Black & Decker Coffeemaker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

The Black & Decker CM4000S 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is a quintessential example of how a kitchen appliance can bridge the gap between functionality and aesthetics. I've spent a few weeks using this coffee maker, and it has left me with mixed feelings. While there are several aspects that I genuinely appreciate, there are also a few that leave room for improvement.

At first glance, the CM4000S impresses with its sleek black and silver design, which fits seamlessly into any modern kitchen setting. The size is fairly standard, making it an unobtrusive addition to my countertop. The cord storage feature is a nice touch, ensuring that the kitchen stays neat and tidy.

Setting up the coffee maker was straightforward. The quick touch programming feature allows for easy setup of the clock and the automatic brewing schedule. However, I quickly noticed a significant drawback: the digital screen lacks backlighting. This makes it challenging to read the display, especially in low-light conditions. On top of that, the placement of the "strong" brew setting at the very top edge of the screen makes it even more difficult to see, requiring a bit of bending over or squinting.

One of the standout features of this coffee maker is the Fast Brew Technology. Indeed, it brews coffee quickly, which is a lifesaver on busy mornings. The brew strength selector is another great addition, allowing me to customize the brew to my preference. I enjoy a strong cup of coffee, and this feature delivers exactly that. However, I did find that the "strong" setting didn’t make a significant difference in the strength of the coffee compared to the regular setting. It’s a subtle enhancement at best.

The Sneak-A-Cup feature is a clever idea, letting you grab a quick cup of coffee before the full brewing cycle is complete. Unfortunately, in practice, it’s a bit of a mess. Each time I tried to use this feature, I encountered leakage onto the hot plate, which then required immediate cleaning to avoid burnt coffee residues. This diminishes the convenience of the feature considerably.

A recurring issue I faced was with the water level markings. They are only visible from inside the water reservoir, making it cumbersome to fill the coffee maker accurately. For someone of average height, it often required standing on tiptoes or using a flashlight to see the water level. External water level markings would significantly simplify this process.

Another frustrating aspect is the condensation issue. After brewing, opening the lid often results in water dripping onto the countertop, which necessitates constant wiping. While it doesn't affect the functionality directly, it’s an inconvenience that adds to the overall maintenance of the coffee maker.

When it comes to taste, the coffee brewed by this machine is generally good. I did encounter an initial plastic taste, which was quite off-putting. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning with vinegar and water before the first use did mitigate this issue to a large extent, but it took a few cycles for the taste to completely disappear. This initial hurdle can be quite discouraging, especially for those who are eager to enjoy their coffee right away.

The auto-clean system is a useful feature, making it easier to maintain the coffee maker over time. Regular cleaning is essential to avoid any build-up that might affect the brewing process or the taste of the coffee. The removable filter basket and the dishwasher-safe carafe add to the convenience, simplifying the cleaning routine.

Temperature-wise, the coffee is hot, which is a notable advantage. Many coffee makers struggle to deliver a hot cup straight out of the carafe, but this one does an excellent job. The nonstick keep-hot carafe plate ensures that the coffee stays warm for a reasonable duration, although I did notice that the plate tends to gather burnt coffee residues if not cleaned promptly.

Reliability is a mixed bag with this coffee maker. While it performs well most of the time, there were instances where it took longer to brew than usual, and on one occasion, it didn’t turn off automatically, requiring manual intervention. Such inconsistencies can be frustrating, especially when you expect a hassle-free experience.

In conclusion, the Black & Decker CM4000S 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker has its merits, particularly in terms of design, fast brewing, and hot coffee output. However, it is marred by several practical issues such as the hard-to-read display, internal water level markings, condensation leakage, and an initial off-putting plastic taste.

Would I recommend this coffee maker? It depends on what you prioritize. If you value quick brewing and hot coffee, and are willing to overlook some of the practical inconveniences, this coffee maker could be a decent choice. However, if you seek a hassle-free, user-friendly experience from start to finish, you might want to consider other options. The CM4000S is a fair performer but leaves much to be desired in terms of ease of use and reliability.