When my trusty Keurig finally gave up after years of service, I wasn’t expecting to find a machine that would make me genuinely excited about my morning coffee routine. But after analyzing more than 50 verified owner reviews of the De’Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker with Built-In Grinder, I’m convinced this machine has fundamentally changed how thousands of coffee lovers experience their daily brew. With a near-perfect 5-star rating across major retailers and owners raving about freshly ground beans transforming their mornings, the TrueBrew has positioned itself as the ultimate upgrade from pod-based machines. Here’s what real owners have to say.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Numbers | CAM51025MB (True Brew), CAM51035M (True Brew with Carafe) |
| Grinder Type | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 9 oz (250g) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 60 oz (1.8L) removable |
| Brew Sizes | 3 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, 24 oz (single serve) + 40 oz carafe |
| Brew Styles | Light, Gold, Bold, Espresso-style, Over Ice |
| Temperature Settings | 3 adjustable levels |
| Technology | Bean Extract Technology, SCA Certified |
| Coffee Options | Whole beans or pre-ground coffee |
| Dimensions | Approximately 10″ W x 15″ D x 16″ H |
| Carafe (with Carafe model) | 40 oz insulated stainless steel thermal carafe |
| Special Features | Programmable timer, auto shut-off, self-cleaning rinse cycle |
| Retail Price | $399-$599 depending on model and retailer |
What Real Owners Love About the De’Longhi TrueBrew
The consensus from dozens of verified purchasers centers on four core strengths: exceptional coffee quality from freshly ground beans, remarkable convenience for daily use, easy maintenance that takes minutes, and versatility that accommodates different preferences. According to reviews collected from Amazon, where this model maintains an outstanding rating, customers consistently praise these qualities.
Coffee Quality That Transforms Your Morning
The single most repeated theme across reviews is how dramatically the freshly ground beans improve coffee taste compared to K-cups and pre-ground alternatives. Winnie Yang, who upgraded from a Keurig with the reusable insert for freshly ground coffee, wrote: “Great cup of coffee using quality beans. Best decision to upgrade from our trusty Keurig. Extremely economical for minimal coffee usage with full flavor from brew head extraction.”
According to Tom’s Guide, the TrueBrew’s built-in burr grinder ensures “coffee always tastes better when it’s made from freshly ground beans,” delivering flavor that pod systems simply cannot match. Their testing confirmed the machine produces neither burnt nor bitter coffee when using decent beans.
Dan Young, who previously owned a $1,200 Keurig setup, offered a particularly compelling perspective: “This is far better than my previous $1200 Keurig. Easy to use. Love that my Yetti and my wife’s Stanley fit in it. Easy maintenance and clean up. Best part… The amazing coffee! I like bold hot coffee. It hits every mark.”
PAUL LOUIS summed up what many owners experience: “Once you use a coffee pot that grinds the beans for your coffee it’s hard to drink anything else.”
The Built-In Grinder: Set It and Forget It
The integrated conical burr grinder eliminates the need for a separate grinder while ensuring maximum freshness. According to TechRadar, making coffee with this machine “is incredibly streamlined” thanks to the automated grinding process that doses the correct amount for each brew size.
.com Fan praised the integration: “Easy to use, bean grinder is fantastic, multiple settings and drink sizes.” Sarah brothers went further: “Best coffee machine hands down!!! Whole bean coffee is a game changer. Worth the investment and easy to set up.”
John Arbor, who has owned three De’Longhi products, provided detailed insight: “The visible hopper is great too, I can now quickly see when it’s getting low and needs a refill. The build quality of the machine is fantastic and just what I would expect from De’Longhi.”
gadgetfreak, who previously felt grinding their own coffee wasn’t worth the hassle, experienced a transformation: “I have never felt like it was worth the time or counter space to grind my own coffee beans. This machine does the grinding for me, right before the coffee is brewed, so there is no extra effort for me and nothing extra to store. It really does make a difference!”
Maintenance That Takes Minutes, Not Hours
Perhaps the most surprising revelation from owner reviews is how simple the maintenance routine is—directly contradicting some early concerns about grind-and-brew machines. According to Top Ten Reviews, the machine earned high marks for its self-cleaning functionality where “the machine automatically discards the used grounds into a puck bin.”
bhalf57, after two weeks of use with 4-6 cups per morning, detailed the routine: “I spend 5 minutes to rinse out the two containers that catch the coffee grounds and rinse water. After 7 days I also pull the diffuser out and rinse it off. I’d rate maintaining this machine as being very easy.”
Amazon Customer directly addressed cleaning concerns: “And for the complaints I’ve read about how difficult it is to clean, that’s nonsense. It takes 30 seconds to rinse out the containers and dump the grinds! Well worth it for the quality of the cup of coffee this machine produces.”
KV reported an even easier experience: “We drink 2 8oz cups a day and clean this out every 4-5 days. It is very simple to pull out the bottom compartment to get inside the machine for throwing away these trays. There is no mess everywhere like in many reviews mentioned.”
Versatility for Every Coffee Preference
The TrueBrew accommodates a wide range of preferences with its multiple brew sizes, strength settings, and temperature controls. According to Best Products, this versatility makes it “perfect for a family or couple that may have different preferences for each cup.”
Bansil highlighted this perfectly: “Great coffee maker. I like the bold and wife likes the lighter settings.” Asia echoed this: “Very heavy and sturdy coffee machine. A little bigger than I expected but coffee is delicious. So many options and sizes to choose.”
The iced coffee function earns particular praise. Jan, who wanted an eco-friendly alternative to K-cups, noted: “There’s an iced coffee setting that brews a more concentrated shot directly over ice, so it doesn’t taste watered down.” SummerDaze confirmed: “It is also incredibly easy to brew iced coffee—it isn’t cold brew, but rather a very concentrated brew that I have pulled over ice and then add more ice. Absolutely amazing.”
John Arbor appreciated the carafe option: “I also want to express my love for the included coffee carafe. I love it! I can brew 40oz of coffee for iced, and the carafe never gets hot on the outside, yet leaves the coffee inside hot for hours.”
Auto Shut-Off and Programmable Timer
The convenience features earn consistent praise from busy households. michelle lakhwan appreciated the automation: “Easy to clean and love the auto shut off. I RECOMMEND THIS MACHINE TO THE COFFEE LOVERS.”
TechieFam found the timer feature valuable: “It even has an iced coffee setting, where it brews the coffee extra strong and you put it right into the ice. Some of the ice melts, and you end up with just the right strength. So many options!”
Common Complaints and Concerns
No coffee maker is perfect, and analyzing owner feedback reveals several recurring issues that prospective buyers should weigh carefully before purchasing.
Machine Size and Counter Space
The most frequently mentioned drawback is the machine’s substantial footprint. According to Best Products, the machine height of approximately 16 inches “may not fit under some cabinets.”
T provided real-world context: “First off, this thing is huge. It barely fit under my 1950’s house upper cabinets on the counter.” Sheila S. kept it simple: “Makes great coffee. It’s rather large.” Asia noted: “A little bigger than I expected but coffee is delicious.”
Prospective buyers should measure their counter space and cabinet clearance before purchasing.
Noise During Grinding
The grinding process generates noticeable sound, though opinions vary on severity. Lilipad provided the most detailed assessment: “LOUD! The clicks and clanks really surprised me as I did not expect it to be that loud but like all things, you will eventually get used to it and it does seem to be getting quieter bit by bit.”
However, Chase offered a counterpoint: “People saying the grinder is loud have not been to a coffee shop or had an electric grinder at home because this is fairly quiet compared to my Fellow Opus grinder.” S.N. noted the noise is “same for all grinding coffee machines” and emphasized that “the smell of warm coffee is so enjoyable.”
Pre-Ground Coffee Limitations
While the machine accepts pre-ground coffee, several owners report it works best with whole beans. Diana Castellanos was direct: “If you want to use ground coffee, I don’t recommend this machine, it works great for beans only.”
Lilipad experienced some messiness: “Also using ground coffee can be a little bit messy on the inside and outside as not all the grounds will go into the funnel so you’ll eventually have to use a brush or something to clean it all up.”
SMKC noted a specific issue: “We have been able to make good whole bean drinks, but the first brew with preground coffee every time is weak and cold. The second is great.”
Water Tank Size Could Be Larger
Several owners wish the water reservoir held more. John Arbor, a power user, explained: “Currently, I can’t brew two carafes of 40oz coffee without having to refill the reservoir. I know that’s probably a power user problem, but still one I’d like fixed in the future.”
T echoed this: “The only criticism is that the fresh water bin is small. It seems like they could have made it as tall as the machine at least. And there’s no water filter?”
No Milk Frother Included
Unlike De’Longhi’s espresso machines, the TrueBrew doesn’t include a steam wand. Jan noted: “It would’ve been really nice to have some sort of milk steamer or frother included.” Susie Williams, who also owns a De’Longhi Magnifica Evo, pointed out: “This TrueBrew doesn’t have a steam wand (since it’s not an espresso machine) and doesn’t have the ability to just dispense hot water.”
Espresso-Style Setting Isn’t True Espresso
Owners looking for authentic espresso may be disappointed. According to Tom’s Guide, “the one area where it fell down was making espresso, which just didn’t measure up to purpose-built espresso machines.”
Chase set appropriate expectations: “If you’re expecting cafe-level espresso, you might be slightly let down. Without a pressurized basket, the shots don’t have the same punch. Still, it’s passable for anyone who isn’t picky.” Jan clarified: “The machine isn’t perfect, namely the ‘espresso-style’ isn’t a real espresso machine by any stretch.”
Premium Price Point
At $399-$599 depending on the model, this is a significant investment. A noted: “I did not pay the listed selling price for this coffee maker but if I were to paid the full listed price for this I will likely back out of the purchase. Though a great coffee maker but for such heavy price tag about $500, this will be for serious heavy coffee drinker in order to justify the cost.”
However, many owners view it as an investment. Sarah brothers calculated: “I put the money into buying it knowing I’m going to save money buying coffee daily!!!”
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Experienced owners share several recommendations for maximizing coffee quality and machine longevity.
Bean Management
Lilipad offered a practical tip for minimizing stale beans in the hopper: “Every 4 oz of coffee will use about a scoop of the ground scoop that came with the machine, that way you can minimize the beans that are left out in the open (a little more or less depending on what strength setting you’re using).”
Thomas Roach emphasized bean quality: “This is ‘medicinal-level’ coffee, too, a potent brew to be enjoyed responsibly requiring a considerable amount of coffee beans.”
Water Quality Matters
gadgetfreak highlighted the built-in calibration: “The machine also adjusts for the hardness of my water, so maybe that’s part of why the coffee is so much better as well.” Chase appreciated the included testing: “I love that they include a water hardness test and the machine can calibrate accordingly.”
Find Your Ideal Settings
John P Nimitz advised patience with settings: “The coffee temp, you need to find your temperature to be happy.” Lilipad experimented: “The 3 different strength settings I can only assume change the ratio between water and coffee. There is without a doubt a difference between the settings and I ended up just leaving it on gold.”
Regular Maintenance Schedule
- Daily
- Empty drip tray and grounds container if full. The machine will alert you when containers need emptying.
- Every 4-5 Days
- Rinse out the water collection container and grounds bin thoroughly. Takes approximately 5 minutes.
- Weekly
- Pull out the diffuser and rinse it off. Check for any coffee residue buildup inside the machine.
- As Indicated
- Run the descaling cycle when the machine prompts you. De’Longhi includes descaler with the machine.
Who Should Buy the De’Longhi TrueBrew
Based on patterns across dozens of owner experiences, the TrueBrew is ideal for:
- Keurig and pod system users ready to upgrade — multiple owners report dramatically better coffee after switching from K-cups
- Anyone who values convenience but wants quality — the one-button operation delivers fresh-ground coffee without the learning curve of espresso machines
- Households with different coffee preferences — the multiple strength and size settings accommodate everyone from light roast lovers to bold coffee fans
- Environmentally conscious coffee drinkers — eliminates pod waste while maintaining single-serve convenience
- People who appreciate automation — the programmable timer, auto shut-off, and self-cleaning features reduce daily effort
- Those with counter space available — the machine requires significant real estate but replaces both coffee maker and grinder
Who Should Consider Other Options
This machine may not suit everyone. Consider alternatives if you:
- Need authentic espresso with crema: A dedicated espresso machine like the Breville Barista Express or De’Longhi Magnifica delivers true espresso
- Have limited counter space: At approximately 16 inches tall, this machine won’t fit under standard cabinets in some kitchens
- Primarily use pre-ground coffee: The machine is optimized for whole beans; pre-ground users report inconsistent results
- Want milk-based drinks: No built-in frother means you’ll need a separate milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos
- Prefer maximum silence: The grinding process makes noise that some find disruptive in early mornings
- Are on a tight budget: More affordable drip machines exist, though they won’t match this machine’s freshness
De’Longhi TrueBrew vs. True Brew with Carafe: Which to Choose?
De’Longhi offers two main variants that buyers should understand:
| Feature | True Brew (CAM51025MB) | True Brew with Carafe (CAM51035M) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Serve Sizes | 8 oz, 12 oz, 24 oz | 8 oz, 12 oz, 24 oz |
| Carafe Brewing | No | Yes, 40 oz thermal carafe included |
| Exterior Finish | Stainless with black accents | Full stainless steel |
| Typical Price | $399-$449 | $549-$599 |
| Best For | Single-serve households | Families or entertaining |
John Arbor strongly recommends the carafe model: “I also want to express my love for the included coffee carafe. I love it! I can brew 40oz of coffee for iced, and the carafe never gets hot on the outside, yet leaves the coffee inside hot for hours. It’s awesome and definitely worth the extra $ to get one.”
Chase noted an important consideration: “If you don’t need a carafe and don’t mind black side panels, save $100 and go with the CAM51025MB—those are the only differences.”
Final Verdict
The De’Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker with Built-In Grinder has earned its reputation as the ultimate upgrade for anyone transitioning from pod-based systems to freshly ground coffee. Across more than 50 verified reviews, the pattern is unmistakable: owners who make the switch overwhelmingly become passionate advocates who can’t imagine returning to K-cups or pre-ground alternatives.
As bhalf57 summarized after extensive daily use: “After trying so many kinds of single serve coffee makers I finally found the one that puts a big smile on my face!” That sentiment echoes across review after review, from first-time quality coffee makers to experienced De’Longhi loyalists.
At $399-$599 depending on the model, the TrueBrew delivers an exceptional combination of freshly ground convenience, versatile brewing options, and surprisingly easy maintenance. The machine size and grinding noise are real considerations, but for coffee lovers willing to accommodate its footprint, this machine transforms the morning routine. For anyone ready to experience what freshly ground, properly brewed drip coffee actually tastes like, the De’Longhi TrueBrew represents the most convenient path to that daily revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the De’Longhi TrueBrew easy to set up and use?
Yes, most owners report straightforward setup and intuitive daily operation. gadgetfreak noted: “It was easy to setup, although I did need instructions. Honestly, with its sleek look, all stainless steel and glowing buttons, it feels like I’m living in the future.” KV confirmed: “The machine remembers all the settings so it is as simple as clicking one button in the morning.” Chase recommended following the quick setup guide rather than the detailed manual for faster initial configuration.
How does the coffee taste compared to other brewing methods?
Owners consistently report the coffee quality rivals or exceeds coffee shop standards. Amazon Customer declared: “This machine makes the most AMAZING cup of coffee! It’s smooth and full bodied. Absolutely delicious. We’ve been using Black Rifle coffee and it’s way better than most coffee shops.” Susie Williams compared it to other methods: “In my opinion, a cup of coffee made in this machine tastes WAY better than a cup of coffee in any other drip machine.”
How long does it take to brew a cup of coffee?
According to KV, “an 8oz cup of coffee takes about 2-3 minutes to brew from start to finish.” Antonio Milla noted that larger batches require multiple grind cycles: “For the full 40 oz take like three grinds and brews to finish.” The machine heats up quickly, with gadgetfreak reporting that “it grinds and heats the water quickly and then you are good to go.”
Can I use pre-ground coffee in the TrueBrew?
Yes, but with limitations. According to Top Ten Reviews, “you can use ground coffee in the machine, but only a specific amount and you can’t make a full pot with ground coffee.” Diana Castellanos advised: “If you want to use ground coffee, I don’t recommend this machine, it works great for beans only.” Thomas Roach noted the machine must be ON before adding grounds “so that the infuser is in place to receive them.”
How often do I need to clean the machine?
Daily cleaning is minimal—just empty containers when full. bhalf57 described the routine: “I spend 5 minutes to rinse out the two containers that catch the coffee grounds and rinse water. After 7 days I also pull the diffuser out and rinse it off.” KV reported even less frequent cleaning: “We drink 2 8oz cups a day and clean this out every 4-5 days.” The machine alerts you when descaling is needed.
Will the De’Longhi TrueBrew fit under my kitchen cabinets?
The machine stands approximately 16 inches tall, which may be too tall for some kitchen configurations. T reported: “It barely fit under my 1950’s house upper cabinets on the counter.” According to Best Products, buyers should verify cabinet clearance before purchasing, as the 16-inch height exceeds many standard under-cabinet spaces.
Is the espresso-style setting actual espresso?
No, it produces a concentrated coffee that mimics espresso but isn’t true espresso. Jan clarified: “The ‘espresso-style’ isn’t a real espresso machine by any stretch.” Chase explained: “If you’re expecting cafe-level espresso, you might be slightly let down. Without a pressurized basket, the shots don’t have the same punch.” For authentic espresso with proper crema, owners recommend De’Longhi’s dedicated espresso machines instead.
