When it comes to brewing coffee at home, convenience and functionality are often top priorities. The Amazon Basics 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker aims to provide both with an easy-to-use, affordable option. This guide explores the coffee maker’s features, performance, and maintenance, offering a thorough review to help you decide if it fits your needs.
- Affordable: Priced around $36, offering good value.
- Reusable Filter: Reduces waste and cost.
- Easy Controls: Simple to program and use.
- Warming Plate: Keeps coffee warm for up to two hours.
- Auto-Pause: Allows pouring mid-brew without spills.
- Short Cord: Limits placement options.
- Basic Display: Non-backlit and less user-friendly.
- Plastic Feel: Components may feel less durable.
- High Filter Basket: Can overflow and cause messes.
- No Rubber Feet: Machine may move around during use.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
1. Unboxing: The Amazon Basics 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker arrives in a simple, compact box. Inside, you’ll find the coffee maker wrapped in protective material to prevent damage during shipping. The packaging is straightforward, with minimal excess materials, aligning with the brand’s no-frills approach. Carefully remove the coffee maker and inspect it for any visible damage.
2. Initial Setup: Before using the coffee maker, it’s important to set it up properly. Place the coffee maker on a flat, stable surface near a power outlet. Ensure the machine is unplugged during setup. Wash the carafe, filter basket, and lid with warm soapy water before first use to remove any residual manufacturing oils. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Detailed Features and Design
1. Design and Build: The Amazon Basics coffee maker features a sleek, modern design with a predominantly black exterior and silver accents. Its compact size makes it suitable for various kitchen spaces. The build includes a combination of plastic and metal elements, which contributes to its lightweight nature but also adds a touch of durability.
- Dimensions: The coffee maker measures approximately 12 inches in height, 10 inches in width, and 8 inches in depth. This compact size makes it suitable for countertops with limited space.
- Carafe and Warming Plate: The glass carafe is designed to hold up to 12 cups of coffee. It features an ergonomic handle for easy pouring and a drip-free spout to prevent spills. The warming plate keeps your coffee hot for hours but can be prone to staining from coffee drips.
2. Control Panel: The control panel is located on the front of the coffee maker and includes a digital clock display with buttons for programming. The buttons are labeled clearly:
- Power Button: Turns the coffee maker on and off.
- Program Button: Allows you to set the brewing time.
- Hour and Minute Buttons: Adjust the clock and programming time.
- Brew Button: Starts the brewing process once programming is set.
3. Brew Options: The coffee maker uses a reusable cone filter that fits into the filter basket. While the reusable filter is convenient, it may let some coffee grounds pass through into your cup. If you prefer, you can use paper filters for a cleaner brew. The coffee maker’s design ensures easy removal and replacement of the filter basket.
Using the Coffee Maker
1. Programming and Brewing: To set up the coffee maker, plug it in and set the current time using the hour and minute buttons. To program a brew time, press the “Program” button and use the same buttons to set the desired brewing time. Ensure the clock is correctly set to avoid brewing issues.
- Adding Coffee Grounds: Place a coffee filter in the filter basket (either reusable or paper). Add coffee grounds according to your taste preference—typically, one tablespoon per cup of water.
- Filling the Reservoir: Open the water reservoir lid and pour water up to the 12-cup mark. Use the water window on the side to monitor the water level and avoid overfilling.
2. Brewing Process: Close the lid securely and press the “On” button. The coffee maker will begin brewing after a short preheating period. During brewing, the coffee maker will emit a low, steady noise as it heats the water and passes it through the coffee grounds. The process typically takes 14 to 15 minutes for a full pot.
3. Pause and Serve: The coffee maker features a pause-and-serve function, allowing you to pour a cup of coffee mid-brew. This feature is handy if you need a quick cup before the entire pot is ready. Simply remove the carafe, pour, and replace it on the warming plate to resume brewing.
Performance Evaluation
1. Brewing Time: The coffee maker’s brewing time is standard, taking approximately 14 to 15 minutes to produce a full 12-cup pot. The actual time may vary slightly based on the water temperature and the amount of coffee grounds used.
2. Coffee Quality: The coffee maker brews a hot, flavorful cup of coffee, though the quality of the brew can be affected by the type of coffee grounds used and the freshness of the beans. Some users have reported minor sediment in their coffee when using the reusable filter, which can be mitigated by using a paper filter instead.
3. Noise Level: During brewing, the coffee maker is relatively quiet, with only a low humming sound. The noise level is comparable to other drip coffee makers in its class, making it suitable for use in quiet environments.
Cleaning and Maintenance
1. Daily Cleaning: After each use, discard used coffee grounds and rinse the filter basket and carafe with warm water. The filter basket is dishwasher-safe, but the carafe should be washed by hand to prevent damage. Clean the warming plate with a damp cloth to remove any coffee spills.
2. Monthly Descaling: To prevent mineral buildup, it is recommended to descale the coffee maker every three to four months. Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Fill the reservoir with the mixture and run a brew cycle without coffee grounds. After the cycle, run two additional cycles with plain water to flush out any vinegar residue.
3. Long-Term Maintenance: Inspect the coffee maker periodically for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure the power cord is in good condition and replace any parts as needed. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of the coffee maker and ensure consistent performance.
Conclusion
The Amazon Basics 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker offers a balance of affordability, functionality, and ease of use. While it may not include advanced features or premium materials, it provides essential functions for brewing a satisfying cup of coffee. Its simple design, straightforward controls, and reliable performance make it a practical choice for those seeking an entry-level coffee maker. If you value ease of use and effective brewing without extra frills, this model is worth considering for your daily coffee routine.
