When it comes to coffee makers, Zojirushi is less well-known a brand compared to the likes of Breville, Bunn or Mr Coffee. However, that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked.
Based out of Japan, the company makes a number of incredibly high-quality kitchen appliances, including coffee makers.
We tried and loved their rice cookers and breadmakers, so picking up one of their coffee makers was a no-brainer. In this Zojirushi coffee maker review, we will explain the different features of this machine, what we liked about while testing, a few areas for improvement, and most importantly, where you should buy it.
Summary: The Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker
- Makes superior coffee compared to other machines, with an option for a faster brew time that still delivers excellent results.
- Very user-friendly with features like a removable water tank and swivel-out coffee grinds area, making it easy to fill and clean.
- The stainless steel insulated carafe keeps coffee hot for hours, and preheating it with hot water can extend this even further.
- Well-engineered and well-made, with attention to details like removable silicone gaskets for cleaning and a fine mesh no-filter-needed coffee grind filter.
- Offers a built-in timer so coffee is ready when you wake up, and alerts for descaling, adding convenience to your daily routine.
Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Features
We were pleasantly surprised to find the EC-YTC100XB coffee maker by Zojirushi is chockfull of features. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important.
| Brand | Zojirushi |
| Model Number | EC-YTC100XB |
| Year Of Release | 2018 |
| Capacity | 10 Cups |
| Color | Stainless Steel/Black |
| Product Dimensions | 8″D x 10.63″W x 15.88″H |
| Item Weight | 9 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1200 watts |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Coffee Maker Type | Drip Coffee Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Special Feature | Permanent Filter |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | $190.00 |
| See on Amazon | BUY NOW |
Sleek and Durable Design
Zojirushi is a trusted brand known for its commitment to quality and innovation. The EC-YTC100XB coffee maker is no exception. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this product is designed to deliver exceptional performance and durability.
When we opened the box, we noted that the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB boasts a sleek and modern stainless steel and black exterior. While it’s not a super modern design, it did look good on our countertop.
Not only does it look sophisticated, but it is also built to last. It is manufactured in Japan and the high-quality materials used in its construction were evident when we used the machine.
This looks, feels and performs like a high-end coffee maker.
Ten-Cup Capacity
This coffee maker has a generous 10-cup capacity, making it suitable for both personal use and gatherings with friends and family.
It’s also perfect for a busy office environment. The Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB provides a steady supply of freshly brewed coffee throughout the day. Its large capacity makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic workspaces where coffee is an essential fuel for productivity.
Easy to Use and Maintain
We found that operating the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB is a breeze. It has an extremely user-friendly interface, and we were able to effortlessly navigate through the brewing options and customize our coffee preferences.
The swing basket, filter basket, and stainless steel mesh filter are all removable and washable which makes taking care of the machine as easy as pie.
Much like when we reviewed the Ninja Hot and Cold brewed system, we loved the removable water tank on the Zojirushi coffee maker. It makes filling the machine a simple task and cleaning and maintenance is simple.
Versatile Brewing Options
The EC-YTC100XB offers versatility in brewing options. Whether you prefer a strong and bold cup of coffee or a milder brew, you have the flexibility to adjust the grind size and amount to suit your taste preferences. This coffee maker adapts to your needs, allowing you to explore different flavors and strengths with ease.
The brewing time on the Zojirushi is longer than other filter coffee makers. Our brews took 10-15 minutes, although 3-4 minutes of this was for the initial bloom stage. That said, we didn’t notice any major effect on taste. It does have a time saver mode which sped up the brewing process without noticeably impacting the final flavor of the coffee.
Also, we found that the recommended coffee to water ratio in the manual resulted in a weaker brew than we like. As such we increased our dose to 1:16 which gave us much better results.
As well as regular drip coffee, we also used it to make iced coffee, with clear markings on the water tank for both.
Enhanced Flavor Extraction
One of the biggest issues with cheap coffee makers is heat. A lot of coffee machines on the market can’t heat the water to a high enough temperature. This results in poor extraction.
There was no such issue in our testing of the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB. We recorded consistent brewing temperatures above 200 Fahrenheit. As a result, our coffee was properly extracted with great flavor and full-bodied cups.
The Taste Test
In our testing of the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker, we conducted a taste test using light, medium, and dark roasts to evaluate its performance across different roast profiles.
Here’s what we found:
- Light Roast: We found that the light roast coffee was brewed to perfection. The coffee maker’s “shower head” feature, disperses water evenly over the grinds, allowed for better percolation and brought out the bright and fruity flavors and aromas typical of a light roast. The result was a cup that was flavorful without being overly bitter.
- Medium Roast: The medium roast test showcased the coffee maker’s consistency in brewing. Our medium roast coffee was slightly more robust, with a well-balanced flavor profile that was neither too weak nor too strong.
- Dark Roast: For the dark roast, we used a single-origin Sumatran bean and got a rich and bold cup, with the deep flavors of the dark roast coming through clearly.
Long-Lasting Hot Coffee
Another feature we loved is the reusable stainless steel carafe. The thermal carafe features vacuum insulation to keep coffee hot without a heating plate. We often get distracted in the office and forget about our coffee. With the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB this isn’t an issue. In our temperature tests, we found the carafe kept coffee hot for hours.
Is It Worth It?
What can we say? While it’s not the sexiest coffee maker in the world, the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB stands out as a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed appliance.
It is user-friendly, has lots of features and most importantly, it makes really good coffee.
So if you’re looking for a reliable coffee maker that can make large batches and will last for years to come, this model is one you should definitely consider.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
