The Oster Counterforms Coffeemaker is an attractively styled machine with all the features most people look for in a coffeemaker. The coffeemaker's exterior housing features Oster's exclusive "Luminart" finish, which is silver to complement stainless steel and which does not absorb virtually any fingerprints. It stands approximately 14 inches tall and has a narrow profile that is only 8 inches wide and 10 inches deep. The silver finish is accented with subtle shading that reflects light and gives it a variegated look with a rippled effect.

This unit has a top-loading water reservoir and filter basket. You need to flip the lid back to access both. There is a removable cone-style permanent filter basket or, if you prefer, you can use paper filters. There are eight pushbutton controls that let you set the time of day (hours and minutes) and also pre-program the brew time if desired; start brewing immediately or select the Delay Brew function; choose "strong" flavored coffee; activate a special cleaning cycle; or shut the machine off.

There is also a feature that lets you adjust the temperature of the warming plate (+ or -) if hotter or cooler coffee is desired. We found the hotter option useful -- especially if you will be adding a lot of milk or cream to your coffee.

The Oster Counterforms Coffeemaker comes with a 12-cup glass decanter with a black plastic stay-cool handle. The handle has rubberized coating on one side for a slip-free, comfortable grip. We found the carafe to be well designed, with a sensible flip-back lid and spout that poured smoothly and didn't drip. We also liked the brew-pause feature and noticed that the unit didn't drip at all when the carafe was removed.

Brewing a full pot (12 cups) took just over 12 minutes. Other features include 2-hour automatic shutoff, audible tones to indicate when brewing has completed, blue lighted function buttons and display panel, interior water-level markings, cord storage and a stainless-steel showerhead pump that distributes water more evenly over grounds for thorough saturation.


Pros: 12-cup glass decanter, brew-pause feature, cone-style permanent filter, programmable, adjustable temperature, auto-shutoff
Cons: Carafe is breakable if dropped

Warranty
1 year, limited