BLACK+DECKER Programmable Coffeemaker: Your Morning Ritual Simplified
I’ve gone through my fair share of coffee makers over the years, and I’ll be honest – most mornings I just want something that works without a fuss. The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker (CM1160B) landed on my counter about a month ago, and I think it’s finally broken my cycle of coffee maker disappointment. It’s not the fanciest machine out there, but there’s something refreshingly straightforward about it that makes my pre-caffeine brain very happy.
I was initially drawn to its reasonable price point, but wondered if it would deliver a decent cup. After using it daily (sometimes twice daily… don’t judge), I’ve developed some pretty strong opinions about what works and what doesn’t with this machine. Let me walk you through my experience so far.
- 12-CUP DURALIFE GLASS CARAFE: The sturdy 12-cup* carafe has measurement markings for accurate filling and an easy-grip handle for comfortable pouring.*Cup equals approximately 5 ounces (varies by brewing technique).
- SNEAK-A-CUP FEATURE TO PREVENT DRIPS: This feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee so you can pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess.
- EASY-VIEW WATER WINDOW: The front-facing window shows you the exact amount of water that will turn into coffee.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS WITH RUBBERIZED FEEL: Large, rubberized buttons give you full control of the coffeemaker, and the easy-read screen displays the clock, brew time, and programming options.
- QUICKTOUCH PROGRAMMING WITH AUTO SHUTOFF: Easily program the 24-hour auto brew feature so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or whenever you desire. 2-Hour Auto Shutoff for added safety and peace of mind with every use.
Simple, Practical Design
The CM1160B isn’t winning any beauty contests, but that’s not really the point, is it? Its black plastic housing with stainless steel accents gives it a clean, unobtrusive look that fits nicely in most kitchens. What I particularly appreciate is how compact it is – measuring about 8.25 x 12.25 x 11 inches, it doesn’t hog precious counter space like some bulkier models I’ve owned.
The water reservoir is located at the back with clear markings, though I sometimes find I need to pull the machine forward a bit when filling. The control panel sits front and center with a digital display that’s surprisingly easy to read even in my barely-awake state. Perhaps my favorite design feature is the wide mouth on the carafe – it makes cleaning much less of a chore compared to narrow-neck models that require some serious gymnastics to reach inside.
Features That Actually Matter
Look, I’ve owned fancy coffee makers with all sorts of bells and whistles I never used. This BLACK+DECKER focuses on the features that actually improve the coffee-making experience. The programmable timer has become my morning hero – setting it up the night before means waking up to the smell of fresh coffee. It’s not complicated either; just a few button presses and you’re good to go.
The “Sneak-a-Cup” feature might sound gimmicky, but I use it constantly. It temporarily stops the flow when you remove the carafe, letting you pour a cup mid-brew without creating a mess. I’ve found the heating plate keeps coffee at the perfect drinking temperature without scorching it, and the 2-hour auto shutoff has saved me from worrying whether I turned off the machine before leaving for work.
Performance-wise, it brews relatively quickly – about 10 minutes for a full 12-cup pot. The coffee comes out hot and with consistent flavor, though I think it brews slightly weaker than some premium machines I’ve tried. That said, adding an extra scoop of grounds easily solves that issue.
The Technical Stuff
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 cups |
| Dimensions | 8.25 x 12.25 x 11 inches |
| Carafe Material | Glass with ergonomic handle |
| Filter Type | Removable filter basket (uses #4 paper filters) |
| Programming | 24-hour auto brew function |
| Auto Shutoff | 2 hours |
| Special Features | Sneak-a-Cup, QuickTouch Programming, Easy-view water window |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly interface – perfect for bleary-eyed mornings
- Reliable auto-brew timer that actually works as expected
- Compact footprint that doesn’t dominate counter space
- Sneak-a-Cup feature is genuinely useful
- Excellent value for the price point
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Consistent brewing temperature for good extraction
Cons:
- Water reservoir could be easier to fill (located at the back)
- Carafe tends to drip slightly when pouring slowly
- Plastic construction feels a bit flimsy in some areas
- No dedicated cleaning cycle
- Brew strength can’t be adjusted
- No audible alert when brewing is complete
What Other Users Are Saying
After combing through hundreds of reviews, I found that most users share my generally positive experience. The BLACK+DECKER CM1160B maintains a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon from over 9,000 reviews, which is impressive for a budget coffee maker.
One reviewer named Carol called it “the perfect basic coffee maker” and mentioned, “I’ve had this for two years now and it’s still working perfectly. No leaks, easy to program, and makes good coffee. That’s all I need!”
Another reviewer wrote, “I appreciate the simplicity. Too many coffee makers try to do too much and end up breaking down. This one just makes coffee reliably day after day.”
The most common criticisms mention the carafe’s tendency to drip. As one user explained, “You have to pour quickly or it dribbles down the side. Not a deal-breaker but annoying.” A few users also noted issues with longevity, though these seem to be in the minority.
Who Should Buy This Coffee Maker?
For beginners: This is an excellent starter coffee maker. The simple controls, clear markings, and straightforward operation make it perfect if you’re just getting into home brewing or moving away from single-serve options. The price point also makes it an attractive entry-level option.
For intermediate users: If you appreciate good coffee but don’t need specialty features like bloom settings or temperature control, this hits the sweet spot. The programmable timer and reliable performance satisfy most daily coffee needs without complications.
For advanced users: Coffee enthusiasts who care deeply about precise extraction temperatures, bloom times, or specialized brewing parameters might find this too basic. However, it could serve as a reliable backup or guest coffee maker even for the coffee aficionado.
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Start Your Mornings Right – Get Yours Today!
For a coffee maker that combines simplicity, reliability, and just the right features at a budget-friendly price, the BLACK+DECKER Programmable Coffeemaker delivers consistently good results. Why not simplify your morning routine and wake up to fresh coffee waiting for you?
- 12-CUP DURALIFE GLASS CARAFE: The sturdy 12-cup* carafe has measurement markings for accurate filling and an easy-grip handle for comfortable pouring.*Cup equals approximately 5 ounces (varies by brewing technique).
- SNEAK-A-CUP FEATURE TO PREVENT DRIPS: This feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee so you can pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess.
- EASY-VIEW WATER WINDOW: The front-facing window shows you the exact amount of water that will turn into coffee.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS WITH RUBBERIZED FEEL: Large, rubberized buttons give you full control of the coffeemaker, and the easy-read screen displays the clock, brew time, and programming options.
- QUICKTOUCH PROGRAMMING WITH AUTO SHUTOFF: Easily program the 24-hour auto brew feature so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or whenever you desire. 2-Hour Auto Shutoff for added safety and peace of mind with every use.
