The Hamilton Beach Ensemble 12-Cup Coffeemaker 43254 is an attractive and functional auto-drip coffee maker with programmable clock/timer.

This unit is sensibly designed with a no-nonsense pushbutton control panel and box-style housing, which has a recessed area to hold the 12-cup glass carafe. Since the carafe's heating plate is surrounded on three sides, there's less chance of accidentally bumping or chipping the carafe and, we suspect, less chance of precious heat (and flavor) escaping.

The main unit stands 15-9/10 inches tall, 10-1/10 inches wide and 13-4/5 inches deep. A black plastic exterior is accented with a stainless-steel front panel for a clean, contemporary look. The 12-cup glass carafe has a black flip-back lid and stay-cool handle as well.

The Hamilton Beach Ensemble Coffeemaker is reasonably priced for all it has to offer. This model features a digital clock/timer so you can preset the brew time; 2-hour automatic shutoff; a pause-and-serve feature to sneak that first cup of coffee before the brew cycle has finished; an easy-view exterior water-level indicator, and a water filter accessory that filters the water in the unit's reservoir for the purest possible taste.

This unit uses cupcake shaped paper filters and brews up to 12 cups of piping hot -- 170 degrees Fahrenheit -- coffee in about 10 minutes. The nonstick warming plate keeps the coffee hot and ready to serve for up to two hours.

We also loved the little "extras," such as the drip-free carafe, the lighted display panel and built-in cord storage.


Pros: Programmable clock/timer, water filter, pause-to-serve feature, auto shutoff
Cons: Tall unit needs sufficient counter clearance

Warranty
1 year