Black & Decker SmartBrew 12-Cup Coffee Maker

We purchased this coffee maker because of a top review in Consumer Reports. Our ancient Krups (lasted forever and was happy with it the entire time!)finally bit the dust and because of the great review we opted for a $40 coffee maker instead another $80+ in hopes of proving that less is just as good. It wasn't in this case. I have had this coffee maker just over 6 months and the heating plate looks as if its 10 years old. We use it daily but never had this issue with our old Krups. The paint has completely chipped and pealed from the heating plate. I will be totally embarassed to have guests pour themselves a cup of coffee and see the condition its in. I will most likely go buy another coffee maker before my next house guests arrive. The first morning we used this coffee maker we discovered that if the carafe isn't put down just right a HUGE overflow from the filter area will occur. I can't begin to count how many major coffee spills I've cleaned up because the carafe was minutely out of line. It will continue to back up and flow out of the top of the filter until you align the carafe just right so that it can drip. Not only do you have to clean up the countertops but you have to clean the entire coffee maker b/c the grinds end up all over the water tank and top. The worst part is you can't tell when its not correctly aligned. We are aware of the problem and it overflows at times when the carafe appears to be aligned correctly. It is also a very slow brewer compared to our old Krups. It is easy to program, but be sure to set it at least 20 to 25 minutes before you plan on having a cup of coffee. And beware, if you sneak a cup before brewing is finished it is going to be one strong cup of coffee. My husband likes this, I think its nasty tasting. Also be aware that it beeps for no real reason. It seems to let you know that you are almost halfway through brewing, it lets you know you are finished brewing and it lets you know its about to turn itself off. The beeps are very loud and obnoxious and I can't seem to get rid of them. I would not purchase this coffee maker again and I'm hoping it will die very soon. I wish I had paid more money for another Krups and that's probably what I will end up doing well before this one stops making coffee.