The Bottom Line
Very similar to the KitchenAid KCM0802, this model has a few difference that are worth mentioning. And it only comes in Onyx Black (at the time of this writing) which probably isn’t that big of a deal because, honestly, what really counts is how the coffee tastes.
KitchenAid KCM0801OB Pour Over Coffee Brewer, Onyx Black available on Amazon
And this KitchenAid Pour Over 0801 does a pretty good job on the flavor of the coffee it brews.
The idea for this KitchenAid model came with the thought that we should be able to automate the system that is used for human-made pour overs.
And if you believe that the process of brewing coffee is more of a science than an art, then you’ll likely be pretty happy with the end result of this brewer. Plus, it’s cheaper than hiring a personal barista for your kitchen every morning.
At a Glance
- One Touch Brewing
- Optimal Water temperature between 198 and 204ºF
- Progress Indicator Lights
- Removable Brew Basket
- 8-cup glass carafe
- Hot plate to keep coffee warm for up to an hour
- SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) certified
- 1 year replacement warranty from KitchenAid
Dimensions
Height: 15.1 inches
Width: 8.7 inches
Depth: 11.3 inches
Weight: 7 pounds (9.8 pounds shipping weight)
Pros
Optimal Brewing Temperature: Heats the water to between 198 and 204ºF, which is the perfect heat range for freshly brewed coffee.
Progress Bar: Indicator lights allow you to see the progress of the brewing process as it is happening. Phases include heating, blooming, brewing, and steeping.
Water Pulsation: Mimicking the way a barista would make a pour over, this KitchenAid model pulses the hot water through the machine in intervals rather than a steady flow. This allows the grounds to bloom without becoming over-soaked (and therefore bitter).
Cons
Mostly Plastic: Not much durability comes along with this little coffee brewer as it is made almost completely of plastic.
Not programmable: This may or may not be a con. If you value flavor over convenience, then you’ll want to freshly grind your beans immediately prior to brewing, rendering the programmable feature useless.
But if you’re the person who wants your coffee pot to start brewing for you in the morning, then this might be a deal-breaker. KitchenAid’s KCM0802 model is programmable, and also a bit more expensive.
Water reservoir issues: The design of this model makes it difficult to neatly pour the water from the carafe into the reservoir prior to making coffee so things can get a bit damp. Also, it is difficult to see into the water reservoir to determine how much water is in there already.
Carafe design: A little bit drippy, so you have to be extremely cautious with the way that you pour your coffee—slowly and carefully. Also, the handle is rather close to the carafe so that those with larger hands are likely to burn their fingers.
Warmer has no off switch: There is no option for turning off the warmer unless you unplug the machine, which can be wasteful of electricity if you know that you are finished with your coffee.
Comparison to Similar Products
Most closely compared to its cousin, the KitchenAid KCM0802, this model has fewer features but also costs less.
The only significant difference between the two is the programming features. So if comparing between the 0801 and 0802, and you don’t need anything fancy, go with this one and save some cash.
When compared with other brands this model is one of the most affordable, but also is not as likely to stand up to the test of time.
Conclusion
It’s an okay brewer for the price and makes a pretty good cup of coffee, but my recommendation is that you throw in a few more bucks and get a machine that will hold up well.
Foodal's Rating
- Build Quality
- Temperature Control / 200 Degree Brewing
- Water Dispersion
- Ergonomics
- Advance Features
- Value
Summary
The plastic construction and some design flaws make it difficult to use. So even though it does brew a good cup of coffee, you could certainly do better for the price. The “you get what you pay for” adage may ring excessively true in this case.
Check prices and read customer reviews and comments on Amazon now!
We’d recommend the Bonavita 8 Cup Model BV1900TS or the Behmor Brazen Plus once your start getting serious about your coffee.
Also we have a compiled a huge drip coffee maker buying guide with specific recommendations that you should check out. Or you can jump straight to all of our reviews.
About Julie Workman
As a freelance writer for over 15 years, Julie Workman has been published in various magazines, books, and online media. She holds a college degree in Home Economics which she uses every day in overseeing her household and making her home a happy place for her family.
We bought the KCM0801 in August/2016. We wanted a simple on/off maker that needed no programming because of power surges/outages. It is simple that way, but I am not really impressed with it. The coffee basket small for the 4 basket so I have to cut off about 1/3″ off the paper filter. I bought a standard cleanable filter but it was too large. Would I buy it again; probably not because it was MORE expensive than other makers that had a conventional size basket. The DESIGN of the maker makes it look like it is a large capacity.