The Braun KF7170SI BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker is a sleek and modern looking 12-cup coffee maker. Braun is known for their innovative kitchen appliances and this drip coffee maker lives up to that reputation.

The KF7170SI model features Braun's BrewSense technology which aims to optimize the brewing temperature and process for a consistent tasting cup of coffee. It has a simple one-touch interface with an LED control center that lets you program the 24-hour start timer, regular or bold strength, and 1-4 cup function.

This mid-range drip coffee maker would suit people wanting excellent brew performance without all the bells and whistles of more expensive models. Keep reading to see an in-depth examination of the key features and performance of the Braun BrewSense KF7170SI coffee maker.

Design and Build Quality

The Braun KF7170SI BrewSense drip coffee maker features a sleek and modern stainless steel design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. The stainless steel exterior not only gives it a premium look, but also makes it highly durable and resistant to fingerprints.

The KF7170SI has a solidly constructed brew head made of quality plastics that feel sturdy. The water reservoir features a durable black plastic housing that remains cool to the touch even during brewing.

Aesthetically, the combination of brushed stainless steel and black accents gives this Braun coffee maker a very elegant look. The digital display is easy to read and all of the buttons have a nice tactile feel when pressed.

Overall, the KF7170SI is very well-designed with premium materials that give it a sturdy and durable feel. The stainless steel exterior is both stylish and functional, making this a coffee maker built to last.

Another excellent option to consider is the BLACK+DECKER CM0915BKD drip coffee maker. This model boasts a sleek design with a black exterior and stainless steel accents that bring a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. It has an easy-to-read digital display and user-friendly buttons that provide an effortless brewing experience. The carafe is robust and built to withstand daily use, while the water reservoir is designed for easy filling and cleaning. The BLACK+DECKER CM0915BKD is an excellent choice for those looking for both style and functionality in a coffee maker.

Features

The Braun KF7170SI has several convenient features that enhance the brewing experience.

• Multiple Brew Strength Settings - The Braun offers regular and bold brew strength options so you can customize the flavor to your taste. The bold setting produces a richer, more intense coffee flavor.

• Temperature Control - A key feature is the temperature control that allows you to select from three heat settings - regular, hot, and extra hot. This gives you precise control over the water temperature for optimal extraction.

• 24-Hour Programmable Timer - With the built-in timer, you can program the Braun up to 24 hours in advance to brew a fresh pot at the desired wake-up time. This is perfect for busy mornings when you want coffee ready and waiting.

• LED Display - An easy-read LED display shows the current time, preset brew time, brew strength selection, and keeps you informed of the brewing progress.

• Pause and Serve - The drip stop allows you to pause mid-brew for a quick cup, while the remaining coffee finishes brewing. No need to wait for the full pot!

• Auto Shutoff - For added safety and convenience, the Braun will automatically shut off after 2 hours of inactivity. You don't have to worry about forgetting to turn it off.

If you're considering another great option, check out the BLACK+DECKER CM1110B-1. This coffee maker features customizable brewing options, a 12-cup capacity, and a Sneak-a-Cup feature that lets you grab a cup before brewing is complete. Its ergonomic carafe is easy to handle and pour without dripping. For more details, visit BLACK+DECKER CM1110B-1.

Ease of Use

The Braun BrewSense KF7170SI offers excellent ease of use with its intuitive controls and simple interface. The LED display clearly shows the selected brew size and strength settings, as well as a clock. The controls consist of two dials - one to select cup size from 4-12 cups, and another for brew strength from bold to regular.

Setting up the brewer is very straightforward. The water reservoir lifts out from the back for easy filling, and the filter basket slides in and out smoothly. Programming the clock takes just a few button presses.

Cleaning and maintenance are simple on this model. The drip tray pulls out and is dishwasher safe. The filter basket also removes for easy rinsing, and Braun recommends descaling every 3-4 months. There is even an auto clean function that can be run to flush out the system.

Overall, the Braun BrewSense lives up to its name with clever features that make brewing a pot of coffee remarkably simple and intuitive. The well-designed controls and display provide an exceptionally user-friendly experience.

Brew Performance

The Braun BrewSense drip coffee maker delivers excellent brew performance for consistently great tasting coffee. It features Braun's PureFlavor brewing technology that optimizes the brewing time, temperature and coffee-to-water ratio to extract maximum flavor from the coffee grounds.

The brew time is fast at around 6-7 minutes for a full 10 cup pot, without sacrificing flavor. The coffee comes out hot at the optimal drinking temperature. The stainless steel thermal carafe does a great job at maintaining the temperature so the coffee stays hot for hours after brewing.

The coffee flavor is rich, balanced and robust. The PureFlavor technology really makes a difference, producing a smooth coffee with vivid aroma and full body. It brings out the subtle notes and acidity in light roasts, while making dark roasts taste bold but not bitter. The flavor is noticeably better than cheap drip coffee makers.

The water filtration and distribution system in the BrewerSense also contributes to superior tasting coffee. It ensures the water is pure and evenly saturated through the coffee grounds. This results in a consistent extraction and well-rounded flavor in every cup.

Overall, the Braun BrewSense delivers where it matters most - making delicious tasting drip coffee that stays hot and fresh for hours after brewing. The advanced brewing technology allows even novice users to brew coffeehouse-quality coffee at home with ease.

Capacity

The Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker KF7170SI has a generous 12-cup glass carafe that can hold up to 60 ounces (1.7 liters) of coffee. This allows you to brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time, perfect for larger households or entertaining guests.

The max brew amount is also 12 cups of coffee. So if you want to brew a full carafe, you can maximize the machine's capacity and make coffee for the whole family or a larger group all at once. With some coffee makers, the max brew size is less than the carafe capacity, meaning you'd have to brew multiple batches to fill up the carafe. But with the Braun KF7170SI, you can make a satisfying full pot of coffee in one easy brew cycle.

The ample 60oz carafe size gives you flexibility to brew anything from a single cup up to the full 12 cups the machine is capable of. No matter if you just want one quick cup for yourself in the morning or are prepping for a weekend brunch, this Braun drip coffee maker has the capacity to match your needs.

Value

The KF7170SI provides good value for an automatic drip coffee maker. While it's priced higher than entry-level drip coffee makers, the Braun offers premium quality and features that justify the higher cost.

At around $100, the KF7170SI sits in the upper mid-range for an automatic drip coffee maker. But it's not excessive compared to other 12-cup premium coffee makers with similar brewing technology and features. Brands like Bonavita, OXO, and Technivorm have comparable models in the same price range.

The KF7170SI comes with a 1 year warranty, which is standard for most drip coffee makers in this price tier. Braun stands behind their product quality and will cover repairs or replacement if any defects occur within the first year.

When you consider the Braun's excellent PID temperature control, pure flavor brewing, programmable timer, quality metal and plastic construction, and performance comparable to more expensive models, the price seems reasonable. The Braun KF7170SI provides substantial value for an automatic drip coffee maker with premium features but without an exorbitant price tag.

Pros

• The Braun BrewSense drip coffee maker has an attractive, sleek stainless steel design that looks great on any kitchen counter.

• It brews coffee quickly, producing a full 12-cup pot in under 7 minutes. The fast brewing is convenient for busy mornings.

• The BrewSense technology helps optimize the brewing temperature and makes the coffee taste fresh. Reviewers praise the great-tasting coffee produced.

• The anti-drip system allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the full brewing cycle completes. This is useful for grabbing a quick cup in the morning.

Cons

• The Braun BrewSense lacks some of the customization options you get with higher-end coffee makers. There are no settings to adjust brew strength or temperature.

• The thermal carafe doesn't keep coffee as hot as glass carafes. It will keep coffee warm for a few hours, but some users report it doesn't retain heat as well over extended periods.

• The BrewSense doesn't have a programmable timer. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it's a nice feature to have if you want to wake up to automatically brewed coffee.

• A few users have reported issues with the BrewSense leaking from the back of the machine. This seems to be an isolated problem, but it's worth mentioning.

Conclusion

Overall, the Braun KF7170SI BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker is an excellent option for someone looking for a convenient and customizable brewing experience. Its sleek design and stainless steel accents give it an attractive look that would complement any kitchen decor. The BrewSense technology allows you to customize your preferred brew strength and size, while the PureFlavor system ensures optimal coffee extraction and flavor.

The 24-hour programmable timer adds flexibility in scheduling your brew times, and the keep warm plate keeps your coffee ready to drink for hours. The water level indicator, easy-to-clean components, and dishwasher-safe parts make regular maintenance simple. With its 10-cup capacity, this Braun model can handle brewing coffee for a crowd.

In terms of drawbacks, the plastic water tank may be prone to staining over time. The keep warm function only has an on/off option rather than letting you adjust the temperature. Finally, while the price is reasonable for the features, it is still an investment for some budgets.

Overall, the Braun KF7170SI combines convenience, customization, and attractive design in one efficient and user-friendly package. For someone who wants a high-quality drip coffee maker with modern upgrades like BrewSense technology, this Braun model is an excellent choice worth recommending.