GE 12 cup Digital Coffeemaker, model 169164

by Pauletta
(Willoughby, OH USA)

I purchased the GE 12 cup digital coffeemaker, model 169164 a little over a month ago at Walmart for $29.88 plus tax. It seemed to have all the things I was looking for, including: permanent filter, a water level indicator, and stay warm plate. There were a lot of bells and whistles too, including: a "when to clean" indicator button, a button to adjust the keep warm temperature, and a button that gives a stronger taste to the first 4 cups of coffee.

What really sold me was the price. It seemed to have more for less.

After using this coffeemaker for over a month I'd give it a so-so review. It's attractive sitting on the countertop. The carafe is nice and never spills as your pouring coffee. The unit beeps to let you know the coffee is done. As long as you're brewing 6+ cups of coffee it works well, but if you want to brew 4 cups and measure that much water--it only makes 2.

The rest of the water sits in the reservoir. I've looked all through the book and can find no reason it does this. Another problem that I haven't been able to correct is that the coffee isn't hot-hot. You can drink it immediately, and it seems to be somewhere between hot and warm. If you pour it into a travel mug to go it's cold by the time you get to the car.

I've owned several brands of coffeemakers in the past including Mr. Coffee, Hamilton Beach and Braun. Comparing this GE to the coffeemakers I've had in the past I'd give it a lower rating than Mr. Coffee and Braun and a higher rating than Hamilton Beach.

I wish I would have returned this after the first 5 uses and just bought another Mr. Coffee. I wouldn't recommend the purchase of this unit.