Chemex Ottomatic: Plastic Reservoir Or Not?

does chemex ottomatic have plastic reservoir

The Chemex Ottomatic is an automatic pour-over coffee maker that combines the convenience of a drip coffee maker with the elegance of a pour-over carafe. It features a sleek and modern design, showcasing a clear water reservoir made of plastic, with a capacity of up to 40 ounces or 8 cups. The machine offers pre-infusion, controlled water contact time, and a hot plate that automatically shuts off after 90 minutes. While the Ottomatic has received praise for its design and functionality, some users have expressed disappointment regarding the amount of plastic used in its construction.

Characteristics Values
Carafe capacity 6-cup, 8-cup, or 10-cup
Carafe material Borosilicate glass
Carafe handle Wooden collar with rawhide tie or glass handle
Reservoir capacity 40-ounce (1.2-liter) or 30-ounce
Reservoir material Plastic
Shower head material Stainless steel or aluminum
Design Sleek, modern, and timeless
Size 12 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 13" Inches High
Voltage 120V
Brewing cycle Pulsing water bath, staged brewing cycle
Brewing temperature 197.6F-204.8F
Hot plate Yes
Auto-shutoff No
Indicator light Solid red (hot plate on), blinking red (hot plate off)
Cleaning Requires regular descaling, wipe down with a damp cloth

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The Chemex Ottomatic's design

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 coffee maker has a sleek and simple design with a minimal footprint. It features a large, exposed stainless steel shower head and a clear, plastic reservoir tank with a capacity of 40 ounces (1.2 litres) or 8 cups. The machine is designed to be easy to use, with a single button to initiate the brewing cycle. It also has a "II" position that allows water to run through the machine and into the glass carafe without brewing coffee.

The Chemex Ottomatic combines the iconic Chemex pour-over carafe with an automated brewing system. The brew head pulsates with hot water to evenly wet and bloom the coffee grounds for even extraction. Once the brewing cycle is complete, the machine automatically switches to a heating element to keep the coffee warm. The machine is designed to be used with Chemex Bonded filters and requires regular descaling and cleaning to maintain optimal performance.

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 has a modern and timeless design that complements the Chemex beaker. The machine is made from a combination of plastic and stainless steel, with a clear reservoir and a large shower head. The overall design is sleek and elegant, but some users have expressed disappointment with the amount of plastic used in the machine, especially given its relatively high price tag of $349.99.

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It has a simple plug-in operation and a clear water tank with cup measurements. The machine automatically manages key brewing variables such as pre-infusion, contact time of water to coffee, and heating water to the correct temperature. It is recommended to flush the lines and rinse the glass carafe before the first use and to descale the machine regularly, especially if you have hard water. Overall, the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is a well-designed and elegant coffee maker that offers high-end performance and convenience.

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The machine's functionality

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 coffee maker is an automatic drip coffee machine that combines the elegance of Chemex's iconic pour-over carafe with the convenience of automation. The machine has a sleek and modern design, showcasing a large, exposed shower head and a clear, well-conceived reservoir with a capacity of up to 40 ounces (1.2 litres) or 8 cups. The machine is easy to use and offers a range of features that contribute to its functionality.

To begin using the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0, users should first plug the machine into a wall socket and place it on a level surface. The water tank can then be filled with cold water, with clear markings to indicate the maximum capacity. The machine should be switched on and allowed to run through the water, heating it to the optimal temperature for brewing coffee, between 197.6°F and 204.8°F. This initial cycle also serves as a way to pre-infuse the water, a key step in the brewing process.

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 offers two brewing options: hot coffee and iced coffee mode. For hot coffee, users attach the brew clip to the side of the carafe, place a Chemex filter into the neck, and add ground coffee beans. The machine recommends one scoop of medium-coarse ground coffee per 5 ounces of water, but a coffee scale can be used for more accurate measurements. Once the correct amount of coffee has been added, users switch the machine to the single-line position to initiate the brewing process.

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0's unique pulsing brew head ensures a soft, steady flow of water with interruptions, replicating the manual pour-over experience. This pulsing water bath facilitates even extraction throughout the brewing process, enhancing the flavour of the final cup. Once the brewing is complete, the machine automatically switches to the heating element, keeping the coffee warm on the hot plate without burning or compromising the flavour. The hot plate shuts off automatically after 90 minutes, ensuring the coffee stays warm for an extended period.

Overall, the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 offers a range of features that contribute to its functionality, including automatic management of key brewing variables, a well-designed reservoir, and a heating element that keeps coffee warm without sacrificing flavour. The machine's combination of sleek design and advanced brewing technology makes it a notable addition to the world of automatic drip coffee makers.

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Comparison to other coffee makers

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is an automatic pour-over coffee maker that combines the elegance of the Chemex pour-over carafe with the convenience of an automatic dripper. The machine has a sleek and timeless design, featuring a clear and well-conceived reservoir with a 40-ounce (1.2-liter) capacity, which is enough to brew an entire 8-cup carafe. The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 offers the simplicity of a one-button toggle for brewing hot or iced coffee, and its small footprint makes it easy to fit on countertops.

However, at a price of $349.99, the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is expensive compared to other coffee makers on the market, and some reviews note that the quality of the brew does not match the price. The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select, for example, costs about the same ($139.99) and has been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) for its superior brewing temperature and time. The Moccamaster is also built with premium components, ensuring durability.

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 has been criticized for its excessive use of plastic, especially given its high price. Additionally, while the machine excels in brew time consistency, it falls short in terms of water distribution, with a powerful showerhead that may lead to over-extraction in the center and under-extraction at the sides of the coffee bed. The lack of programmability and a dedicated cleaning cycle are also notable drawbacks.

Overall, the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is a stylish and convenient coffee maker, but it may not offer the best value for money when compared to other options on the market, such as the Technivorm Moccamaster.

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Cleaning and descaling

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 coffee maker requires relatively little care and attention. To keep it in optimal condition, it is recommended to wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. The glass carafe can be washed in the dishwasher, but it is recommended to rinse it with warm water and dish soap instead.

The Chemex Ottomatic will require descaling on a regular basis, depending on the hardness of the water. Descaling is recommended once every three months or every 40 brew cycles, whichever comes first. The manufacturer includes a bottle of descaling solution with the purchase, but a mix of white vinegar and water will also work.

  • Fill the water tank with water and the Chemex cleaning solution to the 8-cup level.
  • Run the brew cycle to flush the cleaning solution through the brewer.
  • After cleaning/descaling, rinse the system by running a minimum of two brew cycles using only water. Allow a 5-10 minute cooldown period between cycles.
  • Wipe the tank and hot plate with a cloth to remove any condensation or drips.

Failure to properly clean the Chemex Ottomatic may result in a void of the warranty.

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User reviews

One user review from Seattle Coffee Gear highlights the speed and capacity of the machine, noting that it can brew between 15 to 40 ounces and up to an eight-cup carafe. The review also mentions the convenience of the machine switching to a heating element after brewing to keep the coffee warm. However, the reviewer points out the absence of an auto-off function as a potential drawback for forgetful individuals.

Another review from Coffee Ness focuses on the design of the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0, describing it as "lovely to behold" and complimenting its sleek and timeless style. The reviewer expresses disappointment with the amount of plastic used in the machine, especially given its price tag. They also mention the exposed shower head and clearly marked water tank as notable features.

A user review on Home-Barista.com discusses the simplicity of the design and the tight spacing of the showerhead, which requires thorough cleaning after each use. The reviewer mentions a slight oddity where the machine spurts out the last bit of water after the brewing process, but notes that it doesn't cause any harm.

Overall, users seem impressed with the Chemex Ottomatic's design, functionality, and brewing capabilities. However, some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of an auto-off function and the presence of plastic components, have been pointed out by reviewers.

Frequently asked questions

The Chemex Ottomatic has a plastic water reservoir. The machine also features an aluminum design, with a stainless steel shower head and a glass carafe.

The Chemex Ottomatic can brew up to 40 ounces of coffee, which is the equivalent of an 8-cup carafe.

To clean and descale the Chemex Ottomatic, fill the water tank with water and the Chemex cleaning solution to the 8-cup level. Then, run the brew cycle to flush the system. After this, rinse the machine by running a minimum of two brew cycles with just water, allowing for a 5-10 minute cooldown period between cycles. Descaling should be done every 40 brew cycles or every 3 months, depending on the hardness of your water.

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