Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12-Cup Coffee Maker: A Fundamental Yet Versatile All-Rounder

With the global rise in coffee consumption, the home coffee maker market is experiencing rapid expansion. Consumers are increasingly looking to enjoy high-quality coffee experiences at home, driving the demand for convenient and efficient coffee machines. This trend has enabled brands like Amazon Basics to meet market demands with their affordable and efficient products.

Starting the day with a hot cup of joe is a ritual for many. Enter the Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12 Cup Coffee Maker - an unfussy workhorse ready to brew batch after batch of your favorite blends. Part of Amazon’s range of generic home brands, this coffee maker delivers solid performance without extra bells and whistles. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this an ideal choice for java aficionados looking for an affordable, low-maintenance drip coffee machine.

Overview

The Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12 Cup Coffee Maker lives up to its name with a no-frills design focused on the basics. An 800-watt heating element and reusable filter basket allow you to brew up to 12 cups of coffee. The durable stainless steel body houses a handy 12-cup glass carafe with comfort grip handle. A removable drip tray catches any spills for easy clean-up. Simple buttons let you turn the machine on and off, start/pause brewing, while indicator lights display the status. At just 2.91 lbs, it has a compact footprint perfect for kitchen counters and office spaces.

Additionally, the size and weight of the Amazon Basics 12 Cup Coffee Maker make it an ideal choice for small homes or office settings. Its lightweight design is not only easy to move but also makes storage more convenient, especially in environments where space is at a premium.

Key Features

• 12 cup capacity
• Reusable mesh filter included
• Drip coffee maker
• 800W for quick heating
• Keep warm plate
• Water window for easy filling
• Pause function
• Small footprint - good for tight spaces

Design and Build

This Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12 Cup Coffee Maker has a sturdy plastic housing and stainless steel accents. The water reservoir is made of clear plastic so you can easily see the water level as you fill it. The water reservoir has a capacity that can hold enough water for 12 cups of coffee. The warming plate, filter basket and carafe are all stainless steel for durability. At 12.13 inches tall, it has a smaller footprint than many 12 cup coffee makers. The simplistic button control panel is easy to operate.

Ease of Use

Using this Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12 Cup Coffee Maker is straightforward. Add water to the desired level, scoop coffee grounds into the reusable filter, press the power button and brew. The keep warm plate will keep your coffee hot after it’s finished brewing. The pause function lets you grab a cup before the full pot is done. Clean-up is easy since the filter basket pops out and can be rinsed in the sink. Additionally, the removable filter holder and glass carafe are also easy to clean and are dishwasher safe.

The Science of Coffee Extraction

Understanding how a coffee maker impacts the flavor of your brew is crucial. The Amazon Basics 12-Cup Coffee Maker employs an 800-watt heating element to quickly heat water to the ideal temperature, which is critical to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Once heated, the water evenly percolates through the bed of coffee grounds, where the contact time of water and coffee is vital, directly determining the flavor and strength of the coffee. The design ensures that the flow rate and temperature of the water are consistent, allowing every drop of water that passes through the coffee grounds to effectively extract the aromatic compounds of the coffee.
This process, known as “extraction,” is at the heart of coffee brewing. When hot water comes into contact with coffee grounds, it dissolves flavor compounds, including acids, sweetness, bitterness, and various aromatic compounds. The solubility and extraction rate of these substances are affected by water temperature, contact time between water and coffee grounds, and the grind size of the coffee grounds.

Brew Performance

This Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12 Cup Coffee Maker brews a solid pot of coffee. The water gets hot enough to properly extract flavor from the grounds. The permanent filter allows for good filtration. The coffee comes out piping hot and fairly fast, brewing a full pot in around 7 minutes. Additionally, the coffee maker heats the water to the ideal 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal temperature range for brewing coffee, ensuring that the coffee’s flavors are fully extracted. The flavor is on par with typical drip coffee - not as rich as a French press but better than instant coffee. The keep warm plate will keep it hot for an hour or more.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

The design of the Amazon Basics 12-Cup Coffee Maker considers not just efficiency and performance but also energy consumption. The 800-watt heating element is optimized for energy use, ensuring that it heats water quickly without excessive power consumption, reflecting the product’s commitment to energy conservation.

Power and Performance

The Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12-Cup Coffee Maker boasts an 800-watt heating element, enabling it to quickly heat water and brew a full pot of coffee in just a few minutes.

Eco-Friendly Feature

Beyond basic functionality, a significant feature of the Amazon Basics 12-Cup Coffee Maker is its reusable filter. This not only reduces the need for disposable paper filters but also contributes to reducing waste, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. It is estimated that billions of disposable coffee filters are consumed worldwide each year, and these filters eventually end up in landfills. Reusable filters can be used multiple times, significantly reducing waste and having a positive impact on environmental protection.

Durability

The plastic housing feels sturdy and well-constructed. The stainless steel accents should hold up well over time. As a budget coffee machine, it likely won’t have the longevity of a premium brand, but Amazon Basics products typically deliver good value. As long as it’s not abused, it should provide several years of reliable service. The 1 year limited warranty offers some peace of mind. The coffee maker comes with a 1-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.

Maintenance and Cleaning

To ensure the longevity of the coffee maker and maintain the quality of coffee, regular cleaning of the machine is essential. Cleaning the filter and carafe not only prevents the coffee taste from being affected but also prevents the accumulation of residues and scale that could potentially damage the machine.

Ideal Usage Scenarios

With its 12-cup capacity, this Amazon Basics CM1091A-UL 12 Cup Coffee Maker is a perfect fit for family breakfasts, housemate hangouts, office breaks, and dinner parties. The keep warm function means you can brew a full pot in the morning and come back for refills throughout the day. Its compact size takes up minimal counterspace, making it ideal for snug kitchens, dorms, breakrooms, and RVs.
Additionally, for coffee lovers on a budget, this coffee maker is a great option, providing a quality coffee brewing experience at an affordable price.

User Feedback: A Mixed Bag of Brewing Experiences

The Amazon Basics 12-Cup Coffee Maker has garnered a considerable amount of user feedback, painting a multifaceted picture of its performance. With over 4,000 global ratings, it holds an overall 4.2 out of 5-star rating, indicating a generally positive reception. Many users commend its simplicity, ease of use, and ability to brew a decent cup of coffee. The intuitive buttons, clear water window, and straightforward operation are particularly appreciated by those who prefer a no-fuss brewing experience. The keep-warm plate, which maintains the coffee’s temperature for hours, is another highlight for users who enjoy multiple refills throughout the day.

However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms. A recurring complaint is the absence of an automatic shut-off feature, a minor inconvenience that some users find concerning due to potential safety hazards and energy wastage. Additionally, several users have reported issues with the coffee maker’s durability, citing mechanical problems or broken parts after a few months of use. Concerns about leakage and dripping during pouring have also been raised, suggesting the need for extra care when handling the carafe. Furthermore, the water reservoir’s capacity has been deemed insufficient by some users who brew large batches of coffee, necessitating frequent refills.

Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment towards the Amazon Basics 12-Cup Coffee Maker remains largely positive. Users who prioritize simplicity, affordability, and a decent brew often find this coffee maker to be a satisfactory choice. However, those seeking advanced features, long-term durability, and a larger capacity might need to explore alternative options.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Makes a robust, flavorful brew that rivals premium brands. Numerous users say it extracting a full, balanced flavor from the grounds on par with far more expensive machines. They note the permanent filter does not dilute the oils and aromatics like paper filters.

• Extremely simple to operate. Many customers appreciate the intuitive buttons and clear water window. They say it’s perfect for those who just want fuss-free coffee without complicated settings.

• Keep warm plate keeps coffee hot for hours. Users like that they can brew a full pot in the morning and come back throughout the day for hot refills.

• Reusable filter provides convenience and savings. Reviewers love avoiding wasteful paper filters and related costs.

• Easy cleanup of removable parts. Customers report the dishwasher-safe carafe and filter basket make cleaning a breeze.

Cons:

• No auto-shutoff feature. Some users note the lack of auto-shutoff means it’s easy to leave it on accidentally.

• Durability issues for some. A number of reviewers report mechanical problems or broken parts after a few months of use. Longevity seems hit or miss.

• Leaking/dripping. Several mentions of the carafe dripping or leaking during pouring. May require extra caution.

• Small water reservoir. For those who brew large batches, the reservoir capacity may mean having to refill it frequently.

Value

For under $30, this coffee maker is a steal. The simple functionality rivals expensive, high-tech models at a fraction of the cost. Handy extras like a keep warm plate and reusable filter offer convenience and savings. Sturdy stainless steel construction provides durability missing from other budget models. Considering the quality brew and ease of use, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck 12-cup coffee makers around.

Conclusion

For its low price, the Amazon Basics 12 Cup Coffee Maker delivers where it counts - making good coffee. The simple operation, permanent filter and warming plate make it a hassle-free option for everyday use. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models, it provides great bang for your buck. Overall, it’s a great budget pick for anyone wanting delicious coffee without breaking the bank. It strikes a great balance between functionality and price, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers seeking value for their money.

Specifications

• Brand: AmazonBasics
• Model Number: CM1091A-UL
• Capacity: 12 cups
• Reservoir Capacity: Unknown
• Material: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: 7.09” D x 11.81” W x 12.13” H
• Weight: 2.91 lbs
• Power: 800 watts
• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

Box Includes

• Coffee maker unit
• Glass carafe
• Reusable filter
• Instruction manual

Amazon Basics 12-Cup Coffee Maker User Manual

Important Safeguards

• Do not immerse the coffee maker in water.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
• Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug.
• Do not use outdoors.

Before First Use

1. Remove all packaging materials.
2. Wash the carafe, lid, and reusable filter basket with warm, soapy water.
3. Run a brew cycle with water only to rinse the system.

Brewing Coffee

1. Fill the water reservoir with desired amount of cold, fresh water.
2. Add ground coffee to the filter basket.
3. Place the carafe on the warming plate.
4. Press the ON/OFF switch to start brewing.
5. Once brewing is complete, the coffee maker will automatically switch to the “Keep Warm” mode.

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Unplug the coffee maker and let it cool completely.
2. Wash the carafe, lid, and filter basket with warm, soapy water.
3. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
4. Descale the coffee maker regularly to remove mineral buildup.

Troubleshooting

• If the coffee maker does not turn on, check if it is plugged in and the outlet is working.
• If the brewing process is slow, descale the coffee maker.
• If coffee leaks, ensure the carafe is properly placed and the filter basket is not overfilled.