Grace7000 Senior Member Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 3 Location: Long Island, NY Expertise: Beginner
Posted Thu Jan 16, 2003, 7:25pm Subject: Help a newbie! Need Opinion on Cuisinart Models
I have finally given up on my Cuisinart 10-cup Automatic Grind & Brew Coffeemaker. I loathe trying to clean this thing. It’s not so much the grind and basket part – logically I know that is necessary and reasonable for a built in grinder. However, the part the holds water is grotesque and impossible to clean. I literally have to put the entire unit (cord and all) in the sink and I still can’t get all of the excess grinds and beans out of there. It seems to be a very poor design. In addition, I can only make 6 cups of coffee with the grinder option since it doesn’t hold enough beans to make a 10 cup pot.
I have a gift certificate for Sharper Image and noticed two attractive stainless steel models there:
I would like to buy one of these models but don’t want to end up disappointed again. From reading through some of your posts I get the impression that Grind & Brew models are not highly regarded. Does anyone have specific experience with this model (especially as it compares to the Automatic Grind & Brew by Cuisinart)? Will I run into the same problems? Other review sites seemed to indicate that this model is an improvement over the first but your analysis seems more precise here.
Also what are your opinions on the Brew Central? It appears to rate well on your website and at least one of your senior member use it. However, I have one BIG conern. On another website a review stated
“Cuisinart really should have spent more time thinking about how to make a good batch of coffee, because that is the one thing tat the DCC-1200 cannot do. The hole that drains the basket where the coffee grounds are placed is too large, causing the basket to drain too quickly. This means that the coffee will not steep long enough to extract all the flavor from the grounds, causing the coffee that is produced to be bland and flavorless. Which is terribly disappointing, given the high price of this coffee machine.”
Is that true? I am up at 5:20 am every morning and then off to an hour and forty minute commute. I want to enjoy a few good cups of coffee. I watched Alton Brown on "Good Eats" (Food Network) and understand that extraction time is key to a good cup of coffee.
I would appreciate your feedback on any of these Cuisinart models. I would be happy to post feedback once I have my new coffee maker!
Rhonda Senior Member Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Virginia Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Thu Feb 24, 2005, 11:59am Subject: Re: Help a newbie! Need Opinion on Cuisinart Models
I have bought 2 Cuisinart Grind and Brew machines within the last year and they have both stopped working within 6 months. I have model # 86279-00100 and the other day it just stopped working - no lights, just totally dead. It made a good cup of coffee, but it was very difficult to clean. Also, Cuisinart is not good about responding to emails for warranty information. I have sent them 2 and they have not responded. I have also called their 800# and after holding for awhile they just disconnect you. I'd take a look at some other brands -I know I won't be buying another Cuisinart - could be that I've just had bad luck, but the company is not helpful at all.
SnTholiday Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 50 Location: Sacramento Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Mr. Coffee burr Vac Pot: Yama Drip: Technivorm KB741 Roaster: Popper II and Pumper
Posted Fri Feb 25, 2005, 3:12pm Subject: Re: Help a newbie! Need Opinion on Cuisinart Models
“Cuisinart really should have spent more time thinking about how to make a good batch of coffee, because that is the one thing tat the DCC-1200 cannot do. The hole that drains the basket where the coffee grounds are placed is too large, causing the basket to drain too quickly. This means that the coffee will not steep long enough to extract all the flavor from the grounds, causing the coffee that is produced to be bland and flavorless. Which is terribly disappointing, given the high price of this coffee machine.”
I bought the Cuisinart Brew Central prior to purchasing a Technivorm and returned it. IMO the above comments are correct, the coffee produced by the CBC is weak and lacks flavor. You need to add more coffee to get even decent results, then you risk overflow of the grinds into the water tank.
Posted Fri Feb 25, 2005, 5:54pm Subject: Re: Help a newbie! Need Opinion on Cuisinart Models
In this day and age, I'm flabbergasted that manufacturers are still putting out drip machines that aren't calibrated for fresh coffee. It's a common failing not to leave enough room for the bloom. That's why I use a Chemex or a pourover filter holder for drip.
joepfohl Senior Member Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Posts: 205 Location: Pompey, NY Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Solis Maestro Drip: Bodum+BonJour FP, Melitta... Roaster: Fresh Roast Plus 8, Cast...
Posted Fri Feb 25, 2005, 10:01pm Subject: Re: Help a newbie! Need Opinion on Cuisinart Models
Well...I can't count the number of times I've said it but I would, if I were you, invest in a nice french press and electric tea kettle. You can probably pick up the two for a lot less than the price of your one cusinart auto drip. Besides being a far better deal it allows you much more precice controll over water temp, brew time, and grounds to water ratio. When you buy an auto drip coffee maker they are designed to make a full batch. With a french press you can make as much or as little as you want. The only thing you may want to consider before rushing out and buying the press and kettle is the fact that french presses leave a little sludge in the cup and take a little more clean up. If you are willing to deal with this you will get a far superior brew. I guarantee it. Take a look at this(www.coffeegeek.com)article. Tell us all what you think and good luck!! I hope I peaked your interest!!!
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