The $30 Drip Coffee Maker Consumer Reports Recommends Is From An Exceptionally Reliable Brand
If there is one appliance that you want to make sure works in the mornings, it's your coffee maker. An essential part of the day for many, a fresh cup of joe is something that should never be messed with, especially when you've just woken up. To avoid such a disaster, it's imperative to invest in a reliable machine. According to Consumer Reports, one of the best drip ones costs just $30, and it's from a trustworthy brand: Black + Decker.
The independent testing agency named the Black + Decker 4-in-1 5-Cup Coffee Maker as one of the best drip coffee makers on the market. It was one of the most affordable models analyzed, yet it beat out over 160 other machines in testing. The Consumer Reports team found that the coffee maker was exceptionally easy to clean and the carafe was comfortable to hold and maneuver.
It also received a top score for ease of use and brew performance, brewing close to the recommended guidelines — and the setup and operation were found to be easy with clear controls and helpful features. Some of those include a permanent filter that removes the need for paper, an adjustable stand to brew into a mug or travel cup instead of the carafe, and a removable brew basket that can be used to make pour-over. Perhaps most importantly, the coffee maker received a high score for reliability, which definitely makes it seem worth the $30.
What customers have to say
The one area the coffee maker didn't score highly in was owner satisfaction and online reviews seem to show this. A few people have pointed out the fact that there is no warming plate, so the coffee doesn't stay warm for very long, and some would prefer if it shut off automatically. However, there are a lot of customers who love the machine. Those with smaller kitchens enjoy the compact size and the adjustable stand is a major bonus.
One person wrote on the Black + Decker site, "I too was surprised this does not have a warming feature. However, it really isn't needed — I can easily pop my cup into the microwave for a minute and I don't have to worry about leaving a warming plate on ... I have had this for a few years and have not been disappointed with it." Another wrote, "For the price, it does a great job and has several extra features not included with most coffee makers in this price range."
Consumer Reports also recommends the Bunn HB Heat N Brew Programmable and the Ninja Fresh Brew 14-Cup Programmable if you want to look at more options. The Technivorm Moccamaster KBT is also the drip coffee maker customers ranked highest. If you're of the belief that a drip coffee maker is better than a Keurig, it might be worth doing some research.