Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Compact Programmable Drip Coffee Maker (Model 46200)

The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Compact Programmable Drip Coffee Maker (model 46200) is a feature-packed yet space-saving coffee machine perfect for smaller kitchens or tight counter spaces. I recently purchased this coffee maker and have been impressed with its performance, convenience, and affordable price point. In this review, I’ll provide an overview of its key features and my experience using this compact coffee maker on a daily basis.

Overview

• Brand: Hamilton Beach
• Model: 46200
• Capacity: 12 cups
• Color: Black with stainless steel accents
• Dimensions: 10.3”D x 7.3”W x 12.3”H

The Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker has a 12 cup borosilicate glass carafe and a compact footprint that easily fits under cabinets. The top-mounted control panel makes programming easy, with options like brew strength selection, automatic shutoff, and delay brew timing. Despite its small size, it still has a decent 900 watt heating element for quick brewing. The no-drip carafe design prevents messes when pouring coffee. Overall, it provides the convenience of programmable features without taking up much counter space.

Key Features:

• Compact space-saving design
• Programmable timer with bold brew option
• No-drip 12-cup glass carafe
• Top-mounted easy access controls
• 2-hour auto shutoff

Coffee Culture and History

The history of coffee dates back to the 15th century, originating on the Arabian Peninsula. It gradually became popular in the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, developing a unique coffee culture. Coffee is not only a beverage but also a symbol of social, business, and daily life. Today, coffee-making methods are increasingly diverse, and different coffee machines and roasting methods meet a variety of taste preferences​【oaicite:0】​.

Design

The space-saving design of the Hamilton Beach coffee maker allows it to easily fit under cabinets and take up minimal counter space. It has a compact footprint but still offers a full 12-cup capacity. The black and stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, modern look. The water reservoir of this coffee maker is located at the top for easy refilling, and it has a transparent water window to clearly see the water level. The control panel is situated on the top of the coffee maker, making it simple and intuitive to operate. The anti-drip feature is also thoughtfully designed, allowing you to remove the carafe and pour coffee at any time during the brewing process without making a mess on the countertop.

Ease of Use

This coffee maker is very easy to operate. The buttons are clearly labeled and programming the timer is simple. Filling the water reservoir is convenient with the top access and water window showing the level. The removable filter basket and glass carafe make cleanup a breeze.

Coffee Machine and Bean Pairing

Different types of coffee makers are suitable for different coffee beans. Drip coffee makers are best paired with medium to dark-roasted beans, while espresso machines are suitable for finely ground dark-roasted beans. Choosing the right beans for your coffee maker can maximize its performance and extract the best coffee flavors​【oaicite:0】​.

Coffee Selection Recommendations

Different coffee beans, roasting levels, and brewing methods influence the flavor. Beginners should start with classic Arabica and choose medium roast to experience its fruity acidity. People who prefer strong tastes can try dark-roasted Robusta coffee.

Types and Characteristics of Coffee Beans

The main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its rich flavors, low caffeine content, and acidity. In contrast, Robusta contains more caffeine and has a more bitter taste. However, its resilience and high yield make it a primary ingredient in many instant coffees. Understanding the types and characteristics of coffee beans helps choose the right beans for your taste.

Roasting Levels

Roasting has a significant impact on the flavor of coffee. From the grassy taste of light roasts to the chocolate and caramel notes of dark roasts, each roasting level imparts unique characteristics to the beans. Light roasting retains more of the plant aroma, while dark roasting emphasizes a stronger bitterness.

Coffee Flavors and Pairings

Whether it’s mild coffee for early mornings or a strong espresso after dinner, different occasions call for different flavors. For those who like fruity acidity, Arabica beans are a good choice, while those who enjoy a thicker taste can opt for dark-roasted Robusta.

How It Works

The working principle of a drip coffee maker is relatively simple. First, cold water is poured into the water reservoir and then heated to near boiling by a heating element. The hot water is then evenly showered over the ground coffee through a showerhead, extracting the flavor compounds from the coffee grounds. The extracted coffee liquid is filtered through a paper filter or mesh screen to remove the coffee grounds and finally drips into the carafe. The entire process usually takes a few minutes, depending on the power of the coffee maker and the capacity of the water reservoir.

Programmable Timer with Bold Brew Option

One of the most convenient features of the Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker is its programmable timer. This allows you to set the brewing time up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that you have fresh, hot coffee ready when you wake up in the morning or return home from work. For those who prefer a stronger brew, the bold coffee option is a welcome addition. With the simple press of a button, you can enhance the flavor profile of your coffee, creating a more robust and bolder cup.

Features and Performance

The Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker boasts a variety of features, including a programmable timer, brew strength selection, auto-shutoff, and anti-drip function. The programmable timer allows users to set the brewing time in advance, ensuring you wake up to a fresh pot of coffee in the morning. The brew strength selection feature lets you choose between regular or bold coffee according to your taste preferences. The auto-shutoff function automatically turns off the coffee maker two hours after brewing, which is both safe and energy-saving.

Optional Water Filtration

To enhance the taste of your coffee and extend the life of the coffee maker, the Hamilton Beach 46200 offers an optional water filtration feature. This involves using a replaceable water filter that helps remove impurities from tap water, resulting in a purer and better-tasting cup of coffee.

Auto Pause & Pour

The Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker features an auto pause and pour function, allowing you to pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete. When you remove the carafe from the base, the coffee maker automatically stops dripping, allowing you to pour your coffee without creating a mess. Once you place the carafe back in position, the brewing cycle will resume.

No-Drip 12-Cup Glass Carafe

The Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker comes with a 12-cup no-drip glass carafe, perfect for serving multiple people or having coffee available throughout the day. The no-drip feature ensures that there are no spills or drips when removing the carafe from the coffee maker or pouring coffee into cups. This not only helps to keep your countertops clean but also prevents accidental burns. The carafe is made of durable borosilicate glass, known for its heat resistance and longevity.

Noise Level

The coffee maker operates at average volume. There is some noise during the brewing process from water heating and dripping, but it’s comparable to other standard drip coffee machines.

Clean Notification

The Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker has a handy clean notification feature. After 30 consecutive brews, the “CLEAN” indicator will light up, reminding you that it’s time to clean the coffee maker. The cleaning process is simple and involves running a cycle with a mixture of water and vinegar. Regular cleaning helps ensure that the coffee maker continues to operate at its best and prevents mineral buildup from affecting the taste of your coffee.

Ease of Cleaning

The removable parts of the Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker include the carafe, lid, and filter basket. The carafe and lid can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand. The filter basket can be easily removed and rinsed. The control panel only needs to be wiped with a damp cloth. To maintain optimal performance of the coffee maker, it is recommended to clean the removable parts after each use.

Durability

Hamilton Beach products are known for their reliability and durability. This coffee maker has a sturdy, compact design made of stainless steel and glass. The no-drip carafe is designed not to crack or stain. As long as it’s cared for, it should provide many years of service.

Use Cases:

• Small kitchens with limited counter space
• Households that want up to 12 cups of coffee
• People who want programmable, wake-up ready coffee
• Those who prefer the taste of drip coffee

User Feedback

With over 260 customer reviews, the Hamilton Beach 46200 coffee maker has received largely positive feedback and currently holds a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.

The vast majority of customers praise the coffee maker for its compact yet sizable 12-cup capacity that allows it to fit easily under cabinets while still brewing for multiple people. Many love the programmable timer, calling it a “game changer” for busy mornings and allowing you to wake up to fresh coffee ready to go. The bold brew setting is applauded by those who like intense coffee.

Customers routinely compliment the coffee maker’s simple and intuitive controls. Programming the timer is reported as straightforward. The no-drip carafe gets rave reviews for preventing messy spills and drips during pouring. Several mention the carafe’s durability and say it feels solidly made.

Satisfied customers say it brews hot and tasty coffee that rivals more expensive makers. Many call it an unbelievable value for the features and performance. Those who live in small spaces or wanted to free up counter room are thrilled with its compact footprint. RV and camper owners love using it on the go.

There are some common complaints. A number of customers say the regular brew is weak and watery. Several advise using the bold setting exclusively. Some report the carafe lid dripping slightly during pouring. A handful of users disliked the short power cord length.

However, most agreed the pros far outweigh these minor setbacks, especially given the affordable price point. Overall, customers vouch for its convenient space-saving design, versatile program settings, and reliable everyday performance. For an inexpensive yet well-equipped compact coffee maker, the Hamilton Beach 46200 gets high marks from owners.

Pros

• Space-saving compact design
• Programmable clock and brew options
• Select-a-Brew for flavor strength
• No-drip carafe prevents messes
• Automatic shutoff for safety

Cons

• Water tank may impart plastic taste
• Durability concerns over long-term use
• Carafe lid can drip when pouring

Value

At around $45, this Hamilton Beach coffee maker is very competitively priced compared to other programmable coffee makers which can run $100 and up. Given its 12-cup capacity and features like programmability and auto-shutoff, it delivers excellent value for the money. The durability may not match more expensive brands, but the low price makes it affordable to replace if needed. Overall, it provides great bang for your buck.

Conclusion

Overall, I’m very happy with the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Compact Coffee Maker. The combination of convenient programmable features, no-drip carafe, bold brew selection, and space-saving design in one affordable package really appeals to me. This machine makes great tasting drip coffee that I can customize to my preferences. For small kitchens or anyone who wants programmability without a huge machine, I highly recommend considering this excellent compact coffee maker.

Specifications:

• Brews up to 12 cups
• 900 watt heating element
• Top-mounted control panel
• Auto shutoff after 2 hours
• Measures 10.3” x 7.3” x 12.3”
• 1 year limited warranty

Box Includes:

• Main coffee maker unit
• Glass carafe
• Removable filter basket
• Instruction manual

Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker (Model 46200) User Guide

Setup and Operation:
1. Initial Setup:
- Unpack and remove all packaging materials.
- Wash the removable parts with warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry.
- Run a cycle with water only to clean the internal components.

1. Brewing Coffee:
2. Fill the water reservoir to the desired level using the carafe.
3. Place a coffee filter in the brew basket and add ground coffee. Use one tablespoon per 5 oz cup.
4. Insert the brew basket back into the coffee maker and close the lid.

5. Press the BREW NOW button to start brewing immediately.

6. Programming the Timer:

7. Press and hold the DELAY BREW button.
8. Use the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the desired brewing time.

9. Press the DELAY BREW button again to activate the timer.

10. Adjusting Brew Strength:

11. Press the BREW STRENGTH button to select between regular and bold brew strengths.

12. The selected strength will be displayed on the control panel.

13. Pouring and Serving:

14. The Auto Pause & Pour feature allows you to pour a cup while brewing.

15. Replace the carafe on the hot plate within 20 seconds to avoid spills.

16. Cleaning and Maintenance:

17. Clean the removable parts after each use.
18. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
19. Run a cleaning cycle with a water and vinegar solution every 30 cycles or when the CLEAN indicator lights up.

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Tips for Best Results:
- Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different coffee strengths and grind sizes to find your preferred taste.
- For a more intense flavor, use the bold brew setting.
- Regularly clean the coffee maker to maintain optimal performance.

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Troubleshooting:
- Coffee not brewing: Ensure the coffee maker is plugged in and the water reservoir is filled.
- Filter basket overflows: Check for excess coffee grounds or a clogged filter.
- Coffee is weak: Try increasing the amount of coffee grounds or using a finer grind.

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Warranty and Support:
For warranty information and support, visit the Hamilton Beach website or call the customer service number provided in the manual.