De'Longhi 14 Cup Drip Coffeemaker - Programmable Coffee Machine with Auto Shutoff, Brew Pause, Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe, and Water Filter

Product Overview

The De'Longhi DLODC514T offers a 14-cup capacity, making it one of the larger drip coffee makers available. It is made primarily from stainless steel and black plastic, with a footprint that occupies modest counter space given its capacity. The coffee maker includes a programmable timer that allows you to set brewing up to 24 hours in advance, and an automatic shut-off that can be set between 0 and 4 hours. The shower head design distributes water evenly over coffee grounds, which is said to improve extraction. A reusable nylon mesh filter is included, but some users prefer adding a paper filter for a cleaner taste. The Accuflavor selector on the front lets you choose between regular and bold brew, though one reviewer noted little difference. The carafe is made of glass with a plastic handle and a hinge-lid design that fits snugly into the machine. There is a small LED clock and timer display on the front. Reviews mention that the carafe does not drip when pouring, a positive compared to other models. However, several users report moisture buildup on the clock face after brewing, which can be wiped off but is a recurring annoyance. The machine also includes a decalcification warning light to remind you when to descale, extending its life. Brewing a full pot takes approximately 25-30 minutes, which is slower than some competitors. The warming plate keeps coffee hot for two hours from the start of brewing, leaving about 90 minutes after the pot is full since the brew cycle takes about half an hour. This is shorter than the typical four-hour keep-warm period found on many machines. Overall, the DLODC514T delivers good-tasting coffee at a reasonable price, but some design and durability concerns are worth noting.

Build & Materials

The De'Longhi DLODC514T combines a stainless steel body with black plastic accents. The build is decent for its price point, though some reviewers note that the plastic components, particularly the spring-loaded mechanism in the brew basket, feel flimsy. One user reported that the small washer holding the mechanism disintegrated within a month, causing spillage. However, many others found the construction reliable, especially the hefty glass carafe which is reported to pour cleanly without drips.

The control panel is straightforward, with buttons for timer, auto shut-off, and brew strength. The LED clock display is small and susceptible to moisture condensation from the steam of the brewing process. This is a known quirk; reviewers simply wipe it dry. The carafe fits snugly into the machine, and the lid design helps keep heat in. Overall, the aesthetics are clean and understated, suiting most kitchen decors.

Shot Quality

The DLODC514T produces a consistently hot and flavorful cup of coffee, according to most reviewers. Users praised the taste, especially those using quality beans. The shower head design likely contributes to even extraction. However, the brew time for a full pot is around 25-30 minutes, which is longer than average. Some users found this inconvenient, as the keep-warm function only lasts two hours from the start of brewing, meaning coffee begins to cool sooner than expected.

The Accuflavor selector did not make a significant impact in one reviewer's test, but others appreciated having the option. The warming plate keeps coffee hot for a shorter period compared to competitors, which may be a downside for those who sip slowly. Leaking issues were reported by a few users, particularly around the carafe spout area and the brew basket mechanism. These seem to be unit-specific quality control issues rather than design flaws. Overall, the coffee quality is good, but the machine has some time and durability trade-offs.