Cheap and crappy? No actually... (Asda Smartprice 12 Cup Coffee Machine)

Member Name: RPnecroranger

Product:	Asda Smartprice 12 Cup Coffee Machine
Date:	16/06/09 (119 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: very very cheap

Disadvantages: label snobbery and lack of water guage

I have to admit when our 10 year old Morphy Richards coffee maker decided to leak in February we were rather gutted, only because we only had ground coffee in and no instant, and at the time, the weather was still miserable. Well that and it took the kettle out with it!

I have to admit finding a coffee maker for as little as £7 had me major sceptical, but as we were caught short at the end of a shopping fortnight, we basically didn't think it would last 5 minutes. We just hoped it would last long enough to get enough money for a decent coffee maker.

OK so for your £7 you get a rather basic black apparatus, with a jug, draw, basket filter and a cone scoop (for measuring coffee). There is no water guide at the side.

The basket filter drops conveniently into the draw which slots nicely into a shelf slot just above the jug area. The filter is made of the same black plastic as most of the machine and fine plastic mesh, and although it doesn't lend itself to normal paper filters, the plastic filter is beautifully designed and doesn't break when dropped (yes we tried that accidentally a few times). Its also convenient as it seems to drip less on removal for easy swift tap on the bottom to remove the contents into the compost collector bucket. I've also found the filter much much easier to clean than the old conical versions as it fits more conveniently into the washing up bowl & dishwasher (I didn't try the dishwasher though as I always rinse by hand)

The unit heats its own water and has a "stay warm" pad under the jug, which is rather standard in coffee makers nowadays. The on/off switch is lit when on, which is rather convenient when you turn off the kitchen light and realise you have left the coffee maker on. Its decent brightness for that at least, but as normal sunlit hours take over I have noticed we don't notice it during the day as the LED cant compete with sunlight. I did leave it all ready to go thinking it was on yesterday, and only realised a hour later I had no coffee!

The Jug is supposed to take 12 cups, which I can confirm is correct. The instructions have you use the jug to measure the water to place into the well at the back (which is accessible by lift top) which I found rather impractical during times of increased coffee consumption mainly as you cant actually place a cooled jug on the heat pad. I can say though, its the same as about 1.4 to 1.5 litres, so using a measuring jug is fine.

OK the instructions were so nicely laid out and clear, however, after running the first clear water through (this removes any remnant plastics & dust) I did try using the scoop and the instructions with Asda Everyday medium ground coffee. This is the only time I found the instructions lacking. For the amount of coffee they instructed to put into the basket it was really really strong! I found the machine rather quick at making coffee, however, use caution in removing the jug to early. Its rather deceptive due to the black of the plastic on occasions and I have been known for some dripage to happen. There is no cut off mechanism between the filter and the jug, as the coffee "free falls" between the two pieces.

The jug is nicely shaped with a wide neck making it really easy to clean.

OK we had 1 set back. Our first one after 2 months developed a flaw in the manufactured plastic at the base of the water tank causing leaking. Asda acted really well on their promise, and promptly replaced the coffee maker and renewed the warranty for 12 months. I also got to keep the old jug & filter basket as spares! (this may not happen for everyone)

You know for what I expected to be a cheap piece of trash I could replace in a few weeks, its certainly outlasted and exceeded any of my expectations. So has Asda's guarantee promise! I even bought my Dad one for Easter! What's even easier is the fact you can order the coffee maker along with normal Asda grocery shopping on-line, and you get is delivered with your shopping for no extra cost. (depends on your delivery store)

Although I would say, if your giving this as a gift, make sure you take it out of the box and buy some coffee to go with it, at £7 you could afford 2 bags of decent coffee to go with it and still spend under £10!

Summary: Is this the cheapest decent coffee maker on the market? I think it might be.

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Ease of use:
Features:
Cleaning/Maintenance:
Quality: