The Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker is an affordable, but diverse machine. Its front-fill design and programmability with its compact build ensure it will be a very good choice. It brews up to 12 cups, from single servings to the needs of a family. This brewer features adjustable brew strength and is a breeze to clean.
This review shall look into its key features, pros, and cons, and performance to help you decide whether this machine fits in your kitchen.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Compact Design
Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker has a sleek and compact design that will fit well with every different kitchen. Measuring 13.9 inches in height, 7.95 inches in width, and 12.91 inches in depth, it’s a comfortable coffee maker that rests on your countertop without any interference from the cabinets above when trying to reach your functional needs.
The Hamilton Beach 46310 is very modern and stylish in its black-and-silver finish. It will fit well with a variety of kitchen decors and also will blend well with other appliances. Its front-fill design provides easy access to the water reservoir and brew basket for convenient filling and cleaning in tight spots.
Durability and Materials
The Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker is made largely of hard plastic, which makes it lightweight and budget-friendly. The plastic design is lighter and easier to move, with less danger of breaking from bumps than it would be with a glass or metal design. To some users, it feels a bit “cheap.” With time, plastic shows wear like discoloration or scratches.
Unlike metal, plastic does not rust, which can be a problem in humid environments. It doesn’t have that solid feel to it, but the plastic construction keeps the price low and functional for everyday use.
Carafe Design
In the Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker, there is a glass carafe that most coffee lovers have grown to like. First, the main benefit of using a glass carafe is the capability to view the amount left inside the container visually to determine whether it needs a refill. The clear design also adds to the classic touch in the look of the coffee maker. However, when it comes to a thermal carafe, there are some downsides to having a glass one.
Features of the Hamilton Beach 46310
The Hamilton Beach – it’s got a front-fill water reservoir, a swing-open brew basket for mess-free coffee grounds addition and removal, selective brewing options, and an auto-pause option to let one serve in a hurry.
12-Cup Brewing Capacity
The Hamilton Beach 46310 is a very affordable model that will brew 12 cups. This model is ideal for large households or those who entertain frequently. It’s large enough to be able to make a big batch of coffee to serve a group, without needing multiple cycles.
It has more capacity compared to most other similarly priced coffee makers. It has a brew strength selector and an auto pause & serve. This is a very practical and affordable coffee maker for those who intend to make bigger batches.
Brew Strength Selector
Brew Strength Selector on Hamilton Beach allows one to change over from a regular brew to bold and hence have coffee of personal liking. Therefore, coffee lovers have gained more as their ability to have stronger brew to the desired taste depends on one’s desire to make the drink light or even to strengthen up when he prefers to taste more strongly.
Water Filtration System
The Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker has an inbuilt water filtration system to eliminate chlorine and other impurities, improving taste without unwanted chemical aftertastes to give a cleaner and more flavorful brew.
Although not high-end, like higher models, the taste improvement it offers is notable. This is a very useful feature for those using tap water. Maintenance on a regular basis is necessary, but for the price, it enhances the overall coffee experience.
Auto Pause and Serve Feature
The feature of Auto Pause and Serve on the Hamilton Beach 46310 lets you have a cup of coffee in the middle of the brew without spills. It automatically stops the brewing when the carafe is pulled out and resumes once it is replaced. Ideal for those who need coffee in a rush and cannot wait for the entire brew, this adds convenience to not spill over.
Easy-to-Use Control Panel
The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker is quite simple and handy. It features a few buttons that can easily turn on/off the machine, select the strength of brewing, and start the brew-a completely hassle-free, intuitive coffee-making process for non-tech-savvy users.
The user-friendly design, complemented by an easy setup process, allows quick preparation of your coffee without navigating through complicated settings. From strength adjustment to program start, you can easily go through all this with simple controls. This appliance is quite in place for anybody who needs ease of operation incorporated into a sturdy coffee maker.
Hamilton Beach 46310 Specification Chart
| Feature | Specification |
| Brand | Hamilton Beach |
| Model | 46310 |
| Type | Programmable Coffee Maker |
| Brewing Capacity | 12 cups (1.7 liters) |
| Power | 950 Watts |
| Carafe Material | Glass |
| Design | Front-fill design |
| Brew Strength Selector | Yes (Regular, Bold, 1-4 cup options) |
| Auto Pause & Serve | Yes |
| Warming Plate | Nonstick |
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes (after 2 hours) |
| Water Filter Compatibility | Fits Hamilton Beach 80674R filters (sold separately) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13.9 x 7.95 x 12.91 inches |
| Warranty | 2 years limited warranty |
Further information can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Performance and Brewing Quality
Brewing Speed
The Hamilton Beach 46310 takes about 10–12 minutes to brew a full pot of coffee, which is normal for its class. You will be able to brew up to 12 cups with no need to wait too long, which is pretty fast and thus convenient in the morning rush.
Compared to other lower-end coffee makers, its brewing speed is competitive. Some of the more expensive models will brew faster, but the Hamilton Beach 46310 strikes a good balance between speed and quality. It produces a full pot in a pretty reasonable time.
Coffee Quality
With each brew, the Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker produces an exceptionally rich and full-bodied cup of coffee as a result of the straightforward yet effective brewing mechanism. It achieves even extraction from the first cup to the last for a consistently well-balanced brew. For flavor preference, adjust the Brew Strength Selector.
While it might lack the depth or precision of higher-end models, it is still a satisfying cup for more casual coffee drinkers. The taste improves with an inbuilt water filtration system.
Water Temperature
Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker had an optimal brewing temperature of 190-205°F, full flavor extraction in mind. Brewing at just the right temperature is all that needs to happen so that all that natural oil and flavor can thoroughly express themselves.
If the brewing temperature is not at the right level, the coffee may turn out very weak or flat. The Hamilton Beach 46310 sustains the right brewing temperature and can never lead to such a situation. Without any advanced features in temperature control, this consistent brewing temperature will suffice for a rich and full-of-flavor cup.
How It Compares to Other Coffee Makers
Versus Other Budget Coffee Makers
We have found the Hamilton Beach 46310 to lead the under-$50 category with its balance between customization and friendly design, although competitors like Mr. Coffee and Black+Decker offer similar, more pared-down alternatives.
| Feature | Hamilton Beach 46310 | Mr. Coffee (Basic Model) | Black+Decker CM1160B |
| Price | ~$50 | ~$30 | ~$35 |
| Brew Customization | 3 strength options + 1-4 cup mode | Basic single-strength brewing | Adjustable brew strength |
| Ease of Use | Front Fill reservoir, swing-out basket | Top-load reservoir, traditional design | Top-fill design, compact footprint |
| Special Features | Auto Pause & Pour, cleaning reminders | Auto-pause, simple controls | Programmable timer, auto-shutoff |
| Build Quality | Mixed durability reports | Basic but reliable | Lightweight plastic, budget-friendly |
| Coffee Quality | Good with quick cooling | Consistent but basic | Balanced flavor, moderate heat |
Verdict: The Hamilton Beach 46310 is a solid choice for those who want lots of options and compact design, but the most basic or longest-lasting devices may be given by Mr. Coffee or Black+Decker, respectively.
What It Lacks in Features, It Makes Up in Simplicity
The Hamilton Beach 46310 Programmable Coffee Maker is basic, straightforward, and user-friendly; ideal for users who value simplicity over advanced functionality. Without top-of-the-line features such as thermal carafes, the Hamilton Beach includes practical features, including a FrontFill water reservoir, swing-out brew basket, and programmable timer. It’s not particularly well-built, but it has a reputation for reliable performance. It’s great for casual coffee drinkers who don’t want anything too complicated or fancy.
Who Should Buy the Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker?
Best For:
The Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker is ideal for families on a tight budget. It can brew up to 12 cups in one serving, saving money on the use of single-serve pods. Its easy design and programmable features make using it straightforward, while the dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup quick. It’s an affordable, no-frills option for those wanting a basic coffee-making experience.
Not Ideal For:
The Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker will not be everyone’s cup of coffee. Without advanced features, single-serve options, custom brew settings, or smart connectivity, this may not be very appealing to more particular coffee aficionados.
Glass carafes also do not keep the beverage hot for too long, compared to thermal carafes, which could disappoint those who like their coffee over a longer period. Users who need more advanced brewing or better heat retention should look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to brew a full pot of coffee?
The Hamilton Beach does take its sweet time, something like 10 to 12 minutes, but that is rather optimal for a full pot when it comes to flavor extraction; that means one rich cup. This time will vary depending on grind size, water amount, and strength setting. Overall, it’s an option that caters to either busy mornings or entertaining guests-well-balanced between efficiency and flavor.
2. Does it have a programmable timer?
The Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker does not have the feature of a programmable timer. As such, it cannot be set to start brewing at a specific time in order to automatically have coffee ready. Though it brews normally, this feature makes it a bit less convenient for people seeking to have an easy morning routine. It must be used manually every time, which may be unsuitable for busy homes or those people who prefer automation even in their appliances.
3. Can I brew a single cup of coffee with this machine?
The Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker was designed for full-pot brewing, holding the capacity of 12 cups inside. It isn’t for anyone looking to make one cup at a time, though it features a “pause and serve” option to serve a cup amidst brewing.
As such, this is best utilized in a family or gathering scenario. If single-serve brews are the norm for you, then consider other models specifically with that purpose.
Hello, I am Yeasin Sorker, a blog writer and a kitchen appliance expert. I’m a kitchen industry veteran and provide insight, installation advice, and unbiased reviews. I love helping consumers know what to expect from appliances, their benefits and their drawbacks, and have the best experience with them. My information is based on the data.
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