Black+Decker 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker (CM5000B) Review: Is It Worth It?
Good to have you, I'm Sam, with a look at the CM5000B. In 14 years of running a shop, I have bought coffee makers from many brands. The Black+Decker CM5000B is a 12-cup grind-and-brew drip maker that sells for $89.99.
The machine grinds 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 cups at the push of a button. It adds three brew strengths, a 24-hour timer and a Sneak-A-Cup pour-through. Consumer Reports found the brew cooler than its 195°F (91°C) guideline. Owners rate the machine between 3.5 and 3.7 of 5 stars.
Leaks, the glass carafe and a grinder basket tab that can break draw the most complaints. The two-year warranty skips glass parts. I review grinding and brewing, cleaning and descaling and price and warranty, and no sponsor edited my words.
What Is the Black+Decker CM5000B?
The Black+Decker CM5000B is a 12-cup programmable coffee maker with a built-in grinder. Spectrum Brands makes the machine under the Black+Decker name. The one unit grinds whole beans and brews drip coffee, so the counter needs no separate grinder.
The name Black+Decker belongs to The Black & Decker Corporation, which owns the trademark. Empower Brands, a Spectrum Brands subsidiary, uses it under license. That license is why a Spectrum Brands product carries the Black+Decker label.
The machine stands 15.5 in (39.4 cm) tall, 13.5 in (34.3 cm) wide and 10 in (25.4 cm) deep. The maker lists the weight at 8.8 lb (4.0 kg). Consumer Reports gives slightly different sizes of 15 x 12 x 11 in (38 x 30 x 28 cm).
The reservoir holds 12 cups. Consumer Reports measured the capacity at 60 oz (1.8 L). One cup here equals about 5 oz (148 ml), so 12 cups fill one 60 oz (1.8 L) carafe.
The Mill & Brew line uses numbered parts. The carafe is CM5000-01, the scoop CM5000-02, the grinder basket CM5000-03, the brew basket CM5000-04 and the showerhead CM5000-05.
The CM5000B comes in black. The CM5000WD (white) and the CM5000RD (red) are color versions of the same Mill & Brew design.
How Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Grind and Brew?
The Black+Decker CM5000B grinds the beans first, then brews the coffee in the same step. The 2-in-1 grinder and permanent filter basket holds the beans. The brew cycle starts on its own once the grinding ends.
Pressing Power once starts the whole process. Before that, the Grind button sets how much coffee the machine grinds. It offers 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 cups, and each setting matches the number of cups to brew.
The Grind button starts at 4 cups. The grinder therefore has no 1 to 3 cup setting.
Pre-ground coffee works too, because the same basket holds either one. The Grind button cycles to a grinder-off symbol. Ground coffee then goes into the basket, and the machine brews without grinding.
The manual recommends 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coffee for each cup of brewed coffee. The ratio applies to beans and to ground coffee alike. Taste can adjust it.
The machine refuses to run unless the lid is closed. The grinder parts and the showerhead must also sit in place.
What Features Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Have?
The Black+Decker CM5000B has features such as auto brew, three brew strengths and a Sneak-A-Cup pour-through. The QuickTouch panel controls the clock, the timer and the strength. A backlit display makes the panel readable in low light.
Key Features:
- 24-hour auto brew timer with a backlit display
- Three brew strengths
- Sneak-A-Cup pour-through
- Fresh Brew Timer
- Nonstick keep hot plate
- Washable brew basket
The auto brew timer runs on a 24-hour clock. Power loss clears the clock and the timer. Both need a reset after any outage.
Sneak-A-Cup stops the flow so a cup can be poured mid-brew. The carafe must return within 20 seconds. A longer gap makes the brew basket overflow.
The keep hot plate has a nonstick finish. Auto-shutoff offers 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes, and the default is 120 minutes. A Fresh Brew Timer shows the minutes since the brew ended.
The 2-in-1 grinder and permanent filter basket removes the need for paper filters.
A water window shows the reservoir level. A removable showerhead and a washable brew basket ease cleanup. The brew basket is top-rack dishwasher safe.
Consumer Reports lists a drip stop, brew-strength control and a keep-warm function. The model has no small-batch setting, no removable reservoir and no thermal carafe.
How Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Brew Strength Selector Work?
The Black+Decker CM5000B brew strength selector works by cycling three levels with the Strong button. Each press moves to the next level. The display shows the setting before the brew starts.
Brew Strength Levels:
| Display | Level | Default |
|---|---|---|
| No bars | Regular | Yes |
| One bar | Strong | No |
| Two bars | Bold | No |
No bars on the display means regular, the default. One bar means strong. Two bars mean bold.
The coffee amount also shapes the cup. The 1 tablespoon (15 ml) per cup ratio is a starting point that taste can adjust.
Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Make Good Coffee?
Yes. The Black+Decker CM5000B makes good coffee for the price, though the brew runs cooler than ideal. Grinding right before brewing keeps the coffee fresher. The cooler brew is the main trade-off.
Most owners rate the machine well. About 66% of the 783 ratings on the white CM5000WD give 4 or 5 stars. The average score is 3.7 of 5.
A second listing averages 3.52 of 5 across 508 ratings. The two averages point the same way.
Consumer Reports calls the machine fairly convenient to use. The carafe is fairly easy to handle, based on its handle, its dripping and its balance when full.
How Hot Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Brew?
The Black+Decker CM5000B brews below the recommended 195°F (91°C) in Consumer Reports lab tests. The guideline asks for 195°F (91°C) or more, held for five or six minutes. The CM5000B fell short of that mark.
The public page gives no exact reading. The result still marks the brew as cooler than the guideline.
The keep hot plate holds the carafe warm for up to 2 hours. The manual still says brewed coffee tastes best when served right away.
Is the Black+Decker CM5000B Grinder Any Good?
Yes. The Black+Decker CM5000B grinder is good enough for drip coffee, with fresh grounds and no extra appliance. Grinding happens just before the brew. The beans never sit ground in a canister.
The grinder has no coarse-to-fine dial. The Grind button sets the cup count from 4 to 12. The machine chooses the grind for that count.
Because the cup count controls the grind, it also fixes a grind that comes out too fine. The manual's remedy for coffee ground too finely is a lower cup setting. Some sediment in the cup is normal with a permanent filter.
A grinder that stops turning on has overheated. Letting the unit cool for 15 minutes and unplugging it for at least 30 seconds resets the fuse.
The maker does not state the grinder type, and no burr size is listed.
What Do Owners Say About the Black+Decker CM5000B?
Owners rate the Black+Decker CM5000B between 3.5 and 3.7 of 5 stars. The white CM5000WD scores 3.7 across 783 ratings. A second listing scores 3.52 across 508 ratings.
On the white CM5000WD, five stars take 41% of ratings and four stars take 25%. Three stars take 13% and two stars take 9%. One star takes 12%, which is more than the two-star share.
Owners tag the carafe most often, with 123 mentions. The grind feature has 71 and durability has 67. Leaking has 60. Morning convenience has 51 mentions and ease of cleaning has 50.
What Do Owners Like About the Black+Decker CM5000B?
Owners like the Black+Decker CM5000B for fresh-ground coffee, simple programming and long life.
Owners mention four things most often:
- Durability: This draws 67 mentions. Some units run for 9 to 12 years.
- Morning convenience: This draws 51 mentions. The 24-hour timer lets the machine grind and brew before the household wakes.
- Ease of cleaning: This draws 50 mentions. The grinder basket lifts out for hand washing. The brew basket goes in the top rack of a dishwasher.
- Whole-bean brewing: This draws 35 mentions. Owners like the choice between beans and pre-ground coffee.
What Are the Common Complaints About the Black+Decker CM5000B?
The common complaints about the Black+Decker CM5000B cover leaking, the carafe and a grinder basket tab that can break. Leaking draws 60 mentions. The carafe is the most tagged topic, with 123 mentions.
Common Complaints:
- Leaking from an overfilled reservoir or a misplaced carafe
- Glass carafe with no warranty cover
- Grinder basket tab that can break
- Programming steps that confuse first-time users
The manual names two causes of leaks. One is a reservoir filled past the 12-cup MAX line. The other is a carafe set down badly. A carafe held out for more than 20 seconds makes the brew basket overflow.
The warranty excludes glass parts, so the carafe has no warranty cover.
The grinder basket tab can snap off, and the machine will not run without the basket. The manual lists the basket as part CM5000-03. The parts line is 1-800-738-0245.
The programming steps can confuse first-time users. The first press of any button only lights the display, and later presses program the machine.
How Do You Clean the Black+Decker CM5000B?
The Black+Decker CM5000B needs cleaning after every use, with washable parts and a damp cloth for the housing. The first step is to turn the machine off, unplug it and let it cool.
A new machine gets cleaned before its first use too. Two water-only brew cycles clean the inside of the machine. The unit cools for 15 minutes between the cycles.
The removable parts are washed in two ways. The removable showerhead and the 2-in-1 grinder and permanent filter basket need hand washing in warm soapy water. The glass carafe and washable brew basket can go in the top rack of a dishwasher.
The parts that cannot be removed or soaked get a different treatment. A soft damp cloth cleans the housing and the warming plate. Abrasive cleansers and scouring pads are out. The housing and the cord never go in water.
The cover and grinder are wiped by hand as well. The inside of the cover and the grinder assembly get a wipe with a damp cloth while open. The brew basket gets emptied and rinsed after each cycle, once the grounds cool.
A clogged Sneak-A-Cup part clears when its mushroom-shaped stem is pushed up and down during rinsing.
How Do You Descale the Black+Decker CM5000B?
The Black+Decker CM5000B needs a full descale with white vinegar once a month. Slow brewing is the sign of a clogged machine. Minerals and hard water build up with regular use.
The cleaning mix is made in the water reservoir. White vinegar goes in first, up to the 6-cup mark on the water window. Cold water then tops it up to the 10-cup mark. The grinder stays off, since no beans are involved.
The mix runs through the machine in two parts. Half the mix brews until the carafe reaches about the 5-cup mark. The machine then switches off and soaks for at least 15 minutes. The remaining mix brews after the soak.
The carafe gets emptied, and the reservoir fills with cold water to the 11-cup line. One full cycle flushes the machine. The flush repeats until the vinegar smell and taste are gone.
Descale Steps:
- Pour white vinegar to the 6-cup mark, then add cold water to the 10-cup mark.
- Switch the grinder off and brew half the mix.
- Switch the machine off and let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Brew the remaining mix and empty the carafe.
- Run full cycles of cold water to the 11-cup line until the vinegar smell is gone.
How Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Compare to Other Grind-and-Brew Makers?
The Black+Decker CM5000B costs far less than the grind-and-brew makers that Consumer Reports ranks first. Consumer Reports lists 11 grind-and-brew makers. The top four score 70, 69, 64 and 63 and cost $200 to $350.
Top Grind-and-Brew Makers:
| Maker | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart DGB-800 | $200 | 70 |
| GE Profile Smart Grind & Brew | $350 | 69 |
| Café Grind & Brew Smart | From $290 | 64 |
| Capresso CoffeeTEAM PRO | $240 | 63 |
The public page for the CM5000B hides its own score. The maker sells the CM5000B for $89.99.
The cheapest of the four top makers is the Cuisinart DGB-800 at $200. The CM5000B costs $110.01 less than that.
Is the Black+Decker CM5000B Cheaper Than Other Grind-and-Brew Makers?
Yes. The Black+Decker CM5000B is cheaper than most other grind-and-brew makers, at $89.99 against $139.99 to $350. The Elite Gourmet is the one rival at the same price.
Budget Rivals:
| Model | Price | Grind Control |
|---|---|---|
| Black+Decker CM5000B | $89.99 | Cup count only |
| Elite Gourmet EHC1250GD | $89.99 | Coarse and fine levels |
| Gevi 10-cup | $139.99 | Built-in burr grinder |
The Gevi 10-cup grind-and-brew maker lists at $139.99, which is $50.00 more. The Gevi has a built-in burr grinder and a 1.5 L (51 oz) tank. Its rating is 4.0 stars from 1,061 ratings.
The Elite Gourmet EHC1250GD matches the price at $89.99. The 12-cup maker has coarse and fine grind levels, a 24-hour auto brew and a keep-warm function.
How Much Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Cost?
The Black+Decker CM5000B costs $89.99 at the maker's own store. Consumer Reports lists $85 for the same model.
Listed Prices:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| CM5000B at the maker's store | $89.99 |
| CM5000B at Consumer Reports | $85 |
| CM5000WD (white) | $70.13 |
| CM5000RD (red) | $81.40 |
| CM2046S thermal (no grinder) | $62.99 |
Walmart lists the white CM5000WD at $70.13 and the red CM5000RD at $81.40. Both colors were out of stock at the time of writing.
Running costs stay low. The permanent filter needs no paper filters, and the monthly descale uses 6 cups of white vinegar.
A plain drip option costs less. The Black+Decker 12-cup thermal CM2046S lists at $62.99 against a $77.99 list price, with 4.2 stars from 5,343 ratings. The CM2046S has no grinder.
Does the Black+Decker CM5000B Come With a Warranty?
Yes. The Black+Decker CM5000B comes with a two-year limited warranty. The term runs from the original purchase date and needs proof of purchase.
The warranty covers defects in material or workmanship. The maker's liability stops at the purchase price. If a defect is found, the remedy is a similar replacement, either new or factory refurbished.
Because the coverage is limited, several things fall outside it. These include glass parts, commercial use, misuse, modified products and shipping costs. Products used or serviced outside the country of purchase are excluded too.
A claim starts with a phone call. Warranty service is at 1-800-231-9786. Parts and accessories go through a separate line, 1-800-738-0245.
Is the Black+Decker CM5000B Worth It?
Yes. The Black+Decker CM5000B is worth it at about $90 for buyers who want fresh-ground coffee on a budget. The price undercuts each of the four top Consumer Reports picks by $110.01 or more.
The strengths are fresh grinding, a 24-hour timer, easy cleanup and units that last for years. The price is low for a grinder and a brewer in one.
The weaknesses are real. The brew falls short of 195°F (91°C), leaks draw 60 mentions, and the glass carafe has no warranty cover.
Pros:
- Fresh grinding in the same machine
- 24-hour timer
- Easy cleanup
- Low price for a grinder and brewer in one
Cons:
- Brew below the 195°F (91°C) guideline
- Leaks and carafe complaints
- No warranty on glass parts
- No grind dial
The grinder basket has a weak point too. A broken tab can stop the machine, and replacements can be hard to find.
Who Should Buy the Black+Decker CM5000B?
Anyone who wants fresh-ground drip coffee on a small budget should buy the Black+Decker CM5000B. The best fit is a household that wants beans ground and brewed in one step. The 24-hour timer suits a morning routine.
The machine stands 15.5 in (39.4 cm) tall, so it may not fit under wall cabinets. Measuring the gap first avoids a surprise.
Some buyers need hotter coffee. Those who want it at 195°F (91°C) or more get a better match elsewhere. The CM5000B also lacks a thermal carafe, a removable reservoir and a small-batch setting.
The Cuisinart DGB-800 is one step up. It scores 70 in Consumer Reports and costs $200. That step up costs $110.01 more.
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