Holstein Housewares HH-0914701E Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The Holstein Housewares HH-0914701E is a compact 5-cup drip coffee maker designed for brewing up to 5 cups of coffee at a time. This basic yet functional coffee machine is an affordable option for individuals or couples who want freshly brewed coffee at home without taking up a lot of counter space.

The HH-0914701E features the essential elements of a drip coffee maker in a small footprint. It has a simple on/off switch, a glass carafe, a removable filter basket, and an 800 watt heating element. The minimalistic design focuses on delivering good tasting coffee rather than extra bells and whistles. While it doesn't have programmable settings or other high-end features, it provides an easy way to brew a few cups of coffee to start your day.

Design and Features

The Holstein Housewares 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker has a sleek and compact design perfect for small kitchens or apartments. It is made of stainless steel and plastic materials for durability.

This coffee maker measures 9 x 7 x 10.5 inches, so it doesn't take up much counter space. It comes in 3 color options - black, red, and white - to match any kitchen decor.

The water reservoir is clearly marked with cup measurements up to 5 cups, so you can easily brew the right amount of coffee. A viewing window on the side lets you check the water level at a glance.

The Holstein Housewares coffee maker includes a permanent filter basket, so you don't need wasteful paper filters. The filter basket is removable for easy cleaning.

Brewing Capacity

The Holstein Housewares HH-0914701E drip coffee maker has a 5 cup brewing capacity. This makes it an ideal size for 1-2 people or a small household that doesn't require brewing large pots of coffee.

The 5 cup capacity allows you to brew the perfect amount for a few cups in the morning without wasting any coffee or energy. You don't have to brew an entire pot if you just want a single cup.

Some key notes on the brewing capacity:

• 5 cups is approximately 25-30 oz, depending on your preferred strength
• Can brew both ground coffee and soft coffee pods
• Features clear markings on the glass carafe for measuring cups
• Carafe has a drip-free spout and comfortable handle for pouring

With a compact 5 cup size, this model offers versatility for brewing anything from a single cup to a few cups per brew. It's a great fit for dorm rooms, offices, RVs, or anywhere space is limited.

Ease of Use

The Holstein Housewares 5-Cup Coffee Maker is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It has a single on/off switch to operate the coffee maker. Once switched on, the coffee maker will automatically brew a fresh pot of coffee and then switch off when done. This eliminates any programming or buttons needed to brew coffee.

The coffee maker also features removable parts including the glass carafe, filter basket, and lid which makes for easy clean-up. The carafe lifts out of the machine for easy filling or pouring. And the filter basket and lid can quickly be removed, cleaned, and replaced after each use. With removable dishwasher-safe parts, clean-up takes just minutes.

The overall simple and intuitive design allows anyone to brew a fresh pot of coffee in just minutes. No complicated steps are required. Simply add water and ground coffee, turn on the machine, and fresh coffee is ready in minutes. The straightforward operation makes this an ideal coffee maker for everyday use.

Brewing Time

The HH-0914701E brews a full 5 cups of coffee in under 5 minutes, allowing you to quickly prepare a hot pot of coffee when you need it. The rapid brewing is enabled by the unit's 550 watt heating element which efficiently brings the water to temperature.

Once brewing begins, it takes just 3-4 minutes to fully brew the 5 cups. This speedy process means you won't be waiting long for your morning coffee. The brevity of the brew cycle also helps prevent overextraction and bitterness in the finished coffee.

For those who want their coffee in a hurry, the fast brew time on the HH-0914701E is a major plus. You'll be able to wake up and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee without delay. The short brewing also makes this an ideal coffee maker for offices and events where coffee needs to be readily available.

Temperature Control

The Holstein Housewares 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker has an automatic keep warm plate that keeps coffee hot after brewing. This is a convenient feature that allows you to brew a pot of coffee in the morning and come back hours later for a hot cup, without having to reheat or brew another pot.

The keep warm plate has an on/off switch and can keep coffee warm for up to 2 hours after brewing. It heats the glass carafe from the bottom to maintain an optimal drinking temperature. The warming function can be turned off to save energy when not needed.

Some users note the keep warm function works well to keep coffee hot without scorching or burning the brew over time. The carafe stays warm but not too hot to handle comfortably. The warming plate allows you to enjoy coffee fresh-brewed hot whenever you want it during the day.

Filter Basket

The Holstein Housewares 5-Cup Coffee Maker comes with a removable filter basket and lid, which makes it easy to brew your coffee and clean up when finished. The filter basket lifts out, so you can fill it with your preferred ground coffee or paper filters.

The basket also features a release button on the handle, allowing you to detach the basket from the lid. This gives you full access to the inside, making it simple to dump out used grounds or rinse away any residue after brewing.

The inclusion of a detachable filter basket and lid is an excellent convenience feature of this petite drip coffee maker. You don't have to struggle to clean the filter assembly in place or work around a permanently affixed lid.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Holstein Housewares 5 Cup Coffee Maker is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. The glass carafe, lid, filter basket, and percolator tube are all dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

The stainless steel housing can be wiped down with a damp cloth to keep the exterior looking its best. Descaling the machine to remove mineral deposits is recommended every 3-6 months to maintain optimal brewing performance. Simply fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, then run a brew cycle. Rinse thoroughly before resuming normal use.

The removable, washable filter basket means you don't have to deal with wasteful paper filters. Rinsing the basket immediately after use will prevent grounds from drying on.

Overall, the coffee maker is designed to require minimal effort to keep clean on a daily basis. The dishwasher safe components and descaling recommendations make maintaining the appliance simple and straightforward.

Pros

• Compact size: The Holstein Housewares coffee maker has a small footprint, making it a great choice for apartments, dorms, offices, or other places where counter space is limited. It measures just 8 inches wide, which is slimmer than many other standard coffee makers. The compact design doesn't compromise on features or capacity though.

• Fast brewing: This coffee maker can brew up to 5 cups of coffee in just a few minutes. The quick brewing time makes it easy to get your morning coffee ready fast before heading out the door. You don't have to wait around long for a full pot.

• Easy to use: The simple on/off switch and dedicated brew button make this an easy drip coffee maker to operate. There are no complex settings or programming required. Just add water and coffee grounds, press brew, and you'll have a fresh pot ready in minutes. The water window also lets you see at a glance the water level as you fill it.

Cons

The Holstein Housewares 5-cup coffee maker has some drawbacks to consider:

• Small Capacity: This small coffee maker only brews up to 5 cups of coffee at a time. This limited capacity may be inconvenient for larger households or those who entertain frequently. It's best suited for 1-2 coffee drinkers.

• Basic Features: The Holstein Housewares coffee maker doesn't have many bells and whistles. It has an on/off indicator light and auto shut-off, but lacks programming options, brew strength control, and other features found on more full-featured coffee makers. This simplicity makes it easy to use but limits customization and control over your brew.

• Plastic Construction: While the plastic body helps keep the unit lightweight and affordable, it may not feel as sturdy or durable as metal coffee makers. The carafe is also made of plastic instead of thermal glass.

• No Pause-and-Serve: There is no pause feature to grab a cup of coffee mid-brew. You need to wait until the full brew cycle completes.

• No Temperature Control: You can't adjust the brewing temperature, which is a downside for coffee enthusiasts who like to customize temperature for optimal extraction.