Zojirushi Zutto Review: Compact Brewing Perfection Unveiled

Okay, I admit it: I’m obsessed with everything to do with brewing and coffee appliances. So, when the chance came to write this Zojirushi Zutto review, I jumped at the chance!

I know what you’re thinking: “Another coffee maker review? Hasn’t this guy had enough caffeine?” As a java junkie, the answer is always a resounding “No!”

So, you can understand my enthusiasm when I heard about the minimalist Japanese Zojirushi Zutto Drip Coffee Maker. I couldn’t pass it by. Can this pint-sized package deliver a perfect cup as promised? Can it live up to my coffee-heavy expectations? 

Join me as I unpack whether the Zojirushi Zutto is the tiny titan of small coffee makers.

Simple and Easy to Use

Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Effortless brewing at the touch of button

Convenient, compact and lightweight

Super-easy to use

Very affordable

Not auto-off function

Mostly plastic construction

CHECK PRICE

Overview: Zojirushi Zutto Review

The Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker encapsulates Japandi — the best of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism. It also embodies the timeless values of the 106-year-old Zojirushi brand.

The Zutto (meaning “always” in Japanese) further highlights these values. It’s not trying to be the flashiest gadget in your kitchen, but it promises to brew up a storm. 

In a world where everything seems supersized, the Zutto goes the other way. This 5-cup coffee maker is compact enough to fit in even the tiniest dorm rooms or NYC apartments.

Another must-mention in this Zojirushi Zutto review is the concealed water reservoir. It’s removable, so refilling is a breeze. And let’s not forget about the filters. The Zutto boasts a permanent filter basket and built-in charcoal filter. Definitely a win for Mother Earth — less waste, more taste!

Speaking of taste, this little machine promises to handle extraction like a pro. It’s no SCA coffee maker, but seems to have a decent water sprinkler system. And for all you coffee fiends worried about cold coffee (I see you, and I am you), the Zutto has a keep-warm feature. Then again, I’m not crazy about the glass carafe with a warming plate set up.

When it comes to operation, the Zutto is super-minimalist. It’s got one switch. One. You flip it, and coffee happens. Cost-wise, it’s a steal, coming in at $74.86. This coffee maker’s minimalist in design, minimalist in operation and minimalist in price.

What I love about the Zutto is its sure-fire simplicity. There’s no fancy Star Trek Enterprise screen, no built-in grinder; basically, there are no fancy additions. It’s just you, your coffee and a well-designed machine doing what it does best. Trust the Japanese to show us how to do simple!

Zojirushi Zutto Features

A crucial part of this Zojirushi Zutto review is in measuring how well it holds up in terms of functionality and features. After taking an in-depth first look, this was what I came away with:

Size and Design

The Zojirushi Zutto is the pint-sized powerhouse of the coffee world. Standing at a modest 11 inches (27 centimeters), and weighing a mere 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms), this drip coffee maker is the coffee equivalent of a smart car. It’s compact and efficient yet surprisingly mighty. 

In fact, it’s the perfect fit for cozy apartments, dorm rooms or that awkward corner in your teeny-weeny kitchen.

Moreover, the Zutto’s design is sleeker than a Samurai’s katana. Its curved 5-cup-capacity carafe is low-key and stylish, while its one-touch operation is refreshingly straightforward. In a world of over-complicated gadgets, the Zutto’s minimalist charm is refreshing. I just don’t like that it’s mostly plastic, as this has me questioning its durability.

In short, the Zutto is not trying to be your alarm clock, weatherman or life coach. It just wants to make darn good drip coffee, and look good doing it. It’s almost meditative in its simplicity.

User Interface

Let’s talk about another key feature of this Zojirushi Zutto review: the user interface — or, should I say, lack thereof? In a world where even toasters have touch screens, the Zutto is refreshingly retro.

The interface is downright simple; it has one switch. Yep, one single, solitary switch. It’s the coffee maker equivalent of a light bulb: on or off. This lone ranger of a switch doesn’t only turn the machine on; it’s also your ticket to warm, caffeinated bliss.

Flip it, and watch the Zutto spring to life. No programmable settings, no strength adjustments, no clock blinking 12:00 forever. It’s a straightforward breath of fresh air in our often over-complicated lives.

In essence, this Zojirushi coffee maker basically says, “You want coffee? I’ll make coffee. End of story.” For those of us who can barely form coherent thoughts pre-caffeine, this approach isn’t just user-friendly; it’s zombie-friendly!

Removable Water Tank

Now, let’s discuss the Zutto’s 24-ounce (710-milliliter) water tank. Like in many modern coffee makers, this concealed water tank is removable. No more taking your coffee maker to the sink for refilling.

Plus, Zojirushi has equipped it with a clear sight glass on the side. This feature gives you a front-row seat to water levels.

As such, refilling is super easy. Just flip open the lid on top (it’s removable, so no fumbling with loose parts) and pour in your H2O into the BPA-free plastic water tank within.

In addition, the side markings give clear measurements for hot or iced coffees. This way, you’ll nail the water-to-coffee ratio every time.

Charcoal Filter

Let’s now talk about Zojirushi Zutto’s secret weapon: its replaceable charcoal water filter. This little gizmo keeps out all the riff raff — chlorine, odors, limescale and other funky stuff that could mess with your coffee’s mojo. The result? Coffee that tastes like a pro barista brewed it.

Now, having this filter doesn’t mean that you pay it no attention. Remember it only remains efficient for up to two years under normal use. So don’t forget to change it to ensure you continue to enjoy only the best-tasting coffee.

Glass Carafe

Now, although I’ve mentioned that this coffee maker has a high-quality glass carafe, it doesn’t mean I’m crazy about it. I know, I know, a bit of an M. Night Shyamalan ending. But hear me out.

Thermal carafes perform much better than glass carafes when it comes to keeping coffee hot while retaining flavor. The dreaded warming plate and glass carafe set-up could “burn” your fresh-brewed coffee. Especially if you don’t consume that coffee within a 30-minute window.

However, there are some saving graces with this 22-ounce (675-milliliter) carafe. The lid, built for a smooth pour, avoids coffee tsunamis on your counter. Plus, the removable lid makes brewing and cleaning a breeze. In short, this carafe is reliable, efficient and always ready for a refill.

Filter Basket

The cone-shaped filter basket is the “no fuss, no muss” champion of this Zojirushi Zutto review. All you need to do is position it on top of the carafe, pop in a paper filter, load up your fav grounds and you’re good to go. Easy peasy! To add to this, this basket is removable, so cleaning is a breeze.

Now, here’s what I especially love about this filter basket: it plays nice with reusable filters, too. So, if you’re looking to up your eco-friendly coffee game, the Zutto’s got your back. It really is the coffee maker that keeps on giving!

Automatic Keep Warm Function

The automatic keep-warm function is another nifty feature that elevates this coffee maker from mid to rad. It keeps your brew warm for up to two hours after brewing, ensuring it remains sippable. No more grimacing at lukewarm coffee or, shock horror, nuking it in the microwave!

Now, why does this feature matter? It matters if you won’t be drinking your fresh-brewed coffee all in one go. I must say, I’m not too crazy about it, but it does keep coffee warm. 

In fact, since this is a 5-cup coffee maker, as long as you drink your coffee within the hour, you’re good. In this instance, Zojirushi understood the assignment and more than delivered!

How to Use the Zojirushi Zutto Coffee Maker

Now, let’s get brewing. To begin, fill ‘er up! Pop open the water reservoir’s top lid, remove the plastic water tank and fill it with fresh filtered coffee water. Remember, if you’re unsure, there’s a handy sight glass for extra guidance. Replace the tank and secure it with the lid.

Then, grab a No. 2 paper filter and nestle it into the brew basket. Now, scoop in your favorite ground coffee and secure the cone basket lid before positioning the carafe in place.

The Zutto is pretty forgiving, so aim for about 1-3 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 8-ounce (240-milliliter) cup of coffee brewed. Next, hit that power button and watch the magic happen. The Zutto will gurgle away, filling your kitchen with that irresistible coffee aroma.

To make iced coffee, follow the same procedure for hot coffee. Only check the iced coffee water scale on the side of the water tank. It adjusts the coffee-to-water ratio, using less water for a stronger brew. 

Zojirushi Zutto Cleaning

Next, let’s tackle the not-so-glamorous part of this Zojirushi Zutto review: cleaning your coffee maker. Because a clean Zutto is a happy Zutto, and a happy Zutto makes heavenly coffee!

Every day, you should give your Zutto a little TLC. To do so, discard the filter paper and coffee grounds (reuse if you can). Then, give all removable parts (except the charcoal filter) a bubble bath in warm, soapy water, followed by a thorough rinse and dry. I would use a gentle dish soap – nothing too harsh.

Speaking of which, over time, your carafe is likely to develop stubborn coffee stains. To combat this, mix equal parts water and white vinegar, pour it in and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. Then, wash and rinse well, and voila! A carafe so clean you could probably see your reflection in it!

Also, don’t forget to check the filter basket for any sneaky coffee grounds hiding in the corners. A soak, scrub (with a soft brush or old toothbrush) and rinse works wonders here.

Every few months, or when your Zutto starts brewing that little bit slower, descale it. This will not only preserve your coffee’s taste but also make it more efficient. To descale, use equal parts water and white vinegar solution. Alternatively, use a citric acid cleaner or commercial descaler available on Amazon.

Don’t forget about your Zutto’s outsides! Wipe down the exterior with a clean, damp cloth regularly to keep it from staining. For tough spots, use a little soapy water, being careful around the electrical parts.

Zojirushi Zutto Technical Specifications

Verdict: Zojirushi Zutto Review

Simple and Easy to Use

Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Effortless brewing at the touch of button

Convenient, compact and lightweight

Super-easy to use

Very affordable

Not auto-off function

Mostly plastic construction

CHECK PRICE

As I wrap up this Zojirushi Zutto review, I can’t help but feel a little sentimental. This Japanese beauty looks like the perfect partner to see you through all those light and dark roasts.

Furthermore, in a world of flashy, high-tech coffee equipment that (sometimes) seems like it needs a PhD to operate, the Zutto is a breath of fresh air. Is it perfect? Well, is anything in this life perfect? I’m yet to put it through its paces, so I’ll reserve my judgment until then.

In conclusion, I recommend this retro-looking drip coffee maker if you want to embrace danshari (Japanese minimalism). It’s not trying to be the fanciest or the loudest, but it promises to brew your daily cup and brew it simply.

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