BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker (CM1160B) Review

Intro

If you want a no-frills electric drip coffeemaker that does the basics reliably, the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker (model CM1160B) is one of the familiar, inexpensive options that turns up in kitchens and break rooms. The listing emphasizes programmability (24-hour auto-brew), a Duralife glass carafe, a washable brew basket, and a Sneak-A-Cup feature to prevent drips. Owners repeatedly praise its simplicity and value, though a small handful report issues with the hot plate and a few quirks with the controls. This review pulls together the product specs and real-owner patterns so you can decide whether this machine fits your routine and kitchen.

What it is / first look

The BLACK+DECKER CM1160B is a 12-cup programmable drip coffeemaker described in the listing as a semi-automatic, AC-powered machine with buttons for control. The core listed specs and features to know up front:

• Capacity: 12 cups (the listing clarifies that a "cup" equals approximately 5 ounces, which varies by brewing technique).
• Power: the listing gives wattage as 975 watts and voltage as 120 volts; the unit uses an AC adapter/power cord.
• Materials called out in the listing: glass, plastic, and stainless steel; the carafe is described as a 12-cup Duralife glass carafe with measurement markings and an easy-grip handle.
• Controls and programming: digital QuickTouch™ programming with a 24-hour auto brew feature, a clock/brew-time display, and large rubberized buttons (the listing also highlights a 2-hour auto shutoff).
• Filter and brewing: the listing specifies a washable brew basket and that the product uses paper filter type (paper filters are compatible according to the product specs; the washability of the basket is listed).
• Convenience features listed: Sneak-A-Cup™ (temporarily stops flow so you can pour mid-brew), an easy-view water window, and a keep-warm hot plate.
• Size and weight from the listing: approximately 8.25" deep x 12.25" wide x 11" high and weight listed as 4.5 pounds.

The listing also notes two available colorways: Black and White. The model number and SKU information are CM1160B / CM1160B-1 and the manufacturer is listed as BLACK+DECKER.

First impressions (from the listing and owner patterns)

On paper this is a classic entry-level programmable drip machine: simple button interface, auto-brew, a glass carafe, and a hot plate to keep a full pot warm. Owner feedback highlights that it makes a good, hot pot of coffee and that the auto-brew function is genuinely useful for morning routines. A number of owners call it a strong-value option compared with pricier coffeemakers they previously owned.

In daily use

Owners repeatedly report the same everyday strengths and a few recurring caveats. Below I organized those patterns so you can picture how this behaves in regular life.

Brewing, speed, and taste

The listing describes features designed for everyday convenience: a clear water window to measure water, large rubberized buttons, and a 24-hour programmable timer so you can set it the night before. Owner comments confirm that it brews quickly and delivers a reliably hot pot; a common thread in positive reviews is that the machine produces an acceptable, hot brew for daily drinking and office use. A number of owners have replaced more expensive machines with this unit because it reliably produces a full carafe with minimal fuss.

Controls and programming

The QuickTouch™ programming buttons and digital screen are highlighted in the listing. Multiple owners applaud how easy the basic programming is, and that auto-brew works as advertised for waking up to a fresh pot.

That said, a minority of owners report quirks with the control lights or buttons. One owner described difficulty getting a specific indicator light to behave as expected; another noted that while their unit still brews normally, a programmed light or indicator did not function consistently. These reports show that the core brew function usually works even when the display or indicator lights act up.

Carafe, pouring, and drip control

The listing's Duralife glass carafe is described as sturdy and marked for easy measurement. Owners highlight that the carafe pours without dripping when properly used and that Sneak-A-Cup™ works to stop flow briefly so you can pour mid-brew without a mess. Several owners say they keep spare carafes and filters on hand as a matter of habit (and one owner mentioned replacing a shattered carafe after a drop), which is practical if you want to avoid downtime if a glass carafe breaks.

Cleaning and maintenance

The listing calls out a washable brew basket, which multiple owners confirm. A few note that getting certain spots in the plastic filter basket fully clean can be awkward, calling it a minor maintenance gripe rather than a dealbreaker. The exterior and carafe look straightforward to wipe down, though remember the carafe is glass—the listing materials include glass and plastic.

Common owner workflows

• Daily brewers who want a full carafe for multiple cups favor the programmable auto-brew and the keep-warm hot plate.
• Office or shared-kitchen environments appreciate the 12-cup capacity and the easy-view water window for a quick refill check.
• Buyers who prioritize simplicity and low cost often choose this model over expensive single-cup or specialty machines for the convenience of a full carafe.

Materials & build quality

The product spec sheet lists materials as glass, plastic, and stainless steel. The listing also describes the carafe as a 12-cup Duralife glass carafe with measurement markings and an easy-grip handle. The controls are called out as digital QuickTouch buttons with a rubberized feel, and the brew basket is described as washable.

Owner feedback supports a picture of straightforward, serviceable construction: many owners describe the unit as well built for the price and praise its day-to-day reliability. Owners repeatedly note that the machine feels simple and functional rather than premium. A handful of longer-term owners report cosmetic wear on the hot plate (discoloration of the plate coating over time); one owner specifically described the plate coating discoloring after roughly two years of use while still brewing acceptable coffee.

Dimensions (8.25" D x 12.25" W x 11" H) and a listed weight of 4.5 pounds point to a compact counter footprint and a light overall build—useful information if you have limited counter space. The listing also gives wattage (975 watts), which is useful to verify against circuit limitations in older houses or small kitchens.

Safety considerations

Safety-first: the listing includes a 2-hour auto shutoff feature, which the manufacturer positions as added safety and peace of mind. That automatic shutoff is a useful safety item for a keep-warm hot plate that otherwise could be left on for long stretches.

Owner-reported safety and durability patterns to note:

• Some owners report issues with the hot plate—either it stopped working on their unit or the plate coating discolored over time. One owner noted that they avoid placing a wet carafe on the hot plate because other brands have had problems with the hot plate coating peeling when wet; that owner said this precaution prevented problems with their BLACK+DECKER unit. The listing itself does not state a maximum temperature for the hot plate or details on the plate's finish.
• A small number of owners report control or indicator-light glitches. In at least one case the unit brewed normally despite a light or programming indicator not functioning as expected; that suggests an occasional electronic-control quirk rather than a consistent brewing failure.
• The unit is listed for 120 volts/975 watts; buyers outside 120V regions — one owner called out a wrong-voltage problem for the UK — need to verify local compatibility before purchase. The listing states voltage as 120V, so verify the current listing/manufacturer documentation for regional variants or adapters.
• The carafe is glass (listed), so dropping it can break it—owners mention keeping spare carafes and filters on hand as a precaution. The manufacturer does not list shatterproof or thermal-shock ratings in the product facts.

Bottom line on safety: the listing includes reasonable safety-oriented features (auto-off) and standard electrical specs. Owner reports show mostly reliable operation but also a few cases of hot-plate trouble and isolated control/display issues; these are red flags to pay attention to if you expect years of heavy daily use or if you need robust hot-plate longevity.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use cases where this machine fits well are clear from specs and owner patterns. Below I break them into kitchen size and use-case H3s so you can match it to your situation.

Small apartments, dorms, and countertops with limited space

The compact footprint (8.25" D x 12.25" W x 11" H) and light weight (listed as 4.5 pounds) make this suitable for small counters. Owners in apartments praise the convenience of a programmable auto-brew and the fact it makes a full carafe quickly—handy if you want several cups ready in the morning without waiting on single-cup brewers.

Home offices and shared kitchens

For home offices and small workplaces the 12-cup capacity and the keep-warm hot plate are practical. The listing calls out an easy-view water window and removable/washable brew basket, features that help in an office environment where multiple users refill the reservoir or want a straightforward cleanup routine.

Not for specialty-espresso drinkers or those seeking high-end thermal carafes

If you want espresso, milk steaming, single-serve machines, or a premium thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours without a hot plate, this is not the product for that workflow. The listing positions it as a standard 12-cup drip coffeemaker; owners comparing it to expensive espresso machines often still keep this style of coffeemaker around because it reliably makes a full carafe for everyday drinking.

Buyers who should skip

• Buyers outside 120V regions who do not have the correct local variant or a compatible power solution should skip until they confirm local compatibility—the listing specifies 120 volts.
• If you need a top-tier hot-plate finish that resists long-term discoloration under heavy use, consider models marketed with high-end warming plates or thermal carafes; owners mention some discoloration of the hot plate over time with this unit.

Verdict

The BLACK+DECKER CM1160B is a straightforward, value-focused 12-cup programmable drip coffeemaker. The listing's feature set—QuickTouch™ 24-hour programming, Sneak-A-Cup™, a Duralife glass carafe, an easy-view water window, a washable brew basket, and a 2-hour auto shutoff—matches what many owners praise: reliable brewing, solid daily performance, and practical convenience at an accessible cost. If your priority is a simple machine that wakes up with a full carafe and fits a small counter, the CM1160B fits that checklist.

On the flip side, owner reports of occasional control/indicator quirks and some hot-plate discoloration after extended use are real patterns to weigh. The listing lists materials as glass, plastic, and stainless steel but doesn’t provide detailed long-term finish specs for the hot plate; if you need an appliance that looks showroom-new for many years under heavy daily use, consider that limitation.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm voltage: the listing specifies 120 volts—verify you’re buying the correct regional model if you’re outside North America.
• Decide whether a glass carafe fits your household (glass is listed; owners recommend keeping a spare carafe if you’re worried about breakage).
• If you plan heavy daily use, consider the owner-reported hot-plate discoloration trend and whether you want a thermal carafe instead.
• Look for product documentation or the current listing to confirm replacement parts availability (the listing does not specify replacement carafe or part details).
• Verify that paper filters are what you prefer: the listing lists paper filter as the filter type and also mentions a washable brew basket as a convenience.

Final thoughts

The BLACK+DECKER CM1160B gives you the core features most people want in a drip coffeemaker: a 12-cup Duralife glass carafe with measurement marks, programmable 24-hour auto-brew, Sneak-A-Cup to pour mid-brew, an easy-view water window, digital QuickTouch buttons, and a two-hour auto shutoff for safety. Owner patterns suggest it’s a dependable, budget-friendly daily brewer that many people prefer over pricier options for the simple fact that it reliably makes a full carafe. Keep in mind the practical trade-offs: a glass carafe that can break if dropped, occasional control/display glitches reported by a few owners, and some reports of hot-plate discoloration after extended use.

Available colors listed with the product are Black and White. If you want a simple, programmable 12-cup drip coffeemaker that doesn’t complicate your morning, this model is a sensible pick—just verify the voltage for your region and consider spare carafes and filters if you want a little insurance.