You’ve seen it. That soft matte finish. The gold accents that look way more expensive than they actually are. It’s the Drew Barrymore coffee maker—officially known as the Beautiful 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker—and it has basically taken over every aesthetic kitchen mood board on Pinterest and TikTok for the last few years. But here’s the thing about celebrity-backed kitchen gear: usually, it’s just a cheap plastic shell with a famous name slapped on the box. We've all been burned by that before. Honestly, when the Beautiful line first launched at Walmart, most coffee snobs (myself included) rolled their eyes. We assumed it was all vibes and no caffeine.
Turns out, we were mostly wrong.
It’s not just about the "Cornflower Blue" or the "Oyster Grey" paint jobs, though those are definitely why people click 'buy' in the first place. This machine actually addresses the one thing that ruins most drip coffee: temperature. Most cheap brewers can't get the water hot enough to extract the flavor from the beans, leaving you with a cup of brown water that tastes like sadness. The Drew Barrymore coffee maker handles the heat surprisingly well. It’s a workhorse dressed up in a prom dress.
The Touch-Activated Reality Check
One of the first things you notice is the lack of buttons. There are no clunky plastic switches to gunk up with spilled grounds or sticky syrup. Instead, the "Beautiful" line uses a signature touch-activated display. It only lights up when you’re actually using it. When it’s off, the face is completely smooth and dark. It’s sleek. It’s modern. It feels like something from a high-end design boutique rather than the appliance aisle at a big-box store.
But there is a learning curve.
If your hands are wet or if you’re trying to fumble for a cup of joe at 5:00 AM before your brain is fully online, the touch sensors can be a little finicky. You have to be deliberate. A quick, shaky tap might not register. You’ve gotta mean it. Once you get the rhythm down, though, it’s incredibly satisfying to see that glow wake up.
✨ Don't miss: Exactly What Month is Ramadan 2025 and Why the Dates Shift
Does the Coffee Actually Taste Good?
We have to talk about the brew. If the coffee is bitter or sour, the prettiest Sage Green finish in the world won't save it. This machine uses a showerhead design to saturate the grounds. This is crucial. Instead of one single stream of water drilling a hole through the middle of your coffee grounds—which leads to uneven extraction—this showerhead sprinkles water evenly over the whole bed.
The result?
A much more balanced cup. It’s smooth. It’s consistent. It’s not going to replace a $500 Technivorm Moccamaster, but for a fraction of the price, it punches way above its weight class. You get a "Regular" or "Bold" setting. If you’re using light roast beans, stick to regular. If you’re like me and you need your coffee to kick you in the teeth to start the day, the "Bold" setting slows down the water flow, giving the water more contact time with the beans. It works.
Why the 14-Cup Capacity is a Game Changer
Most standard drip machines top out at 10 or 12 cups. Drew’s version goes to 14. Now, if you’re a single person living in a studio apartment, you might think this is overkill. But think about Saturday morning brunch. Think about having the in-laws over for the holidays. Having those extra two cups means you aren’t running back to the kitchen to start a second pot while everyone else is eating pancakes.
- It holds 70 ounces of water.
- The carafe has an ergonomic handle that doesn't feel like it's going to snap.
- It includes a reusable gold-tone filter basket.
That last point is a money saver. You can stop buying paper filters entirely if you want to. However, a little expert tip: if you hate that "silt" or sediment at the bottom of your cup, keep using the paper filters. The gold-tone mesh is great for the environment, but it lets the fine micro-particles through. It’s a preference thing.
🔗 Read more: Dutch Bros Menu Food: What Most People Get Wrong About the Snacks
The Maintenance Factor
Let’s be real for a second. White appliances are a nightmare to keep clean. If you buy the "White Icing" version of the Drew Barrymore coffee maker, you are signing a contract with yourself to wipe it down every single day. Coffee splatters. It just does. On the darker colors, you can get away with a little more neglect, but the matte finish does show fingerprints.
A simple damp microfiber cloth usually does the trick. Don't use harsh chemicals on the exterior. You’ll ruin that signature "Beautiful" glow.
Inside the machine, it has a built-in cleaning cycle. Use it. If you live in a place with hard water, the minerals will build up in the internal heating tubes. Eventually, the machine will start to hiss and groan, and your coffee will taste like metallic dirt. Run a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water through it once a month. It keeps the sensors happy and the water flowing at the right temperature.
Common Gripes and How to Fix Them
No product is perfect. One common complaint is that the hot plate stays on for two hours and then shuts off. For most people, that’s a safety feature. For slow sippers, it’s a tragedy. There isn't a way to extend that timer, so if you want hot coffee three hours later, you’re better off transferring the brew to a thermal carafe.
Another thing? The height. This machine is tall. If you have low-hanging kitchen cabinets, measure twice before you buy. You need enough clearance to open the top lid to pour in the water and dump the grounds. If you have to slide it out from under the counter every morning, it gets old fast.
💡 You might also like: Draft House Las Vegas: Why Locals Still Flock to This Old School Sports Bar
Then there's the "beeping." It lets you know when the coffee is done. It’s not a whisper. It’s a statement. Personally, I like it because I can hear it from the shower, but if you have a sleeping baby or a very jumpy cat, just be prepared for the announcement.
The Sustainability Angle
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough with the Beautiful line is the move away from pod-based systems. We all know the environmental toll of those little plastic cups. By opting for a traditional drip machine like this, you’re significantly reducing your daily waste. Plus, you get to buy fresh beans from local roasters. It’s a win-win.
Drew Barrymore has been pretty vocal about making "luxury" design accessible, and she’s largely succeeded here. This isn't just "fast fashion" for your kitchen. It’s a solidly built appliance that happens to look like it belongs in a Nancy Meyers movie.
Final Verdict: Is it a Buy?
If you want a coffee maker that you don't feel the need to hide in a pantry when guests come over, yes. If you want a 14-cup capacity for hosting, absolutely. If you are a hardcore espresso purist who weighs their beans to the milligram... you probably weren't looking at this anyway.
The Drew Barrymore coffee maker is for the person who loves their home. It’s for the person who wants their morning ritual to feel a little more intentional and a lot more stylish. It’s reliable, it’s affordable, and it genuinely makes a great cup of coffee.
Actionable Next Steps for New Owners:
- Water Test: Before your first actual brew, run two full cycles with just plain water. This clears out any factory dust or "new machine" smell.
- Dial in the Grind: If you find the coffee too weak, try a slightly finer grind. If it's too bitter, go coarser. The machine is consistent, so your grind size is your main lever for flavor.
- The Vinegar Routine: Mark your calendar for the first of every month to descal the machine. It doubles the lifespan of the heating element.
- Placement: Clear a spot on your counter that has at least 20 inches of vertical clearance to make filling the reservoir a breeze.
Whether you're grabbing it for the aesthetics or the extra capacity, it's one of those rare celebrity products that actually delivers on its promises. No gimmicks. Just good coffee and a kitchen that looks a little bit brighter.