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Let’s be real for a second: not everyone needs a Wi-Fi-enabled, grinder-integrated, barista-grade coffee station that takes up half the kitchen counter. Sometimes, you just want a simple machine that turns water and beans into hot caffeine without requiring a manual to operate.
If you live in a dorm, a studio apartment, or just want a small coffee pot for your office desk, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker is likely on your radar. It is one of the most affordable and recognizable machines on the market. But is it too cheap? Does it make drinkable coffee, or does it taste like plastic?
I picked up this little black brewer to see if it can handle the daily grind (pun intended) or if you are better off spending a little more for something substantial.
What You Actually Get
This machine is the definition of “back to basics.” There are no clocks, no timers, and no strength settings. Here is what it offers:
- Compact Footprint: This is the main selling point. It is tiny. It tucks under low cabinets or sits on a cluttered desk without invading your space.
- The “Switch” Operation: It has one button: On/Off. There is a light to tell you it’s running. That’s it. For anyone tech-averse, this is a dream.
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause: If you are impatient (like me) and can’t wait for the brewing cycle to finish, you can pull the carafe out to pour a cup. The machine stops the flow of coffee for a few seconds so it doesn’t hiss and spit onto the hot plate.
- Lift & Clean Basket: The filter basket lifts right out, making it easy to dump wet grounds into the trash without bringing the whole machine to the sink.
Hands-On Experience: The Morning Test
I set this up in a small kitchenette area to simulate its intended habitat. Here is how it performed.
The “Cup” Math
First, a warning about coffee math. In the world of coffee makers, a “cup” is 5 ounces. A standard mug is usually 10 to 12 ounces. So, while this is called a “5-Cup” brewer, practically speaking, it fills about two large mugs. This makes it perfect for one person who needs a recharge, or a couple who each wants one small cup in the morning.
Brew Speed and Taste
I filled the reservoir to the max line. I hit the switch. The machine gurgled to life almost instantly. It is surprisingly fast, likely because it doesn’t have much water to heat. It brewed a full pot in about 5 to 6 minutes.
The taste? It was decent. It gets the water hot enough to extract flavor without burning the beans. It doesn’t have the “showerhead” dispersion technology of high-end brands, so the grounds in the center get hit harder than the sides, but for a basic cup of joe, it gets the job done. I highly recommend running two cycles of just water before your first brew to get rid of that “new plastic” smell.
The Missing Feature
There is one glaring omission you need to know about: There is no auto-shutoff. If you turn this machine on and leave for work, that hot plate stays on. It will eventually burn the leftover coffee onto the bottom of the glass carafe. You have to remember to flip the switch off manually. For the price, this is expected, but if you are forgetful, it’s a risk factor.
Pros and Cons
After using it for a week, here is the honest breakdown.
| What I Loved (Pros) | What Could Be Better (Cons) |
|---|---|
| Tiny Footprint: Fits absolutely anywhere. Great for RVs or dorms. | No Auto-Off: You must remember to turn it off, or you’ll burn the pot. |
| Fast Brewing: You get your coffee quickly because it heats small amounts efficiently. | Plastic Feel: It feels lightweight and inexpensive (because it is). |
| Simple to Clean: The basket and carafe are easy to rinse out. | Short Cord: You need to place it right next to an outlet. |
| Value: It is one of the cheapest ways to make coffee at home. | “5 Cups” is Small: Realistically serves 2 standard mugs. |
Comparison: Alternatives
If you are looking for a small coffee maker, you have a few choices. Here is how the Mr. Coffee stacks up.
| Feature | Mr. Coffee 5-Cup (This Review) | Black+Decker 5-Cup | Keurig K-Mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method ☕ | Drip (Grounds) | Drip (Grounds) | Pods (K-Cups) |
| Capacity 📏 | 25 oz (5 “Cups”) | 25 oz (5 “Cups”) | Single Serve (6-12oz) |
| Auto Shutoff 🛑 | ❌ No | ❌ No (Usually) | ✅ Yes |
| Price 💰 | Budget | Budget | Mid-Range |
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew is the Honda Civic of coffee makers. It isn’t flashy, it isn’t luxurious, but it starts every time and gets you where you need to go.
If you are a student, living in a small apartment, or just need a secondary coffee maker for your home office, this is a solid buy. It pays for itself in about a week of skipping the coffee shop. However, if you are the type of person who forgets to turn off the stove, you might want to spend a few extra dollars for a model with an auto-shutoff timer. But for pure, simple, affordable caffeine? This little machine wins.
