Hamilton Beach 46310 Programmable Coffee Maker: Front-Fill Design Saves Counter Space

The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (Model 46310) is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable and convenient drip coffee machine. With easy front access for filling, programmable brewing, and helpful features like brew strength control and auto shutoff, this Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker delivers solid performance and reliability.

Overview

This Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker can brew up to 12 cups of coffee. It has a compact design that saves counter space but still offers a 60oz water reservoir. The front access design allows you to easily fill the water tank and swing open the basket to add grounds without having to move the machine.

Programming is simple with the easy-touch buttons. You can set the 24-hour clock and program the brew time up to 24 hours in advance. The auto shutoff safely turns the coffee maker off after 2 hours.

Key Features:

• Front access filling
• Programmable up to 24 hrs
• Brew strength control
• Auto shutoff
• Cleaning reminder
• Compact size
• 60 oz water reservoir
• Swing-out filter basket
  

Front-Fill Design

The standout feature of the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is the front-fill water reservoir. Most drip coffee machines have the water reservoir in the back, which can be tricky to fill especially if the machine is placed under cabinets.

With the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, the water tank is located in the front of the machine. You can easily lift up the reservoir and fill it without having to move the coffee maker. The swing-open filter basket also opens from the front, providing easy access to add coffee grounds.

Features and Performance

The front-access water reservoir and swing-open filter basket make it very convenient to fill this coffee maker, even under low cabinets. No need to move the machine around.

Programming is straightforward with the easy-touch buttons. Setting the clock and delay brew is simple. The brew strength selector lets you choose regular, bold, or 1-4 cups. The auto pause & serve feature lets you pour a cup mid-brew.

This Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker delivers good brewing temperatures and consistent results. The flavor is quite good for a basic drip coffee machine in this price range. It brews a hot, aromatic pot of coffee.

The compact design saves precious counter space. Automatic shutoff provides peace of mind if you forget to turn it off. The cleaning reminder alerts you when it’s time to descale.

Ease of Use

Filling the water and adding grounds is very easy with the front-access design. The programming options are simple to use. The buttons are clearly labeled and easy to understand. The ready indicator lets you know when it has finished brewing.

Cleanup is straightforward by rinsing the removable parts. The self-clean cycle helps keep mineral buildup at bay. The swing-out filter basket is convenient for access.

Coffee Quality

Users report that the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker brews coffee with excellent taste. The adjustable brew strength allows for customization of coffee boldness. The keep-warm plate maintains the coffee at an ideal temperature, and the coffee maker’s design ensures even water distribution for full flavor extraction. Nonetheless, some users note a plastic taste when brewing with very hot water.

Cleaning

The removable water reservoir and swing-open filter basket are easy to clean. The coffee maker alerts you when decalcification is needed to remove mineral buildup. It does not have self-cleaning capabilities beyond the descaling reminder. Wiping down exterior surfaces is simple. Overall, the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is straightforward to clean by hand.

Noise

The brewing operation is relatively quiet. There may be some noise from water dripping or the keep warm plate cycles. But in general, users do not complain much about bothersome noise levels.

Use Cases

The Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is perfect for any home kitchen. Its space-saving design lets you tuck it under cabinets to free up counter space. The programmable function makes it easy to wake up to freshly brewed coffee. In offices or shared workspaces, this coffee maker allows employees to brew a pot anytime. It’s ideal for dorm rooms thanks to the small footprint. The adjustable brew sizes accommodate anything from a single serving to a full pot for gatherings.

User Feedback:

With over 17,000 customer ratings on Amazon, the Hamilton Beach 46310 coffee maker has plenty of user reviews to analyze. This drip coffee machine receives an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, indicating generally high customer satisfaction.

The vast majority of reviews are positive. Users find the front-fill design to be ingenious and highly convenient. They love being able to easily fill the water reservoir from the front instead of moving the entire coffee maker. The swing-open filter basket also earns praise for simplifying access to add coffee grounds.

Many customers highlight the programmable function as a key feature they appreciate. They love being able to set the brew time so fresh coffee is ready when they wake up or get home from work. The auto shutoff gives users peace of mind that the machine safely turns off after 2 hours.

When it comes to performance, users say the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker brews a great tasting cup of coffee. They like the ability to choose between regular and bold brew strengths. The keep warm plate keeps coffee piping hot and fresh. Customers also find this model very easy to operate with its intuitive controls and clear display.

Critical reviews mention downsides like occasional leaking from the carafe lid or filter basket. Some report plastic odors when brewing very hot coffee. Others wish the auto shutoff time was longer than 2 hours. There are also complaints about the carafe dripping when removing it from the hot plate.

In terms of durability, this coffee maker seems to deliver reasonable longevity given the affordable price point. Some customers report years of reliable use. However, a few have malfunctions after a several months of ownership.

Overall, user feedback indicates the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker provides excellent value. For the convenient front-fill design, programmable features, and adjustable brew strength control, most customers agree this budget-friendly coffee maker delivers performance that exceeds expectations.

Pros:

• Easy front access filling
• Simple programming
• Good flavor from a drip coffee machine
• Automatic shutoff for safety
• Removable parts for easy cleaning
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Brew temperature could be hotter
• Clock programming has a learning curve
• Carafe design causes dripping

Value

With an MSRP of $19.22, the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker provides excellent value. You get the convenience of programmable features and a front-fill design at a very wallet-friendly price point. For a programmable coffee maker with these capabilities, it’s a great bargain. The quality and performance exceed expectations for the low cost.

Environmental Impact

Given the importance of eco-friendliness, the Hamilton Beach 46310 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is designed with its environmental impact in mind. The materials and manufacturing processes used for this model aim to minimize adverse environmental effects. Moreover, compatibility with Hamilton Beach 80674R water filters reduces the need for disposable filters, thereby decreasing the overall waste produced by the coffee maker.

Conclusion

For those seeking an affordable, entry-level programmable coffee maker that doesn’t sacrifice convenience, the Hamilton Beach Front Access Coffee Maker delivers. The helpful features, compact size, and solid performance make this a great choice for making up to 12 cups of good coffee at home.

Specifications

• Brand: Hamilton Beach
• Model: 46310
• Brew Sizes: 4, 8, 10, 12 cups
• Reservoir Capacity: 60 oz
• Materials: Plastic, glass
• Dimensions: 7.95 x 12.9 x 13.9 in
• Power: 950 watts
• Voltage: 110V
• Functions: Programmable, auto shutoff, brew strength control
• Carafe Material: Unknown
• Warranty: Unknown

Box Includes:

• Coffee maker base
• Glass carafe
• Reusable filter
• Instruction manual

How to Use:

1. Open the swing-out filter basket and add ground coffee.
2. Lift up the front water reservoir lid and fill with desired amount of water.
3. If programming, set the clock and delay brew time.
4. Select your brew strength.
5. Press the Brew button.
6. The ready tone will sound when brewing is complete.
7. Carefully pour coffee into mugs or thermal carafe.
8. Clean removable parts as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to fill the water reservoir and add coffee grounds?

The Hamilton Beach Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker (Model 46310) features a front access design that makes it very easy to fill the water reservoir and add coffee grounds. The water reservoir and brew basket are both accessible from the front of the machine, so you don’t need to move the coffee maker from under your cabinets. The swing-out brew basket opens quickly from the front for easy filling and cleaning.

Can I program the coffee maker to have coffee ready in the morning?

Yes, the Hamilton Beach Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker (Model 46310) allows you to program it up to 24 hours in advance using the Easy-Touch programming feature. This lets you set the machine the night before so you can wake up to a fresh, hot pot of coffee in the morning. The clock and programming interface are designed to be user-friendly.

What options are available to customize the brew strength?

The Hamilton Beach Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker (Model 46310) has a Select-a-Brew feature that provides three brewing options to match your preferences. You can choose from regular, bold, or 1-4 cup brewing strengths using the brew-strength selector.

How does the coffee maker alert you when cleaning is needed?

This coffee maker includes a convenient cleaning reminder feature. It will display alerts to let you know when it’s time to run the self-cleaning cycle to keep the machine in optimal condition. The Hamilton Beach Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker (Model 46310) is also compatible with Hamilton Beach water filters for enhanced performance.

Usage Tips

• Take advantage of the front-fill design by placing the coffee maker under your kitchen cabinets for a space-saving setup. The water reservoir and brew basket will still be easy to access from the front.

• Use the Easy-Touch programming the night before to set a time for the coffee to automatically brew in the morning, ensuring you have a fresh pot ready when you wake up.

• Experiment with the Select-a-Brew options to find your preferred coffee strength. Choose bold for a more intense flavor, regular for a balanced taste, or 1-4 cup mode when brewing smaller amounts.

• When the cleaning alert appears, promptly run the self-cleaning cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain the coffee maker’s performance and longevity. Consider using a compatible Hamilton Beach water filter for better tasting coffee.

• If you need a quick cup of coffee before the full pot is finished, use the AutoPause & Pour feature to pause the brewing and pour a cup without making a mess.

Tips

• Position the coffee maker under your cabinets to utilize the space-saving design while still having front access to the water reservoir and brew basket.

• Program the machine before bed to wake up to freshly brewed coffee and save time in your morning routine.

• Customize the brew strength to suit your taste preferences, whether you like a bolder flavor or a milder cup.

• Keep the coffee maker clean and well-maintained by running the self-cleaning cycle when prompted, ensuring optimal performance and coffee taste.

• Take advantage of the AutoPause & Pour feature when you need a quick cup before the entire pot is done brewing.