BLACK+DECKER CM5000B Coffee Maker Review with Grinder and Timer Features

Description

My Honest Review of the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker

Coffee lovers, this BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker has been a delightful addition to my mornings. As someone who thrives on freshly brewed coffee, I put this programmable coffee maker to the test, and let me say, it impressed me—but not without a few quirks.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

The coffee maker’s black and stainless steel finish immediately gave it a professional and sleek look. It’s compact enough to fit neatly on my kitchen counter without dominating the space, and the 10″ x 13.5″ x 15.5″ dimensions worked perfectly for my setup. The build feels solid, especially with the glass DuraLife™ carafe and nonstick “keep-hot” carafe plate, which kept my coffee warm for an extended period.

However, one small downside was the grinder’s noise level—it’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re brewing early in the morning while others are asleep, you might want to be mindful.

Coffee Grinder: Fresh Beans, Fresh Taste

The integrated coffee grinder was a game-changer. It allowed me to enjoy the aroma and flavor of freshly ground beans every single time. The grinder handles whole beans beautifully, but it can also be turned off if you’re using pre-ground coffee. I tested a variety of beans, and the results were consistently excellent.

That said, the grinder does leave a bit of residue, requiring regular cleaning. Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

Customizable Brewing Options

The programmable features on this machine are a lifesaver. I loved the 24-hour auto-brew function, which meant I could wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. There’s also a brew strength selector—I leaned towards the bold option, which delivered a stronger, richer cup that satisfied my caffeine cravings.

The Sneak-A-Cup™ feature is pure genius. I could pour myself a cup mid-brew without worrying about spills. It’s the little things like this that make the BLACK+DECKER coffee maker user-friendly.

Brewing Performance and Capacity

This is a 12-cup coffee maker, but for smaller servings, it performed just as well. The reusable filter eliminates the need for paper filters, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. That said, the filter can be tricky to clean if you’re grinding beans frequently.

Compared to competitors like Cuisinart’s grind-and-brew models, the BLACK+DECKER stood out for its simplicity and ease of use. Cuisinart might offer more advanced grinding settings, but it’s also bulkier and more expensive.

Pricing and Value

While I won’t quote exact prices (as they fluctuate), the value for money is exceptional. You’re essentially getting a grinder and coffee maker in one compact unit. Competitors like Breville or Jura cost significantly more, and while they might offer additional features, they don’t necessarily outperform in taste.

The Downsides

No product is perfect, and while the BLACK+DECKER coffee maker has many strengths, it’s not without flaws. The main issue for me was the cleaning process. The grinder left coffee grounds in hard-to-reach places, making thorough cleaning a bit tedious. Additionally, the hot plate popping noises some users mentioned were noticeable on occasion, though it didn’t affect performance.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this coffee maker delivers high-quality brewing, customizable settings, and a sleek design at a competitive price point. If you value freshly ground coffee and want a machine that’s easy to program, the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for some minor maintenance and occasional noise.

Pros

• Integrated Grinder: Freshly ground coffee at your fingertips.
• Customizable Strength: Choose regular, bold, or strong brew.
• Sneak-A-Cup™ Feature: Mid-brew access without spills.
• Programmable: Set it up the night before for a seamless morning.
• Reusable Filter: No need for paper filters, making it eco-friendly.

Cons

• Noisy Grinder: Can be a bit loud during early morning use.
• Cleaning Required: Residue from grinding needs regular maintenance.
• Hot Plate Clicking: Some users report popping sounds during heating.
• Grinder Mess: Coffee grounds can make cleaning a bit of a chore.

What Comes With the Product

• BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker
• Glass DuraLife™ Carafe
• Reusable Filter
• Integrated Grinder
• Instruction Manual

How to Use Guide

1. Set Up the Machine: Plug in the unit and fill the water reservoir.
2. Add Coffee: Place whole beans or pre-ground coffee into the reusable filter.
3. Select Brew Strength: Use the brew strength selector to choose your preference.
4. Program Auto-Brew: Use the Quick Touch™ programming to set the time.
5. Start Brewing: Press the start button, and let the magic happen.
6. Sneak-A-Cup™: Pour a cup mid-brew if needed.
7. Clean Up: Empty and rinse the filter and carafe after use.

Warranty & Support Information

BLACK+DECKER offers a limited 2-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. For support, you can contact their customer service hotline or visit their website for troubleshooting tips. They also provide replacement parts for purchase, like carafes and filters.

If you run into issues, their customer service team is reportedly responsive and helpful, as noted by other users.

Additional information