Customer Reviews

DeLonghi DCM485 10-Cup Thermal Carafe and Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless Steel

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(31)
1 star:		(37)

 

 

Are you tired of parts made of plastic and not real metal? This coffee maker is made of genuine brushed stainless. If the part on this machine looks like metal, it is metal. The overall look and style is very European, even the buttons and display are good quality and simple to use and understand. The carafe is stainless inside and out, and keeps the coffee hot for at least 4 hours. The water resevoir lifts out for easily filling from the tap, so you don't have to fill the carafe first and pour it into the machine. The resavoir has graduated markings. Also, the filter holder comes out for easy cleaning. The only quirk I found is that, as with other themal carafes, you have to pour slowly to keep from dripping. It also helps to read the manual that explains how far to unscrew the top before pouring to avoid drips.

I purchased my DCM485 as a "gently used" and inspected unit, with a 30 day guarantee. Ok, I'll admit that these reviews (and the fact that it was "used") scared me into spending a few dollars on an extended warranty. I've had it now for about a week. I am, so far, very happy with my "new" Thermal Carafe Coffeemaker.

I had researched similar units for quite a long time, wanting the quality coffee that a thermal carafe maintained without the hot plate burn. I balked at paying the high price to "adopt" one, as Bikerman astutely pointed out. I found mine on an auction site for around $60.00, (including shipping), so I felt it was a bargain, and that I was taking less risk due to the smaller investment. But I digress.

When my package arrived, I excitedly checked out my new purchase. I ran a few vinegar/water cycles through it to clean it, and was pleased with the lack of leaks during that process. I quickly read the instructions (which I felt were pretty straightforward), set the clock and programmed it for a 6 AM brew time the next morning. Call me impatient, but I found it annoying that there was no way to reverse when setting the clock/timer. If you were a minute or two over, you had to go around 24 hours again. Small potatoes really, as I realize many digital clocks are this way, but still...annoying.

After all the negative reviews on this site, I fully expected to wake up to a lake of coffee the next morning. Unusually, I overslept and my husband was leaving for work as I walked out. We barely had time to say goodbye, and I continued on to the kitchen to see if I'd made a wise purchase. To my dismay, there was a wet towel on the counter! On further inspection, the coffeemaker looked normal. I poured a cup, and it was good. After sitting for nearly an hour and a half, it was hot, tasted fresh...I was pleased. After consulting with my husband a little later, I found that I'd over-watered a plant, but the coffeemaker had behaved fine. He did agree that it poured slowly from the pot, but he thought the coffee was good and had no other complaints.

Over the next few days, I've had similar, consistent results. I've experienced none of the steam condensation, drip, dribble, or overflow problems other reviewers have mentioned. There are parts that need to be properly seated to function correctly, and I see how this could cause problems for those that didn't understand the importance of this. I did not feel that it was difficult to align the lid on the pot or the pot in the receptacle. I didn't really even think much about it, and had excellent results. The carafe lid is clearly marked "open" and "close", with a "fin" to help you gently push it into the desired position. Though the pouring is slow, I've not found it to dribble at all. One can always remove the lid if you're in more urgent need of your coffee. It's a personal choice... I have used a paper filter with the included gold tone filter, out of habit more than anything. I do grind my beans pretty fine, and worry that I may end up with sludge in the bottom of the pot. I'll certainly give it a try eventually. I was more worried that it wouldn't function right with my normal "basket" filters, but no problems, even with the wrong type paper filters.

I wanted to share my experience in finding replacement water filters. I contacted the US distributor for DeLonghi by email and this is what they sent in reply to my inquiry.

Thank you for contacting us in regard to Delonghi products. Since the DCM485 is a recent addition to our product line, it has not yet been added to the website. You can order your parts from Fox International Ltd., Inc. Fox is the Authorized National Distributor for Delonghi USA. You can call us Monday thru Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm ET at 1-800-322-3848. One of our order agents will be happy to assist you.

So there you go. I could not find the filters through any search engines I tried on the web, nor at Amazon, not to say that they were never offered. I wish they were. I have not ordered any from Fox Inc. yet, so can't share the price or experience. I have used the coffeemaker without the filter and it functioned fine, but feel we have good quality water available on tap. To be honest, these are unusual filters, specifically made for this coffeemaker. I would guess that they will not be manufactured by anyone but DeLonghi. But remember, the coffeemaker works fine without them. Filtered water may be a lesser "evil" for some owners.

In summary, this is a very sturdy and well built coffeemaker. The top completely lifts up on a hinge, making the "gold tone" coffee filter and basket, as well as the removable water reservoir, easily accessible and handy for filling and cleaning. The controls on the top, front of the machine are very visible and easy to use, with straightforward programming and instructions. This model has the extra features of "Accuflavor selector", automatic brew (programmable timer), pause and serve, and the aforementioned water filter for better tasting coffee. It is not "idiot proof", and as with any appliance, requires the user to assure it is assembled correctly for optimum functioning and results. I may have just been lucky, and gotten the proverbial cherry in the bowl of lemons, but I find very little to fault this coffeemaker at. I gave it 5 stars, and highly recommend it.


UPDATE- After over a month, I've noticed a few things about my DeLonghi. I've had a drip or two when I've used the pause and serve to sneak a cup before the brew cycle is complete. I've also noticed the coffee isn't as hot then, as it's had to warm the pot with the lesser amount of liquid. For me, it's about drinkable at that time, so it's perfect for that first cup. If you wait until the pot is full, the coffee I pour is too hot to drink immediately. I also noticed you need to be aware of placing the pot back correctly during the pause and serve. You can hear the coffee running into the pot, so I don't find it that difficult, but it is important. The brew cycle is pretty fast, so you don't want to dawdle or you will have a run-over. Yes, if you try to pour too rapidly from the pot, you have dripping...but not extreme. I'm still happy with my DeLonghi, just respectful of it's personality. It makes great coffee, and the thermal carafe assures consistency from first to last cup.

Edit 2010- Please read my comment on the comment below. This appliance did not last as long as I would expect at this price. I suggest you consider the more current reviews for the current models.

I disagree with many of the other people reviewing this coffee maker. I buy a new coffee maker about every six to nine months because I am fussy about coffee quality and features. First and foremost, this maker brews an excellent pot of coffee. And, it's stylish looks are great on the kitchen counter. It got my four stars based on coffee quality alone. Now a couple of the insignificant negatives that resulted in 4 instead of 5 stars. The time setting, and controls could be much easier to use and more user friendly. The carafe could pour better, although after a few uses I now know how to use the carafe without trashing the kitchen counters. There - that's it - two negatives, both of which after using the maker for a while, I'll get used to. The positive features, such as the removable water tank, the easy to use and clean filter holder, top access, design and the GREAT COFFEE make this a coffee maker I would reccomend to anyone.

I am an employee at a Starbucks in Wisconsin and have been an avid coffee lover for as long as I can remember. I recently purchased this model from DeLonghi, and I am very impressed.

Several reviews of this machine have noted its tendency to dribble or spill out when pouring. This is a half-truth. The original generation of this model was designed for the European market only. As such, DeLonghi took into consideration the habits and tendencies of Europeans (their patience and slower way of enjoying life). Guess what happened? Almost no one complained of a spilling problem. This is because the spout on the carafe was meant for slow pouring! Imagine that.

However, since DeLonghi introduced this machine in the American market, they have recieved many complaints. In response the company has now installed a taut rubber ring which fits on the inside of the lid to prevent spilling. With the new stopper it is essentially impossible to spill during pouring.

Just wanted to clear that up because of the mixed reviews.

It brews a mean cup in a decent amount of time, has some of the best looks I've seen and experienced (and I have had several expensive Starbucks and non-Starbucks machines in the past), and overall works great while still being a cinch to use.

They also have service centers in almost every state. Have a problem? Take it there and they will help you repair it or exchange it with no questions asked.

Do yourself a favor and buy this coffeemaker. You won't be disappointed.

- Lucky Barista

I've had my DeLonghi DCM485 for a few months now and am very happy with it. It makes great coffee, brews quickly and keeps it hot for hours without the burning effects of a hotplate. It isn't a small unit, but I was more concerned about having a big enough capacity carafe than the total size of the unit. The brushed stainless and black exterior is rich looking so I don't mind that it occupies a bit of the countertop. I like the convenience of the hinged top allowing access to the filter basket and the water reservoir, which lifts out for easy filling or to clean. The gold tone coffee filter works well by itself or you can use a paper filter if you prefer. An "accuflavor" dial allows you to tweak to your preferred brew strength. The light blue-toned digital clock on the front face of the machine is attractive and large enough to see easily. The buttons to program the clock and timed brewstart are conveniently located and the instructions easy to understand. I will admit that the coffee pours somewhat slowly from the carafe and if you get in too big of a hurry, you may have some small drips. This has been my experience with any coffeepot (or pitcher for that matter) that I've ever used so I don't really understand the complaints and expectations from other reviewers. I've had no problems with positioning or overflow during brewing, nor condensation causing puddles around the coffeemaker.

During the time I've owned and used my DeLonghi, I've learned to appreciate it's various features and how well made it is. I recommend it without reservation.

Just bought this gadget at Starbucks. Gave me $20 off plus 2Lbs of my choice of coffee. Good deal- $109.

OK- I'm kinda sorta a coffee snob. But I can make allowances, I'm flexible at times.

The LowDown:

#1
Ideal temps for brewing are between 190&200 deg F. I was told it brewed @200F. It actually brewed around 178-180F then jumped up to 190F at the end of the brew cycle. Now, the booklet states that this is to be used with an 120volt@60hz outlet. Here in the good'ol US of A we use 110V@60hz. Not to mention that line voltage can fluctuate quite a bit so the actual voltage is unknown unless you have a meter and/or a line compensator. This could be the source of the drop in temp; however, how could Delonghi make a mistake like that?! Poor engineering or research.

#2
Otherwise, it functioned quite well. It was quiet, with the characteristic burble at the end that signals the end of the cycle. Coffee still tasted good and was 150F when poured into a room temp cup. Very ergonomic and not that bad on space.

#3
Pouring wasn't the disaster reviews said it was. Easy stream came out into my cup. If you want to dump your coffee in your mug go ahead and take the stopper out. Slow down and smell the coffee! Not one drip as well. I've never had a coffee pot that didn't pose a difficulty when it came to pouring. I developed a habit of lifting the traditional flapper-lids slightly with my thumb to avoid messes. So this is my very first pot to be user-friendly with very little learning curve.

#4
Run some hot water in the carafe and let it sit while you prepare your beans and pour your water. It will warm up the pot see? Add it to your ritual. Just don't forget to pour it out before you place it in the brewer or you will have a mess.

#5
I didn't even bother with the filter. I use distilled H20 about half the time. A tip: let your water sit out overnight and the chlorine will evaporate out. The nasty chlorine taste out of your tap in the AM is due to it sitting in the pipes without moving all night. So forget the filter- it is a total waste but if you want to spend the $$ go ahead.

#6
Look- if you are going to shell this kind of money out for a coffee maker for goodness' sakes buy decent beans and grind them yourself. If you are a Folgers or Maxwell house type of individual you could spend a $1000 on a machine and it still wouldn't taste like anything other than tree bark. Better yet- buy green coffee beans and roast them yourself, @ about $1-3 a Lb. For more info paste this link in your browser: http://ineedcoffee.com/ Really, your life will change with the right kind of coffee.

Overall, it was pricy and I'm a little disapointed in the temps being off. That is the reason for my overly generous four stars rating. My FREE Gevalia coffee pot works very well but it is of the traditional drip kind- flapper-lid etc... The supposed brewing temp and carafe feature were really my primary reasons for laying out the $109 for the Delonghi. You certainly could do worse and buy a Mr Coffee. I'm going to play with it and see. I can always take it back. I kept the reciept.

I wanted to take the time to write a review on the Delonghi DCM485 after purchasing it from Starbucks,during their march 2006 sale.I currently own a Starbucks Barista 12 cup thermal pot brewer now,and it brews a great cup of coffee. Since I am getting a divorce and moving out,I had to get my own machine. My ex wife is keeping the Barista ! So off to Starbucks I went and picked up the Delonghi, first of all it does look sexy on the counter. I didn't need a large capacity brewer so the 10 cup carafe will suit me fine. I read most of the negative reviews on this site after purchasing and using the machine. That is why I am writing this review. I believe that because Starbucks is now selling and supporting the Delonghi,improvements have been made. I have not had any of the issues others have complained about;dripping and slow pouring carafe. As a matter of fact it doesn't drip at all, and actually pours faster than the Barista. Also no water on the counter ! It is easy to fill from the front,eyeballing the very large water level window. The Barista has to be turned around and filled from the back,if you don't remove the water tank,which is not as convienient as simply pouring the water in. There is a gasket on the carafe now. Just be sure the lid is closed all the way when you insert it into the coffeemaker,simply taking care to push it all the way in. Those 2 simple things probably cause most of the problems if not followed. The Delonghi brews a great tasting cup of coffee. I also grind my beans fresh before each pot. If I see any issue at all with this machine,the brewed coffee is hot,but not blazing hot. This is fine for me as I like to drink big sips and sometimes fast without burning my mouth,which I think is better than pouring a cup and letting it sit too cool a bit before you can really drink and enjoy it. But there are those who like their coffee so hot you can only take small sips at the beginning. I hope that this review helps anyone looking to buy the Delonghi DCM485,as they obviously have made improvements to their product. I am fussy about my coffee and the machine I use to make it. If it had the issues others have complained about,I would have returned it and got another Barista machine. To tell the truth,it's more convienient to use and stylish too !

I bought this coffeemaker from Starbucks, believing that if they recommend it, it must be great. Ultimately they were vindicated. My unit initially exhibited all of the problems others have written about: overflows and an inability to pour without spills, then later on another very serious problem. The good news is that DeLonghi has great customer service, they are acutely aware of issues with this unit and they fully solved my problems. DeLonghi promptly sent me a new lid and new carafe which worked perfectly. (It seems many units were delivered having been fitted with an incorrect seal, causing the spill problems.) After receiving the new lid and carafe, all seemed ok, barring the rare, occasional overflow. Then one day, the coffemaker just died! Lights out. Done. I thought I was surely in for a protracted dispute with the DeLonghi company. They surprised me (perhaps I'm jaded) by immediately sending me a brand newly boxed unit, complete with all the accessories.

The new unit has worked flawlessly, without spills or overflows. It has caused exactly zero problems and makes the best coffee of any maker I've had. (I came to this from years of using Chemex or presses.) So, don't be put off by problems you see others having with the unit. It DOES work as advertised, and in the event you get a unit that is defective, DeLonghi customer support is among the absolute best I've encountered.

Conclusion: it's a great coffeemaker and its manufacturer is one of integrity. Go forth without hesitation.

I'm very pleased with this coffee maker. I especially like the removable water tank. I use filtered water so I don't need to worry about the unit's filtering system, which, honestly, seems a little cheesy for such a nice unit anyway. My only criticism with this unit, and with most coffee makers in general, is that it doesn't produce coffee that is hot enough for my taste. I usually have to microwave the cup of coffee for 30 seconds to get it hot enough for me. I have yet to find a machine, though, that can produce really hot coffee. Perhaps this is the downside of of rapid brewing.

The carafe does dribble a little, as others have mentioned, but usually just when I'm pouring out the last cup. This is really no big deal for me, I just pour the last cup over the sink so it doesn't make a mess on the countertop. The carafe keeps coffee hot for a long time. The digital display is pleasant, but not exactly intuitive. This unit requires keeping the instructions nearby when time changes are required.

Overall it's a good device that I'm pleased with. It's very attractive and the quality of construction is evident for the most part. I like being able to remove nearly all it's parts for cleaning. I won't need to buy another coffee maker for several years, so despite it's steep cost compared with others, it will last a good, long time.

Updated review 12/17/11: This coffee maker lasted about 2 years before I replaced it. I made coffee once per day for two years, plus an occasional extra pot here and there. While it was stylish and made good coffee, I thought it would last longer. I replaced it with a Zojirushi machine, which, did everything this one does but better, because it makes really HOT coffee... something this machine was never able to do.Zojirushi EC-BD15BAFresh Brew Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

My favorite cup of coffee is gone. I had to lay my Krups machine to rest just yesterday. It suffered from terminal handle dislocation and so I took the merciful route (merciful to my pocket book!) and refused to buy a third carafe (the handles kept breaking at the top connector).

Like many reviewers here, I did a lot of research including reading reviews both here and elsewhere and, tiring of reading, I made this DeLonghi model our newest family member. So far, it's doing an admirable job of settling in. I'm learning its personality traits and making adjustments here and there (mostly to how much coffee I feed it). This morning's product is very good.

As for DeLonghi's behavior, I'm finding none of the wet counter top issues...it's water processing habits are just fine. My wife noticed that DeLonghi is considerably louder than Krups was at the end of the brew cycle. Given that DeLonghi makes no signal as to when it's finished, I kind of like its vocalization there at the end...it's letting us know that it's time to join in the action.

Bottom line: DeLonghi is here for the duration but, right now, we're all going through a little period of adjustment. My bet is that all will end well. If you're looking for a new family member as we were, you could do a lot worse than this model. My only complaint is that the adoption costs are a bit steep (pun intended) but, as they say, you get what you pay for.