Features
- VORTEX Technology for optimal water flow
- Brew strength selector for customized coffee strength
- Adjustable keep warm timer with options for 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes, and OFF
- Sneak-A-Cup Technology allows pouring before brewing is complete
- Smart-Clean automatic cleaning cycle
- Duralife glass carafe
- Washable brew basket
- Heated carafe plate
Specifications
Auto Off | Yes |
Capacity | 12 Cups |
Color | Stainless |
Cord Storage | Yes |
Digital | Yes |
Dishwasher Safe Carafe | Yes |
Programmable | Yes |
Sneak A Cup Technology | Yes |
Volts | 120V |
Warranty | 2 Year Limited |
Water Level Indicator | Yes |
Wattage | 975W |
This coffeemaker is designed to brew up to 12 cups of coffee, featuring technology that ensures even saturation of coffee grounds for flavor extraction.
Model Number: CM1331BS
Black & Decker 12-Cup Coffeemaker Review
The Black & Decker CM1331BS 12-Cup Coffeemaker has been a staple in my kitchen for a while, and it’s time to share my thoughts on this often-discussed appliance. As someone who relies on a good cup of coffee to kick-start my day, I was looking for a machine that could deliver consistency, convenience, and a bit of customization. Here’s my take on this coffeemaker and whether it lives up to its promises.
Design and Build Quality
First impressions matter, and this coffeemaker does score well in the looks department. Its stainless steel exterior gives it a modern aesthetic that fits well in any kitchen. However, good looks only go so far. The build quality is where this machine shows some inconsistencies. The carafe, while visually appealing, feels somewhat fragile. I found myself being extra cautious when handling it, especially after reading about others’ experiences with breakage.
The handle design is another aspect that could use improvement. It doesn’t feel as ergonomic as one would hope, making the act of pouring water into the reservoir a bit cumbersome. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth noting for those who appreciate well-thought-out design features.
Brewing Performance
The CM1331BS is equipped with VORTEX Technology, which is designed to ensure optimal water flow through the coffee grounds for better flavor extraction. From my experience, the coffee brewed by this machine is consistently good. The flavor is rich and even, which speaks well of the VORTEX system.
The brew strength selector is a feature I particularly enjoy. Depending on my mood, I can choose between a regular or strong cup of coffee. This customization is a big plus for households with varying coffee preferences. The Sneak-A-Cup Technology is another handy feature, allowing me to pour a cup mid-brew without creating a mess.
Usability
One of the standout features is the programmable timer. This has been a game-changer for my morning routine. I can set it up the night before and wake up to freshly brewed coffee. The keep-warm timer is adjustable up to 120 minutes, ensuring that my coffee stays hot without getting that burnt taste. This feature is particularly useful for those who might not drink their coffee immediately after brewing.
However, there are usability hiccups. The machine requires regular unplugging to reset the auto-timer, which can be an inconvenience. Additionally, it doesn’t beep when the brewing cycle is complete, a small but significant feature that I find myself missing.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintenance is straightforward with the Smart-Clean automatic cleaning cycle. The machine will let you know when it’s time for a clean, taking the guesswork out of the equation. The washable brew basket and dishwasher-safe carafe also make cleaning relatively easy. However, the machine does require paper filters, which are not included, adding an extra step and cost to the process.
Additional Considerations
There are a few points worth considering before making a purchase. The machine advises using filtered water, which might not be a concern for everyone but could be a hassle for some. Another issue is the absence of a permanent filter, contrary to what some product images might suggest. This can be a minor inconvenience, especially if you prefer reusable filters.
The heating element performs well, keeping the coffee warm for the set duration. However, some might find the two-hour automatic shut-off too limiting if they prefer their coffee to stay hot longer. I’ve personally found it to be adequate, but it’s something to consider based on your coffee-drinking habits.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Design: Visually appealing with a modern stainless steel look.
- Brew Quality: Consistently good coffee with the VORTEX Technology.
- Customization: Brew strength selector and programmable timer.
- Convenience: Sneak-A-Cup Technology and Smart-Clean automatic cleaning cycle.
- Keep-Warm Timer: Adjustable up to 120 minutes.
Cons:
- Build Quality: Fragile carafe and non-ergonomic handle.
- Usability Issues: Requires unplugging to reset the auto-timer and doesn’t beep when done.
- Filter Requirement: Needs paper filters, which are not included.
- Filtered Water: Advises the use of filtered water.
Final Verdict
Would I recommend the Black & Decker CM1331BS 12-Cup Coffeemaker? It depends on what you value most in a coffee machine. If you’re after a coffeemaker that offers good brewing performance, customization options, and convenient features like a programmable timer and automatic cleaning, this machine is a solid choice. The VORTEX Technology does improve flavor extraction, and the brew strength selector is a nice touch.
However, if build quality and ease of use are your primary concerns, you might want to look elsewhere. The fragile carafe and some usability quirks could be deal-breakers for those who expect a more robust and user-friendly experience.
In summary, the CM1331BS is a good value for the money if you can overlook its minor flaws. It’s a reliable machine that can deliver a great cup of coffee, provided you handle it with care and are prepared for a bit of extra maintenance.
Project Ideas
Business
Office Coffee Subscription Service
Offer a subscription service to offices where you provide freshly brewed coffee in large quantities daily using the 12-cup coffeemaker. Include different brew strengths to cater to varying tastes.
Pop-Up Coffee Stand
Set up a mobile coffee stand at local markets or events. Use the 12-cup coffeemaker to brew large batches and serve different types of coffee, including customizable brew strengths.
Coffee Tasting Events
Host coffee tasting events where participants can sample different coffee brews made with the 12-cup coffeemaker. Include educational segments about different brew strengths and coffee origins.
Coffee-Based Beauty Products
Start a line of beauty products such as coffee-infused scrubs and masks. Use the brewed coffee and grounds from the 12-cup coffeemaker as key ingredients.
Café-to-Go Service
Offer a delivery service that brings freshly brewed coffee to customers' doors. Use the 12-cup coffeemaker to prepare orders efficiently and customize brew strengths based on customer preferences.
Creative
Coffee Dye Art
Use brewed coffee to create watercolor-like paintings. The different brew strengths can produce varying shades of brown, allowing for a range of tones and depths in the artwork.
Coffee-Scented Candles
Melt candle wax and mix it with brewed coffee or coffee grounds to create aromatic coffee-scented candles. Use the 12-cup coffeemaker to brew large batches for multiple candles.
Coffee-Infused Soap
Create homemade soap using brewed coffee and coffee grounds for an exfoliating and aromatic soap. The different brew strengths can be experimented with to achieve varying scents.
Coffee Ice Cubes
Brew coffee and pour it into ice cube trays to create coffee ice cubes. These can be used in iced coffee drinks to keep them cold without diluting the flavor.
Coffee Plant Fertilizer
Use the coffee grounds left after brewing to create nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants. Coffee grounds can help improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients.