A great cup of coffee is often essential to starting the day off right. The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker offers a convenient, easy-to-use brewing solution for coffee lovers. This programmable coffee maker is designed to provide delicious coffee at the push of a button, offering features like the Sneak-A-Cup option, an easy-to-read water window, and a 24-hour programmable brew time. With its affordable price point, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a simple yet reliable coffee maker. In this review, we will explore its features, performance, and overall value.
Key Features of the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker
12-Cup Duralife Glass Carafe
The 12-cup capacity of this coffee maker is perfect for households, small offices, or anyone who enjoys multiple cups of coffee in one brewing cycle. The carafe is made of sturdy glass and has measurement markings for accurate filling, ensuring you brew the perfect amount of coffee every time. The carafe’s easy-grip handle makes pouring a breeze, and its design ensures you won’t spill while serving.
Sneak-A-Cup Feature
The Sneak-A-Cup feature is one of the highlights of this coffee maker. This function temporarily stops the flow of coffee so you can pour your first cup before the brewing process finishes. It’s a great convenience for those mornings when you can’t wait for the entire pot to brew.
Easy-View Water Window
The water window on the front-facing side of the coffee maker allows you to easily see the exact amount of water in the reservoir, ensuring accurate filling. This eliminates the guesswork often involved in brewing and helps prevent overflows or under-filled brewing cycles.
Digital Controls with Rubberized Feel
The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker features large, easy-to-read buttons that allow for easy programming and control. The digital display shows the time, brew settings, and clock, and it’s designed with a rubberized feel for comfortable use. The programming options make it simple to set your coffee brewing time and personalize your brewing experience.
QuickTouch Programming with Auto Shutoff
QuickTouch programming allows you to set your coffee maker to brew at any time, with the added convenience of the 24-hour auto-brew function. Whether you want your coffee ready first thing in the morning or whenever you desire, this feature ensures your coffee is brewed at your convenience. The two-hour auto-shutoff feature adds a layer of safety, providing peace of mind in case you forget to turn off the coffee maker.
Washable Brew Basket
The coffee maker comes with a washable brew basket, making cleanup easy and hassle-free. The washable basket helps reduce waste and eliminates the need for paper filters, which saves you money in the long run.
Pros of the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker
1. Affordable Price
One of the biggest advantages of the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker is its affordability. For an entry-level coffee maker, it delivers great value for the price, with essential features that meet the needs of most coffee drinkers.
2. Convenient Sneak-A-Cup Feature
The ability to grab a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle finishes is a highly convenient feature. Many coffee drinkers appreciate this function, as it allows them to pour a cup while the rest of the pot brews.
3. Large Capacity
The 12-cup capacity is perfect for larger households, families, or small office settings. It allows you to brew multiple cups of coffee at once without needing to brew several smaller pots.
4. 24-Hour Programmability
The 24-hour programmable feature allows you to set the coffee maker to brew at your convenience. This is a great option for those who prefer waking up to fresh coffee or have a consistent brewing schedule.
5. Washable Brew Basket
The inclusion of a washable brew basket eliminates the need for disposable paper filters. This feature is eco-friendly and cost-effective, as you won’t need to buy filters regularly.
6. Easy to Use and Clean
The coffee maker is straightforward to operate, with easy-to-read digital controls and a simple setup process. It is also easy to clean, thanks to the removable brew basket and carafe.
Cons of the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker
1. Limited Temperature Control
Some customers have reported that the coffee temperature isn’t as hot as they’d like. While the coffee maker does brew at a hot temperature, it may not meet the preferences of those who like their coffee piping hot.
2. Durability Concerns
While many users report that the coffee maker works well, some have raised concerns about its long-term durability. A few have experienced issues with the machine malfunctioning or parts wearing out after extended use.
3. No Option for Stronger Brews
The coffee maker lacks a “strong brew” feature, which some coffee drinkers may find limiting. For those who prefer a bolder cup of coffee, the brew strength may not be adjustable enough to meet their tastes.
4. Noise During Brewing
Some customers find the coffee maker to be louder than expected during the brewing process. While not excessively loud, it may be noticeable for those who prefer a quieter coffee brewing experience.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make smaller cups of coffee with the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker?
Yes, the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker offers a 1-4 cup setting, allowing you to brew smaller amounts of coffee without sacrificing flavor or strength.
2. Is the coffee maker dishwasher safe?
The coffee maker itself is not dishwasher safe, but the brew basket and carafe are removable and can be washed by hand or placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
3. How hot is the coffee brewed by the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker?
The coffee brewed by this coffee maker is hot but may not be as hot as some users prefer. However, it delivers a decent temperature that should be satisfactory for most coffee drinkers.
4. Can I program the coffee maker to brew in advance?
Yes, the 24-hour programmability feature allows you to set the coffee maker to brew at a specific time, so your coffee is ready when you wake up or whenever you prefer.
5. Does the coffee maker have a “strong brew” feature?
No, the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker does not have a strong brew option. The brew strength is set by the amount of coffee grounds used, and it does not have an adjustable strength feature.
What Customers Think
Customers generally appreciate the value and functionality of the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker. Many are pleased with its simplicity, easy-to-use features, and affordability. The Sneak-A-Cup feature is a favorite among users who want a cup before the brewing cycle finishes, and the large 12-cup capacity is ideal for families and offices. The programmable function is another highlight, allowing users to have fresh coffee ready when they wake up.
However, some users have expressed concerns about the coffee temperature and the noise during brewing. While the coffee maker works well for most, some wish it brewed hotter coffee, and others find the noise level a bit too high for their liking.
Conclusion
The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker offers great value for the price, especially for those looking for a reliable and affordable coffee maker with essential features. It brews hot coffee quickly, is easy to use and clean, and offers convenient programmability. While it lacks some advanced features like a strong brew setting or more precise temperature control, it’s an excellent option for those who want a simple, functional coffee maker that gets the job done.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- 24-hour programmability
- Sneak-A-Cup feature for early pours
- Washable brew basket and carafe
- Large 12-cup capacity
- Easy-to-use digital controls
Cons:
- No strong brew option
- Coffee may not be hot enough for some users
- Can be noisy during brewing
- Durability concerns for some users
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a solid choice for anyone looking for an efficient and easy-to-use coffee maker at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for families, offices, or anyone who needs a reliable coffee maker that provides consistently good coffee with minimal effort.