I’ve had my share of disappointing coffeemakers, but today I want to talk about a coffeemaker I can gladly recommend. The Hamilton Beach Coffeemaker designed by Michael Graves. I’ve had it for a while so we’ve already passed the honeymoon period--this love is for real. And I didn’t even pick it out.

Let me explain. My husband accidentally broke the carafe on my old coffeemaker. To tell the truth, I wasn’t sorry. I was looking for an excuse to get a new coffeemaker anyway. But knowing how much I value my morning cup he went right out and bought me a new one. Not being a coffee drinker I didn’t have a lot of faith in his choice, but to my surprise, it has been one of the best I’ve ever owned. Being a long time coffee drinker, this is no mean feat.

Overview

It’s well-designed and no wonder. Michael Graves is an architect and designer with honors to beat the band. Why this prestigious and talented person is designing a coffee maker is beyond me (maybe he was annoyed, like the rest of us, when it came to finding a decent coffeemaker), but I’m glad he did.

It has a great modern design without being stainless steel or over the top and yet it could fit seamlessly into any kitchen design or color scheme. I have the white with gray accents but I know it comes in black as well. The design is not only nice to look at, it is also very functional.

The carafe with its chubby handle looks nice and yet feels comfortable and secure in your hands. It is also easy to clean. My last coffeemaker carafe seemed to collect gunk in the grooves on the top and held stains.

I love that the water reservoir is removable for easy filling and cleaning. The numbers on the reservoir are pretty easy to see as well, even when making one serving.

There is also a big digital clock with blue backlighting that can light your way if you should arrive in your kitchen before sunrise, as I often do, searching for that first cup.

Best Features

Programmable-Nothing says loving like a cup of coffee waiting for you when you get there, no matter what the time. Just follow the easy programming instructions.

Hot Plate- If I am late to the party, the coffee is nice and hot and doesn’t require me to hit it with the microwave. This heating plate works better than any I’ve owned.

Flavor+ Button-Now personally, I’ve never needed this feature but it is my understanding that if you are a decaf drinker, you may appreciate this. It’s like a turbo-boost button on your stereo—kicks it up a notch.

Easy clean-The carafe cleans nicely, a problem I had with my former coffeemaker. The filter basket has a little handle and groove which helps it to come out easily and to fit back into its space very nicely. The surface of the entire coffeemaker wipes off with ease.

Coffee flavor-Being a coffee lover, its important to me that a coffeemaker makes one cup as well as it makes 10 or 12. I can honestly say that my coffee always tastes great.

I highly recommend the Michael Graves Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker.

P.S. This just in! I just discovered online that a replacement carafe can be had for as low as $12.99. I've looked for other replacements and found them to not be worth the purchase and just gone on to get a new coffee maker. This is good news because it means my coffeemaker is a keeper. I'll have to tell my hubby just in case he breaks this one.