Others say...

"No frills or drips coffee maker"
Before purchasing the HB 43254 Classic Stainless 12 cup coffee maker I read the reviews like I normally do before making any purchase. I decided to purchase this coffee maker knowing that there may be some minor issues with it - what doesn't these days? After many years of buying coffee makers I have found there is no "perfect" coffee maker that will make everyone happy. You just need to decide what is important to you and your family. That said, after about three weeks of use I found it to be exactly what I was looking for - it makes HOT coffee, the carafe DOESN'T drip and I didn't need to use a manual to set up the clock and timer! If this is what you are looking for stop reading and purchase this unit now. Enjoy the coffee maker...

For those that really need to know more before purchasing continue reading:
- This coffee maker uses basket shaped filters. So you can give your neighbor your unused cone shaped paper filters you may still have.
- The water reservoir does have a rather small opening but it is not too small like some very expensive coffee makers I have seen. Some may find it easier to use a large cup a couple of times to fill the reservoir instead of using the carafe. Either way I never needed to turn the coffee maker sideways to fill the reservoir.
- The water spout does swivel to allow you to install the filter and add coffee. You only need to move it once that is if you fill the water reservoir first. When closing the lid it will move the spout back into the proper position so you don't have to remember to do it yourself.
- I too had a defective carafe that leaked at the top between the plastic rim and glass. I called customer service, waited a few minutes, and spoke to someone in the USA. It was replaced within a few days at no charge. I sealed the original carafe until the replacement arrived.
- I never had an issue with pouring a cup of coffee using the auto pause and serve feature. Besides, how often do you really "need" to have a cup of coffee before it is done brewing? If you are that desperate, set the timer so it is done brewing before you get up in the morning.


"Well designed and user-friendly coffee maker"
I purchased the Hamilton-Beach coffee maker after reading all its reviews on Amazon, and reviews for other comparably priced appliances. I had owned a Cuisinart coffee maker that died, but had been problematic all along, and I was reluctant to buy another of the same. Most of the H-B reviewers agreed about the product's benefits and drawbacks. The drawbacks were very few--there are some minor design flaws, but nothing egregious--and reviewers consistently agreed that the H-B made coffee at a very hot temperature and maintained that. That was what sold me on the H-B.

I have owned it for about six weeks now and have not been disappointed. I think the H-B coffee maker offers a good value and good design for its price. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but for me that's an advantage. I don't want a coffee maker that buys and grinds the beans, fills itself , and makes coffee at precisely 7.45 a.m. Those sorts of appliances have too many flaws, in my opinion (viz. the Cuisinart), too many moving parts (hence things that can go wrong), and too many features that I never use. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a user-friendly appliance at a fair price.

"coffee maker"
I got this coffee maker for my Mom and she loves it! Good hot coffee and easy to pour without spilling everywhere.

"Better Than Cuisinart "Brew Central""
Had two $80.00 Cuisinart "Brew Central" DC-1200s. Good coffee but both died over two 1/2 years. Cuisinart inner workings inaccessible precluding maintenance, diagnosis or repair. Hamilton Beach coffee as good but simpler design. Very hot water. Sturdy, thick heavy plastic and metal. Looks great. Comes with extra large scoop - more coffee required per cup.

"Makes awsome "Hot" coffee!"
It's slightly bulky and awkward with the small reservoir opening and the fact it has to be turned sideways to fill but makes absolutely great coffee. It is hot when brewed and stays hot on the hot plate. That alone is worth the little bit of hassle. AWSOME coffee!