Introduction
In recent years, the landscape of coffee makers has seen notable advancements, ushering in an era of excitement and refinement. Among the stalwarts in this evolving realm is the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker, a fixture in many households known for its reliability and performance.
The enduring reputation of the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker has intrigued us, prompting a closer examination to understand its enduring appeal. With a focus on uncovering its enduring strengths, we set out to explore this renowned appliance, eager to uncover its unique features and capabilities.
As we delve into the world of coffee brewing with the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker, we’re drawn to the promise of consistency and quality that it offers. Through careful observation and analysis, we aim to provide insights into its functionality and usability, sharing our findings with fellow aficionados. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the enduring charm of the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker, where tradition meets excellence in the pursuit of the perfect cup.
A Closer Look into the Features of the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker
Dimensions and Compact Design
In addition to its sleek and space-saving design, the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker offers remarkable convenience with its compact dimensions. Measuring 13.5”x10.5”x7”, this appliance seamlessly integrates into any kitchen environment, providing flexibility without compromising on performance. Moreover, its thoughtful construction ensures ease of storage, fitting neatly into cabinets or atop countertops. Notably, when the lid is open, the coffee maker extends to a length of 20 inches.
Two Brewing Options
Whether you’re brewing a full pot or just a single cup, the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker offers versatile brewing options to suit your needs. It can brew up to 8 cups into the thermal carafe using 8-12 cup basket style filters or a reusable filter. Additionally, for times when you only need a single serving, there’s a convenient single cup function. The included insert, resembling a Kalita Wave dripper, facilitates easy single-cup brewing using Kalita Wave filters, further enhancing the machine’s versatility.
Precision Brewing: Consistently Exceptional Results
Powered by BetterBrew precision technology, the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker ensures optimal brewing conditions for consistently exceptional results. BetterBrew controls water temperature and brew cycles to meet the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup standard, maintaining water temperature between 195- and 205-degrees Fahrenheit for optimal extraction. This precision brewing process maximizes flavor extraction and ensures a superior cup of coffee with every brew.
SCA Certification: Assurance of Quality
This coffee maker proudly boasts certification from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), signifying its adherence to stringent quality and performance standards. With this certification, users can trust that the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker delivers consistently excellent results, meeting the high expectations of coffee enthusiasts.
Rainmaker Shower Head
Equipped with a rain shower head featuring six precision-drilled holes, the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker ensures an even distribution of water over the coffee grounds. This innovative design promotes optimal saturation and extraction, unlocking the full flavor potential of your coffee beans. Additionally, the included Bloom cycle saturates the grounds thoroughly, enhancing flavor extraction for a rich and aromatic brew. Plus, the removable shower head adds convenience to the cleaning process, making maintenance hassle-free.
Double-Walled Stainless-Steel Carafe: Superior Insulation
The OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker comes with a double-walled stainless-steel carafe, offering superior insulation to keep your coffee hot for longer periods. Its vacuum-sealed construction minimizes heat loss, preserving the temperature and flavor of your brewed coffee. The carafe’s innovative design includes a pour spout and breather opening on the lid, ensuring easy pouring and one-handed operation while minimizing heat loss.
Control Panel
The control panel of the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker is conveniently located at the base of the machine, positioned below the carafe for easy access during operation. It is designed with user-friendly features, including four small buttons and a sliding switch on the brew basket, ensuring intuitive control over brewing settings.
These buttons facilitate seamless operation: the power button, located prominently, allows users to effortlessly turn the coffee maker on and off as needed, while the carafe (5-8 cups) button enables brewing for a full pot, accommodating 5 to 8 cups of coffee for larger servings. For smaller quantities, the mug (2-4 cups) button offers the flexibility to brew directly into a mug, catering to individual preferences. Additionally, the brew basket switch adds versatility, enabling users to toggle between single serve brewing or carafe brewing with a simple slide motion, adapting to different brewing needs effortlessly.
Removable Well Cover: Enhanced Versatility
Enhancing its adaptability, this coffee maker features a removable well cover that accommodates cups and mugs of various sizes. This removable stand provides support during brewing and can be flipped over to serve as a stand for shorter mugs and cups, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of serving vessels.
With the well cover in place, the coffee maker can accommodate vessels up to 7 1/4 inches in height, while removing it allows for larger containers of up to 8 inches in height. Additionally, when flipped up, it can accommodate cups and mugs up to 6 1/2 inches in height, offering flexibility for shorter containers.
How to use the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker
Preparation
Gather your supplies: Make sure you have the coffee maker, carafe, coffee scoop (provided), a paper coffee filter (size appropriate for the basket), and your desired amount of coffee grounds (medium grind is recommended). If brewing into a mug, you’ll also need the mug and potentially the well cover (depending on mug height).
Brewing
Set the carafe: Place the empty carafe on the well cover, ensuring the lid is fully screwed on (Important for keeping coffee hot).
Fill the water tank: Open the lid on the back of the coffee maker and fill the water tank with filtered water. Use the carafe markings as a guide for the desired number of cups ([The OXO coffee maker will use all the water added, so don’t overfill).
Prepare the brew basket: Slide the brew basket switch located on the front of the basket depending on your brewing option:
- Full carafe (5-8 cups): Slide the switch all the way to the right (carafe position). [Standard brewing position]
- Single serving (2-4 cups): Slide the switch all the way to the left (mug position).
Place a paper coffee filter in the basket and make sure it sits properly.
Add coffee grounds: Use the provided coffee scoop to add your desired amount of coffee grounds to the filter. A general guideline is one scoop per cup of coffee but adjust based on your taste preference.
Power on: Plug in the coffee maker and press the power button. There are two brewing options depending on your carafe or mug:
- Full carafe (5-8 cup button): This brews a full carafe at a standard strength. For a stronger brew, use slightly less water than the carafe markings indicate.
- Single serving (2-4 cup button): This brews directly into your mug. Don’t exceed 4 cups (20 fl oz) of water in the tank, as the machine will use all the water added.
Brewing process: The machine will begin the brewing cycle. The water will heat up, then slowly drip through the coffee grounds and filter into the carafe or mug. This may take a few minutes.
Once brewing is complete, the machine will beep, and the carafe will be filled with hot coffee [or your mug will be ready]. Pour yourself a cup and enjoy!
Things to Consider Before Buying the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker
Non-Removable Water Tank
The OXO 8 cup coffee maker features a non-removable water tank, which presents certain drawbacks. Firstly, filling the tank directly on the machine can be cumbersome, particularly if space is limited on your countertop. Additionally, cleaning a non-removable tank poses challenges, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, mineral deposits may accumulate inside the tank, potentially affecting the flavor of your coffee.
Optimal Water Management
It’s important to note that the OXO coffee maker utilizes all the water in the reservoir during each brew cycle. For instance, if you choose the 2-4 cups setting and add more than four cups of water into the reservoir, the machine will brew the entire amount, disregarding your intended quantity. Thus, it’s crucial to pour the correct amount of water into the reservoir to achieve your desired brew strength and volume.
Limited Features
The OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker distinguishes itself through its exceptional brewing quality and straightforward operation, yet it does come with some limitations. Notably, it lacks a built-in timer, depriving users of the convenience of setting up a brew in advance. Additionally, unlike many coffee makers, it doesn’t offer a brew strength selector, requiring users to manually adjust the coffee-to-water ratio for desired strength.
However, these apparent drawbacks contribute to the machine’s strengths. Its simplicity ensures ease of use, catering to those seeking a hassle-free brewing experience. Moreover, by focusing on core brewing functions, the OXO prioritizes quality over unnecessary complexities, consistently delivering a satisfying cup of coffee.
How Does it Compare to its Competitors
Here’s a detailed comparison table between the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker, the Bonavita Connoisseur 8 Cup Coffee Maker, and the OXO 9 Cup Coffee Maker:
| Feature | OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker | Bonavita Connoisseur | OXO 9 Cup Coffee Maker |
| Brew Capacity | Up to 8 cups | Up to 8 cups | Up to 9 cups |
| Carafe Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Brew Strength Selector | No | No | No |
| Timer Function | No | No | Yes |
| Brew Styles | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| SCA Certification | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 40 oz | 40 oz | 45 oz |
| Keep Warm Function | No | No | No |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 13.5″ x 10.5″ x 7″ | 12.2″ x 12.4″ x 6.8″ | 17.2″ x 15.0″ x 8.3″ |
| Weight | 10.3 lbs | 6.1 lbs | 11.4 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | 2 years |
| Ease of Use | Simple controls | Very simple controls | Simple controls with added digital display |
| Coffee pod compatible | No | No | No |
Choosing the Right Coffee Maker
OXO 8 Cup: Ideal for those who prioritize excellent coffee quality, a thermal carafe, and ease of use. It lacks a timer and programmability and has a non-removable water tank.
Bonavita Connoisseur: A great value option for those who want a simple machine that brews very good coffee. It boasts a pre-infusion cycle for better flavor but lacks a timer and programmability.
OXO 9 Cup: A good choice if you need a slightly larger capacity and the convenience of a programmable timer. It shares the excellent coffee quality and thermal carafe of the OXO 8 Cup but has a removable water tank.
FAQs about the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker
What Kind of Coffee does the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker Brew
It brews drip coffee, which is a popular method that uses hot water slowly saturating coffee grounds in a filter basket.
How Many Cups Does the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker Brew
It can brew anywhere from 2-8 cups, depending on how much water you add and the size of your mugs.
Does the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker have a Timer
No, it does not have a built-in timer. You cannot program it to brew coffee automatically.
Does the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker have Different Brew Strength Settings
No, it does not have different brew strength settings. There’s a single brewing mode for a standard cup strength. You can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio for a stronger or weaker cup.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker stands out as a versatile and high-performing appliance that caters to the diverse needs of coffee enthusiasts. With its sleek and compact design, it seamlessly integrates into any kitchen space while offering flexibility and convenience. The thoughtful features, such as the rainmaker shower head for precise water distribution and the thermal carafe for keeping coffee hot, ensure a superior brewing experience.
Whether brewing a full pot or a single cup, this coffee maker delivers consistent and flavorful results, meeting the standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association. Its user-friendly control panel and intuitive operation make it a practical choice for both novice users and coffee aficionados alike. Overall, the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker excels in both design and performance, making it a standout option in the realm of drip coffee makers.
