Buying guide for Best Mr. Coffee programmable coffee makers
For many of us, coffee is an essential part of the day: whether it’s one cup to get going or a few to get you through, coffee is one of the most popular drinks around. A coffee maker at home allows you to make a cup or a pot when you’re ready. However, a coffee maker with a programmable function allows you to schedule when you want your coffee, adding wonderful convenience and control to your daily routine.
For nearly 50 years, Mr. Coffee has been one of the best-known and most highly regarded coffee maker companies, manufacturing a selection of programmable machines to cater to all your coffee needs. While some coffee makers simply turn on and instantly brew coffee, Mr. Coffee programmable models allow you to plan when the coffee will brew, which is especially valuable if you want coffee ready for you when you wake up in the morning.
Despite the simplicity of enjoying a cup of coffee, there are various features and options that go into brewing it. Our buying guide will sort out all the variables to help you choose the most useful and convenient Mr. Coffee programmable coffee maker for your needs.
Key considerations
Programmable vs. switch
While this guide focuses on Mr. Coffee’s programmable selection of coffee machines, it’s worth noting that there are alternatives available. If a Mr. Coffee machine isn’t described as programmable, then it’s likely designated as a switch machine. This simply means that the machine features a single switch which turns it on. Once it’s on, the machine will brew if there is water in the tank. Switch machines do not have clocks or timers or any other settings.
Number of cups
Mr. Coffee machines will advertise the maximum number of cups that can be made per brew cycle, from as few as four to as many as 12. Consider how many people will be drinking coffee at the same time. For one or two people, a four- or five-cup pot may be fine for the morning, while 10- and 12-cup machines are the most common and useful for making large batches for multiple coffee drinkers.
Size
More cups mean a bigger pot and reservoir. Consider how much room you’ll have when putting coffee and water into the machine. Just because the machine will fit nicely on a counter and underneath a cabinet, doesn’t mean you will have enough room to comfortably fill the machine with water and grounds. Often, you’ll have to lift the lid from the top in order to fill the water reservoir, which requires more room above the coffee maker.
Color
There are three main color options for Mr. Coffee’s programmable machines: black, white, and chrome. This choice is purely for aesthetic purposes and has no effect on the machine’s functions.
Filter
More expensive models will likely come with a reusable filter basket, which will catch the grinds when coffee is brewed. While paper filters are generally relatively cheap, the hassle of constantly restocking and filling the machine daily makes some users prefer a machine that doesn’t require disposable filters.
Did You Know?
On warmer days, if you have coffee left over, you can store it in the fridge overnight. The next day, you have your base for iced coffee!
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Features
Stainless steel carafe
Most coffee machines come with the typical glass coffee pot, but higher-end models may come with a stainless steel thermal carafe. This type of pot keeps coffee hotter longer. On the downside, it will be harder to know how much coffee is left in the pot, and the steel option is heavier and more expensive than the glass pots. While glass options have a more traditional vibe, steel carafes sport a more modern aesthetic. If your coffee machine doesn’t include a steel carafe, you may have the option of buying a Mr. Coffee-compatible steel carafe separately.
Water window
A water window is typically located on the side of the machine with markings to indicate the level of water in the machine’s reservoir. The window allows you to fill up to the exact level required for the number of cups you’re brewing.
Water filtration system
More advanced models of Mr. Coffee machines will feature a water filtration system. This is designed to help filter out unwanted minerals from the tap water you’re using to fill the machine. Purer water results in better-tasting coffee.
Pause
Sometimes you’re ready for a coffee, but the machine may not be finished brewing. That’s why you need the pause button! The pause button allows you to momentarily stop brewing so you can grab a quick cup without waiting for the machine to finish it’s brewing cycle. This is handy when you’re in a rush. Of course, interrupting the brewing process may result in especially strong or especially weak coffee, depending when in the brewing cycle you pause it.
Grounds pre-soak
Higher-end models will utilize a feature that gently and quickly soaks the grounds prior to brewing the coffee. This leads to a process called blooming, which helps release gas from the beans in order to improve taste. This is something you could do on your own with a spray mist bottle but having a machine that does it automatically is a convenient feature.
An American company, Mr. Coffee was founded in 1970 in Cleveland, Ohio, with famed baseball player Joe DiMaggio signing on as an early spokesperson.
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Accessories
Coffee: Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast
You need coffee for your machine, clearly, so make sure you’re always stocked up. We enjoy this dark roast selection from Peet’s Coffee.
Coffee grinder: Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic
It’s always better to buy whole beans and grind as needed, as the whole beans will stay fresher longer. That’s why coffee aficionados love a good coffee grinder. This Cuisinart coffee grinder is ideal for quickly and precisely grinding your coffee beans when you’re ready.
Coffee mugs: Better for You Stainless Steel Mugs
A pair of matching coffee mugs can go a long way toward making coffee time all the more enjoyable. These durable yet elegant mugs from Better for You are the perfect way to enjoy a fresh, hot cup.
Coffee container: Gator Coffee Canister
Storing your beans and grounds is vital to keeping them fresh, but you also need them conveniently located. We love this beautiful coffee canister from Gator Coffee.
Did You Know?
Dark roast beans are slightly oilier, less acidic, and have less caffeine than lighter roast coffee.
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Mr. Coffee programmable coffee maker prices
Inexpensive: For under $30, there are a handful of Mr. Coffee Programmable coffee makers available. These machines may be larger or smaller but will likely feature a glass carafe and a basic black aesthetic.
Mid-range: At prices from $30 to $60, you’ll find more options with various colors, designs, and features — including a pause button.
Expensive: At over $60, the most durable and comprehensive Mr. Coffee machines will be available. High-end Mr. Coffee programmable coffee makers typically have a 12-cup capacity.
Tips
- Set the timer’s clock. A programmable coffee maker will brew coffee at a specific time. In order to do that, however, the clock needs to be set accurately.
- Update brew delaying. Unfortunately, the delay-brew function does not repeat automatically every day. If you’re expecting coffee every morning, you need to set it every day.
- Tinker with the water level. If you like stronger coffee, use a little less water when brewing. If you prefer something a little weaker, add extra water.
- Handle paper filters with care. If using paper filters, make sure the edges line up with the basket, so the filter cannot collapse on itself during brewing. Otherwise, the grinds may end up in your coffee.
- Put the machine in your bedroom. If you’re buying a programmable machine for convenience, why not go all the way? Wake up to a fresh cup and a lovely aroma every morning.
FAQ
Q. How should I clean my coffee machine?
A. Some Mr. Coffee machines feature dishwasher safe parts, which will be identified on each model. The carafe should be washed regularly, even if it’s only ever going to contain coffee. As for the inside of the machine, you can brew with a half-and-half mixture of water and vinegar to clean the interior parts. Just be sure you rebrew with a pot of clean water afterward to rinse out the machine.
Q. How often should I clean my coffee machine?
A. Mr. Coffee recommends cleaning the machine every 40 to 80 brews. If you brew once a day, it’s a bit easier to remember. If you regularly change flavors and types of coffee, you may want to move towards the lower end of the range.
Q. How long does my coffee take to brew?
A. In most machines, it will take at least five minutes to brew coffee, regardless of how many cups you are brewing. For up to 12 cups, the brew time will be closer to 10 minutes.
