Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini… Review (2026) - Safety Rating & Analysis

Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini… Review (2026) - Safety Rating & Analysis | R3

How we scored it

3 criteria - open any layer to see exactly what we found

4.3

Safety

Below Average

Efficacy

Poor

Usability

Average

Material SafetyCritical

72%

4.3▾

Criteria

Water Reservoir Material

2/10

The water reservoir is plastic, but Mr. Coffee does not disclose what type. Without knowing the specific polymer, there is no way to assess whether it leaches BPA or other chemicals when in contact with hot water daily.

BPA-Free Declaration

1/10

Mr. Coffee has not made a BPA-free claim for this specific model. While some of their more expensive machines carry BPA-free labeling, this budget model does not — so there is no assurance about BPA in the plastic components.

Electrical Safety Certification (UL/ETL)

10/10

An independent lab has verified this machine meets UL safety standards for household coffee makers — protection against fire, shock, and overheating. This is a solid safety feature at any price, and especially noteworthy at $16.99.

R3 verdict

The UL certification is a genuine bright spot — verified electrical safety at the category's lowest price. But the unspecified plastic reservoir and missing BPA-free claim mean the material safety picture is incomplete. The two most heavily weighted safety criteria score near minimum.

Moderate confidence

Brewing PerformanceImportant

23%

3▾

Criteria

Brew Water Temperature

3/10

Brews at just 182°F — well below the 195-205°F range that specialty coffee experts recommend. Your coffee will taste noticeably weak and watery compared to machines that hit the right temperature. This is the most impactful performance gap.

Carafe Material

3/10

The glass carafe sits on a warming plate that keeps cooking your coffee after it is brewed. Already weak from low brew temperature, the coffee degrades further the longer it sits — expect a stale, bitter taste within 30 minutes.

R3 verdict

The core coffee-making experience is compromised on both fronts. The 182°F brew temperature produces weak, under-extracted coffee, and the glass-hotplate carafe continues degrading it after brewing. If flavor matters to you, this is the critical issue.

Daily UsabilityNice to have

5▾

Criteria

Carafe Dishwasher Safe

5/10

Mr. Coffee does not say whether the glass carafe is dishwasher safe. We are working from what is listed — and it is not listed.

Removable Water Reservoir

5/10

The water reservoir is built in — you fill it through the top. It works, but it is less convenient than a removable tank you can carry to the sink.

Programmable Auto-Brew

5/10

No programmable timer — you flip the switch when you are ready. Straightforward but no way to schedule your morning coffee the night before.

Read the full methodology

How we scored it

3 criteria - open any layer to see exactly what we found

4.3

Safety

Below Average

Efficacy

Poor

Usability

Average

Material SafetyCritical

72%

4.3▾

Criteria

Water Reservoir Material

2/10

BPA-Free Declaration

1/10

Electrical Safety Certification (UL/ETL)

10/10

R3 verdict

Moderate confidence

Brewing PerformanceImportant

23%

3▾

Criteria

Brew Water Temperature

3/10

Carafe Material

3/10

R3 verdict

Daily UsabilityNice to have

5▾

Criteria

Carafe Dishwasher Safe

5/10

Mr. Coffee does not say whether the glass carafe is dishwasher safe. We are working from what is listed — and it is not listed.

Removable Water Reservoir

5/10

The water reservoir is built in — you fill it through the top. It works, but it is less convenient than a removable tank you can carry to the sink.

Programmable Auto-Brew

5/10

No programmable timer — you flip the switch when you are ready. Straightforward but no way to schedule your morning coffee the night before.

Read the full methodology

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Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker

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How we scored it

How we scored it

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