Proctor Silex 43680PS Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The Proctor Silex 43680PS is a compact and streamlined drip coffee maker that offers the essential functionality of brewing up to 10 cups of coffee. This basic model focuses on convenience and simplicity rather than advanced features and programmability. With its compact size and lightweight design, the 43680PS is easy to store and transport if needed. The front-fill water reservoir allows you to add water without moving the unit, while the top-access filter basket simplifies changing out coffee grounds. An on/off indicator light lets you know when coffee is ready. Overall, this no-frills coffee maker provides an affordable option for brewing hot cups of basic drip coffee.

Design

The Proctor Silex 43680PS coffee maker has a compact and lightweight design that is well-suited for small kitchens or apartments.

• Materials: The coffee maker housing is made of plastic with stainless steel accents. The water reservoir and carafe are made of glass. The materials feel durable and can withstand daily use.

• Dimensions: This is a 10-cup coffee maker with a small footprint, measuring just 9.1 x 7.9 x 10.9 inches. It doesn't take up much counter space.

• Color Options: This Proctor Silex model comes in black with stainless steel accents. The color scheme looks modern and matches most kitchen decors.

Overall, the design focuses on being compact and lightweight without compromising on brewing capacity or durability. The materials and dimensions make this an ideal coffee maker for small spaces. While there is only one color option, the black and stainless steel look neutral enough to blend into most kitchens.

If you're looking for another excellent option, consider the SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL. This model also offers a sleek and modern design, featuring a user-friendly interface with a digital display. It provides customizable brewing options, allowing you to adjust the strength of your coffee. The SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL is designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen decor, making it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking both functionality and style.

Features

The Proctor Silex 43680PS offers several useful features for a compact, affordable drip coffee maker:

• Capacity: It can brew up to 10 cups of coffee at a time, perfect for making coffee for 2-3 people or a small family. The water reservoir holds just enough for a full pot.

• Brew Settings: There are basic on/off settings to start/stop brewing. No programmable timer or strength control settings.

• Timer: This model does not include a programmable timer to schedule brewing in advance. The machine begins brewing immediately once turned on.

• Warming Plate: It has a warming plate that keeps coffee hot after brewing. The plate automatically shuts off after 40 minutes.

• Front-Fill Tank: One of its handiest features is the front-fill water tank for easily filling the reservoir without needing to move the machine. The tank is removable for cleaning.

Another excellent choice for a compact drip coffee maker is the Elite Gourmet EHC-5055. This model allows you to customize your coffee strength to suit your preference. It can brew up to 5 cups at a time, making it ideal for smaller households or personal use. It also includes a reusable filter, reducing waste and saving you money on disposable filters. Additionally, its sleek, modern design will complement any kitchen décor.

Ease of Use

The Proctor Silex 43680PS coffee maker is designed for easy, convenient use. It has simple button controls with indicators for Power, Ready, and Keep Warm. The buttons are located on the front of the coffee maker for easy access.

Filling the water tank is straightforward - just lift the top lid and pour water directly into the tank. There are water level markings inside the tank to guide you on the correct amount of water to add.

Inserting a coffee filter into the basket is effortless as well. The basket lid flips open for drop-in filter placement. The brew basket is removable so you can take it directly to the sink for rinsing out used grounds.

Overall, the Proctor Silex 43680PS emphasizes simplicity and convenience when it comes to daily coffee brewing. The interface is intuitive and filling/cleaning the machine is a seamless process.

Brew Performance

The Proctor Silex 43680PS brews a pot of coffee in under 10 minutes, which is fairly standard for a drip coffee maker in this price range. The optimal brewing temperature is around 195-205°F, and anecdotal reviews suggest this model heats water to the proper temperature for full flavor extraction.

The resulting coffee is surprisingly smooth and flavorful for the price. The brew is robust without any bitterness or burned notes. It produces a medium body cup that is not too weak or watery. The carafe keeps the coffee hot for a couple hours after brewing. Overall, the Proctor Silex 43680PS delivers a satisfying pot of drip coffee with solid brew time and temperature.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Proctor Silex 43680PS is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. It has a removable filter basket that lifts out, allowing you to dump out used grounds and give the basket a rinse. The carafe is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Descaling is an important part of cleaning a drip coffee maker. Hard water can leave mineral deposits that affect brewing performance over time. Proctor Silex recommends descaling every 30 days with white vinegar. To descale, fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water. Brew the vinegar solution through the machine, then run a few cycles with just plain water to rinse.

For daily cleaning, be sure to give the carafe a good wash with soap and water. The warming plate can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Remove any leftover coffee grounds from the filter basket. Give the water reservoir a periodic scrub with a soft brush to prevent any buildup. Following this simple cleaning routine will keep your Proctor Silex brewing great tasting coffee for years to come.

Price

The Proctor Silex 43680PS drip coffee maker typically retails for around $20-25 USD. This puts it on the very affordable end of the drip coffee maker price spectrum, making it a great budget option for people who want a basic, no-frills coffee maker without spending a lot.

The 43680PS has consistently been priced in this range ever since it was first released. It doesn't tend to see major fluctuations or discounts. For a brand new, current model drip coffee maker with a 10 cup capacity, the Proctor Silex 43680PS offers excellent value for money. You'd be hard pressed to find many other comparable coffee makers at this low price point.

The 43680PS keeps things simple and delivers where it matters most - brewing a good cup of coffee. So while it lacks some of the extra features of pricier models, you won't be paying extra for unnecessary bells and whistles. Overall, $20-25 is a very reasonable price to pay for a reliable, entry-level drip coffee maker.

Pros

The Proctor Silex 43680PS coffee maker has several excellent features that users appreciate:

• Fast brewing time: This 10-cup coffee maker can brew a full pot of coffee in just 5-6 minutes, which is very quick for a standard drip coffee machine. The fast brewing means you can get your morning coffee ready faster.

• Compact size: At just 7.75 inches wide, this model has a small footprint that takes up minimal counter space. The compact design makes it easy to store or fit in tight kitchens.

• Reusable filter: The coffee maker comes with a gold tone reusable filter that you can clean and reuse. This saves money over time compared to using disposable paper filters. The reusable filter also cuts down on waste.

Cons

• The water reservoir is small at 10 cups. This can be inconvenient for households that brew large pots of coffee daily or entertain guests frequently. Filling the water reservoir multiple times per day may be tedious.

• There have been some reports of the brew basket dripping while brewing, resulting in messy countertops. This seems to be hit or miss, with some units having this flaw while others do not.

• The maximal brew size is 10 cups, which is on the smaller side. Households that prefer to brew large batches of 12 or more cups will need to look at larger models. The Proctor Silex 43680PS is best suited for small to medium coffee demands.

Conclusion

The Proctor Silex 43680PS is a compact yet powerful drip coffee maker that offers solid performance at an affordable price point. Its 10-cup capacity and front-fill water reservoir make brewing easy, while the small footprint is perfect for tight counters. The brewer consistently produces hot, flavorful coffee in under 10 minutes.

The key pros of this model are the simple interface, small size, and low price. It's extremely easy to use with just an on/off switch and brew button. The compact design takes up minimal counter space. And at around $20, it's one of the most budget-friendly options on the market.

Potential downsides to consider are the plastic construction, which feels a bit flimsy, and the lack of extra features like a programmable timer or temperature control. The carafe is also made of plastic rather than insulated stainless steel.

Overall, the Proctor Silex 43680PS is a great choice for anyone seeking an inexpensive, no-frills drip coffee maker. It brews tasty coffee fast in a compact package. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models, it delivers solid performance and value. For budget-minded coffee lovers with limited space, the 43680PS is easy to recommend.