Best Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Makers – Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach and More

Programmable Coffee Makers On Sale Today

12-Cup Coffee Maker Overview

Wake up and smell the coffee. Wait—can’t do that without freshly brewed coffee right in your kitchen. I guess there’s candles and whatnot, but that hardly seems safe. What we’re getting at here is that if you drink coffee and can’t start your day without it, an in-home coffee maker is a necessity.

At the end of the day (or start), you’re the one who wants their coffee, and we’re the ones that know how to get you what you want. Together, we’re going to help you pick the right way start to your day.

Benefits of Owning or Coffee Maker

With your own coffee maker, you have the ability to be your own barista. Any brand, any brew—pick what you want every morning. When you go to your local coffee spot, or even a chain store, the selection is limited. Making your own coffee gives you the power back, and you never have to settle for anything less than your perfect blend.

Convenience

Whether you like the most basic blends, or prefer the exotic options, being able to make your own cup each morning ensures that your coffee is guaranteed fresh. While most coffee shops are trustworthy, you’d be hard pressed to find a regular coffee drinker who does not have a story where their coffee did not come out right, and in turn ruined their day before it even started.

As the master of your own coffee domain, now, when your coffee doesn’t come out right, blame can only be placed upon yourself. With some careful experimentation and a little experience, these occurrences will be far and few between.

Tell yourself all you want that your local coffee spot is on your way to work, you know deep down that’s not true. No matter how you look at it, stopping every day for your morning joe is costing you time and money, lots of it too. Americans that go to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds can spend upward of 5 minutes just waiting in line at these places.

Cost & Budgeting

Additionally, according to US News, a standard cup of coffee runs about $2.70 before tax, tip, and any special ingredients you like to throw in. Latte’s will set you back even further, averaging $3.78.  Making your own coffee puts money back into your pocket so that you can treat yourself to something from the long list of items on your wish list.

Bonus life hack: If you bring your own coffee to work, you won’t get stuck picking up a round for everyone else.

Eco-Friendly

Now is the time for our eco-friendly pitch. Some people might be tired of hearing this, but it cannot go without mention. If you make your own coffee, you’ll be using a reusable mug/cup every day. Though it might seem small, using your own cup means that you are NOT using anything single use, directly impacting your eco-footprint.

Plus, when you bring a mug to work, people will recognize it as yours, and therefore you’ll never have another case of mistaken coffee identity. Even as an honest mistake, there’s not many things worse than being unable to finish your coffee, especially since it’ll be one that you brewed specifically to your liking.

---

Original Retail $71.99
UPC 00068459219978
Model DCC-1200
Brand Cuisinart
SKU DCC-1200

---

2. Best Flavor System: Braun KF7170SI BrewSense Programmable Drip 12 Cup Coffee Maker

Braun KF7170SI 12 Cup Coffee Maker Review

If you like coffee, and you like it with plenty of flavor, then the 12-cup Braun KF7170SI BrewSense Drip Coffee maker is for you. With a list price under $100, this is a mid-to-high range coffee maker that is capable of producing coffee with the best of them.

Though it has nothing to do with functionality, the digital clock on the front of this unit is a highly underappreciated perk. It is designed to be seen from across the room, and for many users, serves as a reminder that they need to get out the door sooner than later.

The interface itself is extremely easy to use, with buttons that highlight their function more clearly than on most units. Our favorite button on this panel is “strength” which allows you to, as you guessed, control the amount of flavor that will end up in your cup.

Where this system differs from most is its’ carafe lid, which is designed to keep flavor in by limiting air exposure. Even though this means the coffee smell that greets you so warmly in the morning won’t be as strong, it’s a welcome trade for the added flavor you’ll get.

Speaking of waking up to the smell of coffee, this system also features a 24-hour programmable timer, so that you can have your first cup before doing anything else.

Give the intricate design of the carafe lid, it’s no surprise that attention to detail runs rampant with this coffee maker. It has a gold-tone filter preventing essential oils form being “filtered” out when compared to similar paper products.

Additionally, there is a cleaning feature that allows you to choose between a few water hardness levels, further giving you the tools to customize your settings for the perfect cup of coffee.

This coffee maker was released in June, 2016 and is one of the newer coffee makers on the market.

Original Retail $99.95
UPC 08021098320230
Model KF7170SI
Brand Braun
SKU KF7170SI

---

3. Best with Carafe: Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer Programmable 12 Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer

Hamilton Beach 49980A 12-Cup Coffee Maker Review

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker, Single-Serve and 12-Cup Pot is what we like to call a “fan favorite.” Reasonably priced, this system is capable of producing coffee in two different ways – 12-cup and single-serve – and capable of keeping you happy in so many more.

With the option to brew your coffee multiple ways, this device is suitable for all of your coffee needs. Versatility is one the top words used to describe this product. This is no surprise, given that you can brew directly into the carafe, a travel mug or even a small cup.

While most people are happy that before work their coffee maker can prepare them a cup to go. On the weekends, most people would rather not be reminded of their work week, and because of this, do not like to brew directly into a to-go cup, making the direct-to-cup pour all the more valuable.

Besides delivering a superior coffee experience, safety is among the chief priorities of Hamilton Beach. For most people, the morning rush is exactly that, a rush.

Accounting for forgetfulness in the pandemonium that is weekday mornings, the hot plate underneath the carafe keeps your coffee warm while it waits in the pot, but is programmed to turn off after two hours.

Knowing that even in the event you slip and leave your coffee maker on, you do not have to worry about any safety repercussions is extremely reassuring.

Released in 2013, this is one of the most talked about coffee makers gracing the market today.

Original Retail $89.50
UPC 00040094920921
Model 49980A
Brand Hamilton Beach
SKU 49980A

---

4. Best on a Budget: Mr. Coffee BVMC-EVX23 Programmable 12 Cup Coffee Maker

Mr. Coffee BVMC-EVX23 12 Cup Coffee Maker Review

Getting the job done one pot at a time, the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is an affordable option that does not sacrifice quality for a lower price. Coming in at less than half the price of every other product on our list, this is a coffee maker designed for people that simply want a convenient, afforadble pot of coffee, and don’t want to go anywhere for said pot.

Perfect for workplaces where multiple people will need to refuel throughout the day, this is an inexpensive way to avoid having to send someone on a coffee run in the midst of important meetings, or even just normal work.

With the money employers will save by purchasing this product, rather than a more expensive one, they’ll be able to supply basic add-ins to appease everyone in their office.

With a coffee maker like this one, it’s likely that more than one person will be using it. As a result, people won’t know it as well as they do the one in their home. As a nice added feature, there is a “water window” so that users can tell the accurate amount of water needed for their next pot.

The carafe is dishwasher safe as well, meaning that the fight you have with the people who share the coffee maker is not who will clean it, but only who puts it in the dishwasher.

Even with the lower price of this model, the general consensus is that people have been happy with their coffee-making experience, an indication that it is a high-quality product that will make your mornings better and keep your wallet a bit fuller.

Original Retail $29.77
UPC 00072179232018
Model BVMC-EVX23
Brand Mr. Coffee
SKU BVMC-EVX23

---

5. Best Single Combo: Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Center Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer

Cuisinart SS-15 12 Cup Coffee Maker Review

The premier choice for coffee connoisseurs, Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center 12-Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer is the epitome of “you get what you pay for.” While it is considerably more expensive than many other options on the market, those who have one will tell you that it’s worth every penny.

Despite coming in just one color, Silver, there is a little bit of variance as Cuisinart also offers this setup in 10-cup.

With the SS-15P1, you are essentially getting two products in one. There are two separate dispensers on the machine, one capable of producing an entire pot of coffee, and the other designed for when you want just one cup.

If you choose to make an entire pot, you’ll be doing so in a glass carafe with a stainless-steel handle, both of whose quality matches the price tag on the entire coffee maker. On the single cup side, you’ll be pouring directly into your mug in 6, 8 or 10 oz intervals.

Even though this side is for one cup at a time, you do not need to prep it for each use. In fact, there is a 40 oz. water reservoir and drop tray, both of which are removable, so that you can grab a quick, single-cup without any unnecessary prep.

While most coffee makers produce coffee, this one produces COFFEE. Simply put, this coffee maker is able to deliver stronger and purer flavor than anything else we’ve found.

This is no surprise given its’ gold-tone filter, designed to push coffee flavor through and the “BOLD” option which produces a stronger overall coffee flavor. Besides extra flavor, owners of this unit can use a Cuisinart reusable filter, which is included at purchase.

Should you opt for a “lazier” brew, this product is also K-Cup compatible.

Original Retail $199.95
UPC 00086279090645
Model SS-15
Brand Cuisinart
SKU SS-15

12-Cup Coffee Maker Buying Guide

Not all coffee makers are made with the same set of tools, and because of this, you need to find the maker that is tailored to your unique needs. After reading a bunch of our reviews, you’ll likely start to get a better picture of what you’re looking for, but if you’re still looking for some more guidance, we’ve got you covered with some questions to ask yourself and some things to consider.

How Many Coffee Drinkers

First and foremost, are you brewing for just one person? If this is the case, it does not make sense to purchase a coffee maker that only makes full pots, unless of course you drink 12 cups a day, in which case maybe you ought to think about scaling back, or consider a 12 cup + single serve coffee maker.

As the coffee market has developed, so have in-home coffee makers. Now with the option of single-cup brewing, you’ll never have to waste extra coffee, which reduces your overall spend on this morning delicacy.

Coffee Access

If you plan on making your own coffee each morning, it is critical that you have easy access to the products you need to make your drink of choice by means of a grocery store or coffee shop. If this is not the case, you will need to set up a regular ordering schedule where you can get what you need delivered so that you never have to go a morning without.

Even if you live close to a place that sells your preferred coffee beans, browsing online is highly recommended so that you can find some other flavors that will break up the monotony of your morning routine.

Programmable or Not

Picking a maker that you can program cuts down on morning wait, though nothing compares to the wait during rush hour on the way to work if you buy every day. In the past, brewing your own coffee took considerable time and effort. Now that you can set your device up to begin brewing at a certain time, those costly minutes are no longer.

Today, it is as simple as walking across your kitchen to your coffee maker, pouring a cup and heading on your way. If this seems like a reasonable alternative to waiting in line every morning, then we think it is time you make the jump and start brewing your own coffee.

Common Questions about 12-Cup Coffee Makers

What is the best 12-cup programmable coffee maker?

Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker in Stainless Steel has rave reviews and customizable settings so you can make your coffee to your preferred taste. It is on the pricier side, but definitely worth it. For more great options, see our top picks above.

How much coffee do I use for 12 cups?

A 12-cup coffee maker makes about 6 mugs of coffee. 2 tablespoons of coffee are used per cup. This means you need 12 tablespoons of coffee for a 12-cup coffee maker.

What is the best programmable coffee maker?

Café – Drip 10-Cup Coffee Maker with Wi-Fi is a great quality model that does the work for you so you wake up with fresh coffee without the hassle. Simply program the night before for those lazy mornings where you don’t want to put in the work.

How do you clean a Mr. Coffee 12-cup programmable coffee maker?

Add 4 cups of vinegar to the base of the coffee machine, let it sit for 30 minutes, then run a cycle of coffee with the vinegar. Then rinse the pot out and run cycles of water through until the vinegar smell is gone.

How much white vinegar do I use to clean my coffee maker?

4 cups of white vinegar that is not diluted should be used to clean your coffee maker.

How do you deep clean a Mr. coffee maker?

If you want your coffee maker to be extra clean, let the vinegar sit for a bit before and after the cycle to fully clean the machine.

How often should you replace your coffee maker?

Most coffee machines last an average of 5 years. They can last longer or shorter than this time frame depending on how you take care of it.