The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Cuisinart Coffee Makers of 2022

 

Best Automatic Drip Coffee Makers

Cuisinart DCC-1100BK

If you are looking for the best value from the Cuisinart brand, the DC-1100BK is the coffee maker for you.  This machine is designed for people who are looking for a simple machine that does one thing…makes a pot of coffee.  Despite its relatively low price, this coffee maker looks great in your kitchen or office and offers some of the same perks of more expensive Cuisinart models.  

It’s programmable, so you can set it to have the coffee ready the moment you wake up or arrive at the office. The Cuisinart DC1100BK also comes with a reusable coffee filter and a charcoal water filter, purifying your water for the best tasting cup of coffee and helping you avoid the hassle of running out of paper filters. 

This coffee maker also comes with a pause brewing feature so you can sneak a cup on those days you just can’t wait for the machine to finish and features a 1 – 4 cup setting that allows you to brew a very small pot in a large machine without sacrificing taste.

When the machine needs cleaning, a light comes on to let you know, and this machine is available in black or white as well as in a smaller 10 cup model.

Cuisinart DCC-1200

Cup Capacity:12 Cups

Dimensions: 10 X 7 X 4

Features:

• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Brew Pause
• Adjustable automatic off (up to 4 hours)
• Clean alert 
• Charcoal water filter

The Cuisinart Brew Central is one of the most popular coffee pots on the market.  If you are looking for a quality coffee maker that is also budget friendly, then this one may be the best Cuisinart coffee maker for you.  It is programmable for up to 24 hours before brewing and comes with an automatic shut off feature that alleviates the dreaded fear of wondering..Did I turn off the coffee pot? 

If you just can’t wait for the brew cycle to finish, the Brew Central comes with a brew pause option so you can sneak a cup mid cycle, and if your morning at home varies, this machine provides you with a programmable automatic shut off of 0-4 hours so you can save on energy consumption those mornings you will be rushing out the door. 

It has an adjustable warming plate to prevent smaller pots from burning and comes with a built in charcoal filter to improve the taste of the water used to brew your morning pot.

The Brew Central also has a sleek and modern design that is still classic enough to fit into any kitchen and comes in a variety of colors, making it a perfect fit for the kitchen or office. 

Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee on Demand

Cup Capacity:12 Cups

Dimensions: 14.3 X 10.4 X 10.1

Features:

• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Adjustable automatic off (up to 4 hours)
• Clean alert and cycle
• Charcoal water filter

This unusual brewer combines the best of a traditional coffee maker with the convenience of a single serve machine.  The Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee on Demand brews an entire “pot” of coffee at once, but rather than dripping into a carafe, it fills an internal reservoir.  You then dispense one cup at a time into your mug.

Lack of a warming plate prevents the coffee from developing a burned taste.  The internal reservoir keeps the coffee hot while people drift into the kitchen throughout the morning for their morning cup.

This model is programmable and features a charcoal water filter to improve the taste of your coffee as well as a cleaning indicator light. Like many other Cuisinart coffee makers, this one too has a programmability feature which allows you to program the coffee pot 24 hours in advance, and if you only need 1-4 cups, it has a feature that allows you to optimize the water temperature and steeping time for a smaller brew.  

When it comes to cleaning, the reservoir can be removed for washing and since there is no carafe, you don’t have to deal with wiping up  those annoying drips onto the counter.

Cuisinart DCC-T20

Cup Capacity:14 Cups

Dimensions: 14 X 8.5 X 7.5

Features:

• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Adjustable automatic off (up to 4 hours)
• Adjustable brew strength
• Adjustable keep-warm temperature
• Clean alert and cycle
• Charcoal water filter

The Cuisinart DCC-T20 is a traditional coffee maker with a modern twist. This newer version of the Cuisinart PerfecTemp comes with a touch screen instead of traditional buttons and goes to sleep when you’re not using it, giving it a sleek and modern look.  Its 14-cup capacity and its programmability makes it an ideal coffee maker for large households, entertaining guests, or those lazy weekends where you return throughout the morning for cup after cup.

This machine is extremely programmable and allows you to control how hot you want your coffee to be as well as how long you want the coffee maker to stay on before automatically shutting itself off.

Finally, if others in your house are still asleep or you just don’t want to hear that annoying “coffee ready” beep first thing in the morning, this machine allows you to turn the sound off giving you a blissfully quiet morning. 

Best Coffee Maker for Cold Brew

Cuisinart DCB-10C Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Cup Capacity: 7 Cups

Dimensions: 11.65 X 15.28 X 8.9

Features:

• Strength Selector
• Removable Water Tank
• Removable glass carafe for storage
• Coffee Release lever with indicator light

While traditional cold brewing methods can take anywhere from 12 – 24 hours, Cuisinart has introduced a new way to make cold brew in as little as 25 minutes.  

The cold brew process produces a smooth, full-bodied cup of coffee using cold or room temperature water to brew the coffee, extracting fewer bitter flavors and a less acidic and more balanced morning cup.

The DCB-10C makes up to 7 cups of cold brew and offers you three different strength option at the touch of a button.  Mild coffee brews for 25 minutes, Medium for 35 minutes, and Bold for 45 minutes.  The coffee can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated in the glass carafe for up to 2 weeks and still maintain its fresh flavor.

While you brew the coffee with cold water, it can be enjoyed either hot or iced.  Just pop a cup in the microwave if you prefer your coffee hot. 

Clean up is a breeze since all removable parts are dishwasher safe and the removable permanent filter means you don’t have the added expense of purchasing paper filters.

Best Grind and Brew Coffee Makers

Cuisinart DGB-900BC

Cup Capacity:12 Cups

Dimensions: 9.75 X 12.95 X 17.85

Features:

• Burr Grinder
• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Adjustable automatic off (up to 4 hours)
• Adjustable brew strength
• Charcoal water filter
• Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe
• Brew Pause

If you prefer freshly ground coffee but don’t want to deal with the hassle of grinding the beans and keeping up with an extra appliance, the Cuisinart DGB-900BC will do the job for you.  It can easily grind the beans and brew 12 cups of great tasting coffee in a matter of minutes. 

It comes with the standard Cuisinart features such as programmable auto on and off functions, a reusable filter basket, and a charcoal water filter.

Depending on your preference, the brew strength feature allows you to set your coffee to brew mild, medium, or bold and the double wall stainless steel thermal carafe removes the need for a warming plate – therefore no extra energy usage.  The carafe will keep your coffee warm for hours so you can come back for cup after cup throughout the morning or leave it on the breakfast table without worrying about it getting cold.

 Can’t wait for your first cup?  Cuisinart’s brew pause option will allow you to sneak a cup before the brewing cycle has finished and if you are brewing for one, the DGB-900BC also comes with a 2-4 cup brew cycle giving the versatility of a large and small coffee maker all in one machine.

The burr grinder on this coffee maker is its most notable feature. Far superior to a traditional blade grinder, the burr grinder grinds the coffee into uniformly even grounds for consistent brewing. This machine even offers several grind size options to choose from, catering to your perfect morning cup.

Cuisinart DGB-800

Cup Capacity:12 Cups

Dimensions: 16.3 X 11.6 X 8.3

Features:

• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Adjustable automatic off (up to 4 hours)
• Adjustable brew strength
• Charcoal water filter

If you prefer to brew your coffee with fresh ground beans but don’t want the hassle of dealing with multiple appliances, the Cuisinart DGB-800 just may be the coffee maker for you.  It eliminates the need for a separate grinder and streamlines the coffee making process into a one-step procedure.

This grind and brew coffee maker features a burr grinder that grinds the beans to a consistently even size and then transfers the coffee grounds directly into the filter basket. Occasionally you will need to clean the grinder, which is an additional chore when it comes to care and maintenance but we think having fresh ground beans each morning is well worth the hassle. 

If you need to use pre-ground coffee, you have the option to turn the grinder off, and if someone in your house is still asleep, you may choose to do just that.  The grinder on this machine is loud enough to wake up anyone who’s still asleep!

As with the other high end Cuisinart coffee makers, this one comes with lots of extras including a charcoal water filter and the ability to control the strength of your brew, all the way to how long the coffee maker stays on before automatically shutting off. 

Best Single Serve Coffee Makers

Cuisinart SS-10

Cup Capacity:12 Cups

Dimensions: 11.03 X 9.33 X 12.13

Features:

• 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounce brew options
• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Adjustable automatic off (30 minutes)
• Adjustable brew temperature
• Charcoal water filter
• Clean alert and cycle
• Single serve filter basket included

The Cuisinart SS-10 is a premium coffee maker that is designed to compete with the best of single serve brewers.  Coffee can be brewed by inserting a disposable K-cup or by using the reusable filter cup that comes with the machine.  The addition of the reusable filter cup affords you the ability to use locally roasted specialty beans that you may not be able to find in a K-cup.

It comes with an easy to read back-lit LCD screen that allows you to program all of the features Cuisinart is known for, such as automatic on and off, and brew temperature.  This single serve machine also offers 5 different cup sizes ranging from 4 – 12 ounces providing a brew to suit anyone’s taste.  

The SS-10 comes with the convenience of a 72 ounce removable water reservoir and charcoal water filter,  alleviating the need to constantly fill the machine and improving the taste of the coffee.

If you have children or a tea lover in the house, this unit can also serve as a hot water dispenser for a cup of tea, hot cocoa, or even a quick packet of instant oatmeal, making it a great fit for the office too.

Cuisinart SS-15

Cup Capacity:12 Cups

Dimensions: 14.7 X 11.3 X 8.9

Features:

• 6, 8, and 10 ounce brew options
• Brews a 12 cup carafe
• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Adjustable automatic off (up to 4 hours)
• Adjustable brew strength
• Adjustable carafe temperature
• Charcoal water filter
• Clean alert and cycle

This coffee maker offers the ultimate in flexibility.  If you need only one cup at a time, there’s a single-serve brewer that works with either K-cups or your own reusable coffee filter, but if you need a large pot for a lazy weekend morning or when hosting a brunch, it can also deliver a 12-cup carafe.

In true Cuisinart fashion, it features a glass carafe and durable stainless-steel construction.  It is programmable up to 24 hours so you can wake up each morning to a fresh brew, and comes with a clean cycle option making clean up simple.

The convenience of having two machines in one does come with one major drawback…this machine takes up considerably more counter space than your average single serve machine so if you live in a small apartment where counterspace is a hot commodity and need both functions, you may want to opt for two separate machines so you can store the one you are not using.

Best Coffee Maker With Hot Water Tap

Cuisinart CHW-12

Cup Capacity:12 Cups

Dimensions: 14.3 X 10.3 X 9.5

Features:

• Hot water dispenser
• Programmable
• Permanent filter
• Adjustable automatic off (up to 4 hours)
• Adjustable carafe temperature
• Charcoal water filter
• Clean alert 

This coffee maker was designed for the household with both coffee and tea lovers.  In addition to brewing a pot of coffee, the Cuisinart CHW-12 has a dual design that can dispense hot water for a quick cup of tea, hot cocoa, or even instant oatmeal.

In addition to the added hot water dispenser, this machine offers a 1 – 4 cup setting, 24 hour programmable feature, and a self cleaning function.

The hot water dispenser comes with a safety lock to prevent hot water from being accidentally dispensed, which is a must have if you have small children in your home. 

This machine also comes in a 10 cup model if you are looking to save a little counter space.

What’s so great about Cuisinart coffee makers?

The Cuisinart brand has been around since 1973 when they first came on the market to introduce the world to food processors. After the success of the food processor, Cuisinart continued with their innovation, bringing a variety of appliances into kitchens everywhere.  40 plus years later, they are still committed to the goal of bringing nothing but the best appliances into the kitchens of the world. 

Cuisinart’s coffee makers are no exception to this innovation.  Each product is innovative and well thought out.  All of their coffee makers come with thorough user manuals detailing how each machine operates.  A water filter is included in almost every coffee maker to ensure the best tasting water produces the best tasting coffee.  All but one model comes with a reusable filter and all but one model features a programmable automatic shut off. Many of the components of each coffee maker are dishwasher safe, making clean up a breeze and finally, Cuisinart coffee makers come with an unusually long 3 year warranty…just in case something goes wrong.

Features of Cuisinart coffee makers

Programmable

The majority of Cuisinart coffee makers are programmable.  All you need to do is fill the water reservoir to the appropriate level, add the coffee grounds to the filter and press a button. You can program the coffee maker to brew at whatever time you like.  This feature is a must for busy people on the go or if you have an early morning.  Afterall, what is better than waking up to a fresh, piping hot cup of coffee?

Pause Brewing

Can’t wait for that first cup?  The brew pause option on Cusiniart’s coffee makers is intended just for you.  Cuisinart machines stop the flow of coffee from the basket each time the carafe is removed from the coffee maker, so you can sneak a cup mid-brew without having to worry about cleaning up a mess.. 

Programmable Automatic shutoff

Have you ever been on your way to work and suddenly can’t remember if you turned off an appliance?  Cuisinart coffee makers alleviate that worry.  Your machine will cut off after a determined amount of time, saving you the worry, but what really sets Cuisinart apart, is that on many of its machines, this feature is customizable.  You can program the coffee maker to turn off anywhere from immediately after brewing to four hours later.

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Temperature Control

Most Cuisinart coffee makers come with a customizable temperature controlled warming plate.  The ability to set the warming plate to High, Medium, or Low is another feature that sets Cuisinart apart.  If you are brewing a 12 cup pot of coffee, you will probably want the warmer on high, but if you are brewing a smaller pot, too high of a heat setting can cause the coffee to develop a burned taste.  Cuisinart’s customizable temperature control feature will allow each sip of coffee to taste exactly the same whether it is freshly brewed or a couple of hours later. 

Water filter

Coffee drinkers around the world agree that freshly filtered water makes the best cup of coffee, but not everyone has time to filter their water each morning before brewing a morning pot.  Cuisinart’s built in charcoal filter does this for you.  The filter is placed in the water reservoir and filters the water before it is pumped into the brew basket meaning you get the flavor of coffee made with freshly filtered water without having to do any of the work.

Self cleaning

Many of Cuisinart’s coffee makers offer a self-clean feature.  This feature means you only need to worry about cleaning the carafe and brew basket and can let the machine do the rest of the work.  Before using this feature for the first time, be sure to read the user’s manual.  While it is an easy feature to use, each machine is a little different so the instruction manual is a great resource.  Threw away the user’s manual?  Never fear, Cuisinart has all of its product manuals available on its website for easy reference.  (https://www.cuisinart.com/manuals/coffee_makers)

Warranty

The average lifespan of a coffee maker is 3-10 years, but most coffee makers only come with a one year warranty.  Cuisinart sets themselves apart and stands by their brand by offering a three year warranty.  This unusually long warranty will give you peace of mind that the coffee maker will perform well throughout its life.

Things to consider when buying a coffee maker

Don’t just dive into your coffee maker purchase.  Thinking about a few basics will help you find the best Cuisinart coffee maker for your particular space.  Where will you use your coffee maker?  Is it for your kitchen or for your office?  What features do you want it to offer?  Taking a few seconds to think these things through will ensure you will find the best coffee maker for your home or office.

Will it fit?

Nothing is worse than finding the perfect coffee maker only to realize it doesn’t clear your kitchen cabinets. Sure you could buy a small table to set up your new machine but do you really have room for it? 

Before you begin shopping, measure the space you intend to keep your new coffee maker.  How much counter space can you spare?  How much room do you have below your cabinets?

Keep in mind, even if your machine fits under the cabinet, you will most likely need to pull it out to fill the water reservoir and add the coffee grinds into the filter.  

Cup Size

How much coffee do you need your machine to brew? When selecting a coffee maker, think about how many people will be enjoying coffee each morning and how many cups each will drink.  Remember, a “cup” of coffee is only 5 ounces but most of us use mugs that hold 8 ounces or more.  This means a typical 12 cup coffee maker brews enough coffee for approximately seven mugs.  If you have two coffee drinkers who will easily drink 2 – 3 cups each morning, a 4 cup coffee maker is not going to get the job done.

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Brew strength

A good thing to keep in mind when shopping for a new coffee maker is that not all coffee makers brew equally.  Think about what kind of coffee you prefer.  Do you want a coffee that is smooth and mild or do you prefer coffee that delivers a kick?  A coffee maker with an adjustable brew strength will allow you to tailor your morning cup to your own distinct flavor preferences.

Brewing speed

Let’s face it, we live in a fast paced world. If you want your coffee maker to keep up with your fast paced life, brewing speed is one of the essential factors to consider when choosing a new coffee maker.  Older coffee maker models can take time to brew the entirety of their water reservoir but fortunately, technology has improved this factor. Some of Cuisinart’s models can brew an entire pot of coffee in only 5 minutes, so if you have a hectic schedule and need a boost of energy fast, make sure you consider this feature.

Durability

A coffee maker is an appliance used daily so you need to consider how you plan on using your machine.  Will it live on your kitchen counter?  Is it for the office where many people will be using it?  Are you looking for a coffee maker to send to college with your teenager?  As a rule, stainless steel coffee makers are the most durable and stainless steel carafes will not break as easily as glass carafes.  Stainless steel coffee makers also tend to be more expensive than other models so keep in mind how you plan to use your machine before deciding which is the best Cuisinart coffee maker for you. 

Temperature capability

Most of us enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning but we often don’t even think of exact temperature when it comes to brewing coffee. The brewing temperature is another vital factor to consider.  The amount of heat a coffee maker can generate can significantly impact the flavor of your brew.  You want to look for a coffee maker that has a brewing temperature between 195° F and 205° F.  Any hotter and your coffee will taste bitter and burnt but any cooler and the essential oils will not be properly extracted, leaving your coffee lacking in flavor.

What kind of carafe

Cuisinart coffee makers feature carafes that come in either glass or metal.  You will pay a premium for a model that features a thermal carafe, but it will keep your coffee warm without burning it and will save energy in the long run since a warming plate is not needed. 

When shopping for a Cuisinart coffee maker, consider how quickly you will go through your morning brew.  If you are going to fill a travel mug on your way out the door, a less expensive model with a glass carafe is perfect but if you entertain frequently, a thermal carafe can be brought to the table where it will provide your guests with cup after cup of warm coffee, making it worth the extra money.  

All of Cuisinart’s carafes are top-rack dishwasher safe, but the thermal carafes do not fit in the top shelf of all dishwashers.  If your dishwasher has an adjustable top rack, you are good to go but if not, you may end up hand washing that thermal carafe, which can be difficult with its narrow opening. 

Price range

As a general rule of thumb, the more money you can spend on an appliance the better quality the machine and the more bells and whistles it usually offers.  That said, a less expensive machine doesn’t have to mean low quality.  Cuisinart is known for manufacturing high quality coffee makers, even for their budget friendly models.  While you may have to sacrifice a few of the extra features such as programmability, you can still find a quality coffee maker even if you are on a tight budget.

How to care for and maintain your cuisinart coffee maker

Regular cleaning can lengthen the life of your coffee maker considerably.  Cleaning instructions are pretty self-explanatory, but we can’t emphasize enough the importance of reading your instruction manual when it comes to cleaning…especially for the fancier models and single serve machines.

Regular maintenance

Wash all the removable parts (the carafe, lid, and filter basket) thoroughly after every use.  Coffee can leave behind an oil residue that builds up over time and leaves your coffee tasting bitter.  Washing after each use, either in the dishwasher or by hand, is very important.

Basic cleaning instructions

When the clean alert light comes on, or when your coffee maker begins to take longer than usual to brew, it is time to descale. Over time, mineral deposits from the water you use for brewing will build up inside the machine, slowing it down and affecting the flavor of your coffee.  

Start by removing the charcoal water filter and then running a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water through a brew cycle.  Repeat with a second brew of a fresh water/vinegar solution and then follow up with two brewing cycles of plain water.  Make sure you replace the charcoal filter before placing the filter arm back into the machine.

Single serve machines

If you are using a single serve coffee maker, the needle that pierces the single serve cup may get clogged.  A clogged needle will leave you with a smaller cup size than you selected or grounds in your coffee.  To unclog the needle, remove and disassemble the pod holder.  Then use a small paper clip to clear any residue inside the needle.  Be sure to refer to your user manual for complete instructions. 

Troubleshooting

Every machine can have problems from time to time.  A few of the most common issues and their solutions are listed below.

Brewing process does not start or stop 

You may need to clean the coffee maker.  Not starting on time or stopping in the middle of a brewing cycle can be caused by a mineral deposit blockage.  A buildup of mineral deposits inside the machine can cause a blockage and prevent the coffee maker from brewing. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening.

Lid is leaking

One of the most common problems reported is the leaking of coffee from the lid.  Occasionally this can be a result of a broken or cracked lid but more often than not, it is caused by a lid that has been put on slightly crooked, or a lit that is clogged.  If you have already made sure the lid is tightly secured, and the leak continues, you probably have a clog.  Coffee oil residue mixed with dust from the grinds is usually your problem.  Remove the lid and soak it in a mixture of half vinegar and half water for 30 minutes.  Then using a soft brush, thoroughly scrub away any coffee residue.  

Filter is overflowing

Each filter is only capable of holding a certain amount of coffee grounds.  If you try to over fill the filter, it can result in grounds in your coffee and in some cases, a mess all over your counter.  The best way to prevent overflowing is to double-check the machine’s capacity before brewing.

A clogged filter basket can also cause the coffee to overflow because water cannot flow through the basket quickly enough.  Cleaning the brew basket with dish soap and water after each use can prevent overflow.  If you haven’t cleaned the brew basket in awhile, it may need a soak in hot soapy water to remove the excess coffee oil residue.

Conclusion

Cuisinart makes top-notch appliances and its coffee makers are some of the best.  Whether you are looking for a single-seve, automatic drip, grind and brew, or percolator, Cuisinart has you covered so use our helpful reviews to pick the best Cuisinart coffee maker for your morning brew.