Today, we’re diving into the world of coffee machines. In particular, we’re going to explore Drew Barrymore’s new $99 bean-to-cup filter coffee maker. At first glance, it seems like a dream come true for coffee enthusiasts on a budget. But is it really as good as it seems? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the features, design, and performance of this coffee machine to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
The Beautiful Collaboration
The Drew Barrymore coffee machine is part of a line of products called Beautiful, designed by Drew Barrymore and sold exclusively at Walmart. The sleek and modern design, with its prominent “B” logo, is a collaboration between Drew Barrymore and a company called Made By Gather. Despite the confusion surrounding the manufacturer, the coffee machine looks clean and neat, with some interesting color options. For a price of $99, the fit and finish of this machine are surprisingly good.
Exploring the Features
Let’s dive into the features of the Drew Barrymore coffee machine. At the back, you’ll find a detachable water tank that can hold a few liters of water, allowing you to brew up to a 16-ounce cup of coffee. The grinder, located in the middle, has a capacity of 180 grams of beans. One interesting aspect of this machine is its measurement system. While all the liquid measurements are in ounces, the coffee references are in grams, creating a unique blend of imperial and metric units.
On the front of the machine, you’ll find a touch panel and display. This panel allows you to select your brew size, set a brewing timer, adjust the strength of the coffee, and even turn off the grinder if you prefer to use pre-ground coffee. One notable feature is the “brew later” option, which allows you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee in the morning.
The Unique Brewing Process
Now, let’s talk about the brewing process of the Drew Barrymore coffee machine. The machine utilizes a mesh filter with a blocked-off bottom, causing uneven water flow through the coffee. This design decision seems counterintuitive, as one would expect an even flow of water for optimal brewing. However, it becomes clear that the design choice is related to the compatibility with paper filters.
Using paper filters is not recommended for this machine, as it interferes with the coffee injection process. The coffee is injected into the brew chamber, and paper filters would obstruct the coffee from entering. While this limits the brewing options, it ensures that the machine can deliver its signature style of coffee.
The Grinder: A Flawed Design
One of the main drawbacks of the Drew Barrymore coffee machine is its grinder. Unlike traditional coffee grinders with metal burrs, this machine uses false burrs made of plastic. These false burrs do not provide the precision and uniformity of grind size that metal burrs offer. As a result, the machine produces a wide range of particle sizes, including fine powdery pieces and larger chunks.
Additionally, the machine does not allow for adjustment of the distance between the burrs, limiting its compatibility with different types of coffee beans. The grinder is more suitable for darker roasted coffee beans, as they are more soluble and easier to extract. Lighter roasts may result in a weaker and less flavorful brew.
Questionable Claims and Performance
The packaging of the Drew Barrymore coffee machine makes bold claims about its performance, including the extraction of 2x more flavor compared to a Keurig Classic model. However, these claims are questionable and not supported by realistic coffee brewing standards. The machine’s brewing ratios and calculations are based on finished liquid volume, which differs from the industry norm of measuring the amount of water used.
When put to the test, the coffee produced by the machine appears weak and lacks the desired strength and flavor. The uneven distribution of coffee in the brew chamber and the presence of fine particles contribute to the subpar taste. While the machine can brew a cup of coffee, it falls short in delivering the full potential of specialty coffee beans.
The Verdict
After thoroughly examining the Drew Barrymore coffee machine, it is clear that the $99 price tag does not guarantee a high-quality brewing experience. While the machine boasts an attractive design and convenient features, its flawed grinder and uneven brewing process limit its ability to produce exceptional coffee. Investing in a proper burr grinder and a separate brewing setup may yield better results and unlock the true potential of your coffee beans.
