Mr. Coffee 2129512 Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (model 2129512) is a compact, entry-level drip coffee machine well-suited for small households or offices. This affordable coffee maker lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models but provides the basics for brewing fresh, hot coffee.

Key features of the Mr. Coffee 2129512 include a programmable clock for scheduling brew times, a pause-and-serve function to pour a cup before the full brew cycle finishes, a removable filter basket, and a simple on/off switch. The water reservoir holds enough for 5 cups of coffee. This compact coffee maker has a small footprint perfect for tight counters.

While this Mr. Coffee model covers the essentials for drip coffee, it does lack more advanced features like a thermal carafe, strength control, or brew temperature settings. The machine is made primarily of plastic so likely won't last as long as some metal or stainless steel coffee makers. But for an inexpensive option for basic daily coffee, the 5-cup Mr. Coffee hits the mark.

Design & Build Quality

The Mr. Coffee 5 Cup Switch Coffee Maker has a simple, compact design made primarily of plastic. The black and stainless steel accents give it a more premium look compared to other basic drip coffee makers.

The plastic housing feels sturdy, but likely won't withstand drops or heavy impacts. The carafe is made of glass, which looks nice but requires more care compared to a thermal carafe.

Overall build quality is decent for the price point. The plastics have a nice smooth finish and the parts fit together tightly with no major gaps. The water reservoir and filter basket feel sufficiently durable for regular use.

While the materials used don't stand out, the aesthetics and fit and finish are quite good considering the budget-friendly price tag. Just don't expect this machine to have the premium heft of high-end drip coffee makers.

Features

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker comes with several useful features:

• Programmable timer - You can program the coffee maker to brew up to 24 hours in advance. This allows you to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or have it ready when you get home. Just set the time you want it to brew and it will handle the rest.

• Pause and serve - The pause and serve feature lets you grab a cup of coffee before the full brew cycle finishes. When you remove the carafe, brewing pauses so you can pour a cup. Replace the carafe and brewing resumes where it left off.

• Removable filter basket - The filter basket lifts out, making it easy to fill with coffee grounds and clean afterward. The basket handle flips for convenient filling.

• On/off indicator light - Know your coffee status at a glance with the on/off indicator light. It illuminates while brewing and shuts off when done.

• 5 cup capacity - Brew up to 5 cups (25 oz) at a time. The carafe has markings to easily see the amount.

• Drip-free pouring - The carafe spout and lid are designed to prevent annoying drips and spills while pouring coffee.

Ease of Use

The Mr. Coffee 2129512 5-cup switch coffee maker is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It has a compact footprint and very intuitive controls. There is an on/off switch with a power indicator light, as well as a single button to start the brew cycle.

The water reservoir is easy to access and fill. The water window has clear markings to show the number of cups being brewed. Filling the filter basket with ground coffee is straightforward.

The instructions manual provides clear guidance on setup, operation, and cleaning. All of the parts that need occasional cleaning, such as the filter basket and carafe, are removable and dishwasher safe. The heating plate and housing can be wiped down easily as needed.

Overall, the simple interface, clear instructions, and dishwasher-safe parts make this an easy drip coffee maker to use on a daily basis. The compact size takes up minimal counter space as well. It's a no-frills but effective single-serve coffee maker.

Coffee Customization

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker allows you to customize your coffee to your liking. It has several features that let you control the strength, size, and temperature of your brew.

Strength Control

This coffee maker has a brew strength selector so you can choose between regular or bold coffee. The bold setting slows down the brew time so the coffee grounds are in contact with the water for longer, resulting in a stronger, fuller-flavored brew. This is great if you prefer rich, intense coffee.

Brew Size

While this machine is rated for 5 cups, you can customize the brew size by adding more or less water. Fill the water reservoir to the 1 cup line if you want a single serving. Use the markings up to the 5 cup line to make the desired amount. The auto shut-off will keep the burner on long enough for the full brew cycle.

Temperature

The Mr. Coffee Switch Coffee Maker heats water to the optimal brewing temperature of 195-205°F before releasing it over the grounds. This hot water extracts the full flavor from the coffee. You can ensure a hot brew by preheating your cup while the coffee is brewing.

Brew Performance

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffeemaker brews a fresh, hot pot of coffee in under 10 minutes. The brew time is fairly quick for a standard drip coffee machine, producing around 5 cups in just 6-8 minutes. This allows you to make coffee in a hurry when needed.

The machine brews coffee at the ideal temperature between 195°F - 205°F to properly extract flavors from the coffee grounds. The water is evenly distributed over the coffee filter basket to wet the grounds uniformly and extract consistent flavor.

The coffee comes out with a balanced, smooth taste when using a medium roast coffee. It avoids bitterness or excessive acidity. The flavor is on par with other drip coffee makers in this price range.

The thermal carafe does a decent job at retaining heat and keeping the brewed coffee hot for around an hour after brewing. It could be slightly hotter, but overall the temperature is sufficient for slowly sipping your morning coffee.

The coffee brewed is consistent from cup to cup. The flat bottom filter basket and shower head distributor help soak all the grounds evenly for uniform extraction. The brew is free of any weak or overly strong flavors in different cups.

Overall, the brew performance provides a quick, hot pot of coffee with solid flavor, aroma, and consistency. It meets expectations for a budget drip coffee machine.

Capacity

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffeemaker has a modest 5-cup brewing capacity, which is suitable for 1-2 people or for brewing a smaller pot of coffee.

It has a clear water window on the side of the tank that allows you to monitor the water level. The water reservoir can hold enough water to brew up to 5 cups of coffee. This is a standard capacity for personal drip coffee makers.

While some other models offer larger capacities up to 12 cups, the 5-cup size is a sensible option for smaller households or situations where you won't need to brew large batches of coffee. The more modest tank is quick to fill and takes up less counter space.

Overall, the 5-cup capacity hits a nice sweet spot if you're looking for a compact machine that can make enough coffee to share, but don't need the high volume production of larger professional models. This capacity makes the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Coffeemaker well-suited for home use.

Accessories

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker comes with a few handy accessories to help you brew and serve your coffee.

Filter Basket

The filter basket is designed to hold Mr. Coffee's tapered paper filters. The basket has a wide opening at the top to make it easy to add grounds and fits securely in the brew head. It's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Carafe

A glass 5-cup carafe is included to collect and serve the brewed coffee. It has clear measurement markings up the side so you can see how much coffee is in the carafe. The carafe lid helps keep the coffee hot and prevents spills during pouring.

Scoop

A 1 tablespoon plastic scoop comes with the coffee maker for easily measuring out the right amount of grounds. The scoop fits nicely into the filter basket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable
• Pause-and-serve feature allows you to pour a cup mid-brew
• Permanent filter included - no need to buy paper filters
• Automatic shut-off after 2 hours for safety
• Dishwasher safe carafe and filter basket for easy cleanup
• Brews coffee fast - around 5 minutes for a full 5-cup pot
• Simple button controls are easy to operate
• Produces good tasting coffee for the price

Cons

• Small 5-cup capacity may not be enough for larger households
• No programmable timer for automatic brewing
• Lack of temperature control can lead to lukewarm coffee
• Build quality feels cheap and parts are not very durable
• No brew strength control
• Single serving and travel mug not included

Conclusion

The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker provides a compact, budget-friendly option for basic drip coffee. Its simple design focuses on core functionality rather than extra features. With its single-serve capability and pause-and-serve option, it provides some customization for brewing preference. However, the lack of programmable timer and temperature control limits more advanced personalization.

Overall, this mini coffee machine is ideal for small households that want basic drip coffee without complicated settings or controls. It brews a decent cup of coffee for its low price point. The plastic parts may be less durable over time compared to some competitors. But the compact size and affordable price make it a reasonable starter drip coffee maker.

Those wanting more capacity, brew strength control, programmable features, or higher-end materials could consider alternative options like the Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker or OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker. However, these come at a higher price point. For a true budget 5-cup drip coffee maker focused on simplicity and value, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker is a reasonable choice.