How does it always seem to go that when you want a simple cup of coffee, technology seems to get in the way?
You shouldn’t have to read a mechanic’s manual to find the power button, but there are times when some coffee makers push you to the limits of your patience.
Taking a closer look at the Black+Decker 5 Cup Coffeemaker, we’re noticing that it’s a very nice machine for those who care more about what goes into the cup than what’s sitting on the kitchen counter.
This coffee maker isn’t complicated, but it does offer coffee lovers a lot of nice features. it also has a reputation for being one of the best automatic drip coffee makers that you can buy. The Black & Decker model we’re reviewing today (DCM600B) is the five cup model. This is great for households that don’t really need a full 12-cup carafe.
Features of the Black+Decker DCM600B 5-Cup Coffeemaker
The Basics
Type of Coffee Maker: Automatic drip coffee maker.
It really doesn’t get any more basic than this. You fill the filter basket with coffee beans, add water to the carafe and press the ‘On’ button. That’s all there is to it.
Type of Coffee Used: Ground beans
Someone asked if you can use whole coffee beans with this machine. It really doesn’t make any sense to do this as you will be losing a lot of coffee flavor and wasting a lot of money. Always use medium or coarsely ground beans.
While everyone’s taste in coffee is different, you can try starting out with one tablespoon of coffee per cup (that’s five ounces by industry standards as opposed to the traditional eight measured ounces).
Type of Filter Used:
This coffee maker uses a filter basket. You can use standard paper filters or reusable mesh filters that will work with just about any drip machine.
The 8 to 12 cup filters will work with this filter basket.
Reservoir: Yes
The reservoir is built into the base of the machine. There is a water indicator window on the side panel and you’ll be able to see when it has reached its 5 cup capacity line. Don’t overfill it as this will cause an overflow of water and coffee all over your counter.
Carafe: Glass
This coffee maker ships with a Duralife glass carafe. It does have a nice pour spout that minimizes spillage. There are white measurement markings on the carafe so you’ll know how much brewing time is left and how much coffee you’ve already drank!
The diameter is 4.5 inches at the base. The diameter at the top is about 3.5 inches. The height is 4.5 inches tall.
Number of Cups Can Brew at Once: 5 cups at 5 ounces each.
It takes about five minutes to fill the carafe.
Hotplate: Yes
There is a hotplate on the base to keep the coffee warm after the brewing cycle has finished.. It’s non-stick which comes in handy.
Auto-Pause: No
Model DCM600B doesn’t have a Sneak a Cup feature. Since it only brews five standard sized cups of coffee (that’s about 25 ounces,) it finishes brewing quickly so it isn’t really in your best interest to try and squeeze out a cup early.
Automatic Shut-off: No
Black+Decker recommends that you turn off and unplug the coffeemaker when not in use.
Click Here to Learn More About the Black and Decker 5-Cup Coffeemaker on Amazon
Single-Serve: No
This Black & Decker machine is really an alternative to address the waste of single serve pods.
Brew Strength Options: One strength
If you want a stronger cup of coffee, you’ll have to pick a darker roast.
Color: Black
Programmable: No
There are no bells and whistles on this model. there isn’t even a clock interface. There are people who claim they can set it up to work with a Smart Home/Smart Plug but the details on how they managed to do this are sketchy at best.
Power Failure Recovery No
Without a programmable feature, a feature to recover from a power failure isn’t necessary.
How Easy is the Black+Decker DCM600B to Clean?
Clean up after use is easy. You just put the carafe and lid in the dishwasher. Wipe down the plastic housing with a damp cloth.
How Much Counter Space Does it Use?
This coffeemaker measures 9.75 x 7.25 x 10.75 inches.
The cord stores in the back of the coffee maker so you can keep it out of sight when it isn’t in use. It’s very easy to pull out whenever you want to make a cup of coffee.
What the Comments Say about the Black and Decker 5-Cup Coffee Machine
Praises From Reviewers
The simplicity of this coffeemaker can’t be beat. People who love simple, minimalist designs fall in love with this machine. It’s great for two people who just need to get their coffee and get out the door.
It’s also great for the elderly who don’t want to fuss with programming anything.
Drawbacks to Consider
Some people are complaining that this model is cheaply made and falls apart quickly.
For this reason, be sure that you’re purchasing from the official Black+Decker Seller’s site. Amazon has tried for years to combat imitation goods but the thieves will always find a way to sell counterfeits.
Our Take
The Black+Decker DCM600B is a great choice for dorm rooms or small kitchens. There’s no hassles when you’re ready to brew a cup. Just fill the reservoir, put in the filter, add the coffee and flip on the switch.
If you need a simple to use coffee maker that doesn’t take up a lot of room, this coffee maker is well worth considering.
Click Here to Learn More About the Black and Decker 5-Cup Coffeemaker Coffee Maker on Amazon.
Alternatives to the Black+Decker DCM600B
If you’re not loving this coffeemaker, here are a couple of other smaller coffee makers to consider:
Black+Decker CM0700BZ
This is a newer model of the DCM600B.
KRUPS Simply Brew Compact Filter Drip Coffee Maker
A nice five cup coffee machine. It has a hot plate but no automatic shut-off feature.
Click image to view on Amazon.
Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker
A very popular coffee maker that will brew 3 to 5 cups. The Capresso Mini Drip Coffee Maker has programming functionality and an auto-shut feature.
Click image to view on Amazon
Resources for the Black and Decker 5-Cup Coffeemaker
Help Online
Their Service Number is 1-800-231-9786.
Online, visit Product Support
If you need replacement parts or accessories, the number to call is 1-800-738-0245.
You can download the manual here.
How to Clean
Descaling is pretty straightforward. This should be done about once a month. If you that the brew time is taking longer or more steam than usual is coming from the machine during the brewing process, these are also indicators that you should descale your machine.
All that’s needed are white vinegar and water and a filter.
- Pour white vinegar into the water reservoir up to 2-cup level on the water window.
- Using cold water, continue filling the reservoir until the 5-cup line is reached.
- Place a paper filter in the filter basket and close the cover.
- Set the empty carafe on the hot plate.
- Turn on coffeemaker and let half the cleaning solution brew into carafe
(until the water level goes down to around 3). - Turn off the coffeemaker.
- Let it soak for at least 15 minutes to soften the calcium and lime deposits.
- Turn the coffeemaker back on and brew the remaining cleaning solution into the carafe.
- Turn off the coffeemaker, empty the carafe and discard the used filter.
- Fill the reservoir again, this time with just cold water to the 5-cup line and replace empty carafe back onto the hot plate.
- Turn on the coffeemaker again to allow the brew cycle to completely flush out the remaining cleaning solution.
- You can repeat this step to eliminate any remaining vinegar smell/taste.
