<p>Hubby and I brew 2-3 pots of coffee a day, and like the 12 cup programmable models. We normally buy the inexpensive model on Black Friday at Kohls, but this last year’s purchase of a Black and Decker model was not a good purchase.</p>
<p>It’s time to replace it, and I figure I would ask for suggestions from coffee drinkers across the land. We are loyal to the 12 cup programmable coffee maker, and we won’t spend more than $50. By searching for Black Friday deals, we hope to get a more decent model this year.</p>
<p>I noticed a “self-cleaning” feature on one model, and would appreciate comments from those who have that feature on their coffee pots.</p>
<p>Any feature you can’t live without?</p>
<p>We buy and drink Folger’s coffee, we aren’t into grinding our own beans, we don’t need fancy flavors or devices, just give us our hot cup of caffeine and we are happy.</p>
<p>I had a Mr. Coffee (granted it was a 6 cup brewer) that was reliable for years. The only feature I needed was the auto-turn on/brew in the morning. It was so nice waking up to a cup of coffee already made…but that was only when I remembered to prep the filter the night before! </p>
<p>We’ve tried all sorts of electric coffee makers…none seem to last long and picking one is hit or miss for longevity. Instead of getting a more expensive model when our programmable Black and Decker shorted out last week, we just got a $8.99 Rival brand machine at Walmart the other day…it works fine for us.</p>
<p>If you belong to Costco check there. My D has a Mr Coffee from there that I recall as being very cheap.
Also look at Bed Bath Beyond and use a 20% off coupon. </p>
<p>Recommend to get one with thermal carafe style, not the glass carafe that sits on a warming plate. The thermal style pot will keep your coffee warm without changing the coffee flavor to a burning taste like the hot plate style.</p>
<p>I have a Cuisinart (but it’s 10 cup) and mine also has a separate reservoir for hot water I drink a lot of tea and this is much quicker than boiling a kettle. It’s about 4-5 years old and no problems yet. It was about $100 IIRC. </p>
<p>A few years ago I went back to an old Farberware 12 cup electric percolator. It is fast and keeps the coffee hotter than any of the other machines. I even found a 4 and 6 cup in a thrift store and use them if I just want coffee for me or for my husband. Would never go back to the other types.</p>
<p>This will be no help to the OP, but it’s an update on brewing choice in our household. My hubby is liking this one now. He was using Melitta before.</p>
<p>Thanks for that link, @Deborah T. I have the black Melitta single cup dripper that I save for power outages. But it’s plastic like all the other coffeemakers. I read the reviews of the ceramic one, and several mentioned the lack of taste-affecting plastic. There is a World Market not too far from me, and I think I will buy one of the ceramic ones.</p>
<p>I love my Cuisinart Extreme Brew programable (nothing like waking up and having coffee ready) with the thermal carafe. I’ve had it for awhile and no issues. My previous Cuisinart (grind and brew) lasted for years. I didn’t use the grinder though because it was a pain to clean. So I replaced it with the Extreme Brew model and use a separate grinder. Also look at the Bunn coffee makers. They’re a bit more expensive, but generally get good reviews. You might find a good deal on one at Costco or Tuesday Morning. In terms of price, I’d rather pay $100 for something that lasts for years, than $50 on something that lasts a short time.</p>
<p>We have had very good luck with our Cuisinart Brew Central. I also agree with @ECmotherx2 that nothing makes hotter coffee than a Farberware percolator. Hmm…I might need to drag that back out.</p>
<p>Did I understand this correctly? You’re buying a new coffeemaker every year? Why not spend more and get a better one that won’t need to be replaced so often? If you’re making 2 or 3 pots a day, a commercial coffee maker might make sense. I know we used to burn through a Mr. Coffee every six months or so in our employee break room, but have had no problem with our commercial maker for over two years now. (It’s one of the Bunn makers that dispenses into a carafe.)</p>
<p>Thought I’d check out the Cuisinart Brew Central online at BB&B and was surprised to see that coupons cannot be applied to this item! First time I’d noticed exclusions…</p>