Delonghi ICM2

Delonghi coffee machine delights

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The Need

Our house is very often full. I am a music teacher from home so there are pupils plus pupils' taggers on and carers; I have several teenagers of my own so multiply by 4 or 5 more taggers on; my hubby's business means lots of meetings chez nous.... most of which I am convinced are scheduled purely for coffee and cake; plus friends and family members = lots of passing trade!

I began married life with a small cafetiere, soon upgraded to a posh espresso-type beast, but found that although this provided me with my extra shot with which to start the day, it took too long to reheat between cups to keep up with visiting demand. Enter the Delonghi filter coffee jug...

Style

The coffee maker is fairly bulky and has none of the space age chrome of the coffee shop monsters. However, this also means no polishing! The whole machine is dark brown and fits sleekly into a corner without brashly drawing attention to itself. The jug is attractively rounded and the handle matches the sheer plastic of the main machine. The moulded top is distinctive and the total effect is one of deliberate style. I am pleased to leave it out on the counter top.

Mechanics

The delonghi is easy to operate. The top is hinged to reveal a permanent filter with lifting handle. This sits tightly into a conical shaped dripper which is also easily removed.

Remove the jug by lifting slightly and sliding it out. The side of the jug bears a counting scale to measure how many cups you wish to make. The limit is ten and this is a fair guess for small mugs or teacup sizes. Fill with tap water to the desired amount and then pour into the reservoir beside the filter. The outside of the reservoir also bears a measuring scale.

It is wise to fill the water reservoir before adding the coffee to the filter although I have, on a groggy morning, put coffee in first and spilled some water on top - the finished product was unaffected, but there is no device to stop the water pouring through without the jug so it could be a very messy mistake!

Close the lid, replace the jug onto the warming plate and press the "on" button.

Now wait and watch as the gorgeous smelling nectar drips obligingly and somewhat satisfyingly into the jug below!

The thermostatic warming plate keeps the jug decently hot for as long as the machine is switched on.

Cleanability

Both the filter (coffee grounds holder) and the funnel below are removable and sturdy - very easy to clean. The jug is made of glass and is described as not suitable for the dishwasher - BUT, over time we have forgotten about this and have let it journey through the wash cycle unharmed on several occasions. We do always take off the flip lid to do this and this snaps back on with ease.

A friend of mine advises to be very careful with coffee jug machines that you do not spill coffee into the water chamber as they are almost impossible to get at, but in this instance the filter is wide enough to receive the ground beans without too much risk of this.

Downers

The main drawback of this machine is the danger of pouring badly. The spout is narrow - which should be a good thing as it refines the aim. The hindrance is that if the jug is near capacity the liquid falls at great speed towards the spout and can spill out through the lid. This, though can be overcome by resting your thumb on the tab of the flip lid which raises the lid slightly and prevents this. Once one or two cups have been filled this is no longer a problem, but is just worth remembering as you head towards your posh friend who's dropped in for afternoon tea in her best dress!

Uppers

This coffee machine is stylish and well made.
The handle is sturdy and well moulded for easy grip and it is very easy to use.
The instruction booklet enclosed briefs you clearly and easily.
It is easy to clean.
It does just the one job - so less things to go wrong.
Takes only ten minutes to brew a full jug of coffee.

PLUS
The wonderful aroma of coffee hangs in the air as the steam puffs merrily through and remains as long as the hotplate simmers.

Price

At only £14.99 from Argos this is an accessible and worthwhile purchase. Mine is now a year old , used every day and is still going strong!

Anyone for a cup?
Summary: A coffee maker that makes coffee!