Chefmate 12 cup coffee maker

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Chefmate 12 cup coffee maker

(San Diego, CA)

I bought this coffee maker a couple of months ago at Target. Its regular price is $19.99 but it's often on sale for 50 to 75% off, so try and grab it during a sale.

Pros:

1. Cheap, safe, reliable. I believe the whole unit is cheaper than buying a carafe for one of the more fancy coffee makers out there.
2. No trouble in using it so far - for this price, I'd be happy if it lasted about a year with no issues.
3. Can be used for Tea - Just place 2 tea bags in the place where you normally place coffee. Beautifully brewed tea flows into the carafe!

Cons:

1. The cup capacity indicator is skewed - it shows 2 cups when I put in one cup of water - you got to learn to add some extra water.

2. The filter cone is slightly different from the standard size coffee filters - so you might find some spillage in the cone if you forget to align the filter properly.

3. The carafe has a weak handle - I have to tighten a screw from time to time to prevent the handle from slipping off - this might not be such a good idea if you're presenting it to people who might drop it.

I have not seen this particular coffee maker in all stores.

You can get one in Target for sure, but if there isn't a Target near where you live, probably find one on Amazon or Ebay.

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Chefmate 12 cup coffee maker

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Jul 23, 2010
Rating

black 12 cup Chefmate leeching red dye
by: Anonymous

Bought 12 cup Chefmate black model, and have repeatedly found in the bottom of the water well a pink red liquid:apparently leeching from the black plastic -dangerous to own.

Jul 22, 2010
Rating

Best value... three years of use for $7 !!
by: Anonymous

Bought at Target and for three years this has bene plugged in... makin two pots a day and hot water in between for tea.
AMAZING value... our second one. First one lasted almost 4 years for $6.99 !!
Gram them NOW at Target (can only find black ones now...but for the price who cares!

Jul 11, 2010
Rating

Attractive price but product does not deliver
by: Anonymous

I bought the Select Brands Chefmate CM-1250 at Target Feb. 17, 2010 for $9.95. I have Stage 3 cancer and the caffeine in coffee literally helps me get out of bed in the morning. It quit working a week ago. Target would not help because it was over 90 days for return. Select Brands would not help.

Selectbrands.com or marketing@selectbrands.com
Toll-Free: 866-663-4500
Address: 10817 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS 66219
Ph: 913-663-4500
Fx: 913-663-4744

I truly detest a company that will not stand by its product. Pass the word.

Jul 07, 2010
Rating

Where was it made??
by: RW

My simple 12 cup cheff-mate works just fine and I have been using it steady for over 10 years.
Here is the clincher...mine was made in Mexico. They are now made in China.

Jul 05, 2010
Rating

No problems with mine :)
by: Laura A.

Its crazy reading all these bad reviews, not sure why because i used mine all day every day with no problems, the only reason ive stopped using it is because i broke the carafe and have to find a replacement...otherwise, worked fine for me :)

May 21, 2010
Rating

Embrassment
by: Anonymous

I purchased this coffee maker on Tuesday and on Thursday when I used it for the first time, it failed. It stopped working during the first pot and began making a sputtering sound. I had five friends for a luncheon and Bible Study, and I was so disappointed.

After a few minutes of the noise, I opened the top and stirred the watery grounds and more cofee was made. The full 12 cups were perked, but the water and grounds had traveled down the outside of the pot. I poured the cups away from my friends.

Today, (Friday) I decided to clean the pot thoroughly. After cleaning the coffee from many ares of the pot, I filled the carafe with water. I intended to allow the water to flow through the machine, but it no longer works. I, too, get only the red light and nothing else. I am returning this to Target next week to get a refund on this "mistaken deal" and purchase a real coffee maker.

May 06, 2010
Rating

horrible
by: Anonymous

this coffee maker is the worst i have ever seen. three times this week it got clogged and doesnt brew. want to throw it throw it out the window.

Apr 20, 2010
Rating

What???
by: Anonymous

I don't know if the one I had is the same model that everyone is complaining about because I've had mine for over a year. I don't know where it was purchased because my Mother-in-Law bought it some time ago before I knew her and gave it to my husband and I because we needed one and she had 3. The only reason I found this site is because the carafe broke and I was hoping to find a replacement instead of getting a new pot because I loved the one I had.

Apr 03, 2010
Rating

garbage for sure
by: AvaRae

I bought it a month ago and it stopped working this morning...going to call the company and see how much of my $19.99 I can get back. Should have a sign on it "Pure Waste Of Your Money"!!!

Mar 29, 2010
Rating

you get what you pay for
by: Anonymous

bought this at target for $7, used it 4 times before it quit.

Mar 11, 2010
Rating

Defective coffee maker
by: Lorie

We have a Coffee Mate coffee pot that was purchased the day after Thanksgiving and it stopped working a week ago. VERY dissapointing that it stopped brewing after only having for (4) months.

Mar 02, 2010
Rating

Very dissatisfied.
by: Anonymous

Bought my chefmate cm-1250 in November,2009.
It has stopped working. Willnot make coffee or burner will not heat. Should have lasted more than 22 months.

Feb 23, 2010
Rating

Really?
by: BigWave

I, as many of you, purchased this coffeemaker at Target on sale for $7. I purchased it with very low expectations, but was surprised when I was only able to make 1 pot of coffee. After that 1 pot of coffee the only thing that worked was the red light. I will never purchase another Chefmate product and will strongly encourage anyone (this includes people I see in the store) to also not buy their garbage products.

Feb 19, 2010
Rating

Coffee Mate CM1250
by: Anonymous

Just bought this,threw away packaging, used it 2 times and now it doesn't work! Indicator light goes on but it doesn't do anything!!! This is not right!

Feb 15, 2010
Rating

Agree this is a piece of junk
by: Anonymous

Got it at Target during Christmas sale, it lasted 1 month. This company should be out of business for continuing to manufacture such a piece of junk with no regard for customer satisfaction.

Feb 11, 2010
Rating

JUNK!!!!!
by: Anonymous

THIS PIECE OF ---- WORKED 3 WEEKS,THEN NOTHING.AND LIKE EVERYONE ELSE,THE RED LIGHT STILL WORKS!I THINK THAT RED LIGHT MEANS---STOP!!!DONT BUY THIS!!

Feb 04, 2010
Rating

Pice of S*it
by: Dave

I have had it for 6 months and now it just quit on me. Doesn't want to heat up or make coffee. Stay away from this coffee maker.

Jan 25, 2010
Rating

Not A good buy
by: Anonymous

Got it from a friend as a Chrismas present and on the first pot it quit after makeing 1/2 cup.

Jan 23, 2010
Rating

No complaints.
by: Stellyynn

I bought this coffee maker over a year ago at Target for 6.99. We used it every single morning and sometimes in the evening, too. I never had any problems with it up until recently when it would slow down or stop brewing mid way through. It kept getting progressively worse until this morning when I went to turn it on and it did nothing. I think my 6.99 was well spent. Just bought another one to replace it and am sipping a nice cup of coffee now. If you are on a budget and/or don't want to have to deal with all the bells and whistles of higher end coffee makers, this little one will do the trick.

Jan 10, 2010
Rating

Junk
by: Anonymous

This thing has ruined it's last pot of coffee.
The filter basket has to be hooked in exactly right or the sneak a cup feature will not let the coffee drip into the pot, then it over flows.
Just when you think you learned your lesson and know enough to double check, it overflows after you sneak a cup out. It's in the trash bin today, I'm gonna spend the extra 10 bucks and get a black and decker or rival or anything but another one of these. The hot plate, pump, and red light are going strong if anyone wants it.

Jan 08, 2010
Rating

Junk!!
by: Anonymous

Just bought this,threw away packaging, used it 2 times and now it doesn't work! Indicator light goes on but it doesn't do anything!!! DO NOT BUY!!!!

Jan 05, 2010
Rating

One month, kaput
by: Anonymous

Got this at Target for really cheap. The pump that's supposed to drop water on the coffee basket suddenly started to leak and spray water all over the place.

Oh well, I went an bought a $15 Mr. Coffee at Walmart. Hope it lasts a big longer.

Dec 27, 2009
Rating

crappy pot
by: Anonymous

i am on my second Chefmate coffee pot only because I can't afford to purchase another one. My first pot lasted two months (stopped brewing) & my second one lasted 3 months (stopped brewing) This will be the last one. I plan to purchase a Hamilton Beach or something like that.

Dec 21, 2009
Rating

coffeemaker
by: Anonymous

I bought this coffeemaker last week and threw away the packaging and of course 4 days later within the 90 day period it doesn't brew now Now I have no coffee maker it does suck!

Dec 14, 2009
Rating

sucks!!
by: Alicia P

I got this coffee maker @ target and 1 week later..... only the on light works!!!

Nov 12, 2009
Rating

Bad deal
by: Anonymous

I used it about five times and it doesn't work anymore. The indicator light lights up but nothing works. It may only cost about $10, but it's not worth it if it doesn't work. I owned my Gevalia coffee maker for years until I broke the carafe, but the coffee maker still works.

Sep 28, 2009
Rating

Lasted five months
by: RJ McHenry

Basic 12 cup coffee maker, no timer, no frills. Cost about 10.00 on sale. Doesn't work after five months. Got up this morning and turned it on as usual. Switch light comes on but no pumping, no heating - no coffee. Unfortunately, I have had three coffeemakers go out on me in the past ten years. Not just bargain brand ones, either. I make one pot every morning, and I don't drink any more coffee after about 9:00AM. I don't think I abuse it! Now, I am reading reviews before I go shopping for another one.

Sep 11, 2009
Rating

Only lasted 3 days!
by: Anonymous

The heating element went out in 3 days! Like other posters, I too, threw away the box and my receipt. :(

Sep 08, 2009
Rating

3 strikes
by: MadeInChinaSucks

I bought 4 of these at Target. 3 have died in less that a year, only 1 is still working. The last one I bought lasted a month. Just like everyone else, the heating element died. The light works, nothing else. These things are junk, I won't buy another.

Sep 04, 2009
Rating

Chefmate CM-1250 Good coffee, lousy design.
by: Anonymous

It's hard to complain when the retail out the door is under $10, but.....

there's some flaws. Most folks here are far too easy on this low-end coffee-maker. Here's what I found:

1. It does make good coffee, but it's not worth the hassle, because

2. When you run it through the dishwasher, the hollow handle fills up with water, meaning you sling water everywhere when you remove it from the dishwasher. This is an old complaint common to other coffee makers, but you'd think the people who design these things would get it by now.

3. When pouring water into the coffeemaker from a full carafe, it dribbles down the carafe and all over the counter. Again, - you'd think that designers would have this figured out by now, and they have for certain coffeemaker brands.

4. Open the Chefmate CM-1250 "Use and Care Manual." See if you can find any information about who manufactures the device, who to call with questions, or if there's issues that need to be reported. There's no hint of where this thing comes from or was made. I think the outer shipper says China, but that's pretty thin....

All in all, the Chefmate CM-1250 kind of reinforces the old adage, - you get what you pay for. I bought mine at Target stores, and was going to alert Target to some of the deficiencies, but Target's website has no provision for customers to e-mail them with such concerns. Discussions about returns are provided for, but simple correspondence cannot happen on Target's site. Too bad - retailers that don't encourage feedback from customers are on a slippery slope at best.

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Sep 04, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
It's hard to complain when the retail out the door is under $10, but..... there's some flaws. Most folks here are far too easy on this low-end coffee-maker. Here's what I found: 1. It does make good coffee, but it's not worth the hassle, because 2. When you run it through the dishwasher, the hollow handle fills up with water, meaning you sling water everywhere when you remove it from the dishwasher. This is an old complaint common to other coffee makers, but you'd think the people who design these things would get it by now. 3. When pouring water into the coffeemaker from a full carafe, it dribbles down the carafe and all over the counter. Again, - you'd think that designers would have this figured out by now, and they have for certain coffeemaker brands. 4. Open the Chefmate CM-1250 "Use and Care Manual." See if you can find any information about who manufactures the device, who to call with questions, or if there's issues that need to be reported. There's no hint of where this thing comes from or was made. I think the outer shipper says China, but that's pretty thin.... All in all, the Chefmate CM-1250 kind of reinforces the old adage, - you get what you pay for. I bought mine at Target stores, and was going to alert Target to some of the deficiencies, but Target's website has no provision for customers to e-mail them with such concerns. Discussions about returns are provided for, but simple correspondence cannot happen on Target's site. Too bad - retailers that don't encourage feedback from customers are on a slippery slope at best.

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Sep 04, 2009
Rating

Great Product
by: Conch547

I've had two Chefmates in 5 years and never had ANY PROBLEMS with them! I broke the pot twice and that's the only reason I've replaced them. I make a lot of coffee and only paid about $10 or less for each of them at Target!
Thanks
Carl Hanna

Sep 02, 2009
Rating

No problems. Ever.
by: Gabe

I received a Chefmate 12-cup maker for a wedding present in 1996, and it's still running strong. It's had VERY regular use, and I've moved 6 times over the years.

I don't think it's exactly the same model, as mine does have a clock and programmable timer, but it was not an expensive, high-end coffee maker.

To be honest, I've planned a proud Viking-style funeral pyre for it when the time comes that it finally gives out, because it's been a faithful ally for a long time. But who knows when (or if!) that day will come.

Aug 26, 2009
Rating

2 weeks - broken! no brew, no warmer, only red light works
by: Anonymous

Well, thought I had a great deal. This Chefmate coffee maker was on sale at Target for $7. I guess it did save me from going to Starbucks and spending $2 for a plain cup of coffee every day for those 2 weeks. But what a bummer. I hate to waste even 7 dollars!

Yesterday my coffee was cold, even though the red light was on. This morning, it wouldn't even turn on the brew mechanism.

I threw away the box, and I refuse to buy another Chefmate.

Aug 02, 2009
Rating

Caution - steam blast when cover is lifted
by: Anonymous

I removed the attachment that raises the water sprayer with the lid because condensed water runs down into the reservoir and you get blasted with steam when trying to remove the brewing basket. Not much trouble to raise it manually to insert the brewing basket.

Aug 02, 2009
Rating

Third strike...I think not
by: Anonymous

I bought the CM-1250 in February. It worked for three and a half months (almost to the day) and quit. Like all the others on this list the little light works, but no heat and no brewing. I sent my husband to store (Target) to get a new pot, and (Gotta love him) he comes back with another CM-1250. Of course I figure what the heck maybe the first one was just a wierd glitch, won't happen again. I was right this time it only took two and a half months for it to break. I would love to write a strongly worded letter, but can't find a parent company website or address, funny how that is never a problem when things work well. I will definately not buy another one, and my company will not be shopping at Target for appliances any longer either. (That at least is someone I can write to).

Jul 26, 2009
Rating

7.99 at Taget. Just bought it tonight
by: Brian G

I've opened it, cleaned it and prepared the coffee for the mornings brew. I hope it lasts longer than the reviews above say. It is easy to set I'll say that. Fits under the counter very well too.

Jun 27, 2009
Rating

chefmate cm-1250 solution
by: Anonymous

go to target,buy a new onw,same model and make- take the defective one put it in the box ,return it for a refund! your welcome

Jun 08, 2009
Rating

no star
by: Bernice Canada

I won this chefmate cm 1250 in a silent auction. good thing because it isn't worth any money at all. It took almost 45 minutes to brew the first pot of 12 cups that was the first time then it took longer after that after the 3rd week of using it guess what it just stopped working, although the little red light still works.

May 24, 2009
Rating

Chefmate replacement pot
by: Lisa Y.

Purchased my Chefmate coffee maker for 7.99 at Target about two and a half months ago and it amazingly still works. But I broke the glass coffee pot (although I don't know how as I was just picking it up). Does anyone know where to get just the pot? Thanks.

May 22, 2009
Rating

cheap
by: Ilene Sears

Chefmate: Ours was cheap and worked fine for 7 days--then it died!!

May 21, 2009
Rating

same thing
by: ugh

My 12-cup Chefmate coffeemaker stopped working after 3 months. Only the red light comes on, but nothing else. Target should stop selling this!

May 18, 2009
Rating

Reallm 0 star
by: Anonymous

I purchased this coffeemaker in January. Eleven weeks later it wouldn't work at all. Cheap is as cheap does!

May 05, 2009
Rating

Chefmate is great
by: Janet

I bought this coffee maker at Target on sale for $8.97. It is without a doubt the best little machine for the money that I've ever had. I had to replace a Mr. Coffee (24.95) that I'd only used since January so was glad to find this. I was sceptical about "Made in China" but isn't everything? I'm tempted to go back and get another while on sale, but with my luck the one I'm using will last forever. I rated this 4 stars because nothing is perfect in this world. I'd like to know the name of the parent company.

Apr 14, 2009
Rating

3 months and it's done!
by: Anonymous

I bought the Chefmate in late January and just a week ago, it completely stopped working. It doesn't brew, or heat up, but the red light works. What a disappointment, Chefmate!

Apr 03, 2009
Rating

Chefmate
by: D

I have had expensive coffee makers, with timers bells and whisltes, that always broke.
This coffee maker is cheap, effecient and works everytime. Try to get it in black because the white often gets dirty.

Mar 09, 2009
Rating

A simple no frills model
by: Matt

I got my Chefmate coffee maker from Walmart. It cost me $10. This coffee maker is very easy to use and I really like it. It makes a cup of coffee in a few minutes. This unit is very easy to clean as well. the inside of the coffee maker opens up and comes a part for easy cleaning in the sink. Plastic parts are not dishwasher safe. The pot itself is made of glass and plastic. It is very durable and makes a great cup of coffee.

This model makes 12 cups of coffee. It comes white in color. This model doesn't seem to run hot at all. You could put it on almost any surface and it will be safe.

For the price I paid for this model I am very happy with it. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a $50 coffee maker. No timer or clock and you can' program it in anyway. This is a simple no frills model but it makes wonderful coffee and couldn't be any easier to operate.

To make it work your simple pour the water inside the coffee maker...measured by the amount of cups you want with an easy to read measuring tool on the side of the pot. Then you put in the filter. I just use what ever is cheapest at the store and add the desired amount of coffee for the strength you want. The coffee will start dripping in the pot in 2 or 3 minutes and you'll have a full pot of coffee within 7 minutes or so.

I've seen cheaper pots that run $8-$10 but this is not one of those. This pot is quality that will last years and it's super cheap so I highly recommend this model to the occasional coffee drinker or the everyday coffee drinker and rest assured you'll have a great cup of coffee every morning!

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Mar 09, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: Matt

Title

Comment
I got my Chefmate coffee maker from Walmart. It cost me $10. This coffee maker is very easy to use and I really like it. It makes a cup of coffee in a few minutes. This unit is very easy to clean as well. the inside of the coffee maker opens up and comes a part for easy cleaning in the sink. Plastic parts are not dishwasher safe. The pot itself is made of glass and plastic. It is very durable and makes a great cup of coffee. This model makes 12 cups of coffee. It comes white in color. This model doesn't seem to run hot at all. You could put it on almost any surface and it will be safe. For the price I paid for this model I am very happy with it. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a $50 coffee maker. No timer or clock and you can' program it in anyway. This is a simple no frills model but it makes wonderful coffee and couldn't be any easier to operate. To make it work your simple pour the water inside the coffee maker...measured by the amount of cups you want with an easy to read measuring tool on the side of the pot. Then you put in the filter. I just use what ever is cheapest at the store and add the desired amount of coffee for the strength you want. The coffee will start dripping in the pot in 2 or 3 minutes and you'll have a full pot of coffee within 7 minutes or so. I've seen cheaper pots that run $8-$10 but this is not one of those. This pot is quality that will last years and it's super cheap so I highly recommend this model to the occasional coffee drinker or the everyday coffee drinker and rest assured you'll have a great cup of coffee every morning!

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Feb 14, 2009
Rating

cheap
by: My coffee

I bought a replacement carafe for my Durabrand coffee maker ($7.99, Wal-Mart) All Target had was Mr. Coffee carafes at $16! I turned around and bought a complete coffee maker (chefmate) for $7.99.
If this one quits after 3 months I have my Durabrand put aside. 2 complete coffee makers for less money than one replacement carafe!

Jan 05, 2009
Rating

same story
by: Anonymous

the exact same problem happened to me. at about 3.5 months, the maker stopped brewing and the hotplate is dead. but the little light does still work! what a coincidence that target returns policy is 90 days.

Dec 24, 2008
Rating

3 months and out
by: DB

For what it's worth, I bought this same model and after 3 months, it quit on me. It won't brew and the hotplate won't heat, but the little red light still works.

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Chefmate 12 cup coffee maker

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Chefmate 12 cup coffee maker