is highly recommended for making up to 5 cups of coffee daily.

Specifications

• Model Number: EC-DAC50
• Dimensions: 8”W x 5”D x 10”H
• Power: 120V, 650W, 60Hz
• Capacity: Up to 5 cups (680 mL)
• Material: Stainless Steel Exterior, Plastic Parts
• Carafe Material: Glass
• Filter Type: Reusable Cone Filter Basket
• Power Cord Length: 2.9 ft
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited
• Originating Country: Designed in Japan

Box Contents

• Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Coffeemaker
• Cone filter basket
• Glass carafe
• Removable water tank
• Measuring spoon
• Instruction manual

How to Use the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker

To get started with the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto Coffeemaker, follow these simple steps:
1. Preparing the Coffeemaker: Open the lid and remove the water tank. Fill the water tank with fresh, cold water up to the desired level and reinsert it back into the coffeemaker.
2. Adding Coffee: Place a cone-shaped paper filter into the basket. Add one tablespoon of ground coffee for each cup of coffee you intend to brew. Adjust the amount based on your preferred coffee strength.
3. Starting the Brew: Close the lid and press the start button. The coffeemaker will begin the brewing process, and the coffee will drip into the glass carafe below.
4. After Brewing: Once the brewing process is complete, the keep warm function will activate to keep the coffee at an ideal drinking temperature. The coffeemaker will shut off automatically after 40 minutes of keeping warm.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance: After each use, dispose of the used coffee grounds and paper filter. Wash the glass carafe, basket, and removable water tank with mild detergent and warm water. For descaling, refer to the maintenance instructions provided in the manual to keep the coffeemaker running smoothly.

For optimal performance, replace the charcoal water filter every two years or as indicated by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance ensures the best taste of your coffee and longevity of the appliance.