Best Delonghi Distinta ICMI 211 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020:
Launched at around a hundred euros, the Delonghi Distinta ICMI 211 is a mid-range filter coffee maker, which relies mainly on its neat aesthetics to stand out from the competition. This machine indeed wears a matt metal dress that does not go unnoticed.
Presentation
Under the name of Distinta, Delonghi markets a set of household appliances dedicated to breakfast: kettle, toaster, espresso coffee maker and filter coffee maker. The Distinta filter coffee maker is available in several colors, all metallic: white, black, brown or copper; it is this latest version (referenced ICMI 211) that we received at the test laboratory. This machine mainly plays the card of favorite design, by the quality of the metallic finishes and the original matt colors. On the other hand, it only offers very conventional functions, since this machine is not programmable, does not carry a grain grinder or even an insulated jug. It only has an aroma selector (“AROMA” function) which plays on the speed of infusion to vary the aromatic strength of the coffee. Are the Distinta’s services up to its pace?
Best Delonghi Distinta ICMI 211 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals & Sales 2020
1. Distinta collection Drip coffee maker ICMI011J-CP (Style Copper)
2. Distinta collection Drip coffee maker ICMI011J-W (Pure White)
3. Delonghi EC680M Dedica 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel
4. DeLonghi ECAM22110SB Compact Automatic Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso Machine
5. DeLonghi BCO430 Combination Pump Espresso and 10-cup Drip Coffee Machine with Frothing Wand, Silver and Black
Convenience of use
From the first glance, the effect is successful since the Distinta ICMI 211 stands out both by its square shape. But also by its matt metal coating enhanced with a shiny cover. It is a matter of taste, of course, but at the time of writing the appearance of the machine has had its small effect. Whether the aesthetic bias pleases or not, one can only appreciate the quality of the finishes and the impression of robustness that emerges from the Distinta.
The chrome keys contribute to the high-end appearance of the machine: they are found on the control panel, at the bottom of the machine, around the edge of the gauge and even a border on the handle of the jug. Note that this machine does not have a cord organizer. This absence is not dramatic, but given the efforts conceded by Delonghi as to the design of his machine, it would have been welcome to hide the excess cable.
The square shape may surprise, but the Distinta is not particularly bulky, or even rather compact.
We instinctively open the hood to fill the tank without asking too many questions. The machine makes it possible to prepare ten cups if the tank is completely filled (it contains 1.25 l).
As a benchmark, the glass jug is graduated, as is the container. A transparent gauge is discreetly positioned on the right wall of the machine, so that you can assess the amount of water, without disfiguring the lines of the machine. On the other hand, whether we talk about the jug or the tank, the graduation is simple and not double, as some coffee makers offer.
Easy maintenance
It was feared that the chrome parts retain fingerprints – and this is indeed the case. However, the Delonghi Distinta ICMI 211 has been designed to be used without touching these dirty areas. The hood features a kind of small lug that allows it to be opened and closed without putting your hands on the chrome surface. As for the control panel, its square buttons are large enough to control the machine without dirtying the shiny surface.
The filter holder does not pivot, however, like the permanent filter, it is removable, which allows to fill it, but also to clean it very easily.
As for the carafe, its spout is practical and efficient for serving coffee; the drink does not drip on the side. Its opening is also wide enough to pass the hand for washing. On the other hand, we regret that its cover is not removable, which would have made washing it a little easier, but above all its drying.
The Distinta does not have an indicator light indicating that descaling is necessary; the user should remember to do so, approximately every 60 cycles, according to Delonghi’s advice. The manufacturer still provided his machine with a cylindrical filter to be installed in the tank. This accessory limits the passage of scale in the circuits, but does not dispense with descaling operations.
The instructions for use of the Distinta do not give any indication authorizing the passage of the accessories to the dishwasher (jug, spoon, permanent filter …). Since machine washing tends to whitewash and weaken plastic materials, we recommend washing by hand instead.
Finally, the drip stop is very effective. When the jug is removed; even in the middle of brewing coffee, not a drop escapes on the heating plate.
Coffee temperature
During extraction, the temperature of the water flowing over the grind must be between 92 ° C and 96 ° C to extract all the aromas from the coffee. The thermal probes placed in the Distinta’s filter detected much lower temperatures: between 85 ° C and 90 ° C. Such a temperature is disappointing; it does not allow an optimal extraction of aromas. We had already made the same observation during our test of the Delonghi 15750 .
We carried out another series of measurements by activating the “AROMA” function. This does not do any better: the infusion is longer but it takes place at similar temperatures.
Once in the jug, the coffee must be kept between 80 ° C and 85 ° C, in order to taste it between 60 ° C and 65 ° C. On this point, the Delonghi Distinta ICMI 211 is doing better. Since at the end of the brew, the coffee in the jug is at a temperature of 82 ° C. More than effective, the keep warm function tends to increase the temperature of the coffee (which is undoubtedly linked to a heating plate which heats too much): after 5 min, it goes to 82, 7 ° C, 85.6 ° C after 15 min and after 30 min, the temperature is higher than that expected of 86.7 ° C.
We are not convinced by the keep warm functions which increase the temperature of the coffee. We had penalized the Melitta Enjoy for this reason, believing that it risked causing a “caramelization” of the coffee, bringing out the bitter aromas.
Consumption
For the preparation of a liter of coffee as well as 40 minutes of keeping warm, the Delonghi Distinta. ICMI 211 consumes 0.157 kWh. With such a consumption measure, it is one of the most gourmet coffee makers in our comparison. For example, for comparison, the Delonghi ICM 15750 consumes only 0.098 kWh. This difference is not surprising, since the last machine mentioned does not have a keep warm function. It is this function – which also lasts 40 minutes when the duration of keeping other glass jugs warm is only 30 minutes (and 5 minutes maximum when the machine is equipped with an insulated jug ) – which increases consumption.
This consumption generates an annual cost of electricity of € 8.60 (at the rate of 7 coffee makers of 1 l prepared per week).
Our advice to limit consumption: if you plan to consume coffee immediately after its preparation. Do not hesitate to stop keeping it warm by pressing the on / off button again, possibly stopping it after one fifteen minutes.
CONCLUSION
The first glance is flattering: the combination of the square shape, the matte metallic dress and this original color is of the most beautiful effect. Delonghi was able to avoid the pitfall of a beautiful but painful machine to clean. Since the manufacturer has everything planned so that the Distinta ICMI 211 is handled without leaving fingerprints everywhere.
Too bad, we could have accommodated a little high power consumption, but not a disappointing coffee preparation. During the extraction, the temperature is not high enough to extract the aromas from the coffee. And if you use its keep warm function, the rise in temperature may slightly caramelize the drink.
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