Are Russell Hobbs filter coffee machines good?
Russell Hobbs filter coffee machines have an average overall score of 7.9, ranking #6 among all filter coffee machine brands, and an average review score of 8.1, placing them at #3 among brands graded by independent reviewers.
Russell Hobbs is best known for affordable kitchen appliances with a strong design focus, and its filter coffee machines follow that pattern. Most models pair 1,000–1,100 W heaters with 1.25–1.5 L tanks and a glass jug on a warming plate. The 23370-56 stands out with 1,600 W for faster brewing, and the 25620-56 adds a thermal carafe. Matching ranges such as Honeycomb let you coordinate the coffee machine with a kettle and toaster.
The main weakness is brew quality at the cheap end. Like most drip machines at £20-£30, the cheaper models brew below the 92–96 °C that baristas recommend, and that gives a flatter cup. Glass-jug models also rely on a hotplate, so the coffee tastes stewed after 20–30 minutes.
(Note: A total of 26 brands were evaluated in the comparison in the first paragraph. Only those with at least 3 filter coffee machine models in our database were included.)
The chart below ranks filter coffee machine brands by average overall score.
[horizontal-chart-08059047612585429255035070235490596106041340460631]What are the main advantages of Russell Hobbs filter coffee machines?
The main advantages of Russell Hobbs filter coffee machines are as follows:
- Low entry price: The 22620-56 and 24210-56 cost about £20. You get a working drip machine with auto shut-off for very little money.
- Large capacity: The 2200-56 and 23240-56 have 1.5 L tanks and brew up to 12 cups in one go. That covers a family breakfast without a second brew.
- Fast brewing: The 23370-56 uses a 1,600 W heater, well above the 1,000 W of most rivals. More power heats the water faster and shortens the wait for a full jug.
- Matching designs: The Honeycomb 27011-56 shares its textured finish with Honeycomb kettles and toasters. It is an easy way to build a coordinated breakfast set.
- Built-in safety: Models from the 24031-56 to the 25610-56 switch off on their own. You never leave a hotplate running all day by mistake.
- Thermal option: The 25620-56 swaps the glass jug for a thermal carafe. Coffee stays hot for 1–2 hours without a hotplate and does not stew.
What are the main disadvantages of Russell Hobbs filter coffee machines?
The main disadvantages of Russell Hobbs filter coffee machines are the following:
- Mostly hotplates: Models such as the 24390-56 and 24031-56 keep coffee on a warming plate. After half an hour it tastes bitter, and the 25620-56 is the main thermal alternative.
- Few brew controls: Budget machines like the 22620-56 have no strength or temperature settings. You adjust taste only through the dose and grind of your coffee.
- Plastic build: Cheap bodies on the 24210-56 and 24020-56 use thin plastic and simple hinges. Lids and filter holders are the parts that wear first.
- Steep top prices: The 25610-56 and 25620-56 cost £100-£110, about three times a typical model. The extra money buys styling and convenience more than a clearly better cup.
- Confusing names: Most models carry numbers such as 24390-56 and 24393-56 rather than clear series names. Telling them apart takes a close look at specs and colours.
