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"Our Top Choice for Automatic Drip Coffee Maker"
Today we’re here to share with you a new and exciting product – the Barista Brain coffee maker.
We have tested hundreds of drip style coffee makers to find the best of the bunch and the OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker impressed us so much that we voted it as our choice for the best overall coffee maker.
That’s a pretty good indication of the standard of this machine but we would still like to share some details about the machine and our experiences of using it so that you can decide for yourself if the Barista Brain is the right machine for you.
The Features of the Barista Brain
Although a simple, straightforward drip machine, the Oxo Brew has several features that make it even more easy and convenient to use. These features include:
- Microprocessor controlled brew system: This means the machine is powered by a computing system. It replicates the pour over method for fuller extraction.
- Can make two to nine cups in one pot.
- Heater: The water is heated and held at the perfect temperature for coffee, so you are guaranteed a nice hot cup to drink, but it won’t be hot enough to impair the flavor of the coffee.
- Rainmaker shower head: This great feature means that the water isn’t funnelled into the machine in a single stream. Instead, it is evenly sprinkled across the surface of your coffee grounds to ensure the extraction is even and the full flavor is extracted.
- LED interface: The LED screen displays a clock and the status of your coffee. This includes a freshness countdown so you can be sure you’ll never risk drinking your coffee when it’s not at its best. It can also be set to any time in a twenty four hour period so it comes on and brews your coffee for exactly when you want it.
The following is included with the Barista Brain/ OXO Brew:
- A brew basket
- A stainless steel carafe
- The instruction manual
- A standard one year’s warranty
Optional extras:
- An extended warranty of three or four years for a small additional fee.
- OXO On Conical Burr Coffee Grinder: If you don’t already have a coffee grinder, or you are thinking of purchasing a new one, OXO On make their own version which is perfectly compatible with the Barista Brain.
Read on: 10 Best Coffee Makers of 2020
How the OXO Brew/ Barista Brain Works
This machine is super easy to use. Add your freshly ground coffee and fill up the water tank. Then simply select how many cups you want to make and the machine does the rest.
The microprocessor carefully monitors the water’s temperature, the volume of water and coffee and the time taken to extract the flavor. This ensure that you get a consistent brew each time.
The coffee is really easy to pour once it’s brewed. Simply open the little door and pour. The door reseals when the pot is resting.
The coffee this machine makes tastes really good and produces a nice, strong flavor. This machine has even been certified by SCAA (Speciality Coffee Association of America) which is the hallmark of a good coffee maker.
It’s also worth noting that the product isn’t compatible with transformers and if it’s used outside of the US, the warranty will be void.
Why Choose the OXO Brew Over Other Models?
Some advantages to choosing this machine over some of the other models currently available are:
The Downsides to Choosing the Oxo Brew
As with anything, even the best products sometimes have features which some users won’t like. The main downside to this coffee maker is that the brewing process is so tight that your home won’t get that gorgeous freshly brewed coffee smell.
While to some people this will be an advantage because it proves how tightly sealed the carafe is, for some, it ruins the experience of freshly brewed coffee a little bit.
It’s also a little expensive running around the $200 mark.
Top Tips to Get the Most from Your Barista Brain/ OXO Brew
Below are a few things we learned along the way that will help you ensure you are getting the best coffee every time:
- Use only as directed by the manufacturer
- Make sure the machine is cleaned regularly and thoroughly
- Make sure the machine is regularly descaled
- Use a good quality coffee
- Using the recommended 65g of coffee for nine cups is perfect of you use a coarse grind. If you prefer a finer grind, reduce the amount of coffee you use for a more balanced flavor – unless you like it really strong
- If you like your coffee extra hot, before you brew it, fill the carafe with hot water. Empty it out and then brew. The stainless steel will retain the heat meaning the coffee is poured into a hot carafe
Who is the OXO Brew Perfect for?
The Barista Brain is a perfect all round coffee maker which means that it’s a good choice for most people, but it’s particularly relevant for the following people:
- Anyone who wants good coffee without any hassle
- Anyone who wants to be able to pretty much forget they have it – pre-set it and then ignore it!
Who the OXO Brew Isn’t So Good for
This machine isn’t great for anyone who:
- Wants to travel outside of the US with their coffee maker in tow
- Craves that freshly brewed coffee smell
What's the Bottom Line?
Now you can probably see why we chose the OXO Brew as our top pick for the best overall coffee maker. With delicious coffee, a simple process and coffee that keeps hot a long time, the Barista Brain is the next generation of coffee maker that will delight you every time.
Does the oxo on come in a size that can make more than 9 cups?
Hi Kathleen,
This machine is ideal for 9 cups. If you need more than 9 cups, there is an Oxo 12 cup coffee maker but the reviews are not so good. So I advise you to stick with the 9 cup model.