Café C7CDABS3RD3 Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The Café C7CDABS3RD3 is a programmable drip coffee maker from Café, a trusted brand known for producing high-quality kitchen appliances. This stainless steel coffee maker utilizes Café's Specialty Technology and Digital Brewing System to brew restaurant-quality coffee at home.

Some of the key features and specs of the Café C7CDABS3RD3 include:

• 12 cup carafe capacity
• 24-hour programmable timer
• Strength control for regular or bold coffee
• Digital temperature control for optimal brewing
• Removable water reservoir for easy filling
• Pause and serve function to pour a cup mid-brew
• Dishwasher safe carafe and filter basket
• 1-4 cup setting for smaller brew sizes

With advanced technology, intuitive controls, and stylish design, the Café C7CDABS3RD3 aims to provide exceptional homemade coffee through precise automation and customization. Its programmable features allow you to wake up to a freshly brewed pot.

Design

The Café C7CDABS3RD3 has a sleek and modern design made of durable stainless steel and high-quality plastic. It has a compact footprint, measuring just 12.2 x 7.5 x 14.6 inches, so it won't take up much counter space. The drip coffee maker weighs only 5.29 pounds, making it easy to move around or store away when not in use.

This model comes in three color options - black, white, and red - so you can choose the one that best matches your kitchen décor. The styling is very minimalist, with simple lines and a smooth exterior. There are no fancy flourishes or unnecessary buttons. Overall, the C7CDABS3RD3 has a clean, streamlined look perfect for any contemporary kitchen.

The materials feel sturdy and durable. The stainless steel accents add a nice touch of elegance, while the plastic parts have a solid heft. The buttons have a satisfying click, and all the parts fit together precisely with no wiggle. Owners mention this coffee maker seems well-constructed and made to last.

Another excellent option for coffee enthusiasts is the KIDISLE CM615S. This model is highly praised for its advanced brewing technology and user-friendly interface. It features a programmable timer, allowing you to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee every morning. The KIDISLE CM615S is also designed with a removable water reservoir for easy filling and cleaning. It comes in a brushed silver finish that adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.

Brewing Features

The Café C7CDABS3RD3 has advanced brewing technology to help extract the optimal flavor from your coffee grounds. It uses a shower head design to evenly saturate the grounds, and has a flat-bottom filter basket to enhance extraction.

You can customize your brew with several programmable settings. Choose between regular and bold brew strength, set 1-4 cup volume if brewing a smaller amount, and program auto-brew up to 24 hours in advance. There's also an altitude adjustment setting to optimize extraction for higher elevations.

With a 12-cup carafe capacity, this drip coffee maker can brew enough coffee for a crowd. The warming plate will keep your coffee hot and fresh for up to 2 hours after brewing is complete.

One of the highlights of this model is the adjustable brew strength selector. You can tailor each brew from mild and smooth to intense and robust. Experiment to find your ideal flavor and intensity.

For another great coffee maker, consider the Amaste 1. This model features a sleek, retro design and a highly efficient brewing system. The Amaste 1 is equipped with advanced temperature control and a pre-infusion mode to enhance flavor extraction. Its reusable stainless steel filter ensures you get the most out of your coffee grounds while being eco-friendly. With a user-friendly interface and a compact size, it's perfect for any kitchen.

Ease of Use

The Café C7 comes with thoughtful design features that make it very simple to use. The front-facing control panel has an LED display and three buttons to start brewing, set the brew size, and turn the machine on or off. The buttons have indicator lights that display when active, so it's easy to see the current settings at a glance.

Setting up the Café C7 is straightforward - all you need to do is add water to the reservoir, insert a #4 cone filter, add ground coffee, and select your brew size. The water reservoir is easy to access from the side of the machine and has clear water level markings printed on the side to eliminate guesswork.

Cleaning and maintenance are also hassle-free with a removable drip tray that slides out from the front. The drip tray has a max fill indicator line so you know when to empty it. Descaling is recommended every 3-6 months to keep the internal components free of mineral buildup. The Café C7 comes with a descaling solution that you run through the brew cycle. Overall, the thoughtful design makes the Café C7 very easy to use day-to-day.

Coffee Quality

The Café C7CDABS3RD3 produces coffee that scores high marks in terms of taste, temperature, consistency, and customization.

Taste

The coffee brewed by this machine has a rich, balanced flavor that many reviewers describe as smooth and full-bodied. The flat-bottom filter basket and drip valve help extract the optimal flavor from the grounds. You can brew a delicious, aromatic cup of coffee that rivals your favorite coffee shop.

Temperature

The Café brews coffee at the ideal temperature between 195-205°F, hot enough to extract the best flavor from the beans but not so hot that it burns the coffee. The thermal carafe is double-walled and vacuum-sealed to keep the coffee hot for hours after brewing.

Consistency

Thanks to features like the programmable auto start timer and the precision temperature control, this drip coffee maker brews a consistent pot of coffee each and every time. You don't have to worry about bitterness or weak flavor from brewing inconsistencies.

Customization

With the Café, you can customize your brew using the strength selector which lets you choose regular or bold coffee. The gold tone filter also lets you switch between paper filters or a reusable filter. You can tweak brew settings like batch size and brew strength to make each cup just the way you like it.

Additional Features

The Café C7CDABS3RD3 has some convenient features that enhance the coffee drinking experience.

Built-in Grinder

This drip coffee maker has a built-in burr grinder, allowing you to grind whole coffee beans right before brewing. The grinder has 18 adjustable grind settings, so you can customize the grind size for optimal flavor extraction. Freshly grinding beans right before brewing helps maximize the coffee's aroma and taste.

Other Convenience Features

Some other handy features include a programmable clock with automatic shutoff, brew strength control, a pause and serve function to grab a cup mid-brew, and a 2 hour keep warm function. The water reservoir is easily accessible from the front of the machine, making refilling straightforward. An indicator light lets you know when it's time to refill the water. There is also a handy measuring scoop built into the bean hopper.

Pros

The Café C7CD has several notable benefits:

• Precise Temperature Control: This drip coffee maker has a precise temperature control system that heats water to the optimal brewing temperature of 200°F. This helps extract the best flavor from the coffee grounds.

• Showerhead Design: The showerhead evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds for full saturation and extraction. This promotes a balanced flavor.

• Programmable Timer: You can program the Café C7CD to automatically brew coffee at your desired time. This allows you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

• Includes Reusable Filter: The unit comes with a reusable gold-tone filter so you don't need to buy disposable paper filters. This saves money long-term.

• Pause & Serve: There is a pause and serve function which allows you to pour a cup of coffee mid-brew if you can't wait for the full pot to finish brewing.

Cons

• The water reservoir is on the small side at just 37 oz. This means you'll have to refill it more frequently for larger brew sizes or if making coffee for multiple people.

• The brew basket is not removable or dishwasher safe. You'll have to hand wash the brew basket after each use which can be inconvenient.

• It lacks some of the programmability and customization options you get with higher-end drip coffee makers. There are no settings to adjust brew strength or temperature.

• The build quality feels a bit plasticky and cheap according to some reviews. The materials are prone to staining over time. Durability may be a concern with long-term use.

Comparable Options

When shopping for a drip coffee maker, here are some comparable options to consider alongside the Cuisinart Café C7CDABS3RD3:

Bonavita BV1901TS

The Bonavita BV1901TS is a 8-cup drip coffee maker known for brewing excellent tasting coffee. It has a 1500 watt heater that quickly brings water to the optimal brewing temperature between 195-205°F. The showerhead design evenly saturates the coffee grounds. An optional pre-infusion mode wets the grounds first before brewing to allow the coffee to degas. The Bonavita costs around $120.

Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG

Another premium drip coffee machine is the Technivorm Moccamaster KBG that brews up to 10 cups. It has a copper boiling element that heats water between 196-205°F for optimal extraction. The showerhead ensures complete saturation and uniform extraction. The Moccamaster has a manual toggle switch to control the flow rate. It costs around $309.

OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

For a budget-friendly option, the OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker costs around $170. It has a rainmaker shower head for even saturation and a microprocessor-controlled heater to precisely heat water. The OXO has a backlit LCD screen and button controls for programming brew settings.

Conclusion

The Café C7CDABS3RD3 is a solid option for an entry-level drip coffee maker that produces quality coffee with convenience. Its compact design and programmable timer make it easy to use, while the GoldTone filter and brew strength control allow you to customize your coffee to taste. The dishwasher-safe parts also simplify cleanup.

Overall, this coffee maker consistently brews a good cup of coffee and includes useful features like a pause-and-serve function and keep warm plate at a reasonable price point. It may not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end coffee makers, but it delivers where it counts for most everyday coffee drinkers. The Café C7CDABS3RD3 would make a great choice for someone looking for an affordable drip coffee maker that can quickly brew a hot, flavorful cup of coffee.