The Mr. Coffee Grind & Brew Coffeemaker GBX23 combines sophisticated features, such as automatic grinding, with convenience features, such as removable and dishwasher-safe parts.

This unit is a high-end machine for budget-conscious consumers. It has some fancy bells and whistles, such as a programmable clock/timer, brew-pause feature, brew strength selector and auto-shutoff. It also has a built-in grinder, which lets you grind your favorite coffee beans immediately before brewing so your coffee is always fresh and flavorful.

The Mr. Coffee Grind & Brew GBX23 is styled entirely in black. It stands 14 inches tall and has a semi-hourglass shape, which measures approximately 8-3/4 inches wide by 11 inches deep at its widest points. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe, which is sensibly designed to pour smoothly, without dripping.

The top-loading blade grinder is made from a combination of plastic and metal parts. The grinder operates for the first 45 seconds of the brew cycle, during which time the blunt-edge blade speeds through the beans, grinding and propelling the grinds through a channel into the filter basket. This unit uses basket-style paper filter liners.

The control panel consists of six pushbutton controls. Most, such as the Hour, Min and Set Delay buttons, are self-explanatory. The Select button was a bit confusing at first, since it performs a number of different tasks. Pressing it once starts the grind and brew process; pressing it twice starts the brewing without grinding (using pre-ground coffee, for instance); and pressing it a third time (or pressing it after brewing has finished) shuts the unit off.

We have to admit, the noise from the grinding startled us the first time we tried this machine. There is a few-seconds delay, after pressing the Select button, before grinding begins. If you are in close proximity to the machine, the grinding is noisy, but no more so than a regular blade grinder. The brew process took approximately 12 minutes to complete a full pot. The coffee was steaming hot (approximately 170 degrees Fahrenheit) and quite flavorful.

Using the Delay Brew button requires several steps. You first need to set the time of brewing, using the Set Delay, Hour and Min buttons. Once the time is set, you can press the Delay Brew button until it begins flashing, and then press the Select button once (for grind and brew) or twice (for brew only). There is also a Brew Strength button. Pressing this button lengthens the brew time for more full-flavored coffee. It is especially useful with smaller batches.

The Mr. Coffee Grind & Brew GBX23 has several sensible features, including a number of indicator lights that let you know which function has been selected. The unit also has a Power Loss Backup, which saved the clock programs in memory for up to 5 minutes in the event of a short power outage. Other features include the removable filter basket with side handle grips, removable grinding chamber, dual exterior water windows, audible ready tones and cord storage.

This unit is a bit more complicated to use and clean; however, its low price tag and many specialty features make it an appealing option.


Pros: Built-in blade grinder, programmable clock/timer, brew strength selector
Cons: Complicated controls, noisy during grind cycle

Warranty
1 year