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Coffee Maker Reviews
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Coffee Makers Performance
Experts and consumers posting coffee maker reviews range from those who revere an artisanal brew to those just in it for the caffeine rush, and their expectations vary accordingly. America's Test Kitchen concludes that no inexpensive model brews a perfect cup, a finding that's backed up by consumers and other experts.
Brewing Time.
A common complaint in coffee maker reviews is that budget models brew too slowly. Fast brewing isn't only a matter of convenience; it also prevents the coffee from becoming too bitter. However, a brewing time that's too short can result in weak, watered-down coffee. The best coffee makers strike a balance. Experts say that a pot of coffee should take no longer than five or six minutes to brew, but larger low-cost machines in particular don't hit that mark. An expert at HowStuffWorks reports that the 12-cup Mr. Coffee JWX27 takes about 13 minutes to brew a full carafe. Other budget 12-cup machines appear comparable -- for instance, a consumer posting a coffee maker review on Amazon finds that the Hamilton Beach Ensemble 43254 (starting at $38, Amazon
) takes about 10 minutes.
The smaller, 4-cup Cuisinart DCC-450 (starting at $21, Amazon
Temperature.
Experts agree that the best-tasting coffee is made with water that's just under the boiling point. Budget coffee makers generally do not hit that mark -- some not by a long shot. The Mr. Coffee JWX27 (starting at $35, Amazon
) is one low-cost model touted by experts for having a brewing temperature consistently over 195 degrees.
To a certain extent, the temperature of the coffee itself is a matter of personal preference. But when numerous people posting coffee maker reviews say their coffee doesn't come out hot, you know there's a problem. One coffee drinker who posted a review of the Mr. Coffee TFTX85 (starting at $40, Amazon
In coffee maker reviews at Macy's, several users say the Cuisinart DCC-450 can make hot coffee; however, it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes instead of keeping coffee warm throughout the morning. A few users say the coffee doesn't stay hot even that long. On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach Ensemble earns raves from users posting coffee maker reviews on Amazon for coffee that stays piping hot (although purists might lament that coffee left sitting on a burner becomes bitter and often tastes burnt). The Hamilton Beach BrewStation Summit 48464 (starting at $47, Amazon
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Read user comments below
Best Cheap Coffee Makers
Hamilton Beach Ensemble 43254
This 12-cup machine is a basic programmable coffee maker with no bells or whistles but many fans. Users say it makes good, hot coffee and is easy to use and clean. Read more »Coffee Makers Deals
Black & Decker Brew 'n Go Personal DCM18S
Best Cheap Single-Cup Coffee Maker
This handy one-serving coffee maker brews a single cup directly into a 15-ounce thermal travel mug. It comes with a permanent cone filter so you don't have to spend extra on paper filters.
Coffee Makers Deals
Good Cheap Coffee Makers
Hamilton Beach BrewStation Summit
This 12-cup machine (model No. 48464) doesn't come with a carafe, instead holding the coffee in an internal thermal tank so you can fill a mug directly from the spout. Consumers appreciate that they don't have to worry about breaking a glass carafe, although many complain of spills. Read more »Coffee Makers Deals
Mr. Coffee JWX27
This 12-cup, programmable coffee maker heats water close to the ideal temperature, according to experts, and has a setting for making stronger coffee. It also features a cleaning cycle and water filtration. Read more »Coffee Makers Deals
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Don't Bother Cheap Coffee Makers
Mr. Coffee TFTX85
The thermal pot on this 8-cup programmable coffee maker would be useful for keeping coffee hot -- if the coffee that came out was hot to begin with. Users find the lid difficult to get on and off and the pot hard to clean. Read more »
Cuisinart DCC-450
At first glance, this 4-cup pot with a cone filter and durable stainless-steel carafe is ideal for couples who make two mugs of coffee in the morning. However, reviewers complain of messy pouring, leaking, and wear on the heating plate. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Melitta 10-cup ManualBodum Chambord
Black & Decker CM1650B
Mr. Coffee TFTX85
Cuisinart DCC-450
Hamilton Beach BrewStation Summit
Mr. Coffee JWX27
Hamilton Beach Ensemble 43254
Black & Decker Brew 'n Go Personal DCM18S
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Weekly Update - Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Recommendations
If you're a coffee lover who wants to stick to a budget, making your morning cup o' joe at home is a well-trod first step towards frugality.
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