Compare Black+Decker Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker, CM1160B vs KitchenAid KF6 Fully Automatic 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.

Reviewers like the included basics such as the milk tube, filter, scoop, and optional spare hoppers, but several call out the missing milk container as a notable omission at this price.

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.

One review argues the advertised 15 recipes overstates the practical reality, since the KF6 offers seven core coffee drinks plus hot water, warm milk, and size variations.

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 straightforward, with the screen guiding first use and little friction reported during initial installation.

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).

The KF6 earns strong marks for automation thanks to profile saving, bean purging, milk-line rinsing, cleaning reminders, and other low-effort guided functions.

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.

Brewing performance is one of the machine's strongest themes: reviewers repeatedly describe espresso extraction as rich, repeatable, and clearly above average for this class once settings are dialed in.

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.

Metal-heavy construction, sturdy fit and finish, and premium feel are consistent positives, though one reviewer did notice quick scratching on the drip tray surface.

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).

The 2.2 liter water tank and generally generous waste and drip capacity are viewed as practical for everyday household use without constant refilling.

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 tray handling are generally well executed, with an adjustable spout and accessible drip tray, but the single central milk outlet limits two milk drinks at once.

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 widely praised for its stainless finish, compact width, hidden rear wheels, side-sliding water tank, and thoughtful everyday ergonomics.

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 drawbacks include the non-touch display, limited drink menu versus some rivals, lighter cappuccino foam, missing milk container, and a few minor finishing compromises.

Espresso is the clear highlight, with repeated praise for flavor, crema, and strength. Milk drinks are good overall, but cappuccino foam and Americano depth draw more mixed reactions.

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.

Reviewers who mention the filter see it as a useful inclusion that supports better water quality and can reduce maintenance burden when used consistently.

The removable bean hopper and purge system are standout differentiators, and reviewers also praise dosing flexibility, grind adjustment, and the ability to switch beans more cleanly than usual.

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.

Milk performance is good for lattes and generally hot, but cappuccino and macchiato foam are less dense than some enthusiasts want, and plant-milk support is not as developed as on pricier siblings.

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 usability is a major strength: the machine is quiet, customizable, and easy to live with, although several reviewers note it takes a little experimentation to reach peak results.

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.

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.

Quiet Mark certification is repeatedly cited, and one review also points to a Red Dot design award, reinforcing the machine's strong reputation for quietness and styling.

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.

The KF6 is fast enough for daily use, with quick heat-up and one tester measuring coffee readiness in roughly 40 seconds.

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.

Most reviewers frame the KF6 as strong value around the $1,000 range because it delivers better espresso and build quality than expected, even if it skips some premium extras.

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.

The 2 year warranty improves confidence in the machine, though the source material offers limited direct evidence about real-world customer service beyond the warranty itself.

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 one of the most consistently praised areas, with guided cleaning cycles, milk-line rinsing, removable brew-unit cleaning, and clear prompts making upkeep unusually manageable.