BLACK+DECKER CM1160W 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review: Your Morning Routine’s New Best Friend?

Ever stumbled to your kitchen at 6 AM, desperately craving that first cup of coffee, only to realize you forgot to set up your machine the night before? The BLACK+DECKER CM1160W 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker promises to solve this all-too-common morning disaster with its 24-hour programmable timer and straightforward operation.

Quick Verdict

For coffee drinkers seeking a reliable, no-nonsense brewing solution under $50, the BLACK+DECKER CM1160W delivers solid performance without breaking the bank. This white-finished coffeemaker excels at making consistently decent coffee for families or small offices, though it won’t impress serious coffee enthusiasts looking for premium features or gourmet-level brewing precision.

Best for: Budget-conscious households, college students, small offices, and anyone who prioritizes convenience over specialty coffee features.

Skip if: You’re a coffee purist seeking precise temperature control, want built-in grinders, or need advanced connectivity features.

Performance & Quality: Reliable but Basic

The CM1160W focuses on getting coffee basics right rather than impressing with bells and whistles. The machine consistently brews coffee at appropriate temperatures and maintains heat through its integrated warming plate. The 12-cup glass carafe provides enough capacity for most households, though keep in mind that “12 cups” in coffee maker terms actually translates to about 6-8 standard mugs.

Build quality feels solid for the price point, with a sturdy plastic construction that doesn’t feel cheap. The Duralife glass carafe withstands daily use well, though it’s not unbreakable – handle with care during cleaning. The heating plate effectively keeps coffee warm for hours, though like most drip machines, extended warming can lead to that slightly bitter, overcooked taste after 2-3 hours.

One standout feature is the brewing speed – this machine gets your coffee ready faster than many competitors in its class, making it perfect for rushed mornings.

User Experience: Simple Setup, Occasional Quirks

Setting up the CM1160W takes just minutes out of the box. The QuickTouch programming buttons make scheduling your morning brew refreshingly straightforward – no confusing menus or complex sequences. The 24-hour programmable timer works reliably, so you can wake up to fresh coffee without any morning brain fog required.

The Sneak-A-Cup technology lets you grab a quick cup mid-brew without making a mess, though the feature works better in theory than practice. Some users report occasional dripping when removing the carafe too quickly, so patience pays off here.

The washable brew basket simplifies cleanup, though one common user complaint involves the basket’s weight distribution. Without coffee grounds or a filter providing weight, the plastic basket can shift during brewing, potentially causing coffee to miss the carafe opening. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to watch for during your first few uses.

Water level visibility through the side window helps prevent overfilling, and the machine’s compact footprint fits comfortably on most countertops without dominating the space.

Value Assessment: Budget-Friendly Performance

At typically $40, the CM1160W offers impressive value for basic programmable coffee making. You’re getting essential features like 24-hour programming, auto-shutoff, and decent brewing performance without paying for premium materials or advanced features you might not need.

Compared to similarly priced competitors, BLACK+DECKER’s reliability reputation gives this model an edge. While you won’t get the stainless steel construction or precise temperature control of $100+ machines, the CM1160W delivers consistent results that satisfy most casual coffee drinkers.

The machine’s simplicity also means fewer things can break. There’s no grinder to jam, no milk frother to clog, and no complex electronics to malfunction – just straightforward drip brewing that works day after day.

Real-World Testing: Morning Routine Integration

In typical household use, the CM1160W shines as a reliable morning companion. The programmable timer consistently activates at the set time, and the brewing process completes in about 5-7 minutes for a full pot. Coffee temperature stays pleasant for drinking immediately, and the warming plate maintains reasonable heat for about 2 hours before noticeable quality degradation.

The machine handles different coffee grounds well, from pre-ground grocery store blends to freshly ground beans, though it performs best with medium grinds. Very fine grounds can sometimes cause overflow issues, while extremely coarse grinds may result in weaker coffee.

For families with varying schedules, the 12-cup capacity works well – early risers can grab their cups while leaving plenty for others throughout the morning. The machine’s quiet operation won’t wake sleeping family members, making it perfect for early-morning programming.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Affordable reliability: Consistently good performance at a budget-friendly price point
Fast brewing: Gets coffee ready quicker than many competitors
Simple programming: 24-hour timer setup takes seconds, not minutes
Compact design: Fits well on most countertops without overwhelming the space
Easy maintenance: Washable basket and straightforward cleaning requirements

Cons:

Basket positioning issues: Lightweight brew basket can shift during brewing without proper weight
Basic features only: No grinder, milk frother, or strength settings for coffee customization
Sneak-A-Cup quirks: Mid-brew pouring can be messy if you’re not careful
Warming plate limitations: Extended heating affects coffee taste after 2-3 hours

Bottom Line

The BLACK+DECKER CM1160W 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker succeeds as a straightforward, reliable brewing solution for households prioritizing convenience and value over premium features. It won’t revolutionize your coffee experience, but it will consistently deliver decent coffee when you need it most – first thing in the morning.

This machine makes the most sense for college students, small families, or anyone seeking dependable coffee brewing without complexity or high costs. The programmable timer alone justifies the purchase for many users, transforming chaotic mornings into smooth routines.

Before purchasing, consider checking the current price on Amazon, where you’ll often find competitive deals and can read additional customer reviews to confirm it matches your specific needs.

The CM1160W represents solid value in the budget coffeemaker category, making it a smart choice for practical coffee lovers who want reliability over luxury.