SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL is a programmable drip coffee maker with a thermal carafe designed to keep coffee hot and fresh for hours. This mid-range coffee machine features a compact and sleek stainless steel design and has the ability to brew up to 12 cups of coffee.

With its backlit LCD touchscreen, the SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL allows you to easily program and schedule your brew up to 24 hours in advance. It offers multiple brew strengths and sizes and has a shower head design for optimal coffee extraction. The thermal carafe is vacuum-sealed and double-walled to retain heat and freshness.

Overall, the SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL aims to provide convenience, customization, and consistent results with its programmable settings and thermal carafe. This review will dive into the various features and performance of this drip coffee maker model to help determine if it’s a suitable option for your countertop.

Design and Build Quality

The Shardor CM1429TD-UL has a sleek and modern stainless steel exterior that will look great on any kitchen countertop. The metal housing feels very sturdy and durable, with no creaks or weak points when handled.

The water reservoir and internal components are made from BPA-free plastic for safety. The buttons have a nice tactile click to them and seem like they will hold up well over time.

One downside is that the water reservoir is not removable or easy to access from the top or side for cleaning. You have to remove it from the bottom which is more inconvenient.

The LED screen is bright and easy to read. The blue backlight provides a modern accent to the overall aesthetic.

Overall the Shardor has excellent build quality with premium materials used throughout. It looks and feels like a high-end drip coffee maker despite the reasonable price point. The metal exterior housing really makes this model stand out compared to plastic competitors.

Another great option to consider is the MUELLER HOME DC-550. This coffee maker features a versatile design with both programmable brewing and automatic shut-off functions. The Mueller DC-550's unique feature is its removable water reservoir, making it easier to refill and clean compared to other models. Constructed with a mix of stainless steel and high-quality plastic, it balances both durability and user convenience, making it an excellent alternative at a similar price point.

Features and Programming

The Shardor CM1429TD-UL coffee maker comes with many useful programmable features that allow you to customize your coffee.

• Programmable Settings - The coffee maker has a built-in programmable timer that allows you to set the brew time up to 24 hours in advance. This way, you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee every morning.

• Temperature Control - There are two temperature settings - regular and bold. The regular setting brews coffee at around 195°F, while the bold setting increases the temperature to 205°F for a stronger, more flavorful cup.

• Brew Sizes - You can choose between brewing a full 12-cup pot or a smaller 5-cup batch. The brew sizes can also be programmed so the coffee maker will automatically brew the desired amount when started.

Having these customizable options for scheduling, temperature, and batch size makes the Shardor coffee maker very convenient to use. You can tailor the coffee to your preferences and schedule while minimizing waste.

Another excellent option for coffee lovers is the Elite Gourmet EHC-5055. This model is known for its compact design and efficient brewing system. It features a reusable filter that helps reduce waste and eliminates the need for paper filters. Additionally, it has a keep-warm function to ensure your coffee stays hot for an extended period. The Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 is perfect for those who need a reliable coffee maker that delivers both quality and convenience.

Ease of Use

The Shardor CM1429TD-UL coffee maker is designed with ease of use in mind. The control panel is simple and intuitive, with clear buttons for major functions like brew, timer, and keep warm. The large backlit LCD display is easy to read, showing the time, brew settings, and status updates.

Setting up the coffee maker is straightforward - just add water to the reservoir, insert a filter and coffee grounds, and plug it in. The water reservoir is easy to access from the top and has visible water level markings. The filter basket pulls out for convenient filling.

Programming custom brew settings is simple with the menu-driven interface. You can adjust brew strength, temperature, brew size, and set an auto-on timer. The settings are remembered for each brew, so you don't have to re-program each time.

Overall, the Shardor coffee maker achieves excellent ease of use with its well-designed controls, display, and intuitive workflow. Both beginner and expert coffee drinkers will find it easy to operate.

Brew Performance

The SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL brews a full pot of coffee in around 7 minutes, which is about average for a drip coffee maker in this class. The thermal carafe is well-insulated and does a decent job of keeping coffee hot for a few hours after brewing.

The coffee taste is quite good for a budget drip coffee maker. It extracts a smooth, balanced cup of coffee without too much bitterness. The gold tone filter helps extract a bit more oils and flavor from the coffee grounds compared to paper filters. However, the coffee is not as bold and rich as you'd get from a higher-end drip coffee maker with more precise temperature control and a shower head dispersion system. But overall, the SHARDOR brews an enjoyable pot of coffee that should satisfy most users.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Shardor CM1429TD-UL has removable parts that make cleanup easy. The water reservoir, filter basket, carafe, and warming plate can all be detached and washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

Descaling the machine to remove mineral deposits is recommended every 3-6 months depending on water hardness. Simply fill the water reservoir with descaling solution instead of water, run a brew cycle, and rinse thoroughly.

Tips for keeping the Shardor coffee maker clean:

• Always use filtered water to minimize mineral buildup.

• Rinse out the carafe and filter basket after each use.

• Clean the warming plate with a soft cloth to remove any drips or spills. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.

• Periodically run vinegar through a brew cycle to remove residual coffee oils.

• If needed, use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior housing. Do not submerge the base in water.

Following the cleaning and descaling recommendations will help maintain your Shardor coffee maker for optimal performance and longevity. The ability to easily disassemble parts makes regular upkeep simple.

Size and Footprint

The Shardor CM1429TD-UL coffee maker has a compact and space-saving design. It measures 11.8 x 7.2 x 14.6 inches (LxWxH), making it well-suited for most kitchen counters.

Despite its small footprint, the Shardor still has a decent 12-cup carafe capacity. It doesn't take up too much precious counter real estate, leaving you room for other appliances.

Some key dimensions for the Shardor CM1429TD-UL include:

• Width of 7.2 inches - Fits easily on narrow countertops
• Depth of 11.8 inches - Doesn't jut out too far from back of counter
• Height of 14.6 inches - Low enough to fit under most kitchen cabinets
• Carafe capacity of 12 cups - Makes full pot without being too bulky

So if you're tight on counter space, the Shardor provides ample brewing capacity while occupying a modest footprint. It won't dominate a small kitchen counter, but still delivers delicious drip coffee. The compact design makes it perfect for apartments, dorms, offices, RVs or anywhere space is limited.

Noise Level

The Shardor CM1429TD-UL has a relatively quiet operation. The brewing process itself produces minimal noise that is unlikely to disturb you or those around you.

Some user reviews do mention the beeping alerts being slightly loud. However, the volume of alerts can be adjusted or turned off completely through the settings menu if desired.

Overall, the noise output of this coffee maker is on par with similar models. It runs quietly enough for most home settings without causing any significant audible disruptions. The brewing noise blends into the ambient sounds of a kitchen, while the beeping alerts are not overly intrusive at default volume levels. Those who desire near silent operation may wish to disable the audible alerts. But for most users, the noise levels should not present any real concerns.

Safety Features

The Shardor CM1429TD-UL has several important safety features that make it a good choice for any home.

• Auto Shutoff - The coffee maker has an auto shutoff feature that turns the machine off after 2 hours of inactivity. This prevents overheating and potential fires if you forget to turn it off.

• Insulated Carafe - The included thermal carafe is double-walled and vacuum-insulated to keep coffee hot for longer without burning hands. The carafe lid also closes securely to prevent spills.

• Certifications - This coffee maker is ETL certified, meaning it has passed independent testing for compliance with US safety standards. The ETL mark indicates it meets requirements for electrical, temperature, and other hazards.

The combination of auto shutoff, insulated carafe, and safety certifications give peace of mind that the Shardor CM1429TD-UL has been designed and tested for safe operation. You can brew coffee without worrying about safety issues with this machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Large 14 cup glass carafe
• Programmable timer allows you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee
• Strength control feature lets you customize the flavor
• Removable water reservoir for easy filling
• Cleaning is easy thanks to removable parts
• Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours
• Attractive stainless steel design

Cons

• Price is on the higher side
• Some users report issues with reliability
• Brew time is slower than average
• Lack of automatic shut-off is a potential safety issue
• No audible alert when coffee is ready
• Thermal carafe can drip when pouring

Summary: The SHARDOR CM1429TD-UL has excellent features like a programmable timer, strength control, and thermal carafe. But the higher price tag and some potential reliability concerns mean it's not the best option for everyone. The slow brew time and lack of audible alert may also be problematic. Overall it's a quality machine for someone who values hot coffee ready when they wake up. But there are likely better options if that's not your top priority.