Best 12 Cup Coffee Machines Reviewed Top 8 Picked

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 30th, 2023

When it comes to making 12 cups of coffee, you need a coffee machine that matches your dedication to the perfect brew. Whether you’re seeking a reliable companion for your bustling workplace or a coffee maker that delivers exceptional results at home, it’s essential to choose a machine that not only brews a delicious cup of joe but also simplifies your life.


Finding the ideal 12-cup coffee maker online, however, isn’t always a straightforward task. Numerous businesses vie for your attention and your hard-earned money, but not all of them provide honest insights into their strengths and weaknesses.

coffee cups

To make your purchasing experience easier, we have carefully reviewed eight of the top 12-cup coffee machines available in the market. Our reviews provide a comprehensive analysis, highlighting both the pros and cons of each model, enabling you to select the best coffee maker for your specific needs and avoid any frustrations down the road.

Without further ado, let’s explore the top contenders that promise to deliver a satisfying cup of coffee while enhancing your coffee brewing experience.

8 Best 12-cup coffee makers

1. Ninja programmable 12-cup coffee maker – overall winner

[pr box_two=”B07FDNBSNS” ]

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (CE201) is a coffee lover’s dream. This exceptional model offers both classic and rich brew settings, allowing you to customize your coffee to match your taste preferences. With its large, detachable water reservoir, this coffee maker is incredibly user-friendly and easy to clean, providing a hassle-free brewing experience without the need for a carafe. Its programmable feature allows you to prepare your coffee the night before, ensuring you wake up to the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

One standout feature of this coffee maker is the agitator, which ensures optimal heat distribution during the brewing process. By spinning the coffee while it brews, the agitator ensures that the temperature is consistent throughout the pot, preventing burnt or cold coffee at the bottom or top of the carafe. However, it’s worth noting that the coffee brewed by this machine tends to be exceptionally hot, so you may want to let it cool for a bit before enjoying it. Overall, we believe the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is the best 12-cup coffee maker on the market.

Pros:

  • Classic and rich brew settings for customized coffee
  • Large, detachable water reservoir for easy refilling
  • Consistent coffee temperature throughout the pot

Cons:

  • Coffee is brewed at a very high temperature

2. Cuisinart 12 cup coffee brewer DCC-1200

[pr box_two=”B00005IBX9″ ]

The Cuisinart DCC-1200 is an ideal choice for those who need to brew a large quantity of coffee at once. This model features a convenient brew-pause option, allowing you to pour a cup of coffee mid-brewing without any spillage. It is also programmable, enabling you to set it up the night before and wake up to a hot cup of coffee.

If you’re a coffee connoisseur who values taste, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 won’t disappoint. Equipped with a charcoal water filter, it effectively removes impurities that could negatively affect the flavor of your coffee. Additionally, the dishwasher-safe carafe makes cleaning a breeze. However, keep in mind that the first cups brewed may be lukewarm, even if the subsequent cups are steaming hot. This aspect might be a drawback if you often brew just one or two cups for yourself. Nevertheless, if you frequently make coffee for a larger group, this model is worth considering.

Features:

  • Ergonomic design for comfortable and drip-free pouring
  • Classic brushed metal design for a sleek appearance
  • Brew-pause option and adjustable heating plate for convenience
  • Gold-tone and charcoal water filters for fresh and flavorful coffee
  • 24-hour advance brew start and programmable auto shut-off
  • Adjustable heating plate to maintain the perfect temperature
  • 1 to 4 cup coffee function for brewing smaller quantities

Pros:

  • Brew-pause feature for on-demand coffee
  • Easy-pour and dripless carafe design
  • Dishwasher-safe carafe for effortless cleaning
  • Permanent coffee filter and charcoal water filter for enhanced flavor
  • Versatile brewing options for 1-4 cups or 12 cups
  • 24-hour programmability and auto shut-off for convenience

Cons:

  • Taller housing might not fit in smaller spaces
  • Initial cups may be cooler than desired

3. Mr. Coffee 12-cup coffee maker – best buy

[pr box_two=”B002YI2IG0″ ]

The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker SK13-RB offers a range of features that coffee enthusiasts will appreciate. With its brew-pause option, you can pour yourself a cup of coffee before the brewing process is complete, without the risk of creating a mess. This user-friendly machine requires just a simple switch to start brewing, and the hot plate keeps your coffee warm until you turn it off.

Additionally, this model features a water window, allowing you to precisely measure the amount of water needed for the desired number of cups, eliminating the risk of overfilling. One of the standout aspects of this coffee maker is its affordability. It offers exceptional value for money, making it an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity and a good deal. While it lacks programmability, its ease of use and cost-effectiveness make it a popular option.

Features:

  • Single on/off button with indicator light for simplicity
  • Warming plate with a 2-hour shut-off time for convenience and safety
  • Brew pause allows for mid-cycle pouring
  • Viewing window on the reservoir for easy filling
  • Compact and lightweight design for portability

Pros:

  • Brew-pause feature for flexibility
  • Affordable price point
  • Easy operation with a single switch
  • Dual water window for accurate measurement
  • Compact and lightweight design for convenience

Cons:

  • Heating element may have durability issues
  • Not programmable
  • No auto shut-off feature

4. Hamilton Beach 12-cup coffee maker (47900)

[pr box_two=”B008J8MJ9K” ]

The Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker (47900) takes a unique approach to large-capacity coffee making. Instead of using a traditional carafe, this machine keeps the coffee hot and secure in a reservoir inside the machine. With a simple button press, a cup of coffee is dispensed, making it ideal for both home and business use. The removable reservoir makes refilling easy and ensures precise water measurement.

This model also offers programmability, allowing you to prepare all the necessary ingredients the night before and wake up to hot and aromatic coffee. However, it’s important to note that the durability of this coffee maker may not match that of other models on the market, with an expected lifespan of around one to two years. Nevertheless, considering its price point, it offers good value. If you appreciate the convenience of serving coffee in large quantities and the ease of maintenance, the Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker (47900) is worth considering.

Features:

  • Enclosed brewing mechanism with internal heater for optimal flavor retention
  • No need for a carafe, as coffee is dispensed one cup at a time
  • Brews up to 12 cups like a regular drip coffee maker
  • Removable water reservoir for easy refilling
  • Programmable features for added convenience

Pros:

  • No need for a carafe
  • Removable reservoir for easy filling
  • Programmable for pre-set brewing
  • Single-cup operation for convenience

Cons:

  • Durability may be shorter than other models
  • Expected lifespan of one to two years

5. Cuisinart DCC-1100bk 12-cup coffee maker

[pr box_two=”B000N22JPE” ]

The Cuisinart DCC-1100BK 12-Cup Coffee Maker offers several features that will appeal to coffee enthusiasts. This programmable model allows you to set your desired brew time and wake up to a fresh pot of coffee. It comes with Cuisinart’s excellent charcoal water filter, ensuring that your coffee maintains its flavor and quality.

Additionally, the brew-pause feature allows you to serve coffee to a large group while it’s still brewing. However, this model falls short in some areas, making it less convenient than others. The carafe has a tendency to leak, which can be a hassle to clean up. Moreover, the lack of a water measurement device makes it challenging to pour the right amount of water, causing inconvenience. Overall, while the Cuisinart DCC-1100BK offers decent performance, there may be better options available.

Features:

  • Small-batch brewing option for 1-4 cups
  • Permanent coffee filter and charcoal water filter for optimal flavor
  • 24-hour programmability for pre-set brewing
  • Brew pause and 60-second reset for convenience
  • Ergonomic handle and no-drip spout on the carafe
  • Clean setting indicates when decalcification is needed

Pros:

  • Self-cleaning option for easy maintenance
  • Brew-pause feature for flexibility
  • Charcoal water filter for enhanced flavor
  • 24-hour programmability for convenience

Cons:

  • Carafe may leak
  • No water measurement device
  • Carafe design flaws

6. Bella (14755) coffee machine

[pr box_two=”B07HRVNM7T” ]

The BELLA (14755) 12 Cup Coffee Machine gets the fundamentals right but falls short in some aspects that may frustrate most users. This model offers both regular and bold brew options, allowing you to customize the strength of your coffee. It is programmable, so you can ensure you have hot coffee ready whenever you need it. The reusable and dishwasher-safe coffee filter saves money on disposable filters and makes cleanup a breeze.

Pros:

  • Dishwasher-safe filter for easy cleaning
  • Programmable for convenience
  • Regular and bold brew options for customized coffee

Cons:

  • Leaky brew-pause function
  • Drippy carafe design

7. Braun 12-cup coffee maker

[pr box_two=”B01FUGGBWE” ]

The Braun KF7170SI Coffee Maker boasts an appealing design, but its performance may not live up to expectations. This machine is easy to program, with a 24-hour clock for precise brewing timing. However, it may not consistently produce piping hot coffee, resulting in a less intense flavor. The carafe is prone to dripping, requiring extra cleanup time. Overall, while it has an attractive appearance, most users may find it disappointing in terms of coffee quality.

Features:

  • Airtight carafe cover to preserve flavor
  • Simple operation for ease of use
  • Elegant symmetrical design for aesthetics
  • Superior water quality with charcoal water filter
  • Reusable filter for cost savings
  • Generous 3-year warranty for peace of mind

Pros:

  • Programmable and user-friendly
  • Airtight carafe cover locks in flavor
  • Clean appearance with symmetrical design
  • Superior water quality with charcoal filter
  • Reusable filter for eco-friendly brewing
  • Generous warranty for added assurance

Cons:

  • Difficult to fill the water tank
  • Inconsistent temperature may result in lukewarm coffee
  • Drippy carafe design

8. Thermal 12 cup coffee machines by Black+Decker

[pr box_two=”B00LU2I3V0″ ]

Thermal carafes are designed to keep coffee warm for extended periods, but the Thermal 12-Cup Coffee Maker by Black+Decker frequently fails to meet this expectation. While it offers a brew strength selector for customized coffee, the cleaning process can be challenging due to tight angles and gaps where coffee or grounds can become trapped. Several users have reported that their coffee quickly becomes lukewarm, and there are also complaints about the coffee maker’s durability, with some units failing within a year. Considering its flaws, this machine may not offer the best value for money.

Features:

  • 12-cup thermal carafe for prolonged heat retention
  • Customizable brewing options, including brew strength selector
  • EvenStream showerhead for optimal flavor extraction
  • No-drip Perfect Pour spout for mess-free pouring
  • Wide-mouth carafe opening for easy cleaning

Pros:

  • Displays time since the previous brew for convenience
  • Sneak-A-Cup feature for quick coffee extraction
  • Affordable price point
  • Multiple functions considering the low price
  • Easy to clean with a digital control panel

Cons:

  • Does not effectively keep coffee warm
  • Questionable durability
  • Poor design makes cleaning difficult
  • Lack of heating coil relies solely on the thermal carafe

What to Look for in a 12-Cup Coffee Maker

When searching for a 12-cup coffee maker, several factors should be considered to ensure the best choice for your needs:

1. Coffee Preferences Consider the type of coffee you prefer, whether it’s a basic cup or a specialty brew like espresso or latte. Different coffee makers cater to various brewing methods, so selecting one aligned with your preferences will enhance your coffee experience.

2. Brewing Frequency If you require frequent coffee throughout the day, a coffee maker with a carafe or insulated mug will ensure that you have a steady supply of hot coffee. However, if you choose a model with a warming plate, be mindful of the potential flavor degradation if coffee sits for an extended period.

3. Programmability Decide whether you prefer a coffee maker that can be programmed to have your coffee ready when you wake up. Programmable models provide a hands-off experience, while less automated machines require more manual involvement.

4. Size and Fit Take into account the size of the coffee maker and ensure it fits in your intended space. Measure accurately, considering the need to open the machine’s top for water and grounds.

5. Flavor Settings and Strength If you enjoy experimenting with different coffee strengths, opt for a coffee maker that allows you to adjust the brewing intensity according to your preference. Some coffee makers offer additional brewing options beyond regular strength, providing versatility in your coffee choices.

6. Heating Options Consider whether you prefer a coffee maker with a heating plate or one that uses thermal carafes to maintain temperature. Adjustable heating plates can help keep your coffee at the ideal temperature, while thermal carafes are designed for prolonged heat retention.

7. Filtering Look for coffee makers with effective water filters to remove impurities and enhance the flavor of your coffee. Both coffee filters and water filters play a vital role in ensuring a clean and enjoyable cup of coffee.

8. Auto Shut-off Having an auto shut-off feature provides peace of mind by ensuring safety and energy efficiency. It prevents the coffee maker from being left on unnecessarily.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker stands out as the top choice for a 12-cup coffee maker. With its customizable brew strengths, advanced brewing technology, and convenient features like a detachable water reservoir and mid-brew pause, it offers a fantastic coffee brewing experience. The Ninja coffee maker combines functionality, durability, and consistent coffee temperature, making it a standout option for both home and workplace use.

out as the top choice for a 12-cup coffee maker. With its customizable brew strengths, advanced brewing technology, and convenient features like a detachable water reservoir and mid-brew pause, it offers a fantastic coffee brewing experience. The Ninja coffee maker combines functionality, durability, and consistent coffee temperature, making it a standout option for both home and workplace use.

crazy

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.