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Are you a coffee lover who depends on that first hot cup of coffee to get you out of bed in the morning? Does coffee fuel you throughout your workday? If so, you may want a coffee maker that gives you a wide variety of options so you can brew the exact cup you need at the right time. The type of coffee maker you have can make or break your day, so it’s important that you choose the best one for your needs.
With the wide variety of coffee maker models on the market, it can become frustrating and overwhelming to find the model that will best fit your lifestyle. The various companies, features, and sizes available can make it hard to figure out which model does what and how.
Our buying guide will help take some of the mystery out of the coffee maker purchasing process by presenting some of the best models at reasonable prices and helping you decide which is the right coffee maker for you.
This review will focus on Cuisinart Coffee Makers, specifically models DCC-1200, DCC-2650, and DCC-3200. Cuisinart is a trusted and recognized brand on the coffee maker market, and they offer many inexpensive coffee makers that can brew a cup to start every morning on the right foot.
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About the Cuisinart Coffee Maker
Cuisinart produces coffee makers that are well-crafted mid-range models which combine functionality, convenience, and power to brew that hot cup of coffee you want first thing in the morning. This company is known for their models’ longevity, reliability, ease of use, convenient options, and reasonable prices. The Cuisinart models are ideal for coffee lovers who want a well-brewed cup fast and want their coffee making process as simple as possible.
Cuisinart models may not appeal to coffee professionals and aficionados who are concerned about the aesthetics of the machine or those who thrive on custom coffees.
Standard Features to Look for in Cuisinart Coffee Makers
There are a variety of features on every Cuisinart model that you should review to find the best model for your needs. Here are some common features on most Cuisinart models:
- 24-hour programmability
Cuisinart models allow the user to set a timer up to 24 hours ahead, so that cup of hot coffee is ready for you literally as you get out of bed. You need to set the timer, check the water, pour in the coffee grinds, and enjoy that coffee when it’s done. If you are impatient or often rushing around, this programming feature is a necessity.
- Automatic shut-off
This nifty feature lets the user program the coffee maker to shut off as soon as the coffee is brewed, or up to 4 hours afterward. A useful feature for those who are often on the move, it’s also a safety feature, so you don’t have to worry about whether you remembered to shut off the coffee maker or not.
- Filter system
The majority of Cuisinart coffee makers come with a charcoal water filter and permanent gold tone filter. The charcoal water filter helps purify the water and eliminates any unpleasant smells or tastes. The gold tone filter allows natural coffee oils to infuse the water, giving the finished brew a fuller flavor. This type of filter, unlike cheaper paper filters, does require regular cleaning to prevent leftover oils from ruining future cups of coffee.
- Brew Pause
Cuisinart’s trademarked Brew Pause system stops the coffee from flowing out of the basket when you remove the carafe from the heating plate. This function allows you to pour a cup mid-brew without creating a mess all over the machine and your counter. The brewing process pauses until you return the carafe to the plate.
- Adjustable temperature control
The Cuisinart coffee makers come with an adjustable heater plate that lets you decide the temperature you want your coffee to begin at. This feature means you can let brewed coffee sit for hours without it becoming overheated or causing the coffee to acquire a burnt and bitter taste. The adjustable plates have three settings: low, medium, and high. Low and medium settings can be used when brewing smaller pots of coffee, and the high setting is best if you want to keep the coffee warm longer.
- Self-cleaning
Most Cuisinart models offer a self-cleaning feature that cleans the inside of the machine for you. All you need to worry about is wiping down the outside and cleaning out the carafe. The self-cleaning setting is simple to use; merely press a button, and the machine starts to clean itself.
- Warranty
All Cuisinart coffee makers come with a three-year warranty, which is a generous offer considering that the average lifespan of a coffee maker is between 12 – 18 months.
Also Read:
Best Cuisinart Coffee Maker Reviews
Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
If you are in the market for an inexpensive coffee maker that consistently provides quality brews while offering multiple options to match your needs, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central might be the choice for you. With its black and chrome retro look, this model combines top brewing technology with functionality.
Pros
- Low price
- Easy to use control panel
- Permanent gold coffee filter and charcoal water filter included
- Adjustable heater plate
- Conveniently compact for smaller counter spaces
- Solid, durable carafe with proper balance
- Programmable features such as automatic shut-off
- Brews consistently quality cups of coffee
- Includes a three-year warranty
- Aesthetically pleasing look
- The model has a backlit digital clock
- Limited three-year warranty
Cons
- The glass carafe cannot be substituted for a thermal carafe
- The on/off switch can become loose over time
- The lines inside the reservoir can be difficult to see
Our Review
The Cuisinart DCC-1200 coffee maker is a popular model amongst coffee fans on a budget. This model reliably provides consistent, quality cups of coffee whenever you need them. Here are some of the top features of this model:
Automatic Shut-Off
The automatic shut-off feature allows users to program the machine to shut off automatically within 4 hours of the last brew. There is no need to worry about whether the device is still on or if the heater plate is burning; the machine will shut off before that point. This feature does double-duty by also giving users the option to program the machine to keep coffee warm for up to 4 hours.
Programmable settings
The Cuisinart Brew Central offers programmable settings that let you grab a cup of coffee in the middle of a brew cycle. It is easy to stop and restart the brewing process without taking too much time or causing a mess. Your brews can be scheduled 24 hours in advance of when you want that hot cup of coffee.
Filter type
The Cuisinart DCC-1200 coffee maker includes a permanent gold tone filter that is designed for maximum flavor extraction from coffee grounds. Paper filters can also be used in this model if you prefer.
Glass Carafe
This model comes with a 12-cup capacity glass carafe. Simply place the carafe on the non-stick heating plate and adjust the heating level to your desired temperature. Your coffee will stay fresh and not bitter while it stays warm on the plate.
Self-Cleaning
The Cuisinart DCC-1200 has a self-cleaning mode that prevents calcification in the machine’s water reservoir. That way your coffee will stay fresh, flavorful, and free of odd tastes and smells.
Cuisinart DCC-2650 Brew Central Extreme Brew Coffee Maker
For coffee fans who want an easily programmable coffee maker that can serve a whole family or a small office, the Cuisinart DCC-2650 Extreme Brew coffee maker could be the right fit. This model’s fashionable stainless steel body and high capacity coffee making abilities have made this model a popular one from the Cuisinart line.
Pros
- Extreme brew feature brews coffee up to 25% faster
- Brew pause feature
- Charcoal water filter and permanent gold tone filter
- 60-second reset recall for settings and position in brewing process during power outages
- 24-hour programmability
- Self-cleaning feature
- Automatic shut-off
- Settings for 1 – 4 cups
- 12-cup glass carafe with a comfortable handle and drip-free spout
- Low, medium, and high adjustable burner settings that are BPA-free
- The easy-to-read, backlit LCD clock
- Limited three-year warranty
Cons
- The machine is bigger than other models and takes up a lot of countertop space
- The buttons and knobs feel fragile
- The brew cycle completion beep cannot be turned off
Our review
The Cuisinart DCC-2650 Extreme Brew coffee maker is designed for fast brewing and convenience, especially for small families or small office environments. The easily programmable settings and quick brews mean that you don’t have to stand around waiting for your coffee. As a larger coffee maker, the DCC-2650 makes for a good investment and is often ranked as the best pick for machines under $100. These are some top features for this model:
Brew strength control
This Cuisinart coffee maker includes a Brew Strength Control that lets the user choose either regular or bold coffee brews. This amenity is an ideal feature for a family or office where the coffee drinkers may have different tastes.
Extreme Brew feature
The Cuisinart DCC-2650 coffee maker has an Extreme Brew feature that cuts down on brewing time by up to 25%. For the family on the go, this feature can be beneficial.
Glass carafe
The DCC-2650 Extreme Brew has a glass carafe with a capacity of up to 12 cups. The carafe has a drip-free pour spout to prevent spills when serving the coffee. A comfortable handle and knuckle guard to protect your hand from touching hot glass is also included with this model.
Self-Cleaning
This model’s self-cleaning feature ensures your coffee will be free from limescale and other impurities that buildup within the machine with time and use. The charcoal water filter included with the DCC-2650 also works to remove any sediment from the coffee maker.
Brew Pause
The Brew Pause feature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee even if the brewing cycle is still engaged. The coffee maker is designed to continue the brewing process from the point of interruption, so you no longer have to wait until the entire brew process is done to have your hot cup of coffee.
Programmable options and automatic shut-off
There is no need to wait for that fresh cup of coffee in the morning with the programmable options on the machine that let you start the brewing process any time within a 24-hour period. Also featured is a 0 – 4-hour automatic shut-off option that turns the coffee maker off every time it’s not in use.
Cuisinart DCC-3200 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
As a 14-cup programmable coffee maker, the Cuisinart DCC-3200 is built for heavy use and is available at a more than reasonable price for its coffee making capacities. There aren’t too many bells and whistles on this model, but it gets the job done well and at high volume. If you are in the market for a larger capacity, mid-priced coffee maker, the Cuisinart DCC-3200 might be the model you are looking for.
Pros
- Both large and small batch compatible
- Reasonably priced for its capacity
- Easy to use
- Can brew up to 14-cups
- Offers different brew strength levels of either regular or bold flavors
- A showerhead style spigot for extended extraction time
- Includes water filters to reduce descaling
- Self-cleaning feature
- Water heating system to keep coffee hot longer
- Stainless steel construction
- Limited three-year warranty
Cons
- The machine is larger compared to other more compact coffee makers
- A thermal metal carafe cannot be used with this model
- This model boils off a lot of steam and is not appropriate for placement underneath a cabinet while in use
Our review
The Cuisinart DCC-3200 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is an ideal brewing selection for large coffee-drinking families or medium-sized offices or shared spaces. The capacity of this drip coffee maker makes it stand out from other, more traditional 12-cup models. The machine is easily programmable and includes all the convenient features you should expect from a brand name coffee maker.
Heating system
This Cuisinart model can reach almost 200℉ meaning your coffee is not going to go cold for some time. The heating system’s technology keeps the water hot for a more extended period, creating a lengthier extraction time. This system is beneficial for coffee drinkers who end up adding more grounds to reach the desired coffee strength.
Machine size
With its 14-cup capacity, the DCC-3200 works as both a personal or family coffee maker and as coffee for entertaining large groups or crowds. Unlike many coffee maker manufacturers who measure cups according to European standards, Cuisinart puts their coffee cup standard at 5 ounces. Therefore, the DCC-3200 can create up to 70 ounces of brewed coffee, plenty for whoever shows up at the door.
Programmable brewing and automatic shut-off
The Cuisinart DCC-320 is all about hands-free brewing. The easy-to-use interface lets you program when the machine should turn on and make that first batch of hot, fresh coffee. The automatic shut-off feature functions from 0 – 4 hours after brewing, so you never have to worry about remembering to shut off the machine.
Self-cleaning and filtration system
The self-cleaning system in the DCC-3200 means you don’t have to lift a finger to clean the inside of the coffee maker. Simply press the self-cleaning button and let the machine do the rest. This coffee maker comes with a charcoal filtration system which removes limescale, chlorine, and other impurities. This cleaning feature also reduces calcium carbonate.
Adjustable temperature control
The Cuisinart DCC-3200 includes a control panel that allows the hot plate to be set to different heat settings, including low, medium, or high. The high settings are perfect for slower coffee drinkers while the low setting works best for those who down their cup of joe quickly.
Brew Pause feature
This Cuisinart model also includes a Brew Pause feature which lets you pour a cup of coffee mid-brew without creating a mess. The coffee maker senses the carafe removal and stops the brewing process. It restarts once the carafe is returned to the hot plate.
What’s the Difference Between these Cuisinart Coffee Makers?
Which model is better: the DCC-1200, DCC-2650, or DCC-3200? The answer depends entirely on what you want out of your coffee maker.
The Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is the ideal model for the individual or dual users who want a great cup of coffee but who don’t want to pay a fortune for it. This low-priced model includes above-average features, including the Brew Pause feature, programmable settings, and automatic shut-off.
How does the Cuisinart DCC-2650 Brew Central Extreme Brew Coffee Maker differ from the DCC-1200? While both coffee makers have the same amenities as the self-cleaning system and the programmable settings, the DCC-2650 offers the Extreme Brew feature that brews coffee up to 25% faster than other models. It also has a slightly higher capacity and would work well for a small family or small office setting.
The Cuisinart DCC-3200 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is different from the DCC-1200 and DCC-2650 models because it offers a 14-cup capacity, more than most regular coffee makers on the market today. It does offer similar options as the other two Cuisinart models we have reviewed, but this coffee maker is larger, bulkier, and more appropriate for large families, medium offices, and entertaining.
Depending on what features you want and which coffee maker best fits your lifestyle, any of these three Cuisinart coffee makers will suit your brewing needs and provide hot, fresh, rich coffee for you every morning. That makes the Cuisinart a coffee maker worth the investment.
