Identity
UK model code 20680 (EAN 4008496832606) is sold in the UK by Argos, Amazon.co.uk and AO and is listed on the Russell Hobbs UK site. AO's listing is a black version under the same model code.
Russell HobbsFilter coffee machines · 20680
Russell Hobbs Buckingham
20680
The Russell Hobbs Buckingham 20680 is a 1000 W drip filter coffee machine with a 1.25-litre glass carafe (about 10 cups, roughly five mugs), a 24-hour timer, a 2–4 cup mode and a permanent dishwasher-safe filter.
20680325 mm230 mm
22 original reviews to read 4 video summaries Good to know
Start your decision here
At a glance
The Russell Hobbs Buckingham 20680 is a 1000 W drip filter coffee machine with a 1.25-litre glass carafe (about 10 cups, roughly five mugs), a 24-hour timer, a 2–4 cup mode and a permanent dishwasher-safe filter. UK buyers praise the coffee's taste, the wake-up timer and how easy it is to use and clean, and it takes up little worktop space. Its main drawbacks are a hotplate that switches off after about 40 minutes, coffee some find not hot enough, and a light build with a thin glass carafe. It suits people who want simple, programmable filter coffee drunk soon after brewing, not those who want coffee kept hot all morning. Long-term durability is uncertain: no independent reliability data was found, and some buyers report early breakdowns. Prices vary widely between UK retailers.
Strengths
- Coffee taste and strength are the most-praised points in UK reviews, helped by the strength button and showerhead brewing.
- The 24-hour programmable timer lets you wake up to a ready pot and is buyers' favourite feature.
- Easy to use and clean, with a reusable dishwasher-safe filter so paper filters are optional.
Show all (5)
- Compact (H32.5 x W23 x D20.5 cm) and smart-looking on the worktop.
- Often described as good value, and it costs much less at some UK retailers than its list price.
Things to consider
- The hotplate switches off after about 40 minutes, so coffee left in the carafe cools.
- Some find the coffee not hot enough, especially with milk.
- Light build, thin glass carafe and an all-plastic shower arm raise durability questions, and no independent reliability data exists.
Show all (5)
- Instructions and cup markings can confuse: the '10 cups' mark is about five mugs, and the manual mentions paper filters.
- No alert when brewing ends; one buyer found it noisy and the jug drippy.
Who is it for, and who is it not for?
Good for
- One or two people who want fresh filter coffee ready on waking, using the timer.
- Anyone moving from instant coffee or replacing a basic drip machine on a budget.
- Small kitchens where worktop space is limited, as long as there is room above to open the lid.
May not suit
- Households that sip coffee over several hours and need it kept hot (no thermal jug; 40-minute keep-warm).
- Anyone wanting espresso, hot water dispensing or whole-bean grinding (ground coffee only).
- Placement under low wall cupboards, as the lid opens upwards for filling.
Before you buy
Good to know
What the features mean in everyday use.
Capacity
It has a 1.25-litre glass carafe that Russell Hobbs rates at up to 10 cups, plus a 2–4 cup setting for small batches.
Timer
It has a 24-hour programmable timer and a digital display, so coffee can be brewed ready for the morning.
Filter
A permanent, washable, dishwasher-safe filter is included, so paper filters are optional. Some buyers were confused because the instructions mention paper filters.
Show more (16)
Keep-warm
The hotplate keeps coffee warm and then switches off automatically after 40 minutes. Tech Advisor lists this time limit as a con, and one Amazon UK reviewer took off a star for it.
Size and power
It draws 1000 W and measures H32.5 x W23 x D20.5 cm. It works with ground coffee only and has no hot-water option.
Brewing claim
Russell Hobbs says the showerhead design saturates the grounds evenly and reaches brewing temperature 50% faster than its standard coffee maker. No independent measurement of this was found.
Manufacturer's claim · See source
Coffee quality
UK buyers on Argos, Amazon.co.uk and AO most often praise the taste and strength of the coffee. Several mention the strength button or the showerhead brewing.
Ease of use and cleaning
Buyers repeatedly describe the machine as simple to set up, easy to use and easy to clean. The timer is the most-praised feature.
Size and looks
Buyers like its compact footprint and smart look. One Argos reviewer warns that the lid opens upwards for filling, so it does not suit a spot under wall cupboards.
Coffee temperature
Opinions on temperature are mixed. Several buyers say the coffee is hot and stays warm, while others find it not as hot as they would like, especially with milk added.
Build quality
A few buyers find the machine light or 'cheap' feeling and the glass carafe thin. Tech Advisor notes the shower arm is all plastic and may not last as long as a metal one.
Instructions and markings
Some users find the timer set-up instructions unintuitive. Tech Advisor found the cup-size markings confusing: the 10-cup mark equals about five mugs.
Independent review
Tech Advisor calls it a well-priced filter machine that makes a decent brew and is easy to maintain, and says the timer is a real plus. Its cons are the 40-minute hotplate limit and confusing cup markings. A full carafe took about ten minutes in its use.
User experience · See source
Noise and alerts
Most reviewers who mention noise say it is quiet, but one AO reviewer found it very noisy and the jug prone to dripping when pouring. One Argos reviewer missed an alert when brewing finishes.
Durability
No failures were reported in the UK reviews read. However, Amazon's own review summary flags durability as a mostly negative topic, with some buyers reporting breakdowns after a few months. No independent reliability data for this model was available (Which? brand data is for members only).
Price variation
UK prices differ a lot between retailers. Amazon.co.uk sells well below the Russell Hobbs list price, while Argos and AO are close to it. One Argos reviewer complained about a sudden price rise.
Technical fact · See source
Which? testing
Which? includes the Buckingham 20680 in its filter coffee machine tests (most recently September 2024), but the scores are for members only.
Technical fact · See source
Value
Many buyers describe it as good value for a reliable everyday filter machine. Some bought it as a like-for-like replacement or a second unit.
Suitability
With its timer, 2–4 cup mode and short keep-warm, it suits people who drink their coffee soon after brewing, rather than those who want coffee kept hot for hours.
Show more (18)
Timer
It has a 24-hour programmable timer and a digital display, so coffee can be brewed ready for the morning.
Filter
A permanent, washable, dishwasher-safe filter is included, so paper filters are optional. Some buyers were confused because the instructions mention paper filters.
Keep-warm
The hotplate keeps coffee warm and then switches off automatically after 40 minutes. Tech Advisor lists this time limit as a con, and one Amazon UK reviewer took off a star for it.
Size and power
It draws 1000 W and measures H32.5 x W23 x D20.5 cm. It works with ground coffee only and has no hot-water option.
Brewing claim
Russell Hobbs says the showerhead design saturates the grounds evenly and reaches brewing temperature 50% faster than its standard coffee maker. No independent measurement of this was found.
Manufacturer's claim · See source
Coffee quality
UK buyers on Argos, Amazon.co.uk and AO most often praise the taste and strength of the coffee. Several mention the strength button or the showerhead brewing.
Ease of use and cleaning
Buyers repeatedly describe the machine as simple to set up, easy to use and easy to clean. The timer is the most-praised feature.
Size and looks
Buyers like its compact footprint and smart look. One Argos reviewer warns that the lid opens upwards for filling, so it does not suit a spot under wall cupboards.
Coffee temperature
Opinions on temperature are mixed. Several buyers say the coffee is hot and stays warm, while others find it not as hot as they would like, especially with milk added.
Build quality
A few buyers find the machine light or 'cheap' feeling and the glass carafe thin. Tech Advisor notes the shower arm is all plastic and may not last as long as a metal one.
Instructions and markings
Some users find the timer set-up instructions unintuitive. Tech Advisor found the cup-size markings confusing: the 10-cup mark equals about five mugs.
Independent review
Tech Advisor calls it a well-priced filter machine that makes a decent brew and is easy to maintain, and says the timer is a real plus. Its cons are the 40-minute hotplate limit and confusing cup markings. A full carafe took about ten minutes in its use.
User experience · See source
Noise and alerts
Most reviewers who mention noise say it is quiet, but one AO reviewer found it very noisy and the jug prone to dripping when pouring. One Argos reviewer missed an alert when brewing finishes.
Durability
No failures were reported in the UK reviews read. However, Amazon's own review summary flags durability as a mostly negative topic, with some buyers reporting breakdowns after a few months. No independent reliability data for this model was available (Which? brand data is for members only).
Price variation
UK prices differ a lot between retailers. Amazon.co.uk sells well below the Russell Hobbs list price, while Argos and AO are close to it. One Argos reviewer complained about a sudden price rise.
Technical fact · See source
Which? testing
Which? includes the Buckingham 20680 in its filter coffee machine tests (most recently September 2024), but the scores are for members only.
Technical fact · See source
Value
Many buyers describe it as good value for a reliable everyday filter machine. Some bought it as a like-for-like replacement or a second unit.
Suitability
With its timer, 2–4 cup mode and short keep-warm, it suits people who drink their coffee soon after brewing, rather than those who want coffee kept hot for hours.
User experience
What do reviews say?
See the common points first, then read the original reviews yourself.
Summarised from the 42 reviews we read. A review can mention several points, so the theme counts can add up to more than 42.
Buyers mostly see the Buckingham as a simple, dependable filter machine that makes good-tasting coffee. The 24-hour timer is the standout feature: many wake up to a ready pot. It is described as easy to set up and clean, compact on the worktop and smart-looking, and the reusable filter (paper is optional) is appreciated. Complaints are few but recurring: the hotplate switches off after about 40 minutes, some find the coffee not hot enough (especially with milk), and a few find the carafe thin or the build light. Others mention unclear timer or filter instructions, no alert when brewing ends, and one report of noisy brewing and a dripping jug. No failures appeared in the UK reviews read, though Amazon's summary flags durability concerns.
What buyers like
- Good-tasting, strong coffee20 reviews
- Easy to use and set up19 reviews
- Programmable timer means coffee is ready on waking13 reviews
- Easy to clean; reusable filter avoids paper filters12 reviews
- Compact footprint and smart look10 reviews
- Good value for money10 reviews
- Keeps coffee hot / warm after brewing8 reviews
- Brews quickly6 reviews
- Quiet in use4 reviews
Common complaints
- Coffee not as hot as wanted, or short keep-warm3 reviews
- Instructions unclear (timer set-up, paper filter wording)2 reviews
- Thin glass carafe or light, flimsy feel2 reviews
- Noisy brewing and jug drips when pouring1 review
- No alert when brewing has finished1 review
- Carafe smaller than hoped for two coffee drinkers1 review
How was this summary made?
Summarised from 42 reviews; 1 reviews about delivery, packaging or the seller were left out. The summary is drawn from opinions that recur in the reviews read; each theme shows how many reviews mention it. These counts are not a rate and do not apply to every unit.
42 unique text reviews (author+date+text): Argos 10 (newest page only), Amazon.co.uk 8 UK reviews on the product page, AO 24 from the Feefo feed (22 on page 1 filtered by product title, 2 low-rated on pages 2–3). 1 AO review excluded as off-topic. Skewed positive: low-rated reviews could not be sorted first at Argos or Amazon. ratings_total = Argos + Amazon only.
Show reviews (22 of 42)Read the texts as published by the store
22 original reviews can be listed on this page. The number of reviews analysed may differ.
Filter and sort
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M*** 6*** o*** o*** 4/5 2 October 2026 Argos
I'm delighted with this coffee maker. I like strong coffee, and it produces a drink that suits my taste perfectly. For users who really require super strong coffee, it can also increase the strength by pressing one of the buttons. … I would have given it a 5-star rating if it would alert me to when it has dripped completely into the jug.
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B*** 5/5 29 September 2026 Argos
I bought this for my other half who drinks americanos and it does a lovely job. It replaced a much cheaper one that broke almost immediately but this one is much better made. The timer is the best part, as he can set it to be done for early 5am wake ups. … Doesn't drip, has a button to make the coffee stronger when needed, doesn't take up much room. Be aware you'll need room above to fill the water so it can't go under cupboards really.…
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S*** 4*** -*** 5*** 5/5 1 September 2026 Argos
Love this, good that you can use the filter that comes with it or a paper one, it has a timer to set it to start brewing before you get downstairs, very easy to use and clean only 1 disappointment it’s not as hot as I would like but overall a good coffee maker.
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a*** 2*** -*** 3*** 5/5 13 July 2026 Argos
I've had this coffee maker for a month, and so far it's been great. I especially like the timed brewing feature so I can have a fresh pot of coffee waiting for me in the morning. One thing I will note is that the times brewing takes some trial and error to set up as the instructions are not the most intuitive.
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J*** 3*** -*** 4*** 5/5 19 October 2026 Argos
Really happy with this coffee machine.temperature is perfect, taste is very good and not noisy at all.
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J*** 5/5 19 October 2026 Argos
I bought this as a replacement for one Oi had had for over 20 years and has just developed a leak. This seems like a good replacement , a little more upto date, and it also makes a decent cup of coffee . Cheers ☕️
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M*** 6*** o*** o*** 5/5 9 July 2026 Argos
…This machine brews quickly & the coffee is HOT -- no more microwaving ! And the coffee keeps hot for 40 minutes.
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C*** 4/5 7 June 2016 Amazon Style: Coffee Maker Only
The only reason I am giving this machine a four star review instead of five is because of the keep-warm time and jug insulation. This machine keeps the coffee warm for 45 minutes after brewing, if I make a full jug of coffee, it will stay warm for about 1hr 30 mins. If I'm making a half just it's about 1hr.
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K*** 5/5 12 January 2026 Amazon Style: Coffee Maker Only
Temperature wise, fantastic when drinking black coffee but to keep it hot with milk, I only put a splash of milk in. Maybe if you don't pour it as soon as it ready it will get hotter sitting on the hot plate?
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K*** C*** 5/5 5 October 2026 Amazon Style: Coffee Maker Only
Reliable. Makes good coffee. Intuitive to use once the instructions have been read.
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S*** M*** 5/5 17 July 2026 Amazon Style: Coffee Maker Only
We have had this for a few months now and have used It nearly every day. It's looks really smart, it fits nicely on the worktop when not in use. It's really easy to use and can easily programmed to have your coffee brewing when your alarm goes off I'm a morning.…
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C*** 5/5 23 November 2025 Amazon Style: Coffee Maker Only
The hot plate stays warm for about 40 minutes,so if you leave it brew a bit,the hotter it is.
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H*** f*** f*** 5/5 27 August 2026 Amazon Style: Coffee Maker Only
Replacement for older model. Works well, fast brewing time. Easy to use. Easy to clean. Good value. Arrives fast with good packaging.
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D*** 1/5 No date ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
Very noisy when brewing. Coffee jug has tendency to drip when pouring coffee.
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T*** C*** 3/5 No date ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
Looks good, makes good coffee, but overall rather ‘cheap’ feeling, light and flimsy. But it is a budget priced machine. Worth the money.
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S*** 5/5 26 October 2022 ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
Would recommend. Produces good tasting coffee(we are coffee drinking experts in this household) and easy to use so no faff. You also have the choice of buying filter papers or using the integrated filter in the coffee machine. However, as with all glass carafes, this one is thin so careful handling when cleaning is recommended.
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T*** 4/5 7 October 2024 ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
Quick and efficient coffee maker only gave 4 stars as with 2 coffee drinkers I had hoped it would hold a little more
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G*** F*** 5/5 16 June 2024 ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
The coffee machine makes good coffee, especially when I select the slow infusion option. I particularly like that the hotplate remains hot for 40 minutes after brewing, with the coffee remaining hot right up to the 40 minutes used and without spoiling the flavour. The machine is slim and elegant looking and the blue lights when the machine is on are great.…
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M*** S*** 5/5 6 November 2022 ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
Easy to set up straight out of the box. Neat, not over large footprint on the work surface. Quickly makes a full pot of coffee that is piping hot.
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T*** 5/5 21 September 2026 ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
…Love this machine, fast delicious coffee that suits my taste. Plus side is I can set it to wake up to.
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C*** 5/5 9 April 2024 ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
Brilliant little machine. Doesn’t take up a lot of room in the kitchen. Keeps the coffee nice and hot for long and easy keep in filter. Highly recommend easy to use.
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K*** B*** 5/5 10 November 2022 ao-retail-ltd (Feefo) AO listing: Black
An excellent filter coffee machine . Coffee tasts much better than are old one probably due to the drip (spray) system .…
No reviews match this choice.
See it in use
Video reviews and key moments
Read the summaries; tap a moment to watch the video from that second.
4 videos · Timestamped summary
YouTube · Review
Russell Hobbs 20680 Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine, 1.25 Litre, Black/Silver
The Russell Hobbs 20680 Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine features advanced showerhead technology and reaches optimum brewing temperature 50% faster for improved flavour extraction. It is equipped with a 1.25-litre carafe to brew up to ten cups, a 24-hour programmable timer with an LCD display, and a washable permanent filter. It also includes useful features such as pause and pour, auto clean, and an illuminated blue ring during operation.
Key moments
- 00:14Advanced showerhead technology ensures flavour is fully extracted from coffee grains for improved taste
- 00:16Comes with a washable permanent filter to eliminate the need for paper filters, though paper filters can still be used
- 00:29Has a 1.25-litre capacity carafe brewing up to ten cups, with settings for 1 to 3 cups, pause and pour, and auto clean
YouTube · Review
My honest review of Russell Hobbs Buckingham
The Russell Hobbs Buckingham Coffee Maker is a stylish drip machine that reaches optimal brewing temperature 50% faster. It features advanced showerhead technology for better flavour extraction, a 24-hour programmable timer, and an illuminated blue ring during brewing. It also offers flexible batch brewing from 2 to 10 cups, along with an auto-clean function and pause-and-pour feature.
Key moments
- 00:08Advanced showerhead technology evenly saturates grounds for a fuller, more balanced flavour with less waste
- 00:17Reaches optimal brewing temperature 50% faster and includes a 24-hour programmable timer
- 00:28Features a 1.25-litre glass carafe capable of making up to 10 cups, with an option to brew smaller 2-to-4-cup batches
YouTube · Review
Review Russell Hobbs Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine, 1.25L Carafe/10 cups, 1-4 Cup brewing option,
The video shows the Russell Hobbs coffee maker being used to brew coffee, but goes on to demonstrate severe leaking issues. Hot water and steam can be seen pouring out onto the kitchen worktop, with water also leaking directly from the bottom of the appliance.
YouTube · Review
Review Russell Hobbs Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine, 1.25L Carafe/10 cups, 1-4 Cup brewing option,
The video shows brewing coffee with the Russell Hobbs coffee machine before demonstrating severe leaking problems where water gushes out from underneath the appliance onto the counter. Clips show the full brewing process as well as water rapidly draining out of the bottom into a sink.
Key moments
Video summaries and timestamps were taken from the videos with AI (Gemini); the video itself is the source.
What it has
Specifications
Technical information with its source.
- Model number
- 20680 Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Height
- 325 mm Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Width
- 230 mm Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Depth (listed as length by the manufacturer)
- 205 mm Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Power
- 1000 W Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Carafe / water capacity
- 1.25 l Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Cup capacity
- Up to 10 cups (Argos says 15) cups Manufacturer's claim · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Small batch setting
- 2–4 cup brewing option Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
Show all specifications (26)
- Carafe
- Glass Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Digital display
- Yes Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Programmable timer
- 24-hour Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Keep warm / auto shut-off
- Keep warm, then automatic shut-off after 40 minutes (AO says up to 30 minutes) min Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Filter
- Permanent reusable filter, washable and dishwasher safe; paper filters optional Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Compatible coffee
- Ground coffee only Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Hot water option
- No Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Water level gauge
- Yes Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Pause and pour / non-drip
- Yes Technical fact · ao.com
- Cleaning / descale function
- Yes (auto clean cycle) Technical fact · ao.com
- Cup warmer
- No Technical fact · ao.com
- Controls
- Electronic, with blue illuminated light ring Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Brewing technology
- Showerhead; reaches optimum brewing temperature 50% faster than a standard Russell Hobbs coffee maker Manufacturer's claim · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Material (manufacturer table)
- Plastic (stainless-steel finish) Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Weight
- 1.9 kg Technical fact · amazon.co.uk
- Guarantee
- 2 years manufacturer's guarantee (register with Russell Hobbs within 28 days) Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Country of origin
- China Technical fact · amazon.co.uk
- In the box
- Coffee maker with glass carafe, instruction and guarantee booklet (Which? also lists a coffee scoop) Technical fact · argos.co.uk
Show all specifications (26)
- Power
- 1000 W Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Carafe / water capacity
- 1.25 l Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Cup capacity
- Up to 10 cups (Argos says 15) cups Manufacturer's claim · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Small batch setting
- 2–4 cup brewing option Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Carafe
- Glass Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Digital display
- Yes Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Programmable timer
- 24-hour Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Keep warm / auto shut-off
- Keep warm, then automatic shut-off after 40 minutes (AO says up to 30 minutes) min Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Filter
- Permanent reusable filter, washable and dishwasher safe; paper filters optional Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Compatible coffee
- Ground coffee only Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Hot water option
- No Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Water level gauge
- Yes Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Pause and pour / non-drip
- Yes Technical fact · ao.com
- Cleaning / descale function
- Yes (auto clean cycle) Technical fact · ao.com
- Cup warmer
- No Technical fact · ao.com
- Controls
- Electronic, with blue illuminated light ring Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Brewing technology
- Showerhead; reaches optimum brewing temperature 50% faster than a standard Russell Hobbs coffee maker Manufacturer's claim · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Material (manufacturer table)
- Plastic (stainless-steel finish) Technical fact · uk.russellhobbs.com
- Weight
- 1.9 kg Technical fact · amazon.co.uk
- Guarantee
- 2 years manufacturer's guarantee (register with Russell Hobbs within 28 days) Technical fact · argos.co.uk
- Country of origin
- China Technical fact · amazon.co.uk
- In the box
- Coffee maker with glass carafe, instruction and guarantee booklet (Which? also lists a coffee scoop) Technical fact · argos.co.uk
Where to buy
Where to buy
Check the variant and seller together with the price.
-
Argos
May not be for the colour you chose
Go to store -
AO.com
£69
Go to store
Prices may have changed.
Sources and method
Where the information comes from, by type; each finding also links its own source.
Manufacturer (3)
Store (3)
Review (3)
Video (2)
Other (4)
How we evaluate, and the limits
This page is compiled from manufacturer, store, review and video sources; every piece of information links to the source it was read from. Technical values are as stated by the manufacturer or store; user experiences are summarised from the reviews read and do not apply to every unit. We do not test products ourselves.