Debenhams caters to the middle market section and it’s website reflects this in its range of affordable items. You can search all types and prices or narrow your search to espresso and cappuccino makers or filter machines. Debenhams offers a reasonable selection of coffee makers at reasonable prices on a website that’s easy to navigate and attractively set out.
Finding the website
You can visit the Debenhams home page at www.debenhams.co.uk.
Finding the section on coffee makers
When you have reached the Debenhams home page click on the ‘Electricals’ tab on the bar at the top. This will bring up a menu and you click on ‘Small Kitchen Appliances’. On the left hand side of this page is a Shop by category menu. Go to Coffee machines and click there. This brings up the coffee maker start page. On the left hand side is a menu allowing you to view all or search by Filter coffee makers, Espresso and Cappuccino makers, Nespresso pod machines and Grinders. Or you can click on the picture links in the middle of the page.
The selection available
The website offers a reasonable selection of lower and medium priced items with a few expensive espresso machines. Brands available include Bosch, DeLonghi, Magimix, Haden, Kenwood, Krups, Morphy Richards, Prestige and Russell Hobbs.
Information provided on the site
On the left hand side of the ‘Search All’ start page is a ‘Narrow your search’ menu that allows you to search by brand, price, colour or size. The first three options are useful but the size option doesn’t give any information.
Each item is boxed and is illustrated clearly, on the usual white background. You’re told the name of the item it’s original price and the price it’s being sold at now if there has been a reduction. Items that are ‘best buy’ are noted as well.
Click on the item for more information. This brings up the item page with a larger image that you can zoom in on. There is in some cases a second image showing it from a different angle, or showing the coffee maker in situ. It gives you an idea of what the machine will look like sitting on your kitchen table or worktop.
To the right of the product image in some cases is a short blurb outlining its principal features. Under ‘Product details’ there is a bullet point list describing the machine’s benefits as well as a list of features including, capacity, pump pressure, wattage and model number for espresso makers and capacity, permanent or removable filter and carafe type for filter makers.
A ‘May we suggest’ column with some items shows similar coffee makers that you might want to look at as an alternative, while ‘Customers also viewed’ shows models that customers were also interested in. Click on the image to bring up the suggested model’s individual page.
With some items you receive a free welcome pack that includes a Latte Macchiato glass, a cappuccino cup with saucer a selection of coffees and recipe cards.
Again, if you’re not sure what kind of coffee maker to buy, click on the Coffee makers buying guide. It offers straightforward information on types of coffee makers, including cafetiers, filter coffee makers and percolators, espresso and cappuccino makers and nespresso machines. There are also sections on coffee grinders, coffee maker accessories and tips on how to make a great cup of coffee.
It’s always worth taking a look at the ‘customer reviews’, although there are not many of them overall.
Buying from the website
At the top of the item page there is a link to log in and register. Debenhams say that you don’t have to register but that it makes shopping online easier and faster. Registering means giving an e-mail address and selecting a password.
To purchase, click on the ‘Add to basket’ tab. This brings up the basket page where your purchases are listed with Brand/description, Details, Quantity, Unit price and Order. You then click on the ‘Checkout’ tab to purchase or the ‘More shopping’ tab to continue browsing. At the checkout you simply complete the name, e-mail and telephone boxes with billing address to have your order processed.
Finally
This is an easy-to-use website with a good range of medium priced items. It has easy to follow instructions on choosing what kind of coffee maker you want in its guide and a straightforward purchasing system. A free welcome pack is offered with some items.