Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Review: Is It Worth It?
Hello, Sam here, and thanks for visiting. My shop has opened at 7 a.m. Since 2012, so I care about coffee makers.
The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is a 12-cup digital drip coffee maker with a red metallic finish and a glass carafe. Consumer Reports lists it at $55. The model has an LED clock, a pause and pour feature, a 2-hour automatic shutoff, and a measured 60 oz (1.8 L) capacity.
Testers rate the maker as especially convenient to use and clean. Its brew falls short of the 195°F (91°C) guideline, so the coffee comes out weaker. The Black+Decker 12-Cup and the Ninja CE251 also miss the Specialty Coffee Association range. Owner feedback is thin.
No owner reports exist for this exact model, so lab data carries the verdict. Here I look at brew temperature, programming and pause and pour and cleaning, free of brand money. It ends with a plain answer on who should buy the maker and who should pass.
What Is the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR?
The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is a 12-cup digital drip coffee maker with a red metallic finish and a heat-resistant glass carafe. The maker brews a full pot from ground coffee and keeps the carafe warm on a plate.
The front carries an LED digital clock for programming. An automatic shutoff turns the maker off after 2 hours, and a pause and pour feature lets a cup come out mid-brew.
Key Features:
- 12-cup capacity with a 60 oz (1.8 L) measured volume
- LED digital programmable clock
- Automatic shutoff after 2 hours
- Pause and pour feature
- Double-wall filter holder
- Heat-resistant glass carafe with a hinged lid and cup markings
Coby, a consumer electronics brand, lists the model on its own site under the number BC-3736CMR. The maker uses ground coffee only and takes no pods.
A double-wall filter holder keeps aroma and flavor in the basket. Consumer Reports lists a permanent filter and a cone-type filter for the model, with the 60 oz (1.8 L) measured capacity.
Consumer Reports notes that the BC-3736CMR may have limited distribution. Stock and listings change often, so the exact model number matters when shopping.
How Big Is the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR?
The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is a big maker that holds a measured 60 oz (1.8 L) of water, or 12 cups. The glass carafe carries cup markings, so the water level matches the pot size.
A cup here equals 5 oz (150 mL), the usual coffee maker measure. That is smaller than a standard 8 oz (240 mL) mug. A full pot therefore fills about 7.5 mugs, not 12 full mugs.
Listings disagree on the footprint, which is the counter space the machine takes. Consumer Reports gives 15 x 9 x 12 in (38 x 23 x 30 cm). Another listing gives 14.5 x 8.0 x 10.5 in (37 x 20 x 27 cm).
The same listing gives a shipping weight of 5.94 lb (2.7 kg).
How Does the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Work?
The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR works as a standard drip maker that heats water and passes it over grounds in the filter holder. The brewed coffee drops into the glass carafe on the warming plate.
A finished pot sits on that warming plate, so the plate keeps it hot. A keep warm function holds the pot warm until the 2-hour automatic shutoff. A drip stop valve prevents drips on the plate when the carafe leaves the base.
The machine has few controls. Consumer Reports lists no brew-strength control and no small-batch setting, so every pot brews the same way.
That single method follows five steps. Fill the carafe with cold water to the cup marks, then pour it into the reservoir. Add grounds to the filter, close the lid, and start the cycle. Hot water then drips over the grounds into the carafe.
Does the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Have a Pause and Pour Feature?
Yes. The BC-3736CMR has a pause and pour feature that lets the carafe leave the base mid-brew. A cup can be poured before the pot finishes.
The feature works because of a drip stop. It closes the flow while the carafe is away. Brewing resumes when the carafe returns to the plate.
The 30-second window seen on other Betty Crocker 12-cup models is not confirmed for this one. The maker's own manual was not found, so the exact time is unknown.
Can the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Be Programmed?
Yes. The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR can be programmed through its LED digital clock. Consumer Reports lists the programmable feature as present.
The programmed brew starts at the set time with water and grounds already loaded. The 2-hour automatic shutoff then ends the warm cycle.
How Well Does the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Brew?
The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR brews well enough, but runs cooler than the lab guideline for good extraction. In Consumer Reports testing, brew performance fell short of the guideline.
The guideline asks for water at 195°F (91°C) or more, held for five or six minutes. Water below that range pulls less flavor from the grounds, so a cooler brewer makes weaker coffee.
The Specialty Coffee Association sets a stricter standard for home brewers. It certifies machines that reach 197°F to 205°F (92-96°C). They must also keep grounds in contact with water for 4 to 8 minutes. The BC-3736CMR carries no such certification.
Brewing is only part of daily use. The same lab rated the maker as especially convenient. Testers checked the controls, the reservoir fill, the filter insert, the view of the coffee left, and the cleaning.
The carafe also affects daily use. It scored as fairly easy to use. Testers judged the handle, dripping while pouring, balance when full, and how hard the carafe is to empty.
Does the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Brew Hot Enough?
No. The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR does not brew hot enough to reach the 195°F (91°C) guideline. The lab report says brew performance fell short of that mark.
Budget rivals show the same gap. TechGearLab measured 181.8°F (83.2°C) for the Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable and 191.6°F (88.7°C) for the Ninja CE251.
Water below the guideline pulls less flavor from the grounds. The Ninja CE251 comes closer to it at a higher price.
Certified makers cost far more. The Technivorm Moccamaster and the OXO Brew 9 Cup are the usual Specialty Coffee Association names.
A few habits narrow the gap. Run a water-only cycle first to preheat the maker. Warm the carafe with hot tap water. Brew full pots, since the maker has no small-batch setting. Descale on a schedule.
What Do Owners Say About the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR?
Owners say little about the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR, so no clear pattern of praise or failure exists. Searches for model-specific owner reviews returned almost nothing.
Consumer Reports has too little survey data to rank the Betty Crocker brand for reliability or owner satisfaction. Without that data, a buyer of this model gets lab results, not a long record of owner experience.
Since this model has few reviews, a close sibling offers a rough signal. Owners of the 12-cup digital BC-2809CB mention slow brewing, noise, and a hard-to-fill reservoir. They like the timer and easy setup.
What Do Owners Like About the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR?
Owners and testers like the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR for simple controls, an easy fill, and clear cup markings. Consumer Reports calls the maker especially convenient.
The pause and pour feature lets the maker release a cup of coffee before the full pot has brewed.
The hinged carafe lid and the glass body make pouring and rinsing simple.
The red metallic finish gives the maker a bold look on the counter.
What Are the Common Complaints About the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR?
The common complaint about the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is a brew cooler than the 195°F (91°C) lab guideline. Cooler coffee tastes weaker.
A weak cup leaves the buyer with little room to fix it, because the maker has no brew-strength control. It also has no small-batch setting, so a half pot brews the same way as a full pot.
The carafe is glass, and no thermal option exists. Coffee stays warm only while the plate is on, and the plate shuts off after 2 hours.
How Does the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Compare to Rivals?
The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR compares to its rivals as a mid-priced option on price and features. Consumer Reports lists it at $55.00.
The Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable lists for $40, which makes it the cheapest of the three. It draws 975 W. Its 6-cup brew time is 7.9 minutes and its measured temperature is 181.8°F.
The Ninja CE251 lists for $90 and draws 1,100 W with a cone filter. It brewed 6 cups in 7.8 minutes and reached 191.6°F.
The Betty Crocker costs $15 more than the Black+Decker and $35 less than the Ninja. Its brew time was not tested. Its measured temperature was below 195°F.
| Model | List price | Brew time, 6 cups | Measured temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR | $55 | Not tested | Below 195°F |
| Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable | $40 | 7.9 min | 181.8°F |
| Ninja CE251 | $90 | 7.8 min | 191.6°F |
The Ninja leads on temperature and cone filter design. The Black+Decker costs least.
Is the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Better Than the Black+Decker 12-Cup?
No. The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is not clearly better than the Black+Decker 12-Cup, which lists at $40 and costs $15 less. The extra money buys a digital clock and a red metallic finish.
TechGearLab scored the Black+Decker 53 out of 100. The taste panel called its coffee astringent and bitter, a sign of over-extraction.
The Betty Crocker has no matching taste score. The Black+Decker wins on price, and the Betty Crocker adds a digital clock and a color finish.
Is the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Easy to Clean?
Yes. The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is easy to clean, and its lab rating for convenience backs that up. Testers cleaned the maker as part of the convenience score.
The filter holder lifts out for rinsing. The permanent filter skips paper filters, so it needs only a rinse after each pot.
The glass carafe goes in warm soapy water. Abrasive pads scratch glass and leave coffee oils behind, so they are a poor choice for this part.
Dishwasher safety is unconfirmed, because the maker's manual was not found. Without that guidance, hand washing the carafe, lid, and filter basket is the safe default. The base never goes in water.
How Do You Maintain the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR?
A Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR owner maintains the maker with a daily rinse and a regular vinegar descale. Mineral scale slows the flow and lowers the brew temperature.
A descale runs equal parts white vinegar and water through the maker with no grounds. Two cycles of fresh cold water then rinse the vinegar out. A third cycle clears any leftover smell.
Descale Steps:
- Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Run a brew cycle with no grounds.
- Run two cycles of fresh cold water.
- Run a third cycle if a vinegar smell remains.
A hot carafe never goes on a wet or cold surface. The sudden change cracks glass.
How Much Does the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Cost?
The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR costs about $55 on its Consumer Reports listing. Retail prices move with sales and stock.
Betty Crocker coffee makers range from $26.97 to $89.98 across the brand, with an average near $43.82. The BC-3736CMR sits above that average.
Price Position:
| Model | List price | Gap to BC-3736CMR |
|---|---|---|
| Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable | $40 | $15 less |
| Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR | $55 | Baseline |
| Ninja CE251 | $90 | $35 more |
Is the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Worth the Price?
Yes. The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is worth the price for buyers who value simple controls and a color finish. The coffee itself runs cool.
The gap to the $40 Black+Decker is $15. The gap to the $90 Ninja is $35.
A 1-year warranty covers the maker, per the Home Depot listing. The short term makes a cheap replacement the likely fix.
Is the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR Worth It?
Yes. The Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR is worth it for a simple setup, but not for hot, rich coffee. The pros are real, and so are the limits.
The daily routine is where this maker does well. It is easy to use and easy to clean. It holds 60 oz (1.8 L), which fills a 12-cup pot. It is also programmable, and it has an LED clock.
Some features also help once the coffee is ready. Pause and pour lets a person take a cup before the brew ends. The maker also has a 2-hour shutoff.
The limits show up in the cup. The brew stays below 195°F (91°C), so the coffee comes out less hot. The maker has no brew-strength control, so the user cannot make a stronger pot. Distribution is also limited, which may make the maker harder to find. A pricier Ninja CE251 brews hotter.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use and clean | Brew below 195°F (91°C) |
| Programmable with an LED clock | No brew-strength control |
| Pause and pour plus a 2-hour shutoff | Limited distribution |
Who Should Buy the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR?
A household that wants a simple, programmable pot should buy the Betty Crocker BC-3736CMR. The red finish and the clear controls suit a shared kitchen.
A drinker who wants hot, rich, SCA-level coffee should skip it. That buyer fares better with a Technivorm Moccamaster or an OXO Brew 9 Cup. A manual brewer such as the Hario V60 also works.
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