Coffeemaker Reviews

Many coffeemakers are out on the market today. Major coffeemaker brands include

Braun,
Black & Decker,
Hamilton Beach,
Mr. Coffee, and
Bunn.

We will look at coffeemakers that are made by these companies and compare the relative costs of each and what models deliver the best in overall value.

Braun Coffeemakers

Braun coffeemakers get some of the best reviews and deliver what many consider the best overall value in a coffeemaker. Three models in particular rate high.

AromaDeluxe KF580
Aromaster KF400
FlavorSelect

The FlavorSelect is a twelve cup coffee maker that lets you choose the flavor you want brewed. Flavors range form mild to robust. This model costs about $50.

The ten-cup AromaDeluxe KF580 has been rated the best in overall taste of coffee. This coffeemaker has some good features like:

a Brita water filter,
a programmable timer,
auto shutoff, and
Pause and Serve.

At $80, this Braun model is a little pricier, but it does give you most features that most people look for in a coffeemaker. The drawback is that water filters are not really necessary in a coffeemaker unless you have no other way to filter water at home.

For the best quality coffee in a basic model, the Aromaster KF400 at $20 is a great value. It does not have all the features of the AromaDeluxe KF580, but it has been given high marks for coffee flavor and reliability for an inexpensive model.

Hamilton Beach Coffeemakers

The Hamilton Beach BrewStation is an innovative model. Rather than having a carafe for holding coffee, it holds coffee in a reservoir. The maker then disperses the coffee one cup at a time. This model gets so-so ratings. Some have said that it breaks down over a short period of time, while others have complained of a plastic taste in the coffee that is left in the reservoir too long.

Mr. Coffee Coffeemakers

Mr. Coffee is one of the best known coffeemaker brands. They have models that range in price from $20 to $70. One model that did well in taste tests is the NCX20. This is an inexpensive model at $35 and comes with these features:

Pause ‘n Serve,
a programmable timer,
two-hour auto shutoff,
cord storage,
a stain-resistant warming plate,
side water windows, and
a removable filter insert.

Mr. Coffee, however, is always revamping its line of coffeemakers. This makes it hard to rate any particular model because the model may change. For years, Mr. Coffee has gotten lower ratings, but recently the newer models from Mr. Coffee are getting higher marks for quality.

Bunn Coffeemakers

Bunn, which is well-known for its commercial line of coffeemakers, has now included home makers in its line of coffeemakers. These models are a little pricier—prices range form $90 to $140-- than other brands. Bunn models are well-known for a fast brew time, which is great for those who want coffee quickly. The only drawback is that flavor quality is lost with a faster brew cycle.