When it comes to coffee makers:
Sometimes simplicity reigns supreme. That’s where the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker comes into play.
Its one-button operation saves time and ensures you get that piping-hot cuppa when needed.
Unsurprisingly:
It’s a favorite among coffee lovers who value ease of use and reliability. But does that make it the best simple coffee maker around?
Let’s delve into the details in this comprehensive Mr. Coffee 12-Cup review.
Table of Contents
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Brew Now or Brew Later Coffee Maker |
| Price | $57.57 on Amazon |
| Key Features | Programmable with Brew Now, and Brew Later options Bright Digital Clock display Clear water indicator window Glass carafe with measurement lines Automatic warming plate shut-off after 4 hours |
| Coffee Quality | Aromatic, and tastes beautiful, with a temperature of 168.4F. Ribbon of coffee is beautiful, aromatic, and tastes wonderful. |
| Machine Size | 8.9″D x 13.1″W x 13.8″H, 4lbs |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5 |
| Additional | It comes with a blade grinder for freshly ground coffee Suggested brewing volume: 4 or more cups (5 ounces per cup) with one heaping tablespoon of ground coffee per cup Maintenance: Removable basket filter (not included in all models), top of machine can get hot Automatic feature for brewing at a set time |
How I Tested: My Detailed Review
In this section, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker. I’ll focus on three critical areas:
- First impressions on design and features,
- Brewing test results,
- Pros and cons from my perspective.
Design & Features: My First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, my immediate takeaway was how lightweight it was. Its budget-friendly appeal is apparent as it’s predominantly made of plastic.
Yet:
The sleek design is enhanced with a glass carafe and warming plate where the logo sits proudly.
Also:
The bright digital clock display caught my eye, providing simple controls to set the “Brew Now” or “Brew Later” options.
Even better, the machine’s setup was straightforward, thanks to a clear instruction manual.
Now:
This coffee maker can cater to various needs with its 12-cup capacity carafe. It comes fully kitted with an environmentally conscious reusable filter. In addition, provisions are also made for the usage of 8 to 12-cup basket-style paper filters, if you prefer.
Brewing Test
Following the instructions:
I opted for a four-cup brewing test. I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was to set up. This Mr. Coffee 12-cup Coffee Maker proved reliable in starting the brewing process autonomously at the preset time.
Conveniently:
The brewing process was quick, relatively quiet, and efficient. It delivered a smooth, satisfying coffee in under five minutes, heated at an optimal 168.4F.
Further, the distinct aroma, taste, and visually fulfilling pour made the experience all the more enjoyable.
My findings align similarly to what this coffee enjoyer had to offer.
They mention that “Some of the gas stations by me have really good coffee! Do whatever makes you happy. Mr coffee is a good brand and makes good coffee if you are not looking for perfection.”
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Glass carafe with warming plate
- Reusable and paper filter options
- Clear water level window
- Brews up to 12 cups
- Pause brewing function
Cons
- Brew basket requires careful assembly
- Fixed temperature control may not suit all preferences
Overall:
The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker offers great value with some convenience features.
Although there are minor drawbacks, its overall performance is solid for its price point. Nevertheless, coffee aficionados might want to explore other alternatives, prioritizing a more fine-tuned control of the brewing process.
User Experiences: Real Feedback from Mr. Coffee Owners
Diving deeper into the user experiences for the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, we find a mix of positive and negative feedback that offers valuable insights.
Highlighting these genuine customer reviews allows us to provide a balanced perspective, shedding light on the product’s real-world performance and quality.
This user emphasized the importance of enjoying a cup of Mr. Coffee while you can. He said, “Enjoy the cheap and easy while you can. Once you have cracked the seal, it can be difficult to go back.
Furthermore:
Another coffee enjoyer was particularly impressed by the price point of a Mr. Coffee Brewer. He said, “40 Bucks, you say? At that price point, it will only have to perform reasonably and not break for a year, and it’ll be fantastic!“
Sadly:
An important issue raised by customers lies in the clock system. Users have reported that the clock doesn’t keep time correctly, with an inconsistency that requires constant adjustment.
This becomes a problem for the delayed time setting, making it unreliable for those hoping to wake up to a freshly brewed pot.
As this user also pointed out, Mr. Coffee’s machines can be difficult to troubleshoot. “I’d recommend not getting a Mr. Coffee, you cant clean out the inside tubes in there that pipe the water in, and it’ll calcify and get mineral buildups.“
In summary:
Mr. Coffee’s performance and taste have garnered varying opinions. While some users are completely satisfied with what it offers, others feel it falls short in certain aspects.
When purchasing, it’s essential to weigh these factors according to your needs and preferences.
So here it stands – the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a product that presents a mix of functionality, affordability, and potential challenges.
Comparison to Similar Products
| Feature | Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker | Capresso 12-Cup Coffee Maker | Black Decker 12 cup Digital Coffee Maker | Boscare 12 cup Programmable Coffee Maker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 4.1 out of 5 stars | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 4 Out of 5 stars |
| Build Quality | Reasonably durable, plastic build | Stainless steel, potential leakage issue | Durable. Stainless steel, glass, and plastic. | Durable glass and metal. |
| Ease of Use | High (intuitive without needing instructions) | High (clearly marked and labeled) | High (Clearly marked and labeled) | High (Clearly marked and labeled) |
| Price | $57.57 | $49 | $34.99 | $48.99 |
| User Feedback | Positive overall | Positive Overall | Positive overall | Positive overall |
| Water Level Marks | Marked in two-cup increments | Measurement issues, max fill line in carafe exceeds reservoir | Marked in two-cup increments | Clearly marked in two-cup increments |
| Brewing Time | Not specified, implied longer | Faster (10-11 minutes for a full pot) | Faster (8-10 minutes for a full 12cup pot) | Not specified |
| Additional Features | Marked in two-cup increments | The removable brew basket and auto-shutoff | Brew Later, Automatic hot plate shuts off after 4-hours post post-brew. | Coffee strength control, Pause function. |
| Functionality | Solid performance in affordability, simplicity | Easy to use, fast brew. | Very affordable, durable, and highly rated. | Great brew customizability, sizeable carafe. |
| Drawbacks | Plastic build | Plastic build, potential leakage, inconsistent coffee strength | Weight and maintenance. | Weight. |
Final Verdict
After careful comparison:
The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker holds its ground against competitors like the Capresso 12-Cup coffee maker. It’s simple, affordable, and durable – a trifecta that’s hard to beat.
The ease of use and clear water level markings give it an edge, allowing you to tailor your coffee to your taste.
While the Capresso brews faster, it may fall short with inconsistent measurements, potentially affecting the taste. These are all factors that could contradict your personal preference. It’s important to be aware of them before choosing a coffee maker.
But:
You can’t go wrong with Mr. Coffee’s 12-cup machine for a balance of price, durability, and user-friendliness.
The 4.2 out of 5-star rating speaks for itself. Ultimately, the ball is in your court, but I’d confidently recommend the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker for your daily brew.
