Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Features

  • Brew strength selector
  • 1-4 cup brew option
  • Quick touch programming
  • Time since brewed display
  • Keep hot carafe plate
  • Sneak-A-Cup technology

Specifications

Auto Off Yes
Brew Strength Selector Yes
Capacity 12 Cups
Color Black
Cord Storage Yes
Digital Yes
Dimensions 9.06 x 12.02 x 13.98 Inches
Dishwasher Safe Carafe Yes
Freshness Indicator Yes
Number Of Cups 12 Cups
Programmable Yes
Ready Indicator Light Yes
Small Brew Option Yes
Sneak A Cup Technology Yes
Volts 120V
Warranty 2 Year Limited
Water Level Indicator Yes

The 12-Cup programmable coffeemaker allows users to customize their coffee strength and brew size, with options for regular or strong coffee. It is designed for convenience with features that facilitate quick programming and maintenance.

Model Number: CM2020B

Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker Review

4.2 out of 5

Owning a reliable coffee maker is essential for any coffee enthusiast, and the Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (model CM2020B) stands out as a contender in the budget-friendly category. I recently had the opportunity to put this coffee maker through its paces, and here’s an in-depth look at how it performed.

Design and Build Quality

The Black & Decker coffee maker sports a sleek black design with a mix of stainless steel accents. It’s a visually appealing appliance that fits well in most modern kitchens. The dimensions (9.06 x 12.02 x 13.98 inches) make it compact enough to fit under standard kitchen cabinets, which is a plus for those with limited counter space.

However, the build quality leaves something to be desired. The plastic components feel somewhat flimsy, and the overall construction doesn’t exude the same robustness as some higher-end models. That said, for the price point, it’s an acceptable trade-off.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this coffee maker is its user-friendly interface. The quick touch programming allows you to set the brew time in advance, ensuring you wake up to a fresh pot of coffee. The digital display, however, is a bit of a letdown. It’s not backlit, making it difficult to read in low light conditions. Additionally, the small font size can be challenging for those with less-than-perfect eyesight.

The water-level indicator is straightforward but could be more transparent for easier reading. Filling the water reservoir can be a bit tricky due to its narrow opening, often resulting in spills if you’re not careful.

Brewing Performance

When it comes to brewing, this coffee maker delivers a solid performance. The brew strength selector allows you to choose between regular and strong coffee, catering to different taste preferences. I found the strong setting particularly useful for those mornings when I needed an extra caffeine kick.

The 1-4 cup brew option is a thoughtful feature for those who don’t always need a full pot. It adjusts the brewing process to ensure the coffee is just as flavorful as a full 12-cup pot.

One of the more innovative features is the Sneak-A-Cup technology, which lets you pause the brewing process to pour a cup before the full pot is ready. While this feature is convenient, it’s not flawless. I noticed some drips onto the heating plate when using this function, which can be a bit messy.

Coffee Quality

The quality of the coffee brewed by the Black & Decker is commendable. The flavor profile is rich and aromatic, especially when using the strong brew setting. I experimented with various coffee blends and found that this machine consistently produced a satisfying cup.

One minor gripe is that the coffee doesn’t stay hot for very long in the carafe. The keep-hot carafe plate does its job, but the coffee tends to lose its optimal temperature quicker than I’d like. This is something to keep in mind if you prefer sipping your coffee slowly over an extended period.

Maintenance and Durability

Cleaning the coffee maker is relatively straightforward. The carafe is dishwasher safe, and the filter basket is easy to remove and clean. The freshness indicator is a handy feature, letting you know how long it’s been since the coffee was brewed.

Durability is where this coffee maker shows its budget-friendly nature. While it performs well initially, there are concerns about its longevity. Some users have reported issues with the display and auto-start feature malfunctioning after a few months of use. Additionally, the carafe seems prone to breaking, and finding a replacement can be challenging.

Additional Features

The auto-off feature is a lifesaver for those who tend to forget to turn off their appliances. It shuts down the coffee maker after 120 minutes, providing peace of mind and saving energy. The ready indicator light and the beep sound that signals the end of the brewing process are useful, although the beep can be quite loud and might not be ideal for early risers trying to avoid waking up the household.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is a mixed bag. It excels in brewing a good cup of coffee and offers useful features like the brew strength selector and programmable timer. Its design is attractive, and it fits well in most kitchen spaces. However, the build quality and some design flaws, like the hard-to-read display and spill-prone water reservoir, detract from its overall appeal.

If you’re looking for an affordable coffee maker that gets the job done and don’t mind some minor inconveniences, this model is worth considering. It’s particularly suitable for those who need a reliable, programmable coffee maker without breaking the bank. However, if durability and ease of use are top priorities, you might want to explore other options.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker for budget-conscious buyers who value good coffee and can tolerate a few quirks. For those willing to invest a bit more, there are models out there with better build quality and more user-friendly features.


Project Ideas

Business

Coffee Subscription Service

Offer a subscription service that delivers fresh coffee beans or grounds along with a monthly newsletter featuring brewing tips using the programmable coffeemaker.


Office Coffee Solutions

Provide a service to supply and maintain programmable coffee makers in offices, ensuring employees always have access to fresh coffee.


Coffee Tasting Events

Host coffee tasting events where participants can sample different types of coffee brewed with the programmable coffeemaker and learn about various brewing techniques.


Custom Coffee Blends

Create and sell custom coffee blends that are optimized for brewing with the programmable coffee maker, catering to different taste preferences.


Coffee Maker Rental Service

Start a rental service for programmable coffee makers, targeting event organizers, small businesses, and individuals who need high-quality coffee makers for short-term use.

Creative

Coffee-Scented Candles

Use the coffee maker to brew strong coffee and incorporate the brewed coffee into homemade candles for a delightful coffee aroma.


Coffee Infused Soaps

Brew a strong batch of coffee and use it as an ingredient in homemade soap recipes for an invigorating coffee-scented soap bar.


Gourmet Coffee Ice Cubes

Brew coffee and freeze it in ice cube trays to create coffee ice cubes. These can be used in iced coffee drinks to prevent dilution.


Coffee Plant Fertilizer

Use leftover coffee grounds from the coffee maker as a natural fertilizer for houseplants and garden plants.


Coffee Marinated Meats

Brew strong coffee and use it as a base for marinades to add a unique flavor to meats like beef and pork.