The Amazon Basics CM9452A-UL is a manual drip coffee maker that earns a 4.3-star rating from 1,400 reviewers at $19.94, one of the stronger value propositions in the budget category. Matte black stainless steel construction and a reusable filter give it a slightly elevated feel over pure-plastic alternatives at the same price.
Buyers who want a reliable, uncomplicated drip machine at the lowest reasonable price, particularly in a kitchen where aesthetics matter, the matte black finish blends into modern countertops better than the typical shiny-plastic budget machine.
Skip if
You need programmable auto-start, a large-capacity carafe for family-sized batches, or cup-count display. This is a manual push-to-brew machine with no scheduling or smart features.
Type Drip Coffee Machine
Filter Reusable
Operation Manual
Controls Buttons
Material Stainless Steel
Finish Matte
Priced 83% below the category median ($120.34 across 86 tracked models)
Weight of 0.9 lb - lighter than 91% of the 87 models we track
Our scorecard
4.3/5overall
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 1,400 owner ratings
Popularity3.4/5
1,400 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other coffee makers, kettles and brewers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Amazon Basics CM9452A-UL keeps things simple: stainless steel body in a matte finish, manual button controls, and a reusable filter. At $19.94, it's priced at the floor of the drip coffee maker market, but the 4.3-star average from 1,400 buyers suggests it performs consistently at that level.
The machine weighs just 0.9 lb and measures 7.08 x 5.31 x 9.45 inches, notably lighter than most drip brewers, which may reflect a small brew volume per cycle. No cup or ounce capacity is listed in the specs. Voltage isn't stated, though the US listing implies standard 120V compatibility.
Controls are button-only with no timer, display, or app connection. The matte black finish on stainless steel is the main visual differentiator from similar machines. The included reusable filter removes the need for ongoing paper filter purchases.
Pros
4.3-star rating from 1,400 reviews at under $20, strong buyer validation
Matte black stainless steel looks cleaner than plastic machines at the same price
Reusable filter included, no paper filters needed
Very light at 0.9 lb, easy to move or store
Compact at 7.08 x 5.31 x 9.45 in
Cons
No stated cup or ounce capacity
Manual operation only, no programmable timer
Wattage not listed, so brew speed is unknown
Performance notes
No wattage or voltage is confirmed in the spec sheet, though US retail implies 120V. At 0.9 lb, this is a very light machine, lighter than most single-serve pod brewers, which suggests a small water reservoir and compact brew volume. Manual operation means each brew requires a manual start. The matte stainless finish resists fingerprints better than gloss alternatives.
What buyers say
A 4.3-star score from 1,400 buyers is a reliable signal of consistent performance for a sub-$20 machine. Monthly sales of only 5 units suggests it's not a breakout bestseller but maintains a steady, satisfied base. Buyers at this tier generally prioritize reliability and ease of use over features, and the rating suggests the machine delivers on both.
No cup or ounce capacity is listed in the specs. Given its 0.9 lb weight and small footprint, it likely brews a small number of cups per cycle rather than a full 10-12 cup carafe.
Does it work with pods or K-Cups?
No pod compatibility is listed. It appears to be a grounds-only machine using the included reusable filter.
Is this actually stainless steel or just stainless-looking plastic?
The spec lists stainless steel as the material with a matte finish. The body construction appears to be genuine stainless, though the full breakdown of internal parts isn't specified.
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