CONVENIENCE: Only somewhat convenient to use, based on how easy it was to understand the controls, fill the reservoir, insert the filter, and gauge the amount of remaining coffee.

CLEANING: Not very easy to clean, based on overall accessibility of parts and disassembly and reassembly needed.

CARAFE HANDLING: The carafe was awkward to use, based on how comfortable we found its handle, whether it dripped while pouring, its overall balance when full, and how hard it was to empty.

The KitchenAid Siphon KCM0812 is part of the Coffee Makers test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Specialty Coffee Makers models like the Siphon KCM0812 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Convenience: Reflects ease of filling the reservoir, placing the filter, and gauging the amount of coffee remaining. It also reflects how clear we judged the controls.

Cleaning: Refers to the ease of cleaning the device.

Carafe handling: Covers handle comfort, tendency to drip while pouring, balance of a full carafe, and how easy it was to empty the last liquid. Models with no score here brew into single-serve cups.