This review is actually for a Kenmore DCC-KE12 which is almost identical in appearance and features to the Cuisinart Brew Central. Probably the same OEM and model.
This model has a backlit circular LCD analog-style clock, is programmable to start brewing hours after water and grounds are loaded, has settings for how long the hotplate is on and its temperature, and has a setting for 1-4 cups which probably has an initially hotter brew temperature. It comes with a metal gold-type filter, or can use #4 paper filters. It optionally uses a small water filter cartridge (activated charcoal?), of which one is provided.
This model makes a decent large pot of coffee. Even with freshly roasted, finely ground beans, nothing has bloomed out of the basket when making up to 10 cups (unit is rated for up to 12 5-ounce cups). I measured in-basket temperatures of 195-198 degrees, hotter than other brewers where I've made similar measurements. The spray device above the grounds appears to saturate grounds evenly. Even when I'm sloppy at leveling the grounds they are even when I take them out after brewing. The brewing duration for 8-10 cups has not made me impatient. Interrupting in mid-brew is allowed by pullling out the carafe, and the resulting valve shutoff has never let anything drip onto the hotplate when the carafe is removed for pouring.
Regarding maintenance, enough parts are removable for quick washing. The water filter takes a little dexterity to change; everything else is simple.
It has worked 100% reliably for several months. I usually use it to make 8 cups, two of which accompany breakfast and the rest of which usually go into a thermos to haul to work.
The retro-chrome, blocky aesthetics may appeal to some. I like the clock, which eliminated needing to have another clock in the kitchen.
Three minor downsides: it is difficult to tell how much water is in the brewer after one has poured; thus one must always measure in advance. Condensation on the top of the flip top above the basket will dribble onto the counter behind the brewer unless the flip top is angled at flatter than vertical. One pours water into the machine near its back edge, so it has to be kept near the edge of a counter (at least while filling) rather than in a recess under a cabinet.
One larger downside of this whole genre: after brewing it is best to hold coffee in an insulated carafe or thermos rather than to continue to apply heat using a hotplate. This hotplate-using model has two moderating factors: programmable temperature of the hot plate, and programmable duration. When not using a thermos, I select minima of both to minimize the cooking effect, and sometimes I will have to reheat in a microwave.
I suppose it is worth US$50. I prefer the thermal carafe genre but the ones I've owned have either had poor carafes or operational problems (blooming out of the basked, clogged carafe entry, nonoperational brew interrupt). This one at least does the basic job reliably. |
