At first, the excitement of owning a heavy-duty coffee machine seems like a good idea. But, they can be a hassle to maintain. From cleaning up portafilters to replacing filter baskets and wiping down milk frothing wands and jugs, I reached the point one morning where I’d just grab the instant coffee for a quick fix to save myself the hassle. If that seems like you too, I’ve put together this Braun Coffee Maker review to introduce you to a drip coffee machine that is a dream to operate.
- Braun’s innovative pure flavor system
- Carafe lid seals in the fresh flavor by minimizing air exposure
- Digital control panel buttons
- Regular or bold strength function
- Fully automatic 24-hour programmable timer
Quick Braun BrewSense Coffee Maker Review
The Braun BrewSense drip coffee maker is a German-made coffee machine. It delivers specialty third-wave coffee using exceptional brewing methods and optimal extraction processes. Using PureFlavor technology, the device ensures that your coffee is made at the right temperature and brewing time for precise flavor, richness, and aroma extraction.
The best part is that the BrewSense coffee maker is one of the most compact drip coffee makers on the market today.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 14.2-inches
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: 2-Year Limited Warranty
What’s Included
- Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker, Model KF7170SI
- Gold-Tone Permanent Filter Basket
- Charcoal Water Filter
- 24-Hour Programmable Timer
- Water Level Indicator
- 12-Cup Water Reservoir
- 12-Cup Glass Carafe
BrewSense Coffee Maker Features and Benefits
Features
A little different from most other coffee makers, the Braun BrewSense uses a built-in water level indicator to inform you of its water levels. It displays this via a tiny LCD screen. This is possible because of its in-built water tank construction instead of the typical removable tank that most other drip coffee makers use. The feature works well for the kind of coffee machine the BrewSense is.
This leads us to the following notable feature of the BrewSense drip coffee maker: the sophisticated yet straightforward control panel and interface.
With ten buttons jam-packed into an otherwise compact machine, everyone has a brewing option. It doesn’t matter what kind of brew strength or cup size you are after. For example, using the 1-4 button, you can brew a single cup of coffee for any size between a small cup to a large travel mug. This works up to a maximum of 4 cups.
I’ve never been one to use this feature, but the 24-hour programmable timer is sure to be a life-saver for many coffee lovers out there. Using the auto-on coupled with the set buttons, you can automatically set the exact time for your machine to start brewing coffee. Yes, that means waking up to the smell of fresh coffee every morning without you having to lift a finger.
I also usually don’t make a big deal out of the carafe that comes with coffee machines, but this one is an exception. The Braun Brew Sense coffee maker features a glass carafe with a wonderous anti-drip system featured in the lid’s design. The result is a mess-free solution to holding your coffee. In addition, it eliminates the need for careful pouring each time you serve your guests (or yourself, for that matter!).
Benefits
Naturally, it takes more than quantity to ensure a delicious coffee worthy of your time. So the BrewSense puts extra care into its brewing process by incorporating a gold-tone reusable filter that optimizes the taste of your coffee in several ways.
First, by allowing the liquid to retain the essential oils of the coffee grounds. This way, you are left with a delicious cup of coffee that retains all of its natural flavor and aroma. It does this while keeping out any nasty bits of ground coffee solids from spoiling the fun. You also won’t need to waste time, money, and effort constantly replacing it as you do with paper filters. This feature is highly appealing to all kinds of coffee connoisseurs!
Of course, you can also use the brew button to brew up a full fresh pot of coffee too. Just make sure the reservoir and brew basket are full of their respective water and coffee elements.
Complete with an ergonomic handle and a set of measurement labels printed onto the carafe, you can easily brew up just the right amount. You can even ensure that everyone gets an equal cup should you have the honorary role of “coffee-pourer” at your next gathering.
The best part is you can also customize the exact brew size and strength you desire for your precisely-timed coffee cup. Just make sure the brew basket contains coffee, and the water tank is filled before leaving your machine to brew at the appointed time.
Design and Aesthetics
My favorite part about the BrewSense coffee maker is the sleek and stylish look. Its shiny silver stainless steel finish complements its rebellious compact design well. It’s like a perfect miniature phone booth with its rectangular construction. It’s free of any parts sticking out that may hinder its ability to be stored in a tight counter space spot in your kitchen.
The control panel is also super-straightforward. I would honestly describe this machine as a “what you see is what you get” kind of deal. While it may not come with anything super flashy or eye-catching, you also won’t get any unwanted surprises. Likewise, the BrewSense drip coffee maker has no unexpected maintenance tasks.
The glass thermal carafe accompanying this machine should not be underestimated. When you purchase this product, remember that you are investing in a state-of-the-art carafe that takes pouring to the next level. While the coffee machine itself does not have a specific “keep warm setting,” you will find it easy to keep your coffee warm with the carafe alone, not to mention the warming plate provided.
Going back to the carafe, you are getting a sturdy glass pot that comes with a lid boasting an anti-drip system for effortless, spill-free pouring. It also comes with an ergonomic handle with a firm grip and a button to easily open the lid.
Ease of Use
There’s no doubt that the BrewSense coffee maker is among the most straightforward designs among the entire range of Braun coffee makers. There are no dials, no hidden switches, or “secret techniques” to using some of the machine’s features. Instead, there is just a simple array of buttons lined up horizontally underneath a helpful LCD screen.
Once you’ve filled this machine with water and coffee, the rest comes easy and quite literally comes down to the push of a button for an on-the-spot coffee. Not only is the BrewSense easy to use and a breeze to clean. In fact, the machine itself can quickly get away with a simple wipe-down and a periodic descaling session.
As long as you keep the gold-tone filter and carafe clean (which can be done with a dishwasher), then there really isn’t much else to do!
Taste
Making freshly brewed coffee has never been easier. The BrewSense drip coffee maker allows you to get third-wave coffee quickly at the mere push of a button. In addition, its gold-tone filter enhances the taste and richness by retaining the coffee beans’ natural oils, another aspect that elevates the taste of this machine’s brews to new heights.
Yes, I’m talking about the charcoal filter that comes built-in as part of the water reservoir. This little miracle maker can turn tap water into clean, purified water to not get any overwhelming “heavy” water taste. At the end of the day, we only need the water to extract the coffee. We certainly don’t want to be drinking coffee-flavored water instead of a real cup of coffee, now do we?
Time To Brew
Braun’s PureFlavor technology not only brews your coffee at the perfect temperature but also at the optimal time to maximize the results of the water and coffee interaction. It prolongs the contact time as needed and extracts the flavor without leaving anything behind. Whether you choose to brew immediately or prefer to set a timer for a specific brew time, the BrewSense coffee maker makes your coffee in a matter of minutes.
You can save even more time by letting your machine turn off automatically through its auto-shut-off feature. It saves you time in the morning and your household electricity and carbon footprint through its energy-efficient application.
Other Features
I’ve mentioned the LCD digital display before, but I have yet to discuss the awesome LED light that emits from the interface. Not only can you easily track and monitor your perfect brew using this screen, but you can also set the clock and keep an eye on the time with the provided illuminated digital clock on-screen.
Even if you aren’t brewing coffee at the moment, this machine is essentially a free digital clock that can rest nicely in your kitchen and is bright enough to read from a distance.
What we like about the Braun BrewSense Coffee Maker
My favorite thing about the Braun BrewSense drip coffee maker comes from a design and aesthetics perspective. The compact and lightweight design of the machine is quite ground-breaking when you consider what it can do. In addition, its reservoir is built-in, and there aren’t any outstanding parts that obstruct the spatial surroundings of the coffee maker.
This excellent drip coffee machine delivers perfect coffee from the first cup to a full pot. It’s just a pleasure to have it in the corner of your kitchen counter space. To complement the simple construction of this machine is a simple control panel that is super straightforward.
And yet, it is pretty darn versatile in its ability to customize brew sizes, strengths, and even the time of your coffee pouring venture. I don’t want to end up writing another essay about how much I adore the top-tier carafe this machine comes with. So, I’ll just say that the carafe is a major contributing factor to what makes this coffee maker so amazing!
What the Braun BrewSense Coffee Maker could improve on
Pros:
- PureFlavor technology achieves the perfect brewing temperature and timing of interaction, so you get the best out of your coffee grounds.
- Gold-tone filter is reusable, so you don’t need to bother with replacing paper filters and also results in more delicious coffee via retainment of the essential coffee bean oils.
- Customizable brew strength and sizes based on how many cups you wish to brew with the capacity to brew enough coffee for a full pot’s worth.
- Excellent glass carafe that has a secure, anti-drip system lid. It enables easy pouring and prevents air exposure from compromising your coffee’s flavor and temperature.
- Braun’s 2-year limited product warranty allows you to return your machine for any defects related to material quality or manufacturing outcomes.
Cons:
- No espresso options.
- Not compatible with K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, or pods.
How do you use a Braun BrewSense coffee maker?
Using your Braun BrewSense drip coffee maker is as simple as it looks. The following step-by-step guide helps you brew your first cup of coffee error-free and with ease:
- Plugin your machine and turn the machine on using the power button.
- Open the brew basket and insert your desired level of coffee grounds into the gold-tone filter.
- Fill the water reservoir to your desired levels using the water indicator on the LCD screen.
- Place your cup on the warm plate and select your brew size using the 1-4 button.
- Next, select your brew strength level by toggling between the options using the strength button.
- Once your parameters are set and ready to go, press brew.
- Wait until the machine stops dispensing. Done! Your cup of deliciously brewed coffee is ready to drink!
How do you clean a Braun BrewSense?
The following step-by-step guide gives a basic tutorial on cleaning your Braun BrewSense machine:
- First, remove the gold-tone filter and glass carafe from the machine.
- Next, use a dishwasher or handwash these components under the sink.
- Leave out to dry as you commence cleaning the actual machine.
- Prepare a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe down the machine’s exterior, including the control panel and digital LCD interface (use a spray n’ wipe as preferred).
- Leave the machine to dry or use a dry cloth to accelerate the process.
- Return the removable components to their rightful positions.
- Ensure the machine is completely dry before commencing your next brew!
How do you descale a Braun BrewSense?
Descaling your Braun BrewSense can be done by following the steps:
- First, fill the water reservoir with about 20 oz of white vinegar or equivalent descale solution.
- Press the clean button to put the machine into the correct mode.
- Once the green light is on, you are ready to descale your machine.
- Place the carafe or equivalent large container under the dispenser.
- Press the brew button to commence the machine’s cleaning cycle.
- Repeat the process using fresh water to give the machine a proper rinse (note: you will need to press the clean button again as this will turn off after the first cycle).
- Clean out your carafe under the sink or with a dishwasher and return it back in position for the next brew!
Who Should Buy This Braun Coffee Maker?
The Braun coffee maker suits anyone who may not necessarily be after the best coffee maker in the world, but something simple and effective that could well be the best machine for their own needs. This means adhering to the compact, lightweight design of the machine. It also means accepting its simplicity in design that makes brewing a coffee super intuitive and straightforward (no disruptive portafilters or steam wands).
So that you can access excellent third-wave coffee at the push of a button. If you are bothered by the constant maintenance and cleaning of big bulky machines and, like me, even resorted to going back to instant coffee, then this machine may be the answer you’re looking for.
Braun BrewSense Coffee Maker FAQ
Is Braun a good brand of coffee maker?
Braun sports an excellent range of top coffee makers that put you in command of the brew cycle from the coffee grinds to that ecstatic first sip. As a reputable brand of kitchen appliances for just over a century, Braun has established itself as an exceptional company that guarantees customer satisfaction across its entire product range.
Can BrewSense make iced coffees?
No, the BrewSense is designed to make regular coffee from single cups to full carafes worth. You may opt to make iced coffee using your recipes and toggling the brew size, but there is no guarantee of quality in taste and flavor for iced beverages.
Can the Braun BrewSense make cappuccino and espresso?
No. The Braun BrewSense does not come with a milk frother nor does it make espresso shots, so the quick answer to this question would be no. However, you can adjust the brew size to mimic an espresso shot by increasing the strength and reducing the size, then topping it up with your choice of milk for a cappuccino look-alike.
Can you use a paper filter with a Braun coffee maker?
Absolutely! Many customers opt to use the paper filter of their choice to brew their morning coffee. However, for best results and third-wave coffee, use the gold-tone filter to enhance the coffee’s flavor and richness by retaining the coffee beans’ natural oils.
Braun BrewSense Coffee Maker Review Summary
All things considered, the BrewSense is a semi-automatic coffee maker that can brew coffee in a matter of minutes to an exceptional level. You can keep your coffee hot and fresh long after brewing it using its hot plate. In addition, it ensures coffee quality is of a third-wave standard using a gold-tone filter and precise water-heating mechanisms.
As I’ve mentioned time and time again, it’s the compact, simple design coupled with the inclusion of that excellent carafe that makes this coffee maker a winner for me.
Rated 4.6-stars on Amazon reviews by almost 2,000 global customers, it goes without saying that this machine delivers results. It brings joy to people worldwide, no matter what kind of coffee drinker they may be. What separates this Braun model from others in its range is the sheer simplicity of design. It may also have underestimated functionality in terms of setting brew times, sizes, and strengths. These are built to suit you and your loved ones’ coffee needs and overall lifestyle.
Highly regarded for its quality stainless steel material, exceptional flavor, and precise temperature control, there is plenty to be excited about with the Braun BrewSense coffee maker. See what the people are saying about this awesome coffee-making genie using the link to Amazon’s review page down below!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FUGGBWE#customerReviews
Check out the Braun MultiServe Coffee Maker Review for more Braun coffee makers
