We’re reviewing the Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Coffee Maker, model DRX5-RB. Why is it that when all you want is a great coffeemaker that makes a simple cup of coffee, it seems all you can find are overpriced machines? Sure, sometimes we need more bells and whistles and sometimes, we even want the bling, whether it’s needed or not, but there are times when we want something simple and these machines do everything except brew a decent cup of coffee.
You just want a coffee maker that does what it was originally intended to do and that’s brew a delicious cup of coffee. The Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is the machine you want.
Let’s dive into the features of this coffee maker so you can decide if it’s the right one for you.
Note: The original model number for this is DRX5-NP. After doing some research, it’s been determined that the model number changes are to create new listings in Amazon but the coffee maker remains the same. The model number used in this review corresponds to the sales page on Amazon.
Features of the Mr. Coffee 4-Cup DRX5-RB.
The Basics
Type of Coffee Maker: Automatic Drip
When it comes to brewing a cup of coffee, this automatic drip machine is as easy as it gets. Add the coffee to the filter, add water to the reservoir and turn on the machine. The result is a steaming hot cup of coffee.
Type of Coffee Used: Ground Beans
This is where those little sample bags of coffee you bought on sale can be great to use. There won’t be a lot of waste and there won’t be a lot of coffee that can go stale once air gets into the bag.
Type of Filter Used: Paper/Permanent Filter (Not Included)
The filter basket is removable. This makes it very convenient whether you’re cleaning it out or adding a paper filter for a new pot of coffee. You can easily rinse it off if you’re making multiple pots of coffee throughout the day.
While the smaller filters will work, we recommend using the 8 to 12 cup standard filters.
No filters are included with your order.
Reservoir: Yes
The reservoir holds about twenty ounces of water. It has a dual-sided window that lets you see how much water you’re putting in.
The visible water line is always nice on automatic drips coffee makers because it prevents you for under or over filling with water and ruining your brew. This machine is regulated to a standard five ounce cup of coffee. That means it brews twenty ounces of java per brewing session.
This means you can fill your travel mug without having to restart the brewing process like you would on a K-cup machine. That’s always a great feature but it’s especially welcome when you’re trying to get out the door as fast as possible.
Carafe: Glass
This is a durable and cute carafe. Since this only brews about 20 ounces of coffee, it’s one of the smaller glass carafes on the market.
Number of Cups Can Brew at Once: 1-4 cups at 5 ounces each.
Most people moan about the “teeny” size of the cups. The Golden Cup standard is still five ounces and that won’t change no matter how much people scream for a Big Gulp® in the morning. As usual, if you try to brew less than two cups, it will taste watered down since the grounds don’t have time to bloom in the hot water.
Hotplate: Yes
A big advantage over Keurig machines is the ability to keep your coffee warm while you’re busy with other things. You know that once you brew a K-cup, you have to drink it quickly or it will be cold by the time you get to it. This machine lets you enjoy a hot cup of coffee when you’re ready for it.
Auto-Pause: Yes
This Mr. Coffee machine also has the always welcome Grab N’ Go feature (hey, just because we want minimalism doesn’t mean we’re barbarians). This means you can grab a cup before the machine has finished brewing without spilling it all over.
Automatic Shut-off: Yes
The Auto shutoff feature is great, too. If you’re one to get engrossed in the morning’s social media posts, you won’t worry that you forgot to shut off the machine.
It shuts off after one hour. This is certainly as long as you’d want to keep a small amount of coffee hot. Any longer and it will start to burn.
Click Here to Learn More About the Mr. Coffee 4-Cup DRX5-RB on Amazon
Single-Serve: No
This Mr. Coffee maker only uses loose grounds.
Brew Strength Options: One
It should be noted that stronger cups of coffee take longer to brew. This is usually done by letting the grounds bloom in hot water longer. Such options for a delay in the brewing time would mean more programming and a higher price tag.
Color: Black
This is a basic black coffee maker with a matte gray programming panel on the front.
Programmable: Yes
This coffee maker has a delay brew time. Set it to be ready with your coffee when you want it.
Delay Brew programming is set for one session. The clock display is the LCD type. This keeps the “glow factor” down. There’s an indicator light that shows you whether the coffee maker is in the on mode or off mode. This green LED light really can’t be missed.
Power Failure Recovery No/
Other Features of Note
The body of this Mr. Coffee maker is made from BPA free plastic.
How Easy is the Mr. Coffee 4-Cup DRX5-RB to Clean?
The glass carafe, lid and filter basket are all top-rack dishwasher safe.
Mr. Coffee recommends decalcifying the coffee maker on a “regular basis”. That usually means about once a month.
How Much Counter Space Does it Use?
The dimensions are 6.1 x 71 x 9.6 inches. This machine will only use a tiny footprint on your counter.
What the Comments Say
Praises From Reviewers
People love the simplicity of this machine. Many are converts from Keurig machines who were unhappy with K-cup waste and how quickly the coffee would get cold. The hotplate and loose grounds with the option to use a permanent filter (not included) are a big hit with these buyers.
Still others love the Grab ‘N Go system when they just can’t wait for it to finish.
The big selling point for many people is the Delay Brew programming and hotplate so that the coffee is ready and still hot when they roll out of bed.
Drawbacks to Consider
Some users have mentioned that the latch to secure the lid to the base doesn’t always function properly. I don’t know if anyone really knows who originally designed this latch but it has been a problem for at least 10 years on virtually every Mr. Coffee machine ever created.
We don’t see this as a real problem but be mindful of the hot steam and condensation that can escape while the coffee maker is running.
Our Take
The Mr. Coffee 4-Cup DRX5-RB is easy on the wallet and elevates your coffee making ritual to that of a palate pleasing experience. Leaving out all of the extra buttons give Mr. Coffee the chance to deliver your brew on-demand and it does not disappoint.
If you’re looking to make a break from coffee pods or just want a basic coffee maker that will have your coffee waiting for you when you wake up in the morning, consider this Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Coffee Maker.
Click Here to Learn More About Mr. Coffee 4-Cup DRX5-RB Coffee Maker on Amazon.
Resources for the Mr. Coffee 4-Cup DRX5 Coffee Maker
You can download the user manual here. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1p-lEzvOrL.pdf
For Help from Mr. Coffee/Sunbeam
Visit them on the web at MrCoffee.com
Call their toll free number:
U.S. 1-800-MR COFFEE (1-800-672-6333)
Canada 1-800-667-8623
