When it comes to finding a reliable, easy-to-use coffee maker that fits seamlessly into your kitchen, the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker (Model 46310) stands out for its unique front access design. This programmable coffee maker provides convenient features for coffee lovers who appreciate simplicity and efficiency without compromising on quality. In this post, we’ll explore its features, how to use it, and why it might be the perfect addition to your kitchen.
- Front Access Design: Easy to fill without moving the machine, great for tight spaces.
- Programmable: Set it to brew automatically for morning coffee.
- Multiple Brew Options: Offers regular, bold, and small batch settings.
- Quiet Operation: Runs quietly, with slight noise at the end.
- Auto Shut-Off: Warming plate turns off after two hours for safety.
- Fragile Carafe: Thin glass carafe is prone to cracking.
- No Reusable Filter: Requires an extra purchase for a reusable filter.
- Time Setting Difficulty: Adjusting the clock can be tricky.
- No Brew Alert: No beep when brewing finishes.
- Optional Water Filter: Water filter must be bought separately.
Key Features of the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker
1. Front Access Design
One of the standout features of this coffee maker is its front access. This design allows you to fill the water reservoir and add coffee grounds without the need to move the machine from under your kitchen cabinet. Many coffee makers require rear access for water filling, making them inconvenient if you have limited counter space. The front access of the Hamilton Beach 46310 makes it an excellent option for those with space constraints, as it simplifies the brewing process.
The water reservoir is equipped with a small funneling system, which directs the water toward the back, ensuring even distribution during brewing. This feature allows you to fill the water from the front, while the coffee grounds basket is also conveniently located for easy filling and cleaning.
2. Programmable Functionality
The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker offers programmable brewing, which is ideal for those who like to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee. You can set the machine to brew automatically in the morning, saving you time and ensuring your coffee is ready when you need it.
This coffee maker offers several brewing options, including regular, bold, and one to four cups, catering to different preferences. The bold brew option slows down the brewing process, allowing the water to extract more flavor from the coffee grounds, while the one to four cup option adjusts the brew strength for smaller batches of coffee. These options provide flexibility for users, making it easy to tailor your coffee to your liking.
3. Water Filter Compatibility
While the coffee maker doesn’t come with a built-in water filter, it does have a space for one. You can purchase the optional Hamilton Beach water filter, which helps improve the taste of your coffee by reducing chlorine and other impurities in your tap water. Although this accessory is optional, it’s a great addition for those who want to enhance the quality of their coffee.
4. Simple Controls and Easy-to-Read Display
The control panel on this coffee maker is straightforward and user-friendly. It features a simple “brew now” button and a display that shows the brewing status. The light indicator lets you know when the machine is actively brewing, and the programmable options are easy to set using the intuitive buttons.
Setting the time for the programmable brew can be a little tricky at first. You need to press the time button to start adjusting the hours, and after a brief pause, the minutes will become adjustable. The display also includes AM and PM indicators, ensuring you set the brew time correctly for the next day.
5. Warming Plate and Auto Shut-Off
The Hamilton Beach 46310 coffee maker includes a warming plate that keeps your coffee hot after brewing. This feature is essential for those who don’t drink their coffee right away but want to maintain the optimal temperature. The warming plate stays on for two hours, after which it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating and save energy. If you forget to turn the machine off manually, the auto shut-off ensures safety and efficiency.
Brewing Coffee with the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker
Now that we’ve covered the essential features, let’s go through the process of brewing coffee with this machine. Brewing coffee with the Hamilton Beach 46310 is simple and straightforward, whether you’re brewing a full pot or a smaller batch.
Step 1: Add Coffee Grounds
Start by selecting your coffee grounds. This coffee maker is designed to brew with standard coffee grounds at a medium grind, suitable for drip coffee makers. Depending on the amount of coffee you want to brew, you’ll adjust the quantity of coffee grounds. For example:
- For 12 cups of coffee, add 12 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
- For 8 cups of coffee, add 8 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
- For 4 cups of coffee, add 4 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
You can use either paper filters or a reusable filter for brewing. The coffee maker does not come with filters, but you can purchase either basket-style paper filters (8-12 cups) or a reusable filter that fits snugly into the brew basket.
Step 2: Add Water
Next, fill the water reservoir. The Hamilton Beach 46310 makes this step easy with its front-access design. The water reservoir is located at the front, so you can pour water directly into the machine without the need to move it. The water is funneled to the back of the machine, ensuring that the brewing process works smoothly.
The water reservoir includes a clear window that shows how much water you’ve added, making it simple to measure the exact amount for the number of cups you want to brew. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 cup of water for every tablespoon of coffee grounds.
Step 3: Start Brewing
Once you’ve added the water and coffee grounds, close the lid and press the “brew now” button. The coffee maker starts brewing immediately, and the light indicator turns on to show that the process has begun. The brewing process is relatively quiet, though it gets slightly louder toward the end as the machine finishes extracting the coffee.
Brewing a full pot of 12 cups takes around 12 minutes, which is on par with most standard coffee makers. The machine brews at a temperature of around 180°F, producing a hot, flavorful cup of coffee.
Step 4: Pour Your Coffee
Once the brewing process is complete, the coffee maker automatically switches to its warming mode. The warming plate keeps your coffee hot, and you can pour yourself a cup directly from the carafe. The carafe itself is lightweight and easy to handle, though the glass is somewhat thin, so you’ll want to be cautious when cleaning it to avoid cracks.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker is designed with ease of cleaning in mind. The brew basket, carafe, and lid are all dishwasher safe, though it’s recommended to place them on the top rack to avoid damage. The brew basket includes a plunger system that prevents coffee from dripping when you remove the carafe, reducing mess during use.
To keep your coffee maker in optimal condition, it’s important to descale it regularly. The machine includes a “clean” notification that alerts you when it’s time to descale. The cleaning process involves running a cycle with vinegar to remove mineral buildup inside the machine, ensuring your coffee tastes fresh and the machine operates efficiently.
If the clean light appears but you don’t have time to descale the machine right away, simply unplugging the machine will reset the notification. However, it’s best not to delay cleaning for too long, as mineral buildup can affect the flavor and performance of the coffee maker.
Final Thoughts
The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker (Model 46310) offers a practical, user-friendly experience with its front access design and programmable brewing options. Whether you’re brewing a full pot or a smaller batch, this machine delivers consistently hot coffee with minimal effort. The quiet operation, easy cleanup, and auto shut-off make it a convenient choice for busy households.
For those seeking a reliable coffee maker that fits easily under kitchen cabinets and provides flexible brewing options, the Hamilton Beach 46310 is a solid choice. Its combination of simplicity, efficiency, and thoughtful design features ensures you’ll enjoy a great cup of coffee with every brew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker come with a reusable filter?
No, it does not come with a reusable filter, but you can purchase one separately. It is compatible with both paper and reusable filters.
How do you clean the coffee maker?
You can clean the brew basket, carafe, and lid in the dishwasher (top rack). For descaling, the machine will alert you with a “clean” light, and you can run a cycle with vinegar to remove mineral buildup.
How long does it take to brew a full pot of coffee?
The machine takes about 12 minutes to brew a full pot (12 cups) of coffee.
Does the coffee maker have an auto shut-off feature?
Yes, the warming plate shuts off automatically after two hours, helping to save energy and prevent overheating.
Can I use the bold brew setting with any amount of coffee?
Yes, the bold brew setting works with any amount of coffee, extending the brew time slightly for a richer flavor.
How do I set the programmable brewing time?
Press the time button to adjust the hours, then wait for the minutes to flash and set them. The AM and PM indicators help ensure accuracy.
Does the coffee maker beep when it’s done brewing?
No, the machine does not have an audible alert. It quiets down when brewing is complete, and the light stays on while the warming plate is active.
What size filters does this coffee maker use?
The coffee maker uses basket-style paper filters sized for 8-12 cup coffee makers.
