Black & Decker SmartBrew 12-Cup Coffee Maker
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Similar in Espresso Machines & Coffee Makers
- Type: Coffee Maker
- Family Line: Black & Decker SmartBrew
- Built-in Grinder: With Built-in Grinder
- Capacity: 12 Cups
Similar in Espresso Machines & Coffee Makers
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OK, but you could do better
Pros
Price Good features for the money
Cons
Poor quality materials and design The alarm that goes off when the coffee's done!
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
You could spend a little more and get a lot better.
The SmartBrew makes good coffee in a reasonable amount of time. Functions are easy to use, and you do get a lot of features for the money (less than $30). The problem is bad design and cheap materials. I'll echo a lot of issues others have mentioned:
1. The "sneak-a-cup" feature relies on a plastic spring-loaded lever which stops up the bottom of the filter basket when you pull out the carafe. The hinge holding it place is very weak - I've lost two of these levers simply shaking used grounds into the trash. Replacement? Sure, but you have to mail order - cost was $15, including shipping, which took four weeks (even though the distributor charged my credit card as soon as I ordered).
2. Spilling water, coffee on the controls is fatal. They're in a bad spot, and are poorly protected. We're on our second SmartBrew - our first still works, however you can't program the start time anymore.
3. My in-laws had the experience with not seating the carafe properly and having a coffee flood. This proceeded to ruin the controls - they, too are on their second SmartBrew.
4. The alarm that signals that the coffee is ready is obnoxious - kudos to those who have figured out how to disconnect it and have shared their knowledge. I'm headed to the kitchen right now!
So, you could spend a little more and do a lot better.
1. The "sneak-a-cup" feature relies on a plastic spring-loaded lever which stops up the bottom of the filter basket when you pull out the carafe. The hinge holding it place is very weak - I've lost two of these levers simply shaking used grounds into the trash. Replacement? Sure, but you have to mail order - cost was $15, including shipping, which took four weeks (even though the distributor charged my credit card as soon as I ordered).
2. Spilling water, coffee on the controls is fatal. They're in a bad spot, and are poorly protected. We're on our second SmartBrew - our first still works, however you can't program the start time anymore.
3. My in-laws had the experience with not seating the carafe properly and having a coffee flood. This proceeded to ruin the controls - they, too are on their second SmartBrew.
4. The alarm that signals that the coffee is ready is obnoxious - kudos to those who have figured out how to disconnect it and have shared their knowledge. I'm headed to the kitchen right now!
So, you could spend a little more and do a lot better.
