Makita Coffee Maker DCM501 Review: It Works, But Would I Actually Buy One?
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The Makita DCM501 is one of those tools that I absolutely understand why Makita made, but after actually using one, I'm not sure I understand who it's really for. It's a cordless coffee maker that runs on Makita batteries. It's weird, it's kind of cool, and most importantly, it actually works. You can throw a battery on it and make coffee without needing an outlet. The problem is that I wouldn't personally use one.
It's a Cool Idea
I'll give Makita credit because the concept is genuinely fun. If you're already using Makita cordless tools all day, being able to grab one of your batteries and use it to make coffee sounds perfect. For a jobsite, camping, working somewhere without power, or even keeping around the shop, I can see the appeal. And the DCM501 does what it's supposed to do. Put a battery on it, add your coffee and water, and you've got a cordless coffee maker. That's pretty awesome.
The Problem Is Actually Carrying It Around
Where the DCM501 loses me is practicality. A cordless coffee maker sounds extremely portable until you realize you still have to bring the coffee maker, battery, coffee, water, cup and everything else you need to actually make coffee. At that point, this isn't exactly something I'm casually throwing into my tool bag. It's awkward enough to transport that I'd rather just bring coffee with me in the first place.
It's Also Too Expensive
The other problem is price. This is ultimately a small coffee maker that happens to run on power-tool batteries. That's cool, but I'm not sure it's cool enough to justify what you're paying for it. If I worked somewhere without access to power or coffee every single day, maybe I'd look at it differently. For occasional use, though, it's hard for me to justify. Shop Makita on Amazon!
Would I Buy the Makita DCM501 Again?
Probably not.
There's nothing particularly wrong with the Makita DCM501. It works, it's unique, and it's another fun use for Makita batteries. I just don't think it's particularly practical. It's too expensive for what it does, and once you factor in everything you need to carry around with it, the convenience of having a cordless coffee maker starts disappearing pretty quickly. It's a weird Makita tool, and I'm glad I tried it. I just wouldn't buy one for myself.
