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I'm not completely happy with this B&D coffeemaker. It doesn't keep my coffee as hot as I'd like it over a 1 to 2 hour period.
Using the usual recommendation of cold water resulted in unusually flat/weak coffee compared to the old Cusinart I was replacing, and the cold carafe made it even worse: lukewarm weak coffee.Using room-temperature water and pre-warming the carafe with hot water helps, but isn't a substitute for getting the water temperature high enough.My usual serving size of a half-pot (4-5 cups) brews too rapidly, further weakening the flavor, and prompted me to return the unit. The same cap also holds water after washing, though I was able to press it "open" and shake it dry.Unfortunately, I only came across a Cook's Illustrated coffee-maker review that mentions the same issues I encountered, after I had already tried the unit.This machine is adequate for a whole pot with the precautions of warmer water and warmed carafe, but coffee-fanatics should look elsewhere. Straight-forward design with a nice carafe, but doesn't heat the water enough, and makes a weak half-pot.Like most low-end coffee-makers, this unit doesn't get the water to the optimal brewing temperature if 195-200F. There is no "small pot" setting like in the Cusinarts.The unit is a little cheap and plastic-y looking, especially the water tank, but construction seemed solid.The carafe is well-made, but it takes a try or two to get the spring-loaded cap positioned correctly under the basket for brewing.
For the price the B&D is OK if it holds up. Requires you to screw it open and closed. I really like the thermal carafe makers and needed another one for the cabin. Carafe lid design OK but not great. As an engineer, I appreciate the higher grade plastics and switches, and the design of the carafe lid on the Braun. Also the smaller footprint. I've had a Braun KF600 for years and love it but the carafe only holds about 42 oz. For the B&D: Pros: Removeable water container - works well.Fairly large thermal carafe - about 52 oz.Brews fairly fast.Low Cost.Cons: Kind of "cheesy" materials throughout.Can't fit hand inside carafe to clean.
BIG footprint - too tall to fit under my cabinets at home, also large width. It's just a better built machine, but it did cost more. This is kind of a "skewed" review, so take it as you will. and I needed more there, so that's my direct comparison. Other than the removeable water tank, larger carafe, and the timer (which I don't need) I like my Braun much better.
I'm now on my second TCM830 10-cup thermal coffeemaker. After reading the manual over and over I decided to call B&D.
Maybe they need to stick to tools. Decided that was too much hassle so I just purchased another one thinking the first one I bought was just a "bad egg".
They said I would have to package the maker up and send it to them to be repaired. Will not buy another B&D small house appliance.
Shame on Black and Decker. First one I had would shut off part way through the brew cycle.
To my disappointment the second one I bought worked well for a few months and started doing the same thing.
The one thing that took the longest was the after-taste or metallic taste or using the right amount of coffee to brew. I'm giving 5 stars even though there were a few things learning the best way to navigate this coffee maker as with anything new. But other than that a very nice coffee maker.
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