ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Specifications
Performance Comparison
Brewing Quality
Combining pour over and drip brew technology, the KitchenAid Pour Over Coffee Maker is designed to maximize flavor extraction. We confirmed that it brews within the optimal temperature range according to the SCAA, but during our test, it took slightly longer to brew than the SCAA's recommended 4 - 8 minutes. The machine beeped to indicate a complete cycle at around 11 minutes, and it took another 2 minutes for all the coffee to drain through the cone shaped brew basket. However, the pre-infusion step may have been a contributing factor to the longer brew time. Immediately after brewing, the temperature of the coffee in the carafe was 180°F, and after an hour it was down to 162°F. We thought this was a significant temperature loss considering the warming plate, but at least we knew that the coffee's flavor wasn't going to be compromised by continuing to "cook" on the plate.
The KCM0801 reached an optimal brewing temperature of 199°F.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Taste Test Results
The KitchenAid Pour Over Coffee Maker came in 5th out of 10 machines in our blind taste test. We asked 31 coffee drinkers to rate samples of black coffee on overall taste, flavor, body, acidity, and color. The KCM0801 ranked highest of any machine in both body and color. It received its lowest marks for acidity. Although it was the lowest ranked SCAA certified home brewer in our taste test, we still felt like it brewed a tasty cup of coffee. To learn more about how we tested the KitchenAid against other coffee makers, please read our How We Test section.
Getting ready for some coffee!
Credit: Mary Griffin
Design Quality
The overall feel of the KitchenAid Pour Over Coffee Maker is a bit "plasticy." Although we liked the look of the design, we didn't feel like the machine was constructed with the highest quality material. We are also partial to the look and function of a thermal carafe. That being said, the glass carafe pours well and doesn't leak.
This SCAA certified home brewer utilizes glass carafe and warming plate technology.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Ease of Set Up and Clean Up
The KCM0801 is intuitive to set up, as it is the familiar automatic drip brewer with glass carafe system. Filling the water tank can be tricky due to the small opening, but the water level measurements are clearly marked. The removable parts, including the carafe and brew basket, are top-rack dishwasher safe.
We found that the water reservoir was difficult to fill.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Bonus Features
The KitchenAid KCM0801 isn't programmable. It does feature a "progress indicator light" that lets you know where in the brew cycle the machine is, and it beeps when the brew cycle is complete. We thought the 1-hour warming window was a little short, but we do really like the fact that it turns off automatically. If you want the KitchenAid brand, this technology, and a machine that you can program, you can pay a little more for the KCM0802.
The KCM0801 features indicator lights to let you know where in the brew cycle you are.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Best Uses
The KCM0801 is excellent for daily brewing and ideal for people who want a classic glass carafe and heating plate system.
Value
At $170, the KitchenAid KCM0801 is a more affordable SCAA certified brewer, and we thought it was an okay value considering it comes with a 1-year full warranty.
Conclusion
The KitchenAid Pour Over Coffee Maker is the perfect choice for people who want an SCAA certified brewer but prefer the glass carafe look and functionality. Notable drawbacks are the lack of programmability, the small water tank opening, and the one-hour limit on the warming plate. For a little more money, you can get it all (meaning programmability and a thermal carafe too) in the OXO On Barista Brain. For more information about our award winners and other machines we tested, please visit our Coffee Maker Overview.
Alternatives
OXO On Barista Brain
- $200
- SCAA Certified Home Brewer
- Programmable
Bonavita BV1900TS
- $190
- SCAA Certified Home Brewer
- Manual Operation
- Editor's Choice Award Winner
Technivorm Moccamaster Thermal KBGT 741
- $340
- SCAA Certified Home Brewer
- Manual Operation
- Overall Award Winner
We suggest that you check out our Buying Advice for Coffee Makers to get an idea for what machine will best suit your needs.
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