Amazon Basics 12 Cup Coffee Maker With Reusable Filter, Black & Stainless Steel
If you need a dependable and affordable coffee maker, the Amazon Basics Coffee Maker is worth considering. This 12-cup coffee maker boasts a user-friendly design, stain-resistant warming plate, and some thoughtful features for the coffee enthusiast. But does it live up to its promise? Let’s delve into the pros and cons, design, performance, cleaning, and maintenance to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
Cons:
Design & Build Quality
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The Amazon Basics Coffee Maker impresses with its straightforward yet functional design. It’s compact and doesn’t take up too much counter space, making it suitable for homes, apartments, and even office spaces. The black and stainless-steel finish adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
The user-friendly design shines through with a single ON/OFF switch, making brewing a breeze. The visible water window is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to pour just the right amount of water without any guesswork or risk of overflow. The comfort grip handle and drip-free carafe design make pouring a smooth experience.
Power & Performance
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This coffee maker delivers on its primary function – brewing coffee – effectively and efficiently. It brews a cup of coffee in about one and a half minutes, which is fairly quick for a standard drip coffee maker. The removable and reusable filter basket simplifies cleaning and eliminates the need for paper filters, which can be both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
The pause function is a handy feature for those moments when you can’t wait for the entire pot to brew. You can temporarily stop the brewing process, remove the carafe, and pour a cup without making a mess.
Cleaning and Maintenance
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One of the standout features of this coffee maker is its ease of cleaning and maintenance. The removable filter basket can be effortlessly lifted out for disposal and cleaning. Additionally, the stain-resistant warming plate ensures that any spills or drips are easy to wipe clean.
What’s the Alternative?
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While the Amazon Basics Coffee Maker offers simplicity and affordability, the Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker provides a more versatile and customizable brewing experience. Unlike the Amazon Basics model, which focuses on straightforward operation with its one-button design, the Ninja CM401 offers four brew styles—Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty Brew—allowing users to tailor their coffee precisely to their taste preferences. This flexibility is further enhanced by the Specialty Brew option, which produces a super-rich coffee concentrate ideal for crafting various coffeehouse-style drinks like lattes and macchiatos.
Moreover, the Ninja CM401 addresses some of the concerns raised by the Amazon Basics Coffee Maker, such as the lack of an automatic shut-off feature. With its automatic shut-off function after an hour of inactivity, the Ninja model ensures both safety and energy efficiency. Additionally, the inclusion of a built-in frother adds another layer of convenience for users who enjoy frothy milk in their coffee creations. While the Ninja CM401 may come at a higher price point compared to the Amazon Basics Coffee Maker, its versatility, performance, and thoughtful design make it a compelling alternative for coffee enthusiasts seeking a more robust brewing experience.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Amazon Basics Coffee Maker?
In conclusion, the Amazon Basics Coffee Maker offers an excellent value for its price. It’s a reliable and straightforward coffee maker that gets the job done efficiently. If you’re looking for an affordable option with no-frills, this is a great choice.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The short power cord may limit its placement in your kitchen, and the lack of an automatic shut-off feature is a minor inconvenience that could lead to safety concerns. If you’re forgetful about turning off your appliances, you may want to consider a model with this feature.
Ultimately, if you’re a coffee enthusiast who appreciates a good cup of coffee without unnecessary features, this coffee maker is a solid buy. It’s especially suitable for those with limited counter space or for single coffee drinkers. Just be mindful of its minor limitations, and you’ll enjoy your brewed coffee every morning.
