Capresso 426.05 Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The Capresso 426.05 is a compact 5-cup programmable coffeemaker that offers a balance of functionality, simplicity, and attractive design. Part of Capresso's Basic series, this drip coffee machine features a streamlined footprint that can fit well in tight spaces. With its modern silver and black housing, the 426.05 has an elegant look that will blend seamlessly into any kitchen décor.

This coffeemaker uses a mesh filter basket rather than paper filters, allowing you to brew your coffee grounds directly. It has dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. The 426.05 also includes several programming options, allowing you to customize your brew based on your preferences. With its space-saving design and customization features, the Capresso 426.05 aims to provide an efficient yet personalized coffee experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Capresso 426.05 has a classic and utilitarian stainless steel design that looks nice in any kitchen. The housing is made from brushed stainless steel which gives it a clean, minimalist look. The carafe and filter basket are also stainless steel.

The coffeemaker feels very sturdy and durable thanks to its metal construction. All of the parts fit together snugly without any looseness or wiggle. The water reservoir handle feels study and is easy to grasp.

With dimensions of 10.63 x 7.5 x 14.5 inches, the 426.05 has a relatively compact footprint that doesn't take up too much counter space. The 9 inch height allows it to tuck under cabinets easily.

Overall the 426.05 has a very solid and streamlined design made from quality materials. It looks nice without drawing too much attention to itself. The stainless steel build gives confidence that this coffeemaker can hold up well over years of daily use.

Another option to consider is the Hamilton Beach 49933. This coffeemaker boasts a versatile and functional design, featuring programmable settings that allow users to customize their brewing experience. Its compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens, and the durable construction ensures long-term reliability. The 49933 model also features a convenient, removable water reservoir for easy filling and cleaning, making it an excellent choice for daily coffee needs.

Features and Capabilities

The Capresso 426.05 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker features a compact and efficient design. Here are the notable aspects of its features and capabilities:

Capacity

• 5-cup capacity carafe
• Makes up to 25 ounces of coffee
• Great size for personal use or for a couple

Carafe

• Glass carafe with comfortable handle
• Dripless pour spout for clean serving

Filter Basket

• Reusable GoldTone filter basket included
• Eliminates need for wasteful paper filters

Programming Options

• Programmable 24-hour timer
• Can be set for automatic brewing

Other Notable Features

• Pause and serve lets you pour a cup before brewing finishes
• Charcoal water filter removes impurities
• Internal water level window for easy viewing
• Cord storage for tidy countertop

Overall, the Capresso offers solid features and capabilities for a personal drip coffee maker. The programmable timer, pause and serve function, and built-in water filter provide convenient options for brewing.

In comparison, the SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL offers another excellent choice, especially for those who value advanced features. This model provides a 10-cup capacity for larger groups and includes a stainless steel thermal carafe to keep coffee hot for hours. The SHARDOR also impresses with its advanced brewing technology that ensures optimal flavor extraction and its intuitive touch screen for easy programming. This blend of functionality and design makes it a great fit for coffee enthusiasts.

Ease of Use

The Capresso 426.05 coffeemaker is extremely easy to use and operate on a daily basis. The controls are straightforward and user-friendly.

To brew coffee, you simply fill the water reservoir, add ground coffee to the filter, and press the button to start. The water reservoir is clearly marked with cup measurements, making it easy to fill to the desired level.

The control panel has buttons for on/off, programming the clock, selecting cup size, and starting the brew. The LCD screen clearly displays the settings. Programming the clock or delay brew time is simple with the intuitive buttons.

Cleaning and maintenance are also uncomplicated. The water reservoir, filter basket, and carafe are all removable and dishwasher safe. The heating element has an automatic clean cycle to prevent limescale buildup. The exterior can be wiped down easily as needed.

Overall, the Capresso 426.05 is designed for effortless daily use. The simple interface allows anyone to brew great tasting coffee without hassle or confusion. The maintenance is minimal, yet effective at keeping the machine in optimal condition over time.

Performance

The Capresso 426.05 brews coffee relatively quickly, with a full 5-cup pot ready in around 6 minutes. The brew temperature reaches an optimal 195-205°F, hot enough to properly extract flavor from the coffee grounds without scalding or burning the brew.

This drip coffee maker yields around 20-25 ounces per brew cycle, though you can adjust the amount of water dispensed to make smaller or larger batches. The coffee comes out with a balanced, medium-bodied flavor that isn't too weak or overextracted. While not as customizable as a pour-over or French press, the Capresso brews a solid, drinkable pot of regular drip coffee.

The permanent gold tone filter allows for good extraction and oils to pass through for a richer cup. The filter is reusable and easy to clean after each use. You can also use paper filters if preferred for a slightly cleaner and lighter tasting brew.

Overall the Capresso 426.05 delivers solid daily performance for brewing pots of standard American-style coffee. It doesn't have advanced controls for brewing specialty coffee, but makes an easy and consistent pot.

Pros

• Simple and intuitive controls: The Capresso 426.05 coffeemaker has straightforward buttons for on/off, brewing, and programming. The backlit LCD screen clearly displays the settings. This model is easy to operate even for beginners.

• Compact footprint: The coffeemaker has a small countertop footprint, measuring just 9.75 x 7.5 x 10.75 inches. It can fit well in tight spaces and doesn't take up much room. The short height leaves space for taller travel mugs.

• Quality construction: The coffeemaker housing is made from brushed stainless steel that resists fingerprints. The interior water tank has a solid glass lining. Reviewers mention the coffeemaker feels sturdy and well-built.

• Automatic shut-off: For safety, the coffeemaker will automatically turn off after 2 hours of being idle. This prevents accidental fires and overheating if you forget to power it off.

Cons

• Small 5-cup capacity - The Capresso 426.05 has a max capacity of just 5 cups. This is on the smaller side for drip coffee makers, making it unsuitable for larger households or entertaining guests.

• No programmable timer - Many drip coffee makers allow you to program a brew time so coffee is ready when you wake up. Unfortunately, the 426.05 lacks this useful feature.

• No pause-and-serve function - Some models let you pause mid-brew to grab a quick cup, but not the Capresso. You need to wait for the full brew cycle to finish.

• Plastic housing - While the exterior has a sleek stainless steel panel, the majority of the 426.05's housing is plastic. This feels less durable and premium than competitors with metal construction.

Comparable Models

When shopping for a drip coffee maker like the Capresso 426.05, here are some top comparable models to consider:

Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer: The Ninja CE251 is a programmable coffee maker with a 12-cup carafe. Similar to the Capresso, it has a removable water reservoir and adjustable warming plate temperature. Key differences are the Ninja has a larger capacity and a fold-away frother for making lattes and cappuccinos. However, the Ninja lacks the cone filter basket and GoldTone filter of the Capresso.

Cuisinart DCC-3200 Perfectemp Coffee Maker: With a 14-cup capacity, this Cuisinart model is larger than the Capresso 426.05. It has comparable features like brew strength control, a GoldTone filter, and fully automatic functionality. Unique to Cuisinart is the Perfectemp system that ensures optimal coffee temperature. The Cuisinart is also more expensive than the Capresso.

Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Thermal Coffee Maker: For a more budget-friendly option, the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew provides 10 cups capacity and a thermal carafe like the Capresso. It lacks more advanced features though like programmability and adjustable keep warm temperature. The Mr. Coffee is best for someone who wants basic functionality for drip coffee.

Verdict

The Capresso 426.05 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker is a solid budget-friendly option for people who want a basic, no-frills coffee machine. Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design saves counter space
• Easy to use with clear markings and dishwasher-safe parts
• Makes up to 5 cups of coffee at a time
• Produces good tasting drip coffee
• Removable filter holder and permanent filter included
• Automatic shutoff after brewing

Cons:

• Lacks programmable timer
• Filter basket is on the small side
• Brews are sometimes inconsistent

Overall, this Capresso mini coffee maker is recommended for anyone seeking an affordable, entry-level drip coffee machine that doesn't take up much space. It brews a decent pot of coffee, though the lack of a programmable timer may be inconvenient for some. The small filter basket also limits brew size flexibility. Still, for the price, this simple coffee maker gets the job done well enough for most basic coffee needs. More demanding coffee drinkers may want to consider spending a little more for a model with more features and brew size options. But if your top priorities are affordability and compact footprint, the Capresso 426.05 is a solid choice to consider.

Alternatives to Consider

Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker

The Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker is a comparable drip coffee maker known for brewing flavorful coffee. It has a 1500-watt heater that quickly reaches the optimal brewing temperature between 195°F - 205°F. The showerhead evenly saturates the coffee grounds for complete extraction. It also has a one-touch brew operation with auto-off and a stainless steel thermal carafe to keep coffee hot for hours. The simplicity of use and optimal brewing temperature makes this a top choice for drip coffee.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBG741 AO Coffee Brewer

For those wanting excellent coffee from a drip machine, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBG741 AO is a premium choice but also pricier. This drip coffee machine has a copper heating element that quickly gets water between 196°F - 205°F for optimal extraction. It has a glass carafe with a hot plate to keep coffee warm. The Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands and praised for its simple design, durability, and impeccable brewing. The build quality and extraction results make it a top choice for purist drip coffee fans.