Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this coffeemaker in person. This verdict is based on our reading of two expert reviews that cover Mr. Coffee 12-cup programmable models, listed at the end. Mr. Coffee sells several close variants, so details such as the strength selector may differ slightly between them, and we found no long-term durability test. Our method.
A sensible, simple budget brewer for everyday drip coffee
Reviewers describe consistent, balanced coffee, a delay-brew timer that worked reliably, and a handy regular or strong setting, all in a light, compact body. The trade-offs are drip-coffee-only brewing, a fixed water tank that is awkward to clean, a pause-and-serve feature that can drip, and some owners noting a plastic smell on new units. It is a classic budget pick that most drip drinkers will be happy to buy again, but the evidence on long-term lifespan is thin.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want simple, reliable drip coffee for a household
- like waking up to coffee brewed on a timer
- want a low-cost machine without pods or extras
Skip it if you…
- want hot, precisely controlled brewing certified by a testing body
- want a stylish or stainless-steel machine
- make only one or two cups at a time
The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is a basic countertop drip brewer with a glass carafe, a delay-brew timer and an auto shutoff. It is aimed at people who want straightforward coffee without pods or complicated settings.
Mr. Coffee sells several similar 12-cup programmable models, and the reviews we found cover close relatives, so we note that where it matters.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Capacity | 12 cups, glass carafe |
|---|---|
| Programming | Delay brew, clock |
| Strength | Regular or strong brew selector (per Top Ten Reviews) |
| Auto shutoff | After 2 hours |
| Minimum brew | 2 cups |
| Warranty | One year, per Foodal |
What owners and reviewers like
What owners and reviewers dislike
How it holds up over time
Neither review ran a long-term durability test. Foodal lists a one-year warranty. A reader comment there mentions an older Mr. Coffee machine lasting nearly ten years, but that is anecdotal and not about this model. Treat lifespan as unproven.
Tips from reviewers
- Run plain water through it first if you notice a new-machine smell.
- Reset the clock after any power loss, since the timer clock resets when unplugged.
- Use the strong setting for a bolder cup, accepting a longer brew.
- Pull it forward from under cabinets to open the lid comfortably.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Simple, low-fuss drip brewing
- Delay brew worked reliably
- Regular and strong brew options
- Light and compact
- Removable filter basket and dishwasher-safe carafe
What owners complain about
- Drip coffee only
- Fixed water tank is harder to clean
- Pause feature can drip
- Some units have an initial plastic smell
- No long-term durability data
Other options owners compare
These are drip and grind-and-brew machines often compared with a basic Mr. Coffee.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable (this review) | Budget drip | You want a simple, timed drip brewer | See on Amazon |
| Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Read our review | Premium drip | You want hotter, more precise brewing and a long-lived machine | See on Amazon |
| Cuisinart Grind & Brew 12-Cup Read our review | Drip with built-in grinder | You want fresh-ground beans in one machine | See on Amazon |
Want simple, timed drip coffee at home?
Check the current price and carafe options on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set it to brew before I wake up?
Yes. Reviewers used the delay-brew timer successfully, and Foodal says it can be set up to 24 hours ahead.
Does it make strong coffee?
Top Ten Reviews describes a regular and strong selector. Check your listing, as variants differ.
Can I brew one cup?
Top Ten Reviews notes a 2-cup minimum, and it is drip only.
Why does it smell of plastic?
Foodal says some new units do. Running water through several times helped some users.
Save this review for later
Pin it, share it, or send it to someone who's shopping for one.
Sources we analyzed
- Top Ten Reviews: Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Programmable review — brew quality, features, pros and cons
- Foodal: Mr. Coffee 12-Cup BVMC-SJX33GT review — features, smell complaint, warranty
Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.