Review: Toastmaster 4 Cup Coffee Pot/Maker

I have owned a Toastmaster 4 cup coffee maker for about two years. It is white and has the model number TCM4W; the TCM4R (red) and TCM4B(black) models appear to be the same except for their colors. Its features include a power indicator light, a burner to keep the carafe warm, a clear plastic water holder with cup measurement lines, and automatic pause & pour.

The glass carafe/pot it comes with is well-designed; at just about any angle, the coffee only pours in the mug, rather than spilling down the side as some carafes often do. Filling the water chamber is also easier to do without spilling water, partially because of the unit's compact design. The flat, round burner under the carafe/pot successfully keeps the coffee hot for a long period of time after it is brewed. The Toastmaster TCM4W is powered by a built-in AC electrical cord, which is about 35 inches long and has two prongs (one is polarized). A sticker on the bottom indicates that the coffee maker's electrical power consumption is 650 watts. It is lightweight and doesn't take up much space, measuring about 5.5" wide and 9.5" tall. It makes less noise than some of the other coffee maker models I have used. The instruction manual is detailed and provides complete directions on using it.

Paper cone-style #2 filters fit this Toastmaster coffee maker well, and it has a removable black filter holder inside the white filter basket. The holder and basket are easy to remove and reinsert, for cleaning. Apparently some retailers sell this coffee maker/pot with a permanent filter, but mine didn't include one of these. The only minor drawback I have noticed is that the power indicator light is somewhat small and located on the side, rather than the front, making it easier to forget to turn the burner off after it is used. I assume that an appliance control system or timer could be used to turn it on and off, because it has a power switch rather than a button or lever; however, I do not own either of these devices.

This coffee maker can be purchased at Rite Aid, on eBay.com, and at several online shopping web sites. Overall, the Toastmaster four cup coffee pot/maker seems to be a reliable, well-designed unit with useful features and no significant disadvantages. Toastmaster also makes or has made ten, twelve, and single cup coffee makers, as well as various other small appliances.