Amazon Basics CM4008C-UL Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL is an affordable and straightforward programmable 12-cup drip coffee maker. It has a sleek and compact design that won't take up too much counter space, but still offers helpful features like a reusable filter, programmable timer, auto-pause, and 2-hour auto shutoff. This AmazonBasics coffee maker aims to deliver hot, flavorful coffee in a simple-to-use package. With a quick setup, intuitive controls, and helpful programming options, the CM4008C-UL makes it easy for anyone to brew a pot of coffee exactly how they like it. Its no-frills functionality provides the essential tools you need for a satisfying cup of joe.

Appearance and Design

The AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL has a sleek and modern stainless steel design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It has a brushed nickel finish and black accents.

With dimensions of 8.27 x 7.28 x 10.63 inches, the CM4008C-UL coffee maker has a nice compact footprint that doesn't take up too much counter space. The water reservoir is transparent so you can easily see the current water level.

The materials used in the construction feel durable and sturdy. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and scratches. The black plastic accents also feel solidly built with no creaking or weak points when handling the machine.

Overall, the CM4008C-UL has an attractive, contemporary appearance. The combination of brushed steel and black plastic gives it a nice upscale look. The compact size is perfect for urban apartments or small kitchens.

In comparison, the Elite Gourmet EHC9420 also boasts a stylish design, featuring a sleek black finish that suits various kitchen styles. It offers convenient features like automatic shut-off and a non-stick warming plate. This model is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate ease of operation. With its lightweight construction and compact size, the EHC9420 is ideal for those looking for functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

Features

The AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL has a number of useful features for brewing coffee.

• 12-cup capacity - It can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time, making it a good option for families or having guests over.

• Programmable brew settings - There are two brew settings to choose from that control the brew strength and flavor. Select regular for standard medium-strength coffee or bold for a richer, more full-bodied taste.

• 2 hour automatic shutoff - The machine will automatically turn off 2 hours after brewing to prevent overheating and energy waste.

• Permanent filter included - It comes with a reusable gold-tone filter so you don't need to buy disposable paper filters. The permanent filter is easy to rinse clean.

• Pause n' serve - There is a useful pause feature that lets you grab a cup of coffee mid-brew if you can't wait for the full pot to finish.

• Water window - The water reservoir has water level indicators printed on the side so you can easily see how much water you've added.

• Cord storage - The power cord wraps under the base for tidy storage.

Another excellent option for coffee enthusiasts is the Mr. Coffee 2143561. This drip coffee maker offers a convenient brewing experience with features like a programmable timer, allowing you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee. It also has a removable filter basket for easy cleaning and a dual water window to monitor water levels. Its sleek design fits nicely in any kitchen, ensuring you enjoy your daily dose of caffeine with style and ease.

Ease of Use

The AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL drip coffee maker is designed to be very easy and intuitive to use. It has a simple control panel with buttons for power, start/stop brewing, and a self-clean cycle. The buttons have clear icons that indicate their functions.

The setup process out of the box is quick and straightforward. The instructions are clear with diagrams illustrating how to fill the water reservoir, insert the filter, add coffee grounds, etc. Once loaded with water and coffee, you simply press the power button, wait for it to heat up, and press start. The whole process from start to finish takes under 10 minutes.

The display is bright and easy to read, showing the brewing time remaining and keeping you updated on the process. The water window on the side lets you visually see the water level as well.

Overall, the AmazonBasics coffee maker achieves its goal of providing a fuss-free, uncomplicated brewing experience for the everyday user. Its intuitive controls and clear instructions allow you to brew great tasting coffee with minimal effort.

Brew Performance

The AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL coffee maker brews a full pot of coffee in around 7-8 minutes. This is a fairly standard brew time for a drip coffee machine in this class.

The brew temperature reaches around 195-205°F, which is the ideal temperature range for properly extracting flavor from ground coffee. Lower temperatures under-extract and result in weak, watery coffee, while higher temperatures can scorch the grounds and produce overly bitter coffee. This machine hits the sweet spot.

In terms of flavor and consistency, the coffee produced by the CM4008C-UL is quite good for a basic drip coffee maker. It extracts a robust, well-rounded flavor from the grounds. The coffee comes out piping hot and does not have issues with uneven extraction or watery drips like some cheaper models.

The flow rate of water through the filter basket is steady and uniform, not too fast or slow. This allows thorough wetting and saturation of the grounds to extract maximum flavor. The carafe does a decent job of retaining heat after brewing to keep the finished coffee hot.

Overall, the brewing performance of this AmazonBasics coffee maker is very solid. It brews an enjoyable pot of coffee with good flavor and at the expected pace. For a budget-friendly machine, it stands out in brew quality.

Cleanability

The AmazonBasics 12-Cup Coffee Maker scores well when it comes to cleanability. The carafe, filter basket, and reusable filter are all removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

The stainless steel thermal carafe is designed to be easy to pour without spilling or dripping. It can go straight into the dishwasher after use.

The mesh filter basket lifts out, allowing you to dump out used coffee grounds and give it a rinse or toss it in the dishwasher.

The included reusable filter also removes for easy cleaning. It's made from stainless steel mesh that is durable and long-lasting.

Descaling is straightforward with a vinegar solution poured into the water reservoir and run through a brew cycle. There's no automatic descaling function, but the process is simple enough to do periodically to keep mineral buildup at bay.

The control panel is sealed and designed to withstand splashes and spills from coffee brewing. Overall, the coffee maker is made to be convenient to keep clean. The parts that require regular cleaning are removable and dishwasher safe.

Durability and Warranty

The Amazon Basics 12-cup coffee maker has excellent build quality and durability thanks to its stainless steel exterior. The stainless steel construction makes it more durable and long-lasting than plastic coffee makers.

Reviews from customers highlight the sturdy and solid feel of the coffee maker, with many mentioning they expect it to last for years of regular use. There are very few complaints about mechanical issues or break downs, even after prolonged use.

The warranty coverage provides additional peace of mind. Amazon Basics offers a 1-year limited warranty on the coffee maker. This protects against defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. Amazon will offer a replacement product or refund at their discretion.

The sturdy build quality, lack of complaints about breakdowns, and 1-year warranty together provide confidence in the long-term durability of this coffee maker. For a budget model, it appears to offer reliability and lifespan comparable to more expensive options.

Price and Value

The AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL coffee maker is very competitively priced at around $25. This puts it at the low end of typical drip coffee maker pricing, making it an excellent value purchase for someone looking for an affordable and basic machine.

Compared to other entry-level coffee makers in the $20-30 range like the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, the AmazonBasics model is right in line price-wise. Yet it offers comparable performance and features like a reusable filter, removable water reservoir, brew pause function, and compact footprint.

For those on a tight budget who still want a decent drip coffee experience, the AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL provides excellent value. It delivers solid performance for day-to-day coffee brewing at a very wallet-friendly price point. While more expensive coffee makers do offer extra convenience and brewing control, this model gives you the core functionality without breaking the bank.

Given its low price but ability to produce good tasting pots of coffee, the AmazonBasics machine is a great value purchase for someone who just needs an affordable and reliable everyday coffee maker. Considering its price-to-performance ratio, it's hard to beat the value offered by this budget-friendly AmazonBasics drip coffee maker.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Brews a full pot (12 cups) quickly and efficiently
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Reusable filter included to avoid wasteful paper filters
• Simple to operate with just an on/off switch
• Compact, lightweight, and easy to store
• Backed by AmazonBasics 1-year limited warranty

Cons

• Lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models like programmable start time or temperature control
• Filter basket could be easier to remove for cleaning
• No pause feature to grab a cup mid-brew
• brew head or carafe do not come apart for more thorough cleaning
• Durability concerns compared to higher end brands

Conclusion

The AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL is an affordable and effective drip coffee maker that provides a solid brewing experience for most coffee drinkers. Its simple design and intuitive controls make it easy to operate, while its metal heating plate, reusable filter, and 12-cup carafe check the boxes for basic functionality.

The CM4008C-UL consistently produces good, flavorful coffee as long as you use the right grind size and coffee to water ratio. It may lack some of the fancy features of more expensive models, but it gets the basics right at a very wallet-friendly price point. For those seeking an uncomplicated drip coffee machine without breaking the bank, the AmazonBasics model is certainly worth considering.

Overall, the CM4008C-UL provides very good value for money. It reliably delivers hot, fresh brewed coffee day after day. The build quality is decent though not outstanding, reflective of the budget price tag. But for many households seeking an affordable starter drip coffee maker, the AmazonBasics CM4008C-UL is a recommendable option that covers all the essentials.