DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker Review

In the world of coffee makers, versatility and quality are key attributes that enthusiasts seek to elevate their daily brew. The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker stands out as a compelling option, promising to deliver a wide range of coffee experiences from a single machine. With its innovative design and multiple brewing styles—Light, Gold, Bold, Over Ice, and Espresso—this coffee maker caters to various tastes, ensuring every user can find their perfect cup.

But how does it perform in terms of flavor, ease of use, cleaning, and overall value? In this review, we’ll dive into the features and capabilities of the De’Longhi TrueBrew, examining its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your coffee-making needs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at what TrueBrew has to offer.

Overall Design and Look

The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is a beautiful blend of style and functionality, perfect for any modern kitchen like DeLonghi Eletta Explore. When I first saw it, I was struck by its sleek, polished look, with a combination of stainless steel and matte black finishes that give it a high-end, professional appearance. It’s compact enough to fit comfortably on the countertop without taking over the space, and it has a solid, robust feel that suggests real durability.

The control panel is intuitive, with a smooth one-touch interface that’s a pleasure to use. Each button feels responsive, and the layout is straightforward, so I could easily navigate between different brewing options. It’s thoughtfully designed to accommodate various cup sizes, even travel mugs, without any awkward adjustments.

One of my favorite details is the side-positioned water reservoir. Not only does it make refilling easy, but it also keeps the machine looking clean and organized since I don’t have to move things around just to add water. The built-in burr grinder is tucked neatly within the machine, and the design makes it feel like an integral part of the unit, not just an add-on. This feature allows for a seamless experience, grinding and brewing in one elegant motion.

The build quality is robust and feels solid, reflecting De'Longhi's commitment to durability. The materials feel premium, and each component—especially the burr grinder and the side-mounted water reservoir—has been thoughtfully integrated for seamless use. The machine gives the impression that it can withstand daily use without showing wear, although time will ultimately prove its long-term resilience. The only potential drawback could be in areas where plastic parts might age, but overall, it feels like a well-constructed, reliable machine.

Water Reservoir

The De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker features a well-designed water reservoir that enhances its overall functionality. The reservoir has a generous capacity, typically around 60 ounces, allowing you to brew multiple cups of coffee without the need for constant refilling. This is particularly convenient for those who entertain guests or consume coffee throughout the day.

One of the standout features of the water reservoir is its clear, easy-to-read markings, which help you gauge the water level at a glance. This transparency makes it simple to fill the reservoir accurately, ensuring you have the right amount of water for your desired brew strength. Additionally, the reservoir is removable, making it easy to fill directly at the sink or to clean as we experienced with Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV.

Another important aspect is the filtration system, which may be included or compatible with certain water filters, helping to improve the quality of your water and, consequently, your coffee's flavor. Overall, the water reservoir in the De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is user-friendly and practical, contributing to an efficient brewing process.

For this feature, I would rate the water reservoir 87 out of 100. Its capacity, ease of use, and maintenance make it a strong asset, although some users might prefer even larger capacities or built-in filtration systems for enhanced water quality.

User Interface

The user interface on the DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is remarkably intuitive and feels effortless to navigate. The control panel is thoughtfully designed, with each button clearly labeled, making it easy to understand at a glance. The digital display at the top shows the time and brew settings, which adds a touch of convenience, especially with the auto-on/off feature.

Selecting your brew size or strength is straightforward—there’s a dedicated button for each option, allowing you to switch between light, gold, and bold strengths, as well as various cup sizes. The "over ice" setting is a great touch for iced coffee lovers, and it’s clear that De'Longhi considered a wide range of user preferences when designing this machine.

The single-touch simplicity makes it feel effortless to get started, even if you’re not a tech enthusiast. Each press is responsive, and the icons for each setting (cup sizes, brew strength) are distinct, so there’s no need to fumble around or refer to a manual. Overall, using the interface feels almost like second nature after a few brews, combining efficiency with elegance.

I would rate the user interface of the DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker a solid 90 out of 100.

The interface is intuitive and very user-friendly, with well-labeled buttons and a sleek, clear digital display. It makes customizing your coffee—whether it's brew strength, cup size, or choosing the iced coffee option—simple and accessible, even for beginners. The responsiveness of the buttons and the thoughtful layout contribute to a seamless experience. It only falls slightly short of a perfect score because, while highly functional, it could benefit from more advanced customization options or a touch screen for even more streamlined control.

Built-in Burr Grinder

The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Makers built-in burr grinder is a standout feature, combining convenience with quality like Bosch 300 Series VeroCafe. With this integrated grinder, you get freshly ground coffee with every brew, which enhances the overall flavor and aroma. Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders are known for their consistency, and this one is no exception. It grinds the beans evenly, giving you a uniform coffee ground that leads to a smoother, richer taste in each cup.

One of the best aspects of this grinder is that it’s adjustable, allowing you to explore different coarseness settings depending on your preferred coffee strength. You can experiment with various grind sizes to match your taste, whether you want a bolder brew or a lighter, smoother cup. The grinder also has a bypass option, so if you prefer pre-ground coffee now and then, you can simply skip the grinding process without needing to switch machines.

The burr grinder’s top-loading design makes it easy to refill beans, and it has a transparent lid, letting you see exactly how much coffee you have left. The clear lid helps keep the beans fresh and free from moisture, ensuring every brew is full-flavored. Overall, the built-in burr grinder enhances the coffee-making experience, making it feel like you have a professional setup right in your kitchen. It’s efficient, easy to use, and brings out the full potential of your coffee beans.

The only reason it doesn't get a perfect 100 is that some users might prefer a slightly wider range of grind settings for more specialized brews. However, for a built-in grinder in a drip coffee maker, this one performs impressively well and is likely to satisfy most coffee lovers.

6 Brew Sizes

The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker impresses with its six brew sizes, designed to fit a range of preferences. You can choose an 8 oz single-serve for a quick, standard cup of coffee, which is perfect when you want something light and balanced. If you prefer a concentrated, intense flavor, the 3 oz espresso-style option is there, though it doesn’t fully replicate true espresso due to pressure differences—it’s still a bold shot of strong coffee to kickstart your day.

Moving up the scale, the 12, 16, 20, and 24 oz settings give you the freedom to adjust your cup size based on your coffee needs. These larger sizes are ideal for when you want more to sip on or if you’re filling up a travel mug for a busy day. With these options, you can go from a moderate-sized coffee break to a full, satisfying mug that lasts.

This range of sizes really enhances the machine’s versatility, especially in households where people have different coffee habits. Whether you’re in the mood for a short, intense brew or a long, leisurely cup, the TrueBrew gives you the flexibility to make coffee just the way you want it.

For its range of brew sizes, I'd rate the De'Longhi TrueBrew at 90/100. The six size options provide a lot of flexibility, catering to different coffee preferences and drink sizes. It’s especially convenient if you’re someone who likes switching between a quick shot and a large, full cup. 

The variety suits both personal moments and on-the-go needs, and it’s a great fit for shared households with varied tastes. The only slight drawback is that the 3 oz espresso-style shot isn’t a true espresso, as it lacks the pressure for authentic crema. However, for most users, the selection will more than meet daily coffee demands.

5 Brew Styles

The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker offers a versatile brewing experience with five distinct brew styles. Its Light Brew setting delivers a milder flavor, making it perfect for those who prefer a delicate coffee experience. It uses a shorter brewing time and lower temperature to preserve the light, nuanced flavors of the coffee. 

The Gold Brew is inspired by the Golden Cup Standard and brews coffee that meets the Specialty Coffee Association's guidelines for optimal flavor and aroma. This setting balances extraction and brew time for a smooth, rich cup that’s perfect for any occasion.

For coffee lovers who enjoy a stronger flavor, the Bold Brew style increases both brewing time and temperature, resulting in a robust cup with deeper flavor notes. This is ideal for an energizing start to the day. The Over Ice Brew is designed for iced coffee enthusiasts, brewing coffee at a higher strength to account for dilution when poured over ice. This ensures that your iced coffee remains flavorful and refreshing, even as the ice melts. 

Finally, the Espresso Style option mimics the rich, concentrated flavors of traditional espresso. It brews coffee at a higher pressure, allowing for a thicker crema and bolder flavor profile, making it perfect for those who appreciate espresso-based drinks. These brew styles make the DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker a flexible choice for any coffee lover, allowing for customization based on mood or preference.

Overall, I would rate this feature a 90 out of 100. The range of options ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated espresso aficionado. The only downside might be the learning curve involved in perfecting each brew style to your liking, but once mastered, it greatly enhances the coffee-making experience.

Coffee Taste

The coffee taste produced by the DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is generally praised for its quality and consistency. This machine utilizes a precision brewing process that optimizes extraction, allowing for a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.

With its various brew styles—Light, Gold, Bold, Over Ice, and Espresso—the TrueBrew caters to a wide range of taste preferences. The Light Brew setting is perfect for those who enjoy a milder flavor, while the Bold Brew delivers a more robust and intense experience. The Gold Brew meets specialty standards, ensuring a balanced and smooth cup that highlights the coffee's best characteristics. For iced coffee lovers, the Over Ice Brew is designed to maintain flavor even as the ice melts, and the Espresso Style setting mimics the concentrated richness of traditional espresso.

The machine's ability to produce consistently great-tasting coffee is largely attributed to its thoughtful engineering, including optimal brewing temperatures and times. However, individual results can vary based on factors like the coffee beans used, grind size, and personal taste preferences.

Overall, I would rate the coffee taste of the De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker a 90 out of 100. Its versatility and ability to produce high-quality coffee make it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts, though some users may have specific preferences that could affect their experience.

Temperature

The coffee temperature produced by the DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is designed to ensure optimal brewing and a satisfying drinking experience. This machine typically brews coffee at a temperature range of 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C), which is ideal for extracting the best flavors from the coffee grounds.

Brewing at the right temperature is crucial because it affects the extraction process. If the water temperature is too high, it can cause over-extraction, which may lead to a bitter flavor profile in the coffee. Conversely, if the water is too cool, it may under-extract the coffee, leading to a weak or sour flavor. The TrueBrew aims to strike the perfect balance, producing coffee that is both flavorful and aromatic.

Moreover, the machine allows for some customization in temperature settings, especially for different brew styles. This means you can enjoy your coffee at a temperature that suits your personal preference, whether you like it piping hot or at a slightly cooler temperature.

In terms of maintaining heat after brewing, the De'Longhi TrueBrew is equipped with a warming plate that keeps your coffee at an enjoyable drinking temperature without overheating it. This feature is particularly useful for those who might take longer to finish their cup.

Overall, I would rate the coffee temperature of this De'Longhi Coffee Maker an 85 out of 100. Its ability to brew at an optimal range and maintain warmth enhances the overall coffee experience, though personal preferences for temperature can vary, which might affect individual satisfaction.

Easy to Clean

The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is designed with user convenience in mind, making it relatively easy to clean. One of its standout features is the removable water reservoir, which allows for straightforward filling and cleaning. This reservoir can be easily detached and rinsed out, preventing the buildup of coffee oils and residues that can affect flavor.

Additionally, the brew basket is typically removable as well. This feature allows for quick disposal of used coffee grounds and makes it simple to wash the basket to keep it free of buildup. Many users appreciate that the brew basket is often dishwasher-safe, which further simplifies the cleaning process.

The exterior of the coffee maker can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any spills or splatters, and the warming plate is designed to be easy to clean as well. Some models also feature a cleaning cycle that can help remove mineral buildup, which is a common concern for machines that use water.

Overall, I would rate the ease of cleaning for the De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker a 75 out of 100. Its removable parts and user-friendly design make maintenance simple, allowing users to focus on enjoying their coffee rather than spending too much time on cleanup.

Value of the Money

The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is generally viewed as a strong value for money, especially considering its features and performance. Priced in the mid-range for drip coffee makers, it offers several functionalities that can justify the investment for many users.

One of the key aspects of its value is the versatility of brew styles. With options like Light, Gold, Bold, Over Ice, and Espresso, users can enjoy a variety of coffee experiences without needing multiple machines. This flexibility appeals to different taste preferences and can enhance the overall coffee-drinking experience.

Additionally, TrueBrew's ability to maintain optimal brewing temperatures and produce consistent, high-quality coffee contributes to its value. The ease of use, particularly with features like the programmable settings and intuitive controls, makes it accessible for both coffee novices and enthusiasts.

The quality of construction is another aspect that enhances its overall value. De'Longhi is known for creating durable appliances, and the TrueBrew is designed to withstand regular use while delivering great performance.

However, it's important to consider that some users may find the cleaning process a bit tedious, which can detract from the overall value. Furthermore, the machine's performance in producing iced coffee and espresso might not meet the expectations of those who prioritize those specific functions.

Overall, I would rate the value for money of the DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker an 80 out of 100. It offers a good balance of quality, versatility, and features that cater to a variety of coffee preferences, making it a worthwhile investment for many coffee lovers. However, individual preferences and expectations can influence this assessment.

Final Verdict 

The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker presents a compelling option for coffee enthusiasts seeking versatility and quality in their brewing experience. With its five distinct brew styles—Light, Gold, Bold, Over Ice, and Espresso—it caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that every user can enjoy a cup that suits their preference. The machine’s ability to maintain optimal brewing temperatures contributes to the rich and flavorful coffee it produces.

While the ease of cleaning could be improved, with some users finding it a bit tedious, the overall performance and features make it a strong contender in the market. The removable water reservoir and brew basket offer convenience, but users should be prepared for regular maintenance to keep the machine in top condition.

When it comes to value for money, TrueBrew holds its ground well. Its durable build, programmable features, and the ability to create various coffee styles justify its mid-range price point.

Overall, the De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker earns a solid rating of 8 out of 10. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate quality coffee and enjoy experimenting with different brew styles, making it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen.