KitchenAid KCM1208DG Drip coffee maker: Full Review

The KitchenAid KCM1208DG is a 12-cup drip coffee maker with a unique spiral shower head design aimed at evenly saturating coffee grounds for optimal flavor extraction. Part of KitchenAid's Pro Line Series, this coffee maker combines a premium metal and glass build with useful features like a removable water tank, an LCD screen, and a 24-hour programmable start timer.

Though not cheap, the KCM1208DG justifies its price tag with consistently great brewing results, making it a solid choice for coffee enthusiasts who want rich, robust coffee from a reliable automatic drip machine. Its stylish design and range of finishes also make it an attractive countertop appliance.

Overall, the KitchenAid KCM1208DG hits all the marks for a high-quality drip coffee maker. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at the features, performance, and value of this coffee brewer.

Design & Build Quality

The KitchenAid KCM1208DG drip coffee maker has a premium, stylish design that looks great on any kitchen countertop. It features a durable metal and plastic construction that gives it a sturdy, high-quality feel.

The exterior housing is made of brushed stainless steel that is both fingerprint resistant and easy to keep clean. The carafe is glass with a stainless steel handle and base that retain heat well to keep coffee hot.

Aesthetically, this KitchenAid coffee maker has a modern, minimalist look with an LED backlit display that gives it style without looking overdone. The components fit together seamlessly for a unified appearance.

With its premium metal and glass design, the KCM1208DG is built to last. KitchenAid products are generally known for their durability, and this coffee maker lives up to that reputation. The materials feel substantial, with no flimsy plastic parts.

Overall, the build quality, materials used, and aesthetics give this KitchenAid drip coffee maker the look and feel of an appliance that justifies its higher price tag compared to other basic plastic models. It's built to withstand daily use for years to come.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Hamilton Beach 46299. This drip coffee maker also offers excellent value with good build quality and practical features, making it a solid choice for everyday coffee brewing.

Features

The KitchenAid KCM1208DG drip coffee maker comes with several useful features:

Programmable Timer

The coffee maker has a 24-hour programmable timer. You can set it to automatically brew coffee at the desired time. This allows you to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or have it ready when you get home from work.

Brew Strength Control

There is a brew strength selector that lets you choose between regular or bold coffee. The bold setting slows down the brewing process to extract more flavor from the coffee grounds.

Water Filter

It includes a charcoal water filter that removes impurities from the water for better tasting coffee. The filter is easy to access and replace.

Capacity

This 12-cup coffee maker can brew enough coffee for larger households or gatherings. It has a 60 oz water reservoir and the carafe can hold up to 12 cups of coffee.

If you are considering another option, take a look at the KRUPS 10942226550. This model features advanced brewing technology to ensure optimal flavor extraction, a sleek design to fit any kitchen decor, and an intuitive interface for ease of use. Both coffee makers offer reliable performance and convenience to meet your daily coffee needs.

Ease of Use

The KitchenAid KCM1208DG is very easy to use and maintain on a daily basis. The front-facing control panel has buttons for programming the brew time, turning the coffee maker on and off, and starting the brew. The buttons are clearly labeled and responsive when pressed.

Setting up the initial programming is straightforward - just press the designated button and use the arrows to set the brew time. The clock and auto-on timer are also easy to configure. The water tank is conveniently located on the side with a hinged lid, making it simple to fill.

Cleaning the KCM1208DG is also hassle-free. The reusable gold tone filter, carafe, and drip tray are all dishwasher safe. The filter basket lifts out easily for washing by hand if needed. Descaling is recommended every 3-6 months and can be done through an automated cleaning cycle using descaling solution. There are reminders to alert you when descaling is needed.

Overall, the intuitive controls, simple programming, and hassle-free maintenance make the KitchenAid KCM1208DG an exceptionally easy drip coffee maker to use on a regular basis. It's designed to be convenient for busy households.

Brew Performance

The KitchenAid KCM1208DG coffee maker brews a full pot of coffee in around 6-8 minutes. The optimal brew time helps extract the best flavor from the coffee grounds.

The coffee maker reaches an ideal brewing temperature between 195-205°F, hot enough to properly extract the coffee but not so hot that it burns the grounds. Testers found the coffee came out piping hot.

The KCM1208DG produced a robust, flavorful pot of coffee. The flat-bottom filter basket ensures even water distribution and contact with the grounds. The spiral shower head helps saturate the grounds evenly. Reviewers noted the coffee had nice body and minimal bitterness.

The charcoal water filter helps remove chlorine and impurities from the water for cleaner tasting coffee. Users mentioned the coffee had a smooth finish without metallic or chemical notes that can come from unfiltered water.

Overall, the brew performance results in a tasty, hot pot of coffee that brings out the best characteristics of the beans. The optimal temperature and brew times extract maximum flavor for a satisfying cup.

Value

The KitchenAid KCM1208DG 12-Cup Coffee Maker provides very good value given its build quality, features, and performance. At around $100, it costs a bit more than basic budget models but significantly less than higher-end technologically advanced coffee makers.

The stainless steel construction and solid feel make the KitchenAid seem more premium than its price would suggest. Small touches like the metal handle and dispersed water heating help justify the moderate cost increase over the most affordable options.

KitchenAid provides a standard 1-year limited warranty. This basic coverage is on par with competitors in this price range. More expensive models sometimes offer longer 2-3 year warranties, but 1 year is typical for moderately priced drip coffee makers.

Overall, the combination of quality, features, and brewing ability make the KitchenAid KCM1208DG a very good value purchase compared to other 12-cup coffee makers under $150. It costs a bit more upfront but should provide many years of delicious coffee.

Pros

• The KitchenAid KCM1208DG has a stylish, premium design made of metal and glass that looks great on the counter.

• It brews coffee quickly, producing a full pot in around 6 minutes. The 'Keep Warm' feature keeps coffee hot for up to 2 hours.

• The showerhead design evenly saturates grounds for optimal extraction and great tasting coffee.

• It's very easy to use with intuitive buttons, clear water window, and dishwasher safe parts for effortless cleanup.

• The removable water reservoir makes refilling easy and allows you to use any preferred coffee mug or carafe.

• Reviewers praise the coffee maker for making consistently delicious and flavorful coffee that rivals more expensive brands.

Cons

• The water reservoir is on the small side at just 12 cups. You'll have to refill it more frequently for larger households or heavy coffee drinkers.

• The hot plate doesn't have an adjustable temperature setting. It only has an on/off switch, so you can't customize the heating.

• The showerhead design, while attractive, may drip and leave grounds in the pot after brewing. Some users report needing to clean up drips after each use.

• The clock display is not backlit, making it hard to see and program in low lighting conditions. You'll likely need to turn on an overhead light to use the programming features.

Comparable Models

When looking for a drip coffee maker similar to the KitchenAid KCM1208DG, here are some other models to consider:

Cuisinart DCC-3200P1

• 14 cup capacity
• Stainless steel thermal carafe
• Brew strength control
• 24-hour programmability
• Charcoal water filter

Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer

• 12 cup capacity
• Glass carafe
• Hot and iced coffee settings
• Fold-away frother
• 24-hour programmability

Breville Precision Brewer

• 12 cup capacity
• Thermal carafe or glass options
• Gold cup preset optimization
• Customizable brewing settings
• Smart brewing technology

OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker

• 9 cup capacity
• Rainmaker showerhead
• Programmable brewing
• Microprocessor-controlled brew cycle
• Double-walled, stainless steel thermal carafe

The Cuisinart, Ninja and Breville models offer comparable features and capacity at a similar price point as the KitchenAid. The OXO has a smaller capacity but precise brewing technology. Consider your priorities like thermal vs glass carafe, brew size, and custom settings to choose the best option for your needs.

Conclusion

The KitchenAid KCM1208DG 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a solid mid-range drip coffee machine that produces smooth and balanced coffee. It has a sleek, modern stainless steel design that looks great on any countertop. The showerhead is designed to evenly saturate grounds for full flavor extraction.

The brewer is simple to operate with one-touch controls and a clear LCD display. Programming options allow you to customize brew strength and volume. While it lacks some of the sophisticated features of more expensive models, it delivers hot, tasty coffee.

The KCM1208DG brews a full pot in around 7 minutes with minimal dripping afterwards. The thermal carafe does a decent job of retaining heat to keep coffee hot for a couple hours. The water reservoir is easy to access and the filter basket has a release latch for mess-free swapping out grounds.

Overall, the KitchenAid 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a great option for anyone wanting a stylish, programmable brewer without breaking the bank. It makes smooth, balanced coffee that compares well to more expensive models. The intuitive interface and thermal carafe add convenience. For quality coffee with mid-range features, the KCM1208DG is an excellent value.