BLACK+DECKER Coffee Maker
✅ PROS
- Simple, intuitive controls — no menu diving, just a single switch and brew button
- Compact footprint fits under standard upper cabinets without hogging counter space
- Glass carafe with clear measurement markings and a comfortable, non-drip pour spout
❌ CONS
- No programmable timer on the base model — you can't set it to brew before you wake up
- Carafe lid is a bit stiff to remove for cleaning; requires a firm twist
- Brew basket is non-removable on some versions, making deep cleaning awkward
The Verdict
Let’s be blunt: there are coffee makers that cost more than your monthly phone bill, and then there’s the BLACK+DECKER Coffee Maker. This one sits firmly in the “just make the damn coffee” camp — and for a lot of people, that’s exactly right. With 215 ratings averaging 4.3 stars, it’s clearly doing something right. But is it the right brewer for your kitchen? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s in the Box
You get the coffee maker itself, a glass carafe, and a permanent filter basket (though you’ll likely want paper filters for cleaner flavor). The unit measures roughly 10 inches wide by 7 inches deep — small enough to fit under most standard cabinets without the need to pull it out every time you fill the reservoir. The carafe holds 12 cups, which is generous for the footprint.
Build Quality and Daily Use
The construction is what you’d expect at this price point: mostly plastic, but not flimsy. The warming plate gets hot fast and keeps coffee at a decent temperature for about two hours before things start tasting scorched. The water reservoir has clear measurement lines on the side, and the lid flips open easily for filling.
The real story here is the brew quality. For a budget machine, it produces a surprisingly consistent cup. Water temperature hits the sweet spot for extraction — not too hot, not lukewarm — and the showerhead distributes water evenly across the grounds. You won’t get pour-over nuance, but you also won’t get the bitter, over-extracted swill that plagues cheaper machines.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
The most repeated compliment across reviews is simplicity. One buyer put it plainly: “It makes coffee. That’s all I wanted. No bells, no whistles, no confusion at 6 AM.” That sentiment echoes throughout the ratings — people appreciate that they can set it up in under two minutes and get a reliable pot every morning.
Another frequent highlight: the price-to-performance ratio. As one reviewer noted, “I’ve owned $200 machines that made worse coffee. This thing just works.” The non-drip spout also gets consistent shoutouts — it pours clean without dribbling down the side of the carafe, a detail that’s annoyingly rare even on expensive models.
Where It Falls Short
Here’s the honest part. This base model has no programmable timer. If you want coffee waiting for you when you stumble into the kitchen, you’ll need to buy the upgraded version or wake up and press the button yourself. That’s a dealbreaker for some.
The carafe lid is also stiffer than it should be. It requires a firm twist to remove, and several reviewers mention struggling with it when the carafe is full and hot. Not a dealbreaker, but an annoyance you’ll deal with daily.
Finally, the brew basket on certain versions isn’t removable. That means you’re wiping it out by hand or using a brush to get grounds out of the corners. If you’re someone who hates a tedious cleanup, this will grate on you.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You’re a college student, first-apartment renter, or anyone who wants a dependable drip machine without overthinking it. It’s also a solid backup brewer for your home office or vacation cabin — something you don’t mind leaving on a counter for months.
Skip it if: You need programmability, you drink single cups (this doesn’t have a single-serve mode), or you’re particular about keeping every component dishwasher-safe. Also skip if you prefer a thermal carafe — this uses a glass one that loses heat faster.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the permanent filter instead of paper ones? A: Yes, but expect a little more sediment in your cup. Paper filters give a cleaner brew and make cleanup easier.
Q: How long does the warming plate keep coffee hot? A: About two hours before the flavor starts degrading. After that, it’s better to brew fresh.
Q: Is the carafe dishwasher safe? A: The carafe itself is, but the lid and the brew basket (where removable) are hand-wash only.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5 — The BLACK+DECKER Coffee Maker earns its stars by being exactly what it claims to be: a no-nonsense, reliable drip brewer that won’t break your budget or your patience. It lacks the features of pricier machines, but it nails the fundamentals.
Buy it if you want a straightforward, dependable pot of coffee without paying for features you’ll never use.
Skip it if programmable brewing or a thermal carafe are non-negotiable for your morning routine.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.