Customer Reviews

Braun KF180-BLK FlavorSelect 12-Cup Coffeemaker, Black

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I've been buying auto-drip coffeemakers for years. They never lasted longer than about a year, so I am regularly replacing them...

I finally got tired of that a couple of months ago, when my latest Mr. Coffee cheapo started leaking water and coffee profusely all over the counter. I figured that I would at last try out a "high-end" coffeemaker, to see if there is anything to it besides the cost of a fancy brand name. I bought the Braun KF180 FlavorSelect.

And I've never been happier. There really is a lot more than just a name you pay for. This coffeemaker is marvellous! The carafe actually pours! Yes, without spilling! It is beyond easy to load and operate and clean, very nicely constructed, top design. It makes HOT coffee, and it tastes as good as out of a percolator. It is solid, not some cheap flimsy thing. It has a small footprint for a 12-cup maker, it's full of options like when it will automatically turn itself on in the morning, to how long the hotplate stays on before the safety switch shuts it down (select a time between 10 minutes to 4 hours!) It uses a "multi-path drip brewing" system and features the eponymous "flavor selector." I do not know for sure what makes it tastes so good, but I'm not complaining. This coffeemaker was worth every penny! I knew that Braun was a good name, but now I know that it is backed up by excellent design, manufacturing and features, and not just hype.

FYI: This machine has the compartment to place the water filter, but doesn't come with one out of the box. (The compartment does not take up any room in the tank, it will make 12-cups with or without the filter, unlike some other makers.) If you use municipal tap water (with chlorine added, etc.) you will want to get that filter. They should be replaced around every 2 to 3 months. (Amazon sells them.) If you live out in the sticks like me and use well or spring water, note that this filter is not recommended for untreated water.

It uses No.4 paper filters (more like a pouch than a cone, with a flat, "stitched" closing, not the cones with a circular bottom). If you want to use a reusable filter, you have to get the Braun GF4 Gold Screen Filter (which, like the water filter, is included with the KF 187 version of this coffeemaker, or you can get it separately.)

NOTE: Other brands of No.4-sized reusable filters WILL NOT fit in a Braun FlavorSelect model. (I've tried it with the Krups Gold Tone Filter sold here, and no.) Braun coffeemakers have small, rounded protrusions on the inside of the filter compartment. Paper filters bend around them just fine, but rigid reusable filters will not sit, and the compartment cannot be closed. Make sure it says it can be used in a Braun FlavorSelect before you buy it. I did a Google search for "braun gf4" and found several online vendors for it. (Great filter, BTW.)

Yeah, I know. I wanted something high-tech too. After years of the same old mediocre coffee, I was expecting houseguests and had an excuse to splurge. I started to go for French press - but would I really go to all of that trouble once my guests left? And I knew I'd need to practice to get it just right. Looked at the wildly techie "Santos," for an automated way to make French-press-style coffee, but read some disappointing reviews about complexity of brewing, cleaning, and flimsy plastic. Looked at thermal pot brewers, because that seemed to make sense - but read many complaints about coffee not being hot unless you first heated the thermal pot with hot water - defeating the purpose of the automatic timer for wake-up coffee. Finally, found an online resource that compared ratings for dozens of coffee makers and this simple, unglamourous Braun product kept coming up as a "best value." I wasn't in love with it - I really wanted the newest-and-best - but had read at least one major negative about almost every new coffee maker. Gave up and bought this, at a great price compared to newer models, and I LOVE it. There's a dial to set coffee strength, and since I make only a cup or two a day for myself I set it at the strongest - works great! The water is fed through lots of different "channels" (holes) inside the filter holder, so that instead of just dripping through the center of the coffee grounds, all of the grounds are being dripped-thru throughout the brew cycle. - You'll see what I mean when you look at the funky-looking inside of the filter holder. Amazingly, it makes a huge difference. I used a Krups 4-cup coffee maker for years and was never happy with my coffee; this model, although it's a 12-cup brewer, makes as little as one cup (my "one" cup is an 8-ounce cup, enough to fill my mug) with the same intensity and flavor as a full pot of coffee when guests are here. If you don't want to buy something fancy only to read LATER that the coffee is never quite hot enough, or the auto-grind feature wakes up your guests at 6 a.m., then get one of these simple, superb machines before it gets discontinued in favor of something fancier. I read 'em all, folks. Trust me. Save the extra $100 and use it to take yourself out to dinner.

I have owned exactly TWO Braun drip coffeemakers over the last 10 years. In fact, my original one (given to me as a gift back then) still works great and serves as my "decaf" pot when I have a bunch of people over for dinner. The only reason I bought this one is because of the luxury of having the timer!

This coffeemaker is exceptionally reliable in all respects, the clock/timer remains accurate, and it makes excellent coffee. What more could you ask for? I agree with the previous reviewer who wrote that they will stick with Braun coffeemakers as long as they are available to be bought.

BTW, I put my carafe and filter basket in the dishwasher all the time and I've never broken one yet -- you may want to re-evaluate your loading technique.

Anyway, this product has never disappointed me and I recommend it highly.

**P.S. -- August, 2004: I'm still using this same coffeemaker and it's still going strong. I'm in love with Braun products and haven't been disappointed yet. If you're having a problem, you're either not using the product properly, or you have a rare fluke.

I love Braun products. They are usually sleek and well designed. This one is in keeping with that trend. I had the last Braun coffee maker model for about 10 years before it finally shorted out. I don't like this one as much, but it still makes a good cup of coffee--for an automatic drip machine. They have added some nice features to this model. You can adjust the strength of brewing--I was skeptical at first--but it really does work. However, I don't like the shape of the carafe as much--it's a bit harder to clean (although it doesn't spill). This model also has tons of little crevices and places for coffee grounds and spills to linger. It's much harder to keep clean than the last model which had an overall smoother and rounder surface. Despite these shortcomings--it's a great machine. Much better than Melita, Krups and Mr. Coffee.

We bought this to replace our little 4 cup melitta so that we could make more for guests when present. The first time I filled it with water, water came pouring out the side of the machine where the little measuring ball resides. I pushed the plastic ball thing back into the side of the machine and tried again- again water all over the counter. I pushed it in again firmly and called my husband to come and watch. Of course, it didn't happen again. Still, I felt concerned about the craftmanship od the machine. I set the coffee at the strongest level and made three cups of coffee (1.5 mugs). The coffee was weak- perhaps because it does not have an adjustment for small amounts- and was lukewarm once cream was added. Making a full pot at the same setting resulted in hotter and stronger coffee, but since I don't always make a full pot, this machine was not for me. The next grade up (Braun 187) does have adjustments for smaller volumes and an adjustable hot plate- so might be better. However, I got a Philips 12 cup coffeemaker, adjustable for smaller volumes and stronger vs weaker coffee, at 1/4th the price and it makes strong hot coffee!! I noted too that the carafe on the Braun machine really is the thinness of a wine glass- I was scared washing it up for repacking and return that I would break it before I could return it! This machine was definitely not worth the cost.

This is a pretty good coffeemaker with the price one would pay (ONLY $49.99!!!). Braun KF180-BLK FlavorSelect 12-Cup Coffeemaker was rated one of the best from various websites.

Pros:-
- If you choose to use the water filter, the "Water filter exchange dial" comes in handy to remind you when it's time to change water filter.
- The programmable timer is easy to use and comes in handy when you are too lazy to wake up at 6.30am to brew your morning coffee.
- The programmable auto-shut-off is easy to be modified.

Cons:-
I do agree with A Kitchen & Housewares enthusiast from CT, USA that the viewable window meter and the carafe are not "in sync". Usually I'll have to add some more water for it to show the exact number of cups on the meter.

Side Note:-
- I personally like its feature for user to be able to include a water filter (yes, the water filter does NOT come with the coffeemaker). Although it's a little bit pricey but it's worth paying $11 for a good cup of coffee and it lasts for three months (depending on the usage level). You may purchase the water filter from amazon.com and have it deliver within two or three days.
- Reusable gold filter basket does NOT come with the coffeemaker and you'll have to order it separately.
- I don't find "Flavor selector dial" feature as useful since I can't taste any difference in the coffee no matter how I try to change the level of the dial.

I've been using Braun coffee makers since the early '80s (I finally grew tired of hand-pouring the water w/ my Chemex pot). The first two lasted a combined 15 years--not a bad track record. Somewhere around the mid-'90s, Braun coffee makers turned into inferior, over-priced appliances. Sure, when they work, they make truly good coffee. "When they work" is the key phrase here. Since 1996 I have had 3 seperate units quit (the heating coil went out on two; I still have no idea what happened to the third). Four coffee makers in 6 years at [price range] a crack...? The fourth is still humming along, but the big problem now is keeping an intact carafe in the house. I hand wash the carafe to avoid bumps and others' mis-handling. Nonetheless, one day as I went to pour a cup, I noticed a crack in the carafe (which was less than a year old). I ran out that same day and bought a replacement. I took it out of the box, ran it under hot water to clean it and it literally fell apart. I'm standing there holding a handle with some of the glass still attached staring at all of the broken glass to be cleaned up. I went back and made the store give me a replacement. While that particular carafe is still intact, the clip at the top of the handle broke off and I don't trust using it with just the glue to hold the handle in place. So, it's off to buy carafe #3. That one lasted for about 5 months. I was drying the inside of the carafe when, like its previous explosive cousin, the glass attached to the handle seperated from the rest of the carafe and what was left fell onto the counter and literally exploded. It took nearly an hour to find and dispose of all the tiny glass shards. I've since been forced to revert to the carafe with the broken clip while I search for a New Brand of coffee maker (brand loyalty only goes so far). Replacement carafes have become impossible to find locally as no major retailer carries them any longer. The department head at the local [store] informed me that they had had too many problems and were no longer even stocking Braun. The last store in town to carry them recently informed us they will no longer be carrying them either and would not be able to fulfill our backorder. So... I guess the great Braun coffee maker is trading more on its name than actual quality, these days. Let's see, with tax I've spent about [price] on the coffee makers and an additional [money] on carafes--not a sterling recommendation. If you're loking for sturdiness and reliability, I suggest you check out other brands. Braun coffee makers make good coffee. It's just that finding a good Braun has become a game of chance, and I no longer find their brand worth gambling on.

What a deal! Lots of useful features, my favorite of which is the pause and pour. I can pour a cup in the middle of brewing and no more coffee pouring out on the counter. I am very surprised to hear other reviewers having trouble with the quality of coffee brewed. I find it outstanding, you can control the strength of the brew easily. Also, there is no need for gourmet coffee blends, my maxwell house is just fine. I have washed the carafe in the dishwasher, but usually do it by hand. I do not use paper filters, the gold filter is much easiser.
This is my 3rd Braun coffeemaker. Its easy to clean, easy to operate. However I will admit that the programming buttons on my previous model were easier to see and to read. If you're like me and don't change settings very much, then it should be a piece of cake. Set it and forget it. I also prefer the 10 cup carafe size over the 12 cup, but its not that big of a difference. I also have never used the coffee filter, as I have a Brita filter pitcher and just use that water, or plain tap water in a pinch. Quality of my tap water is good though.
Best of luck choosing, I doubt you will find an alternative with this many features at this price. Reliable, doesn't leak, easy to pour and makes a tasty cup of coffee!

If you are looking around on Amazon because you NEED to buy a coffee maker, look No further! This is the one you want. Coffee drinkers typically want a coffee maker that makes a flavorful pot, is fast, doesn't leak, stops mid-brew so you can pour yourself a cup, can be set on timer and doesn't break down on you. This one has all these features and even ones you might not use.
I have had mine for 9 yrs and it still makes the best coffee. My neighbor would come over every wkend for my coffee and always thought it was "the way" I made it that made it taste better. I finally told her my "secret" was my coffee maker! Her Mr. Coffee just wasn't cutting it, so she had me order her the Braun KF180 and now she makes awesome coffee too! A friend of hers' is now ordering one as well. This is my 2nd time ordering one from Amazon...this one is for my aunt! Braun should pay me royalties!
Oh, and Amazon ships fast! :)

Never drinking coffee until I turned age 40, I was intimidated by all the coffee machines out there and went with the Braun because of its reputation for reliability and ease of use. Eighteen months after purchasing the Braun, I can say that it has lived up to its high reputation. The controls are intuitive, the brewing time is fast, about five minutes, it makes no mess, the filter is easy to change, the glass beaker doesn't scorch on the bottom the way I've seen on other models. The materials are as high-grade as other models I've seen that cost twice as much. For a basic coffee maker, you can't go wrong with the 12-cup Braun coffee maker.