Compare Black+Decker Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker, CM1160B vs DeLonghi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine

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.

Most reviews note a generous bundle for a superautomatic: hot and cool LatteCrema milk carafes, a travel mug/to-go kit, and often an ice tray plus basic cleaning items and a water/carbon filter.

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.

Coffee Link connectivity is a mixed bag. Some reviews like the extra recipes and parameter tweaks, but multiple reviewers call it laggy/buggy or mostly gimmicky, and several point out that app features may be limited or unavailable depending on region.

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 praised: the touchscreen walks you through priming and first-run steps and reduces guesswork. Reviewers highlight that it is hard to skip important steps, which helps beginners.

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).

Automation is a core strength: user profiles, one-touch drink recipes, Bean Adapt-style calibration, and guided “wizard” prompts help dial in beans and drinks. Remote convenience exists, but rinse/clean cycles and app limitations reduce true hands-off control.

The machine is typically described as a single-boiler/thermoblock-style superautomatic. Reviews don’t treat this as a practical blocker, largely because the system automates brewing and milk delivery quickly.

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.

Across reviews, brewing is described as consistently strong for a bean-to-cup machine, with good temperature stability and repeatable results once grind and strength are set.

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 impressions skew premium: a mix of sturdy plastics with stainless accents, and several reviewers call out Italy manufacture as a quality signal. Long-term durability data is limited, but the removable brew group and solid feel are positives.

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).

Capacity is repeatedly cited as convenient: roughly 1.8–2.0 L water, about a 300 g bean hopper, and a used-grounds bin around 14 pucks means fewer refills for multi-drink households.

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.

Cup and carafe handling is mostly well liked thanks to the pull-out/flip-up tray and to-go sizing that fits tall travel mugs (including large tumblers). A minority mention fiddly tanks/trays or carafe-lid fit as small day-to-day annoyances.

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.

Expect a sizable footprint and notable depth; several reviews say it can hog counter space. The large touchscreen and clear menus improve day-to-day ergonomics, but small-button/placement quirks show up in a few accounts.

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.

Recurring complaints include app instability, noise during grinding, and a few ergonomic quirks (water tank/drip tray details, capacitive buttons, or carafe parts). Cold recipes can also be temperature-sensitive, depending on drink and ice use.

Espresso and milk-drink bases are a highlight: multiple reviews describe syrupy, crema-forward shots that beat many superautomatics, especially in stronger double-shot modes. Flavor nuance still won’t match a dedicated manual setup, but quality is repeatedly called “excellent.”

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.

A water/carbon filter is commonly included and is positioned as part of scale management. Owners should expect periodic replacement along with routine descaling prompts.

The conical-burr grinder is widely praised for grinding fine enough to produce real espresso-like extraction and for offering many steps. Downsides mentioned are loud operation, a not-airtight hopper cover in one review, and potential clogging in the pre-ground chute if used.

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.

Cold options are a major differentiator: cold-brew-style and over-ice recipes get frequent praise and can be genuinely refreshing. At the same time, several reviewers caution that some “cold” drinks rely on plenty of ice and may pour lukewarm otherwise.

Used-grounds handling is generally tidy: pucks are described as well-formed, and the bin size (often cited around 14 servings) reduces mess and emptying frequency. Regular emptying and rinsing are still part of ownership.

Milk performance is repeatedly strong, with LatteCrema delivering thick foam and good texture for cappuccinos/lattes and adjustable foam levels. Cold foam is viewed as impressive but sometimes less stable than hot foam, and owners must keep up with cleaning routines.

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 is described as highly user-friendly: a bright touchscreen, huge drink menu, and profiles make it easy for households. The biggest experience negatives are noise, size, and the uneven app experience.

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.

Several sources frame the Eletta Explore as a top pick or one of the best superautomatics in its class, especially for buyers who care about cold drinks and one-touch milk beverages.

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.

A pot/large-coffee style option is mentioned as an available extra. Some reviewers see it as nice-to-have rather than the main reason to buy the machine.

When discussed, reviewers note it can reach espresso-range extraction and even choke/stall with fine grinds, suggesting solid pressure capability for a superautomatic. Few reviews quantify consistency, but overall extraction feedback is positive.

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.

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.

Speed is a consistent plus when mentioned: quick warm-up (often around tens of seconds) and efficient drink workflows make it feel fast for daily use, including cold programs that complete in 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.

Price is premium and frequently called expensive. Still, multiple reviews argue the feature set (especially cold + milk systems) can justify the cost, and some frame it as better value than similarly featured rivals.

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 coverage is lightly discussed; one review highlights a 2-year warranty and notes DeLonghi is generally reliable, but there isn’t much transcript evidence about service experiences.

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.

Maintenance is considered manageable: removable brew group access, prompts for descaling, and rinse/clean cycles for milk lines help. Reviewers still emphasize that carafes need periodic disassembly/washing and drip trays/tanks can be a bit fiddly.