The Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Deluxe Thermal Coffee Maker 45238 is a versatile machine that offers three brewing options. You can brew coffee directly into a 10-cup thermal carafe, or into either one or two individual travel mugs for immediate consumption.

This unit is styled in elegant silver and black, with a sleek (9-1/4x12-1/4x14-1/4 inches) profile. A straight edge along the rear of the unit tapers to rounded edges around the front. A round stand at the base holds either the 10-cup thermal carafe or the individual travel mugs. Guides on the stand indicate the correct placement when using one or both mugs. Specialty features on this model include a 24-hour programmable clock/timer, a 1-4 cup setting for optimum flavor with smaller batches and a brightly lit digital display. You also get a removable filter basket, which holds standard cupcake-style paper filters, a removable drip tray and a coffee scoop for easy measuring.

The water reservoir on this unit is located in the rear of the unit, accessed via a flip-up lid. While we found the filling to be relatively easy using the thermal carafe, it was a bit difficult to see the internal (step) markings corresponding to the correct number of cups.

Our favorite feature was the ability to brew directly into the travel mugs, which greatly simplified a hectic morning schedule. Each mug holds approximately three cups of coffee and can be set up with cream and sugar before placing on the carafe stand. The slim mugs fit into most standard car coffee cup holders.

The unit's stainless steel carafe is excellent at retaining heat. We measured the initial temperature of the brewed coffee at 180 degrees Fahrenheit. After one hour, the temperature had dropped only 2 degrees. After two hours, the coffee was still steaming hot at 170 degrees. The flavor of the coffee stayed rich for that time period as well. We also loved the carafe's pour-through lid. A simple press of the thumb-release lever allows hot coffee to flow out of the carafe as you pour. The carafe lid twist locks in place so you don't have to worry about it falling off during pouring.

The Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Deluxe 45238 can also be used to make iced coffee. To do so, you simply need to add ice to the carafe and brew up to five cups of extra-strong coffee. As it enters the carafe, the coffee is cooled and diluted by the melting ice. The insulated carafe then acts as a cooler to keep the beverage chilled.

This unit's pushbutton controls are simple to understand and to operate. An On/Off button starts the brew cycle immediately. A Prog(ram) button activates the delay brew feature, and a 1-4 cut button changes the brew strength. Another convenient feature is the automatic shutoff, which means you never have to worry whether you left the coffee maker on.


Pros: Thermal carafe plus two thermal travel mugs, 24-hour programmable clock/timer, 1-4 cup setting for optimum flavor with smaller batches
Cons: Difficult to see internal water level markings

Warranty
1 year, limited