Compare Black+Decker Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker, CM1160B vs Espro P7 French Press

Box contents are described as basic: coffee maker, glass carafe, removable brew basket, and user manual. Multiple sources note missing extras like paper filters and a coffee scoop, though replacement parts like a carafe or lid can be ordered separately.

In-box accessories are often described as minimal, but optional add-ons are mentioned across reviews: paper filters (to further clean up oils), replacement filter baskets/filters, and specialty filter-cleaning products.

Core marketed features are broadly supported by reviews (programmable timer, auto shutoff, pause-brew, keep-warm hot plate). Where expectations can diverge is around cup-count conventions and how strong/uneven the first cup can be if you interrupt brewing, which affects perceived consistency versus claims.

Heat-retention claims are broadly supported by reported temperature tests and timed heat checks, showing meaningful insulation benefits. Sediment-free claims are partially supported: the cup is much cleaner than standard presses, but multiple reviewers still note small amounts of chaff/fines. Exterior temperature claims vary, suggesting handling comfort may depend on use and expectations.

Setup is straightforward: add water, insert basket and filter, add grounds, and start. Programming is frequently described as easy, with a minor emphasis on properly seating the basket and snapping the lid closed.

Setup is generally described as easy and quick, with clear assembly and intuitive use for anyone familiar with French press brewing. One user notes that overloading grounds can prevent proper latching/assembly, and official guidance emphasizes correct filter installation and not overfilling.

Commonly praised for automation: 24-hour programmable auto-brew, QuickTouch-style setup, a 2-hour auto shutoff, and a pause-brew or Sneak-a-Cup function that temporarily stops flow when the carafe is removed (typically around 30 seconds).

Coffee results skew toward strong, classic diner-style brew. Several sources say it is consistent enough for everyday use, but a major taste critique is bitterness/astringency and signs of over-extraction; one outlet also notes finer flavor notes get lost. A few users report occasional grounds ending up in the pot.

Reviews consistently describe a richer, sweeter, more balanced French press cup with fewer muddy notes than standard presses. Multiple sources highlight repeatable results and a forgiving brew process, with less bitterness than typical immersion when using the filter system and brew cut-off approach.

Build is repeatedly characterized as mostly plastic with some stainless accents, which is expected at the budget price. The carafe is described as reinforced glass, and one source suggests a practical lifespan of roughly 3–5 years with proper care; the hot plate area may show cosmetic wear over time.

Build quality is repeatedly described as premium and durable, centered on the double-walled stainless steel construction. Multiple reviews imply long service life versus glass presses, with solid fit/finish and replaceable filter parts available if needed.

At least one review explicitly calls out built-in cord storage on the back, helping keep counters tidier when the machine is not in use.

Marketed and used as a 12-cup class machine with clear water markings. Some testing suggests cup markings can be confusing versus 6-ounce cup conventions and that real-world fills may not match expectations perfectly; user guidance also cautions against brewing very small batches (often not below about 4 cups).

Two primary sizes are repeatedly mentioned (18 oz and 32 oz). The 32 oz model is often described as producing roughly four mugs, while the 18 oz suits smaller single-serve needs; overall capacity is best for small households rather than large groups.

The glass DuraLife-style carafe and handle are generally described as comfortable and pouring is often rated good. The pause-brew/Sneak-a-Cup feature usually prevents major dripping, but reviewers warn you must return the carafe promptly to avoid overflow, and some testing shows minor dribbles.

Pouring is widely praised: long/oversized handle support and clean pours are common notes, with minimal dripping in several reviews. Some mention you need to align the spout correctly, and the body can feel weighty, but overall handling is reported as easy.

Often described as compact, lightweight, and counter-friendly with a front-facing water window that helps filling in tight spaces. One consistent ergonomic caveat: it needs enough vertical clearance to open the lid, and at least one reviewer notes it may not fit under standard cabinets when open.

Design is a standout: many call it gorgeous and counter-worthy, with a comfortable handle and premium finishes. Downsides include a tall, space-claiming footprint for some kitchens, a weighty feel, and mixed reports about exterior heat; plunge force is also discussed as firmer than some standard presses.

Recurring flaws include a mostly plastic feel, a hot plate that can stain or collect a calcified ring, and exterior nooks/crevices where grounds and splatter accumulate. Some users also note the filter basket is awkward to fill (does not sit flat), plus minor quirks like no brew-finished alert and occasional brew-head warping reports.

Common knocks include premium pricing, occasional fines/chaff getting through, and the multi-part filter cleanup feeling tedious to some. Mixed notes also appear about exterior heat and plunge force, plus at least one report of latching/assembly issues if overfilled with grounds.

Uses standard basket paper filters and supports a compatible reusable metal filter. Multiple reviews note no included permanent filter, and at least one source reports occasional grounds in the pot, which can depend on filter choice and grind.

Filtration is the defining feature: dual micro-mesh filters and a gasketed system are credited with dramatically reducing grit and sediment versus standard French presses. However, several reviews still report occasional chaff/fines, and technique (correct assembly, grind, plunge speed, and cleaning) affects how clean the cup ends up.

Heating is often described as very hot for the price. Testing cites brew water temperatures in the high 170s to low 190s Fahrenheit range, and the hot plate can keep (or even push) coffee temperature up over time. The downside is that too much hot-plate heat can accelerate oxidation and worsen flavor if coffee sits.

Some reviews note it can handle cold beverages (iced tea or cold brew steeping) thanks to insulation, but testing detail is limited. Expect it to work for cold steeping, though it is primarily discussed as a hot French press brewer.

Overall experience is described as simple and beginner-friendly, helped by large/rubberized buttons and easy programming. Minor usability knocks include a dimmer clock, lack of an end-of-brew beep, and exterior areas that take more effort to keep spotless.

Overall experience trends strongly positive: easy brewing, premium feel, and noticeably cleaner-tasting French press coffee are frequent themes. The most consistent tradeoffs are premium price, more parts to clean, and occasional residual fines or chaff.

Multiple sources frame it as a bestseller or extremely popular budget coffee maker, including references to high recent sales volume, Amazon best-seller positioning, and Amazon’s Choice-style recognition.

Multiple reviews frame it as a top French press pick and a commonly recommended model, including long-term usage notes (kept for over a year) and repeated best-of placements.

Designed around full-pot drip brewing with a hot plate keep-warm cycle. Reviewers describe it as set-and-forget for morning pots, with the warmer staying on for about two hours before shutting off automatically.

Recognition discussed in reviews centers on marketplace badges and popularity (for example, Amazon’s Choice and best-selling claims). No Specialty Coffee Association certification is indicated, and one lab review notes its brew temperatures average below SCA-recommended ranges.

The P7 is referenced as an award/top-pick style product in at least one major outlet, indicating recognition in curated best-of lists. No formal brewing certification is consistently cited in these reviews.

Reviewers explicitly mention there is no included coffee scoop (and no mention of built-in scoop storage). If scoop convenience matters, you will need your own measuring scoop and storage solution.

Speed is generally average-to-good for a budget drip maker. Multiple reviews describe roughly a cup-per-minute pacing; one lab test cites an average brew time around 7:53 for a full pot, and a video walkthrough suggests 4 cups in a little over 4 minutes and 6 cups in about 6 minutes.

Positioned as a low-cost programmable drip machine (often cited around the mid-$20s to mid-$30s). Multiple sources frame it as strong value because you get timer programming and auto shutoff at a budget price, with tradeoffs in build materials and cup refinement.

Pricing is consistently labeled premium for a French press. Many reviewers feel the cleaner cup and insulation justify the cost, while others frame it as hard to justify versus basic presses if you do not value reduced grit, heat retention, and premium build.

A two-year limited warranty is cited, with guidance to contact customer service for repair or replacement in the event of defects. Replacement carafes/lids are described as purchasable separately.

Warranty/support is lightly covered in the reviews, with at least one source citing a 1-year limited warranty and multiple sources noting replacement filters/baskets are available, implying a service path for wear items.

Routine maintenance is presented as simple: removable basket and carafe are often described as dishwasher-safe, and descaling can be done via a dedicated cleaning cycle (reported 45–60 minutes, recommended about every 60 days) or a vinegar-water method. Exterior cleaning can be harder due to hot-plate splatter and tight gaps.

Cleaning is a major theme: the filter basket disassembles for thorough washing, and many find day-to-day cleanup straightforward, but some call it tedious compared with simpler presses. Several sources say it is dishwasher safe for some parts/finishes, while also recommending hand washing; keeping filters clean helps preserve flavor and pressing smoothness.