If you’ve been drinking coffee for any length of time, you’ve probab...
“Hassle Free Coffee Preparation Anytime”
The Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker easily fits into your daily routine. You can just wake up, set your coffee machine to make excellent coffee then go about your way preparing for another hectic day. The Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker ensures that your coffee preparation is hassle free. With this machine’s state-of-the-art features, preparing coffee every morning is more convenient with its very easy to sue mechanisms.
The Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker will surely amaze you with how convenient it is to operate. To add to that, its design is also sleek, with a silver luminart finish which is subtly shaded to reflect light. The Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is also made of stainless steel, ensuring that there are no fingerprints all over it.
Its water reservoir can be loaded on top and comes with a filter basket. But if you prefer to use paper filter, you can do so with this machine. You can program or set the Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker without any trouble as well. Just set your preferred time to have a cup of freshly brewed coffee by just pushing on the blue lighted 8 button controls. You have a choice of instant coffee or Delay Brew.
With Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, you also have the option of having strong or weak coffee and it just shuts off automatically after 2 hours. Its special cleaning cycle can be set as well, eliminating the need to clean it regularly. With the Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, you can quickly brew 12 cups of coffee in 12 minutes. Just leave it once you have programmed it. You will be alerted by its audible tone indicating that your coffee is already brewed.
Problems with Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
The Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker has only received very few complaints from coffee drinkers who purchased and used it for months. Weighing just 8 pounds and measuring 2 x 13.8 x 9.5 inches, this coffee machine is quite fragile which can be a problem. Its carafe is breakable, so preparing coffee and cleaning it should be done very carefully.
If you are in a hurry in preparing coffee, you might end up breaking its carafe. Another complaint is its lack of external indicator to determine the water volume inside it. The Oster 4281 Counterforms 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker’s lack of this feature can be inconvenient as it requires you to stand on your toes to look inside it while you are pouring water. This is the only way that you can see and determine the number of cups you are preparing for coffee.
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Ryan says
Diane: Post #38
I’m in Ohio and really need your 4281 carafe…Please email me
Ryan says
Hi All:
I just broke the carafe on my Oster 4281. I love this coffee maker and would like a replacement carafe. If anyone has one that the coffee maker leaks or doesn’t work..I sure appreciate the carafe. Will be happy to pay for it and the shipping.
Thanks,
Ryan
MR.MUSIC02 says
If you have a owner’s manual the website is in there and follow the instructions on the website and call the 1-800 numbers and i know that all of the above will be answered cause I just did and I’m am getting a new decanter/carafe
Sheryl says
BTW, we got ours on a super, clearance rack, quadruple mark-down price of about $40 Canadian while the regular price was about $150! So I do not relish the idea of buying a new one!
Sheryl says
Boy, am I disappointed to hear all these comments…my Oster 4281 has worked very well and pleasingly for us for over 2 years but, during our recent move, I busted the carafe while trying to pack it! So, anyone had recent luck finding replacements?
George says
Try thegourmetdepotco.com
Replacement Carafe Item #4286-000
Fits Model: 4281
They have a 1800 number you can call.
I hope this will help.
Diane says
I also bought my coffee maker from Tuesday Morning. The first one only made 1/2 pot and quit. I took it back and they gave me another one. It worked for a year, I have cleaned it often but it also has quit working and I’m very disappointed. It was the first coffee carafe that didn’t leak all over when you pour it into a cup. I saved the glass carafe and I’d love to send it to someone as it is in great shape. If someone lives in Ohio let me know I’ll mail it to you. Now can anyone recommend a decent coffee maker that I don’t have to take out a bank loan to buy!
jeff says
I’ve had this Oster 12 cup coffee maker for 4 months. It leaks out the back now and I still can’t figure out how to program the thing to start brewing at a set time, it never works when I set a time.
fabiola A. says
My coffeemaker has lasted exactly one year and two months. It just starts brewing coffee and then stops and emits a sound as if it has finished brewing. I also tried the cleaning cycle but it does not work. It is the first time a coffeemaker suddenly quits working. I had an excellent Thomas coffeemaker for five years when I accidentally broke the glass carafe. Luckily, last month I was able to find the glass carafe for my old Thomas which I am using now even when it was in store for one year and does not have all the electronic features the Oster coffeemaker 4281 has.
Dana says
I am looking for replacement carafe too. Any lick anyone? Mine has leaked like crazy nearly since we bought it. Shoule have kept the box…
Mary Ann says
I,too, am looking for a replacement carafe. Anybody have one?
Janet says
Please send an email to janet1109 “at” yahoo.com if you’d be willing to send me a glass carafe for the 4281. I hit mine with my elbow and broke it into hundreds of pieces! I like the coffeemaker, I know how to use it, I just need another carafe!
linda ritchey says
I’m having problems trying to locate one to buy. I guess they must have stopped making this????
robin says
I guess I got lucky with my coffee maker. It has worked perfectly for the last 2 years, I just recently broke the carafe & am not liking that I can not find an easy replacement. I have the 4281. I’d be happy to buy one here! I don’t want to toss out the machine…
Gloria says
Boy can I relate to most of these complaints! My carafe pours more coffee on to the counter top then it does the cup. No help from the manufacturer. No replacement available. The coffee maker was a gift. Is only almost a year old. Went to Tuesday Morning, Target. No luck. Eventhough the coffee is pretty good, I will never recommend this or any other Oster product to anyone!
Buddy Madru says
I also love this coffee maker, mine has worked perfectly for 2 years,,I never had compliments on my coffee before but this one did it,.Alas,now water pours out the bottom and is useless,,It seems I have a spare carafe now if anyone needs it.Can’t seem to find anything like it..I don’t like companies that don’t recognize a good thing when they have it..And then make newer products not as good…
sheri says
I too am searching for a replacement pot. Has anyone had any luck yet?
Allan Leard says
Bought this maker about a year ago , today it will start tp perk and than shuts off immediately while omitting a beeping sound . No repair facility show for PEI Canada. Will try another make and see if i can’t get more than a year out of it.
Ben says
these are so difficult to operate for me and my wife! I love automatic cofee makers
David says
Help…..I broke the glass carafe unpacking the machine. No help from the dealer and reading the above…..is it now junk?
dick and deb says
we have a glass pot for maureen warrender posted on 10/11/ 2009
Linda says
Maureen – I’m in the same boat. I called Oster to get a replacement carafe and they have absolutely none – even checked the warehouse. The coffeemaker is off of the market. They instead sent me a Mr. Coffee, which I hate. I wish I could find dependable coffeemaker manufacturer that has a reputation for a great coffeemaker, retains spare parts and stands behind their product. Gone are the days and the consumer are left behind.
Silvio says
I need the manual coffee Oster 4281 because it did not come in the box when purchased. Can someone help me?
Maureen Warrender says
I have an oster coffee maker all I need is the glass pot . Cant seem to find one that will fit anywhere
latte lover says
bought one 2nd hand reduced with slight dent in thermal carafe. Giving it a 2nd chance, Clock works, coffee is hot but constantly wiping, alot of unavoidable spillage…a few other brands have the same issues.
dan says
” it stops perkey after a few seconds and the bell starts dinging..it won’t allow me to clean it, nothing ” We had same problem. Design flaw of this machine — too easy to accidentally spill small amounts of the ground coffee into the reservoir. Clogs up the plumbing. The only thing I haven’t tried is taking the whole thing apart.
Kelly Zimmermann says
I bought this coffee maker in September 2007 and it makes absolutely the best pot of coffee I’ve ever had from a home brewing machine. I am short (5’2) and have standard counter height in my home and don’t have any trouble filling the reservoir. I think some people are just more comfortable with the clear gauge on the outside of other machines.
In December 2008, the pot stopped brewing and the warming plate did not get hot. Sunbeam says I blew a fuse. My very handy husband tried taking the pot apart to replace the fuse, but the mechanics of the machine are sealed, so I bought a new one. I searched and searched … finally found one. I’m even looking for a third, in the event that my current machine fails – that is how much I love this coffee maker!
I find the carafe well balanced and although I am careful, I don’t think it would easily break, it feels solid.
pearl schakett says
help..my coffee maker decided to quit today..it stops perkey after a few seconds and the bell starts dinging..it won’t allow me to clean it, nothing..please help
Fabiola Arriar??n says
I bought this coffe maker a week ago to replace my old Thomas coffee maker. Even when its nice to have this new electronic features, my main interest when I opted for this machine, was in the coffee flavor and aroma which I have noticed it failed to produce. I am using the same amount of coffee and water, and the same brands of coffee (a combination of the best Peruvian coffee brands) which were producing an excellent cup of coffee in my Thomas coffee maker, but it did not work with the Oster Programmable Coffee Maker 4281 I bought last week for 90 dollars. My concern is with the type of filter it has. The owner??s manual does not say whether the filter is made of plastic, nylon, or metal, or what kind of metal it is. I am interesting in having this information which is vital to obtain a good cup of coffee. I also tried with a paper filter and it did not improve the flavor of the coffee.
Amy says
I have the Oster 4281 – was glad to see that info on the clean button. I read my manual and decided I was an expert and threw it out. Turns out I’m not! I put water in when I hit the clean button…oh well. However, I was cleaning it because its started brewing very slowly and not as strong, even with the strong button pressed. Any ideas?
Dana says
I love the coffee maker however we’ve had it over six months now and the black on the heating plate is starting to peel. Does anyone know if we can still use it that way?
Lou Duphily says
I love this coffeemaker features, value for cost. Worked great. BUT. I don’t care how good somethng is, if you cannot purchase a replacement pot or lid and have to throw out a one month old appliance… then don’t buy this! Never again an Oster-Sunbeam product!
Traci in Texas says
We got this coffee pot a couple months ago and it is wonderful! Mine came with directions; but the DH thought they were unnecessary and tossed them before I could read them….
It has a temperature adjustment so you can customize how hot to keep your coffee while it is on its 2-hour “stay warm” cycle.
The brew strength doesn’t seem to make any difference, but it makes me feel good to turn the Strong Brew on — like I am saving some coffee grounds or something. :)
The finish is GREAT! I have kids and a hubby whose smudgy little finger prints no longer show!!! The chromey color and black blend in pretty well in our kitchen.
The carafe is sturdy and the handle feels well balanced and comfortable. I’ve not had any issues with spillage, as I read in someone’s comment above …
Filling it doesn’t seem too difficult. The quantity marks are inside the water tank, but clear and easy to see. My counters must be lower than theirs, or maybe I am taller — but I have no problem gauging how much water I’ve put in it. Usually I use the carafe to pre-measure it anyway, and then just pour it in the holding tank. No problemo.
Overall, for $30, this is by FAR the nicest and easiest coffee pot to use. That self-cleaning cycle is fantastic and something I’d not seen in another pot. (Having hard water on tap, I find this a wonderful benefit!!!!!)
Overall, it’s gotta be a 9.5 out of 10! in my opinion.
Carole says
Rec’d Oster model 4281 coffee maker as an Ann gift worked for two months. Sometimes you put in 12 cups of water and it only makes 4, sometimes 6 or 2. Tried to reurn it to Target, would not take it back wanted the upc code from the box. Who saves the box after a few days if it works. Tried cleaning maybe that was the problem, still did’t help. It makes the hottest cup of coffee, much better others I ‘ve had.
Mariann says
I just broke the carafe and cannot find anyone who sells it! HELP! I love this coffee maker!
Gary in Lincoln says
Purchased a 4281 in Jan 2008 and in March 2008 it quit pumping water to the coffee basket, plus the thing never made very hot coffee and did not keep it hot. I would never buy this product again.
H Squared says
The handle and top rim of the carafe detached from the glass body of the carafe after about two months of use. Still too early for a final verdict.
RALPH says
RECENTLY PURCHASED AN OSTER COFFEE MAKER- SOME FAULTS I FOUND WERE- WATER CONTAINER IS HARD TO SEE IN ,CAN’T TELL WHEN CANISTER IS FULL AND HAS A DRAIN HOLE IF ITS SLIGHTLY OVER FILLED,THE HEATER CUTS OFF TO QUICKLY THUS AN HOUR LATER COLD COFFEE ALSO ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO POUR BREWED COFFEE FROM A FULL CONTAINER without spilleage.
Mary Ann says
How do you turn the coffee maker back on after 2 hours?
Bob says
I just bought an Oster 4281 and have the users manual in front of me. The cleaning cycle takes 45-60 minutes to complete. After hitting the CLEAN button the machine will slow brew 3 cups of cleaning solution. It will then pause for 30 minutes then brew the remainder of the cleaning solution. When complete, the CLEAN light will turn off and your coffeemaker will beep and shut off. Brew 12 cups of fresh, clean water through the coffeemaker at least two times to rinse the coffeemaker.
Nikki says
I just got a oster 12 cup coffee maker and have no idea how to use the clean button so if anyone can help me please. Thank You
Mariann says
I also bought the oster 4281 and it did not have directions. I checked on their website and it does not list it either. I just can’t figure out how to clean it, w/ the clean mode button.
henry biar says
We bought the oster 4281 12 cup coffee maker but have no directions on how to make it work. We have asked, but no one hasa directions on how to do so. Could you please send us this information. Thanks.
Donald Stoddard says
I have pruchased two of the coffeemakers reflected on this page. one from Tuesday Morning
the the decanter leaked,I returned it,but they were sold out. I purchased the current one yesterday at fort Know PX exchange, plugged it in and nothing worked (dead). I will be packing this one up and returning it ( a 140 mile round trip). Needless to say I am very disappointd, I have a number of Oster products in my home, that work fine. I am considering trying another one, if you can give me some kind of insurance you will step in and help if the next on is a dud. Please
respond.
Thank You