De'Longhi ICM15210
De'longhi
Some kitchens don't need a machine that grinds beans, texturizes milk, or connects to an app. They need something that fills a jug with hot, drinkable coffee for everyone in the house before anyone's fully awake. That's the entire brief the De'Longhi ICM15210 Filter Coffee Machine sets out to answer, and it's worth understanding exactly how well it delivers before you commit your worktop space and your money to it.
This is a classic drip-filter machine: pour in water, add ground coffee to a paper filter, press a button, and walk away. No app, no bean hopper, no pressure gauge. The question this review answers is whether that simplicity translates into a genuinely good daily coffee routine, or whether it's simplicity at the cost of things that actually matter — taste, reliability, and convenience over the years you'll own it.
Design and Build: Familiar, Compact, and Unfussy
The ICM15210 doesn't try to reinvent what a filter coffee machine looks like, and that's largely the point. Its black bodywork with brushed steel-effect trim is designed to blend into a worktop rather than dominate it, and at roughly 20.5cm tall, 22.5cm wide, and 32cm deep, it occupies a modest rectangular footprint — shallower than many bread bins, and short enough to tuck under most wall cabinets without a problem.
The most functional design touch is the transparent water tank running up the side of the machine, marked with a water level gauge. Rather than guessing how much you've poured in or lifting a lid to check, you get a direct visual read on how close you are to a full 1.3-litre fill. It's a small thing, but it's the difference between confidently starting your brew and hovering over the machine wondering if you've added enough water for the whole household.
Build quality here sits exactly where you'd expect for a machine at this price point: it's mostly moulded plastic with a metal-look insert, which keeps the unit light and easy to move but means it won't have the reassuring heft of a premium bean-to-cup machine. Several long-term owners have reported the exterior finish holding up well over years of daily use, though a handful of buyers have noted the machine feeling less substantial than they expected out of the box.
One practical note worth flagging before you start using it: a number of new owners notice a plastic smell during the first few brews. This is common with new plastic-bodied appliances, and running two or three cycles of plain water through the machine before your first real pot of coffee is the standard fix — most people report it clears up quickly.
How It Performs Day to Day
Strip away the marketing language and a filter coffee machine's real job is simple: heat water evenly, pass it through the grounds at a consistent rate, and hold the result at a drinkable temperature until you're ready for it. This is where the ICM15210 earns its keep.
Its 900-watt heating element is enough to bring a full tank up to brewing temperature briskly rather than instantly — real-world reports from owners suggest a full pot is often ready in well under ten minutes, which is fast enough that you're not standing around waiting on your first cup before work. Once the brewing finishes, the thermostatic hotplate beneath the glass jug keeps working, distributing heat evenly across the base of the carafe so you don't end up with a lukewarm top layer and a scorched, bitter bottom layer — a common problem on cheaper hotplates that cycle on and off unevenly.
The keep-warm function is where the practical value really shows. Coffee doesn't need to be finished the moment it's brewed; the hotplate holds it at a serving-ready temperature so a second or third cup poured twenty minutes later still tastes like it was made fresh. Left unattended, the machine automatically powers down 40 minutes after your last brew. That auto shut-off isn't just a nice-to-have — it's genuine peace of mind if you're the type to brew a pot and then get pulled into the school run, a work call, or simply forget the machine is on.
One consideration worth being upfront about: this machine has manual controls only — no delay-brew timer to have coffee waiting when you wake up. If you want your pot ready the second your alarm goes off, you'll need to either set it going manually or, as some owners have done, plug it into a separate mains timer switch.
Key Features Explained
Ground coffee only, no capsules
The ICM15210 is built exclusively for pre-ground coffee — there's no hot water dispensing option and no compatibility with pods or capsules. For anyone who already buys ground coffee or owns a grinder, this is a non-issue and actually a cost advantage, since ground coffee is consistently cheaper per cup than pod-based systems. If you were hoping for capsule convenience, this isn't that machine.
Size 4 disposable paper filters
Rather than a reusable mesh filter you have to rinse out after every use, this machine relies on standard size 4 paper filters. That's a deliberate trade-off: you'll need to keep a box of filters stocked (they're cheap and widely available), but in exchange, cleanup after each brew is as simple as lifting out the used filter and grounds and dropping them in the bin — no scrubbing coffee oils out of a mesh basket.
10-cup glass carafe
The jug capacity matches the 1.3-litre tank, giving you up to 10 cups from a single brew cycle — enough to comfortably serve a family breakfast or keep a small office topped up through the morning without needing a second round straight away. The glass construction also means you can see your coffee and pour cleanly, rather than working blind with an opaque plastic jug.
Water level gauge
Already covered above, but worth reiterating as a feature in its own right: it removes the guesswork from portioning water to match how many people you're actually brewing for.
Cleaning and Long-Term Upkeep
This machine asks a little more of you than a fully automatic bean-to-cup system. Cleaning and descaling are manual processes — there's no automated descaling cycle that flags itself and runs on its own. In hard water areas particularly, you'll want to get into a routine of running a descaling solution through the machine every few weeks to keep the heating element and internal tubing free of limescale buildup, which otherwise slows brewing and can affect taste over time.
On the plus side, the parts that actually get dirty on a daily basis — the glass carafe and the filter holder — are dishwasher safe, which meaningfully cuts down the hands-on cleaning burden compared with machines that demand everything be hand-washed. In practice, most owners are looking at a genuinely quick after-brew routine: bin the used filter, load the jug and holder into the dishwasher (or give them a quick rinse), and you're done until the next descale is due.
Who This Machine Is Actually For
A Good Fit
The ICM15210 makes the most sense for a specific kind of buyer: someone who wants filter coffee — not espresso, not lattes — served hot and ready for multiple people, without learning a new piece of kitchen technology. Families who go through several cups across a morning, shared houses, small offices, or anyone who already has a favourite ground coffee and just wants a reliable way to brew a full pot of it, will find this machine does exactly what it promises.
Not a Good Fit
It's a poor fit, on the other hand, for anyone chasing espresso-based drinks, milk-based coffee, or single-serve convenience. If your household is really one coffee drinker having one cup a day, a 10-cup capacity is more machine than you need, and you'll be running it well under capacity most mornings. Anyone hoping for smart features — programmable brew timers, app control, adjustable strength settings — should also look elsewhere, since the ICM15210 deliberately keeps its control set to the essentials.
Where It Sits Against the Alternatives
Filter coffee machines like this one occupy a specific lane in the wider coffee machine market, and it's worth knowing what you're trading off against the other common options.
| Alternative Type | Advantage of the ICM15210 | What You Give Up |
|---|---|---|
| Pod or capsule machines | Cheaper to run per cup, since ground coffee costs less than proprietary pods, and better suited to serving several people at once rather than one drink at a time. | The near-instant single-serve convenience and the wider range of drink styles pods often offer. |
| Bean-to-cup or espresso machines | A far simpler and more affordable entry point, with none of the maintenance complexity of a grinder or a steam wand. | Limited to filter-style black coffee, with no espresso, cappuccino, or latte capability, and less control over grind size or extraction strength. |
| Other basic drip-filter machines | A clear water-level window, a dishwasher-safe carafe and filter holder, and a keep-warm function that genuinely holds temperature rather than just ticking a spec sheet box. | Buyers who've owned multiple generations of similar machines from the brand often point to a track record of consistent, predictable brewing as the main reason they keep replacing like-for-like rather than switching to a rival at the same price point. |
The Honest Trade-Offs
No machine at this price is without compromise, and the ICM15210 is honest about where it cuts corners. The plastic-forward construction keeps costs and weight down but won't feel premium in the hand, and the initial plastic odour some buyers report — while easily solved with a couple of rinse cycles — is a rough first impression that a small number of owners found didn't fully disappear. A few users have also reported the "ready" indicator sounding slightly before the full brew cycle has actually finished dripping through, meaning the best practice is to wait until the jug has visibly stopped filling rather than acting the instant you hear the beep. Manual-only controls mean no overnight programming, which will frustrate anyone who wants coffee waiting the moment they wake up.
Against that, what the machine gets right is substantial: brewing is fast and consistent, the hotplate keeps coffee at a genuinely drinkable temperature rather than lukewarm, the auto shut-off removes any anxiety about leaving it running, and day-to-day cleanup is about as low-effort as filter coffee gets thanks to the dishwasher-safe components. Independent owner feedback consistently centres on ease of use and dependable everyday performance, with quality complaints being the exception rather than the rule.
Final Verdict
The De'Longhi ICM15210 does one job — brewing a full pot of good filter coffee for a household — and does it with very few false notes. It isn't trying to be a specialty espresso machine or a smart kitchen gadget, and buyers who go in expecting either will be disappointed. But for the person who wants a dependable, easy-to-clean machine that reliably serves multiple cups of hot, evenly brewed filter coffee without fuss, this is a genuinely sound purchase. Run a couple of rinse cycles before your first real brew, stay on top of descaling, and this is a machine built to earn a spot on your worktop for years rather than months.
What People Say
153 commentsSmell will make you want to throw up!
Purchased this when our previous filter machine gave up after 5yrs of daily use, however I wish I’d read all the reviews first.
Machine had a very cheap & flimsy feel to its construction.
Doesn’t heat water very well at all, so coffee is cold within just a few minutes.
However after a few days the coffee started to have a very bitter plasticky taste & smell. Also the water compartment started to give off a very strong smell of stagnant water.
Followed all manufacturer recommendations for cleaning (white vinegar & water mix) multiple times but the foul taste & smell came back again within 48hrs.
It got to the point that when opening the water compartment lid for just a few seconds the smell would be so bad it made us feel physically sick & we had to open all the windows in the kitchen for an hour or so for the smell to disperse.
Never had any of these issues with any other coffee machine we’ve owned.
Returned to store for refund.
Good machine, but.....
I have had one of these machines before and it gave good service for many years, so I had no hesitation in buying the same machine again, even though the price had increased quite considerably. It is still easy to use, and still makes good coffee quickly. Some people may not be happy that it doesn't come with a permanent filter, but disposable paper filters do at least make it easy to clean out.
The only issue I have is that, on my new machine, the non-drip valve often sticks in the open position, defeating the purpose of the valve. I took the machine back for a replacement, and the replacement has the same issue. A great shame, and it knocks at least one star off the review of an otherwise very competent coffee maker.
Straightforward, compact, effective coffee maker
This coffee maker makes four decent mugs of coffee, is quick to perk the coffee, and keeps the coffee warm effectively. There are little warning beeps when you turn it on and when the auto-off cuts in which are helpful. Reheating is a simple button press. Easily operated even when half asleep, which is perfect for a coffee maker, you just need to make sure the jug is placed properly on the hotplate. Care is simple: leave open and rinse the filter holder after every use to air the machine and dispose of any stray coffee grounds.
Great coffee with some quirks
I bought this a few weeks ago and been using near daily since. The coffee itself is great, very clean tasting and brewed well. If you buy it, pour a little bit more water in than you think because some will evaporate during the brewing process. After it indicates being done, the coffee is actually still dripping for a minute or so, but that might be due to the filter I’m using. Not super loud, but leftover water drops do make a hissing noise sometimes which is a bit scary but can get used to it easily.
Minimal functionality - that makes it durable
I chose this because it had just one button. Many other coffee makers have way too many buttons and spill over functionality into apps, which is only a recipe for more things going wrong. My use case was only making coffee when I needed it and keeping it warm for a little while; no need for timer or any other statistics, analytics, etc. This machine matches perfectly.
If I had a nitpick, the coffee machine beeps 3 times when it's finished and I wish there were a way to turn the beeping off.
Good machine if handled carefully
I bought this machine in dire need on a deal and so far it has been a good buy - I would certainly buy again for the same price. It provides a good filter coffee with minimal maintenance and cleaning needed. Instructions and controls are at a minimum. I have had a few issues with leakage, but that is more about me now putting in the filters correctly. So, moisten the paper filter for a bit of surface tension, line it up properly, and you'll have no problems. A good machine in the price bracket.
Not one I'd choose again
Bought as a "Which" recommended productng.
It is is easy to use, and quick to produce the coffee.But it produces a slightly more bitter brew than my previous machine.Acceptable, but not the best I've tasted. The filter assembly is bulky, and tricky to clean.
That filter unit seems fragile, too. After about a week of use, the valve that prevents drips when the carafe is removed fell apart. Argos (as I'd expect) replaced it without demur, but it raises questions about the machine's durability.
Not a patch on my previous Delonghi machine
Dissappointed that Argos description omits two important facts - firstly this has not got a permanent filter so you have to buy paper ones for one off usage. Secondly it switches itself off after about 40 mins - so my third cup of coffee is cold!
Lid to the jug is flimsy and easily dislodged when washing it.
My previous DeLonghi (unfortunately no longer available) which lasted 6 years of daily use had a permanent filter, kept my coffee hot for as long as I wanted and was far more robust.
simple coffee maker
This our third De Longhi coffee maker, over a period of 8 years.
. Does exactly what you need of a simple no-nonsense.filter coffee maker
The machine holds around 2.5 litres. This takes less than 10 minutes to go through. The machine produces coffee at just the right temperature.
Turns off after 40 minutes. This is not a problem for use. If we want to keep the pot warm, just switch it off and back-on].
If we want just one cup, we pour the coffee into a mug and microwave for 1.5 minutes
Replacement for an old one!
My old De'Longhi packed in after many years of service so I decided to replace it with one from the same manufacturer!
It's every bit as good as it's predecessor but a word of warning - if you're making a big pot of coffee, as I invariably do, use Number 4 filters!
I used Number 2 filters at first (as I did with my old machine) and I ended up with a spillage. Possibly the flow on this machine is greater, I really don't know, all I know is that with Number 4 filters it's perfectly fine!
Sent it back
I bought this as a quick fill-in when my old machine broke - until I had time to shop for a better one. Sadly though, even after multiple uses, it left the kitchen full of a melted plastic smell. The plastic taste also came through in the coffee - HUGE NO-NO! It was putrid. And the coffee was much weaker than my my previous Melitta machine. I sent the DeLonghi back, and found time to shop properly for another Melitta - should have just saved myself the hassle and done that to start with.
Marvellous economical coffee machine
Easy to setup and use. Put your filter paper in the top, add decent ground coffee beans (I used LIDL finest ground Guatamalan) with the plastic measuring spoon/scoop provided. Fill the jug with the amount of water that you want to make into coffee and pour it into the reservoir. Press the ON button on the front and away you go. Easy to take apart for cleaning. Using paper filters (size X4) has got to be greener than using plastic pods in other, more expensive coffee makers
Seems like a decent design
Compact footprint, easy to use and clean. Water level indicator is easy to see but obviously you need to mentally calibrate it for your size cups. The only thing I felt could be improved was the speed the water came through into the jug - it's a little too fast so it doesn't absorb enough flavour from the coffee on the way through the filter. If they fixed that it would be perfect. This flaw may be less pronounced once the internal piping has accumulated some limescale!
A fine machine with a limited "shelf life"
This is the THIRD machine we bought exactly like this one. While they work well for a year or so both our previous machines failed because they began to leak. Whilst not environmentally a good product it does well for awhile. We prefer drip / filter coffee and this one is fine for us. The price point is very good.
The "stay hot" feature is not very long but we have learned to cycle the machine off and then back on whenever we get a cup of coffee.
Works for us.
Very Cheap Build
Shockingly flimsy plastic. Strong chemical taste still emitted from water reservoir even after flushing it through a dozen times including with vinegar solution twice. The non drip stopper also sticks open so not possible to pour a cup unless it’s all fully brewed. I’ve owned lots of delonghi stuff and been very pleased. I also still have one of their bean to cup machines that I love. Unfortunately this is just awful. Come on delonghi, don’t stoop to this level.
It makes Coffee
A simple Filter Coffee Machine that makes coffee. Not much else to say really.
Good Points- Easy of use, easy to clean, large capacity coffee jug
Bad Points- Needs Filter papers-( Not very environmentally friendly), quite expensive to buy vs. Tassimo etc style machine. Hot plate only stays for about 30 mins after brew. Could do with staying on longer.
But overall , a good machine. Makes a full job in about 10 mins, and beeps to alert when coffee is ready.
Makes coffee
I have low cupboards in the kitchen. This coffee maker is only 45cm high with the water filling lid open. This is an improvement over other filter coffee makers.
As usual for most coffee makers, this unit required 3 jugfuls of water to be heated to get rid of the plastic smell.
Easy unit to clean. I lever off the jug lid and then put the jug in the dishwasher. The levering action requires some care to avoid hinge damage.
I am pleased with the item.
Basic, but cheap
Basic, no frills, but don't expect any bells and whistles - it's just on or off. To be expected for such a low priced machine, they do break down after a while. First year is covered by manufacturer warranty. After a year, if it breaks, this model is so cheap that I tend to just buy a new one - this is my fourth machine, I think. If you buy this machine instead of something more fancy, you can spend your savings on nice coffee to put in it!
Simple Coffee machine
Simple, wouldn't expect any more for price. The filter holder comes of easily for cleaning. The anti drip valve sometimes doesn't do the job and needs wiggled to work again. Can see that eventually not working at all. The auto cut off is too short. By the time you start it, go away, come back to fill fist cup, go away and drink it, then come back for second it's usually already switched off so I'm often having a luke warm second cup.
Weak and not hot enough coffee
Bought it on sale but returned it the next day. Coffee has no time to brew or the water to warm up properly, so the result is a warm cup of weak coffee (I tried adding more coffee, no difference). Filter holder also opens up each time you remove the jug. Looks slightly different as on the photos it looks matte but in reality it’s made of cheap looking, thin shiny plastic. Expected more from the brand, but got refund so it’s ok
