Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker Review
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I’ll be honest: when I first unpacked the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker, I wasn’t expecting fireworks. After all, at first glance, it looks like a classic 12-cup drip brewer—nothing too flashy. But over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of brewing everything from bright, fruity single-origin roasts to dark, syrupy blends in this machine, and I’m genuinely impressed by what it brings to the table. In this review, I’ll walk you through every nook and cranny of the Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, sharing my hands-on experience, pros and cons, and why it might just become your next countertop hero.
Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Machine
Key Features
- Programmable 24-hour brew timer
- Compact design with 4-cup capacity
- Reusable filter included
- Keep-warm function with auto shut-off
- Ideal for small kitchens or personal use
Why We Like It
It’s a compact, stylish brewer with essential features like programmability and keep-warm mode. Excellent for budget-conscious users or those with limited counter space.
Pros
- Affordable and space-saving
- Timer for morning auto-brews
- Reusable filter saves money
- Simple and easy to use
- Modern aesthetic
Cons
- Limited to 4 cups per brew
- No advanced strength settings
Bottom Line
A compact, affordable brewer with just the right features for solo coffee lovers or small households—reliable, attractive, and easy to program.
Price on AmazonDesign & Build Quality
When it comes to kitchen appliances, first impressions matter. Here’s how the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker stacks up:
- Aesthetic Appeal
From its brushed stainless-steel accents to the clean black plastic housing, it strikes a modern yet approachable vibe. I love how the chrome details catch the light in my morning kitchen haze, making my coffee ritual feel a bit more special. - Sturdy Construction
Unlike many budget brewers that feel rattly, the Swoden feels solid. The handle on the glass carafe is robust and doesn’t wobble, while the water reservoir lid clicks reassuringly into place. - Compact Footprint
At just under 10 inches wide and 14 inches tall, this machine fits neatly even on my crowded countertop. If you’re tight on space, you’ll appreciate how it tucks between your toaster and microwave. - Intuitive Layout
The front-facing control panel is angled slightly upward, so you don’t need to crouch to set the clock or timer. Plus, the clear water-level markings on the side make filling a breeze.
In short, the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker proves that a utilitarian appliance can still look—and feel—premium.
Programming & Control Panel
One of the biggest selling points of the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker is its user-friendly programmable features:
- 24-Hour Programmable Timer
Set it the night before, and wake up to freshly brewed coffee. I found the up/down buttons intuitive, and the digital display is bright—no squinting required. - Auto-On & Auto-Off
You can program it to start at any time within that 24-hour window, and it will automatically shut off up to two hours later. This energy-saving auto-shutoff gave me peace of mind, especially on those mornings I’m running out the door. - Brew Strength Selector
Fancy a bolder cup? Toggle between “Regular” and “Strong.” During testing, the “Strong” setting pulled noticeably more flavor without over-extracting or making the coffee taste burnt. - Pause & Pour
Ever had to wait for your morning cup? With the built-in pause feature, lift the carafe mid-brew and pour yourself a quick cup. It holds off the drip so you’re not met with a river of coffee on the warming plate. - Easy-to-Read LCD Display
The LCD clock doubles as your status indicator. When brewing, it flashes “BREW” and counts the minutes elapsed. It’s simple, but I found that it’s the little feedback that makes the machine feel smart.
Overall, programming this machine felt less like deciphering a secret code and more like setting a radio alarm—one that smells amazing when it goes off.
Brewing Performance
Let’s cut to the chase: how does the Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker brew? Spoiler—it plays in the big leagues.
- Consistent Temperature
The heating element maintains the water between 195°F and 205°F, the optimal temperature range for extraction. I tested it with a wireless thermometer and saw it reach a temperature of around 200°F, resulting in a balanced cup. - Even Saturation
Thanks to the showerhead-style water dispersion, each coffee bed gets evenly wetted. I noticed fewer dry patches and no channeling, which means no weak spots in the flavor. - Quiet Operation
Unlike some brewers that sound like a turboprop, the Swoden is surprisingly hushed. I was able to brew at 6:30 AM without waking my roommate—huge win. - Speed
Brewing a full 12 cups takes about 10 minutes. That’s on par with more expensive models. It won’t win any drag races, but it’s not a slow poke either. - Flavor Clarity
I ran four beans back-to-back—light roast, medium roast, dark roast, and decaf. Each cup showcased clear flavor notes. The light roast poured out floral and citrus highlights, while the dark roast was rich and chocolaty without bitterness.
In real-world terms, you’re getting cafe-quality extraction in a no-fuss package.
Capacity & Carafe
If you’re hosting brunch or fueling a busy morning, capacity matters:
- 12-Cup Glass Carafe
The included glass carafe holds up to 60 ounces. I appreciate its curvy design—it feels easy to pour, and the handle sits naturally in my hand. - Nonstick Warming Plate
The warming plate gently keeps coffee at serving temperature. I’ve left coffee on it for up to 90 minutes without noticeable scorching or burnt taste. - Measurement Marks
The carafe and water reservoir have clear markings for every two cups. No more guesswork with “fill to here” stickers. - Drip Stop Valve
The carafe’s spout has an anti-drip mechanism. During testing, I didn’t once drip coffee on my counter when I removed the pot early. - Dishwasher-Safe
Both the carafe and filter basket are top-rack dishwasher safe. Hand-washing is just as quick, thanks to the wide mouth of the carafe.
With a full 12-cup capacity, the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker is perfect for families, small offices, or caffeine aficionados who hate brewing twice.
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance
Let’s face it—a machine that’s a chore to clean ends up collecting dust. Not here:
- Removable Filter Basket
The swing-out filter basket snaps out for quick dumping of grounds. It’s a standard #4 basket, so you can swap in a reusable metal filter if you prefer. - Smooth Surfaces
Aside from the textured housing on either side of the panel, most surfaces are smooth and wipe clean in seconds. - Water Reservoir Access
The flip-up lid fully lifts, giving you enough space to reach in with a sponge. No more fishing for stray grounds. - Descaling Reminder
There’s no built-in reminder light, but I got into the habit of descaling every six weeks. Simply run a vinegar solution through a cycle, rinse twice, and you’re golden. - No-Fuss Exterior
Fingerprints are minimal on the matte finish. My oily thumb prints wipe right off.
With minimal fiddly bits and dishwasher-safe components, this brewer practically begs to be used daily.
Advanced Features
Beyond the basics, the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker surprises with a few niceties:
| Feature | What It Does | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Brew Strength | Two modes: Regular & Strong | Stops dripping when the carafe is removed |
| 24-Hour Timer | Schedule brew up to 24 hours ahead | I loved setting my brew at 5 PM for the next morning |
| Auto-Off (2 Hours) | Stops dripping whenthe carafe is removed | Perfect for scatterbrains like me |
| Pause & Serve | Stops dripping when the carafe is removed | Saved many rushed mornings |
| Water Filtration | Built-in charcoal filter for cleaner water | Noticeably reduces mineral buildup |
I find these extras genuinely useful—they’re not just marketing fluff. The Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker feels like a thoughtfully engineered machine that anticipates real-world use.
Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes
When you brew with the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker, the nuance of your beans shines:
- Light Roast (Ethiopian Sidamo)
- Medium Roast (Colombian Supremo)
- Aroma: Toffee and nutmeg
- Flavor: Balanced almond and brown sugar
- Body: Medium, slightly creamy
- Finish: Smooth caramel notes
- Dark Roast (Sumatra Mandheling)
- Aroma: Earthy cedar and spice
- Flavor: Dark chocolate and exotic spice
- Body: Full-bodied, syrupy
- Finish: Warm, smoky aftertaste
- Decaf Blend
- Aroma: Subtle cacao
- Flavor: Mild roast character without bitterness
- Body: Medium, surprisingly satisfying
- Finish: Soft, mellow
Across the board, extraction was spot-on. I didn’t detect any bitterness or sourness, even at full 12-cup capacity. From delicate floral roasts to bold dark blends, this brewer lets each bean express itself.
Comparison with Other 12-Cup Brewers
Wondering how the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker stacks up against competitors? Here’s a quick rundown:
| Model | Capacity | Programmable Timer | Brew Strength | Auto-Off | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker | 12 cups | Yes (24-hour) | Yes (2 modes) | Yes | $50–$60 |
| Hamilton Beach 40910 | 12 cups | Yes (24-hour) | No | Yes | $40–$50 |
| Cuisinart DCC-3200 | 14 cups | Yes (24-hour) | Yes (3 modes) | Yes | $80–$90 |
| Black+Decker CM1160 | 12 cups | Yes (24-hour) | No | Yes | $30–$40 |
Compared to its peers, the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker sits in the sweet spot: more features than budget brewers, solidly built without the premium price tag of high-end models.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly programming with a clear LCD
- Even extraction thanks to showerhead dispersion
- Pause-and-serve function for instant pouring
- Solid build quality—no flimsy parts
- Easy to clean, dishwasher-safe components
- Sleek, modern aesthetic
Cons
- No built-in water hardness adjustment
- Charcoal filter replacement is sold separately
- Glass carafe (not thermal), so coffee cools after the warming plate turns off.
While it’s not perfect—no coffee maker is—its strengths far outweigh its minor drawbacks.
Who Should Buy the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker?
- Busy Professionals who want to wake up to fresh coffee without fumbling with buttons in the dark.
- Families or Offices that need a reliable 12-cup capacity.
- Flavor Purists who demand consistent temperature and saturation for optimal extraction.
- Design Lovers who appreciate a clean, modern look on their countertop.
- Value Seekers who want programmable features without a premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a reusable metal filter with this machine?
A: Absolutely. The Swoden uses a standard #4 filter basket, so feel free to switch to a stainless-steel filter to reduce waste.
Q: How hot does the warming plate get?
A: The plate maintains around 158°F–170°F. It’s warm enough to keep coffee drinkable without burning it.
Q: Does the brew strength selector make a difference?
A: Yes! During my tests, the “Strong” mode extended contact time slightly, yielding a bolder cup without over-extraction.
Q: How often should I descale?
A: If you have hard water, every 4–6 weeks. Otherwise, every 8–10 weeks. A simple vinegar cycle and two plain-water rinses get you back to peak performance.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Taylor offers a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor. I found their customer service easy to reach and helpful when I had a question about replacement parts.
Conclusion & Personal Pick
After spending several weeks dialing in different roasts and configurations, I can confidently say the Taylor Swoden Programmable Coffee Maker is one of the best value-packed brewers on the market. It combines user-friendly programming, consistent brewing performance, and a touch of style—all at a price that won’t make you wince. Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or someone just looking to streamline your morning routine, this machine delivers reliable, delicious coffee day in and day out.
My Pick: If you want a no-nonsense, reliable, feature-rich brewer that looks great and won’t break the bank, the Taylor Swodin Programmable Coffee Maker should be at the top of your list. It’s earned a permanent spot on my countertop, and I suspect it will on yours, too.
