Like Ninja, Cuisinart defines a cup as 5 ounces, so a full pot makes about six mug-sized servings. In terms of interface, this model is relatively straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons that are easy to read. Preprogramming a brew for the morning, for example, is easily accomplished by selecting “Delay Brew” and setting the hour of the future batch. For instance, we realized that the machine doesn’t “remember” the brew settings you used last. Instead, we needed to make customized selections for, say, batch size, or rich or classic, before hitting the brew button every time, otherwise the machine would brew to its default settings.
Thankfully, both the carafe side and the single-serve side are able to brew with both of these settings. This flexibility is just one of the features that make the FlexBrew as versatile as it claims to be. When it comes to brewing, the FlexBrew is able to put on a pretty impressive performance. While harboring the ability to brew two different ways, it’s able to handle a heavy load when it comes to brewing capability. Brew your favorite teas and hot beverages to enjoy at home or at the office. Electric or cordless kettles boil water efficiently and safely.
If you’re looking for a full carafe of coffee, a whole whopping 12-cups worth, then this will be your favorite button. Pushing this button brews a large pot of coffee which is perfect if you’re got a long day ahead of you or if you have a large number of guests who are craving a cup of joe. The Cuisinart Brew Central program-ahead brew function is similar to the Ninja’s, and in our testing it was easy to use for setting the machine to brew at a specific time. The small-batch option brewed one to four cups without sacrificing quality. But the borderline retro interface––a combination of dials, buttons, and switches that reminds us of a pre-remote control TV set––is less intuitive than the simple buttons or switches on other models like the Zojirushi Zutto. Cheap coffee makers are designed with both cost and convenience in mind.
Lower unit volume was offset by higher prices and a favorable product mix. Revenue increased in the global commercial market and in the U.S. and Mexican consumer markets, while revenue decreased in the Latin American and Canadian consumer markets. Consumer revenue overall was below expectations due to softer than anticipated consumer pull-through and retailer reorders during the holiday selling season. The brews on the Ninja were the hottest overall, with an average finished temperature of 188 °F. Not only did the hotter brewing water extract better flavors more thoroughly, it also means the coffee will be at a pleasant drinking temperature directly after brewing, even if you add milk.
We did like the easy-to-use “small batch” feature and three-year warranty, though. Mr. Coffee Easy Measure, our previous pick, brewed a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, and has an appealing, compact design. It was a no-brainer to program, which is great for shared kitchens, hamilton beach and has a simple interface that lets you know in half-hour increments how long it’s been since the last brew cycle. It didn’t brew the hottest pot, but its warming plate had a four-hour automatic shut-off, while most other models have an auto shut-off after two.
We considered durability and repairability when making our picks, but based on consumer reviews, found that models at this price point may not last long past their warranties (typically a couple of years). The first components to break down are usually electrical, such as the clock (if there is hamilton beach one) or heating element, and can rarely be repaired by the customer and will likely require replacement. Since these machines can be difficult to recycle, that could mean they’re destined for the landfill. However, before you dispose of them, check and see if your town recycles small appliances.