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Best Cuisinart Coffee Makers

Updated August 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer
Cuisinart
12-Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A modern machine with dual capabilities to brew traditionally or one cup at a time.

Pros

A unique concept offering traditional 12-cup and single-cup brewing all in one. Has coffee strength selector and is compatible with a variety of pods and K-Cups.

Cons

The 2-in-1 design comes with one of the highest price tags. Other concerns include occasional reservoir leaks and coffee spattering from the single brew side.

Best Bang for the Buck
Cuisinart 14 Cup Programmable with Glass Carafe
Cuisinart
14 Cup Programmable with Glass Carafe
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Bargain Choice
Bottom Line

This 14-cup maker has a lot to offer, including adjustable temperature to maintain control and brew strength variation technology.

Pros

Garners praise for brewing great-tasting coffee with its unique technology capable of maintaining very hot brew temperatures without compromising flavor. Has a large 14-cup capacity and an attractive modern look.

Cons

An occasional leak around the spout of the carafe has been reported. Control buttons and the LED display have been known to malfunction.

Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker
Cuisinart
Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

We love this choice for its comprehensive design, including a built-in grinder for on-the-spot fresh coffee grounds.

Pros

Includes a double-insulated stainless steel carafe. Programmable brew times with pause and auto shutoff features. Brews up to 12 cups at once. Built-in bean hopper and burr grinder.

Cons

Some complaints of the carafe leaking when pouring. The grounds can make cleaning the machine difficult.

Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Touchscreen Coffeemaker
Cuisinart
14-Cup Programmable Touchscreen Coffeemaker
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Sleek & Functional
Bottom Line

This sleek and easy-to-use machine features a touchscreen interface for programming your morning cup of joe.

Pros

Includes 14-cup glass carafe. Touchscreen display is easy to read, operate, and clean. Includes features like programmable brew times and brew strength. Capable of self-cleaning.

Cons

The water reservoir can overflow easily, and the machine itself is rather loud.

Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup
Cuisinart
Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

For users who don't need a large-capacity coffee maker, it has some nice features and takes up a bit less space.

Pros

A sleek machine with a smaller footprint than some others by the brand but with similar features, including built-in burr grinder, charcoal water filter system, and thermal stainless steel carafe.

Cons

A few complaints that the coffee doesn't brew as hot as other models. Reports of a variety of quality concerns popping up after a short period of time.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best Cuisinart coffee makers

A cup of coffee is one of life’s simple delights, and any coffee aficionado knows how important it is to have a reliable high-quality coffee maker on the kitchen counter. There are plenty of options to choose from, but if you want a standout model, you can’t go wrong with a coffee maker from Cuisinart, one of the most trusted brands in kitchen appliances.

What’s great about Cuisinart’s coffee machines is that there is a model to suit nearly all budgets and all coffee-making preferences. From classic auto-drip coffee makers to convenient grind-and-brew machines to easy-to-use single-serve brewers, Cuisinart coffee makers can brew up a variety of coffee types quickly and easily, so you need never start your day without a fresh cup of joe.

But finding the right Cuisinart coffee maker is a challenge precisely because there are so many to choose from. You have to decide what type of machine, brewing capacity, and size you need and which special features you want. A buying guide with information about the key features and functions of Cuisinart coffee makers will make shopping easier.

Cusinart coffee maker
According to the National Coffee Association, the optimal water temperature for coffee brewing is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

Top considerations when choosing a Cuisinart coffee maker

Type

Cuisinart offers a variety of coffee maker types to fit your needs and preferences. Here’s a look at the different options you’ll find as you shop for your new machine.

Auto-drip coffee makers are the most common type of at-home coffee brewers. These classic models require filling a filter with ground coffee, adding water, and starting the appliance. Cuisinart offers auto-drip coffee makers that range from basic to feature-packed, depending on your budget and preferences.

Pour-over coffee makers are similar to auto-drip makers, but most coffee lovers find that they offer superior flavor extraction. Cuisinart’s pour-over coffee makers typically allow for more control over the brewing process than auto-drip models, so you can make adjustments to get the best coffee possible.

Cold-brew coffee makers help bring out a smoother, sweeter flavor and reduce the acid in coffee by using cool water to saturate the grounds. Cuisinart cold-brew models make cold-brew coffee in as little as 25 minutes, whereas making cold-brew coffee without a machine can take several hours.

Grind-and-brew coffee makers provide the freshest tasting coffee because they have a built-in grinder. These Cuisinart models automatically grind the beans before brewing, so you don’t have to do any extra work or invest in a separate burr grinder.

Percolator coffee makers feature a chamber for ground coffee and a separate chamber for water. A heating element boils the water, which is then forced upward to filter down through the ground coffee. While some percolators are stovetop models, Cuisinart offers electric percolators that contain their own heating element and must be plugged in to operate.

Single-serve coffee makers are designed to make individual servings of coffee and use pods or capsules of ground coffee. They are great for coffee lovers who prefer to brew one cup of coffee at a time and those who enjoy trying a variety of flavors without committing to an entire pot. Cuisinart offers standalone single-serve coffee makers as well as models that feature a traditional auto-drip machine on one side and a single-serve maker on the other. Either way, if you like the convenience of a single-serve model, the company has a machine that will fit your needs.

Capacity

You want to be sure that any Cuisinart coffee maker you choose is capable of producing the amount of coffee you need. If you live alone or are the only person who enjoys coffee in your home, you may not need to brew an entire pot of coffee. In those cases, a Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker is your best option.

If you live in a house full of coffee drinkers, like to have more than one cup of coffee at a time, or frequently entertain guests, you’ll want a coffee maker that brews larger quantities. Cuisinart offers coffee makers that brew as few as four cups of coffee at a time and larger models that can make up to 14 cups. For a coffee-loving family, a 4- to 10-cup brewer is usually a good choice. If you often entertain large groups or are buying a coffee maker for an office, you may prefer a model that makes 10 to 14 cups at a time. Even if you choose a model that can brew a large pot of coffee, the machine’s cup settings make it possible to make fewer cups when a full pot isn’t needed.

Size

In addition to brewing capacity, it’s also important to consider how much space a Cuisinart coffee maker takes up on your countertop. In general, the more features a coffee maker offers, the larger its footprint will be. Measure the area of the counter where you plan to put your coffee maker, and check the measurements against the dimensions of any Cuisinart model that you’re considering.

Cuisinart’s outstanding brew strength technology makes it easy to prepare everything from light roast coffee to bold espresso with barista-quality flavor.

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The best Cuisinart coffee maker features

Programmable

If you want hot, fresh coffee waiting for you when you rise, opt for a programmable coffee maker by the popular brand. You can program the coffee maker to brew at a specific time so your java is ready when you need it most. With 24-hour programmability, you can set the machine to brew a pot up to a day before you are ready to indulge.

Temperature control

The temperature coffee is brewed can affect its flavor and strength. Many Cuisinart coffee makers heat the water to a single temperature, so you’re unable to adjust it. But some models offer temperature controls, so you’re able to choose from low, medium, and high temperature options to get the perfect flavor out of your hot coffee.

Brew strength control

Some of the best Cuisinart coffee makers allow you to choose how strong you’d like your coffee during the brewing cycle. By slowing the speed at which hot water flows through the grounds, the maker produces a stronger brew, which means everyone in the family can get the ideal strength for their coffee.

Thermal carafe

If you can’t always drink your coffee as soon as it’s finished brewing, opt for a Cuisinart coffee maker with a thermal carafe. Instead of the usual glass carafe and hot plate, these models have a double-walled stainless steel container that’s designed to minimize heat loss. If you want to have a few cups of coffee throughout your morning, the thermal carafe prevents you from drinking cold coffee.

Self-cleaning cycle

Cleaning a coffee maker can be difficult, but some Cuisinart models have a self-cleaning cycle. You only have to fill the water reservoir with white vinegar and water and press the clean button to send the solution through the appliance to clean it. Performing this process frequently will keep coffee beverages tasting delicious brew after brew while protecting the machine from debris buildup.

Automatic shutoff

If you’ve ever gotten to the office and had a sinking feeling that you left your coffee maker on, look for a Cuisinart model with an auto-shutoff feature. Your coffee never burns, and you don’t ever have to worry about your coffee maker becoming a fire hazard.

Coffee filter

While some Cuisinart machines require paper filters, other models come with a permanent filter. The type of paper filter needed depends on the machine. Permanent filter baskets are designed to be reused and are easy to clean. Some are even dishwasher safe. Permanent filters will last for years when cared for properly, but replacements can be purchased from the company or retailers like Amazon if needed.

Water filter

Some of Cuisinart’s high-end coffee makers feature a charcoal water filter to help your coffee taste as delicious as possible. The filter removes impurities from the water that could affect coffee flavor.

Cuisinart coffee maker
DID YOU KNOW?
Many Cuisinart coffee makers include a gold-tone coffee filter that’s reusable and brings out the best flavor of your favorite coffee.
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Accessories

Coffee grinder

If you don’t purchase a Cuisinart grind-and-brew coffee maker and want to grind your beans just before brewing, you’ll want a coffee grinder to go with your coffee maker. Consider a grinder from Cuisinart that offers an extra-large bean capacity and multiple grind options to give you total control over the texture of your grounds.

Coffee mugs

Coffee lovers always need coffee mugs. Some of our favorites are made of stainless steel, which is not only unbreakable but also often features double-walled insulation to keep beverages warmer longer. There are lots of quality coffee mugs made of ceramic, glass, and even plastic as well.

Cuisinart coffee maker
DID YOU KNOW?
If you choose a Cuisinart coffee machine with a thermal carafe, chances are you’ll be impressed with how well it keeps coffee warm without the need for a warming plate.
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Cuisinart coffee maker prices

Cuisinart coffee makers vary in price based on their type, capacity, and features. Models range in price from $40 to $230.

Budget price

The most affordable Cuisinart coffee makers are auto-drip, cold brew, or percolator models. They typically cost between $40 and $80.

Mid-range

Middle price Cuisinart coffee makers cost from $100 to $180. Most machines in this price range are single serve or grind-and-brew models.

High-end

The priciest Cuisinart coffee makers are pour-over or combination models that feature an auto-drip side and a single-serve side. These units generally cost between $200 and $230, but they are worthy investments for avid coffee connoisseurs that like the idea of their versatility.

Many coffee makers by Cuisinart have a brew pause feature that temporarily halts the brewing process so you can grab a cup of joe before the machine is finished preparing a full pot.

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Tips

  • Make an informed decision before you buy. Checking out coffee maker reviews will help you select a model with a dedicated fan base of happy customers.
  • Whole beans are better. No matter what type or model of coffee maker you have, you’ll get the best tasting cup if you use whole beans and grind them yourself.
  • Enjoy the daily grind. Grind your coffee beans no more than 30 minutes before brewing your coffee in your coffee maker.
  • Know the benefit of using distilled water. If your coffee maker doesn’t have a built-in water filter, you can get a better-tasting cup of coffee if you use distilled water for brewing.
  • Program it and forget it. Cuisinart programmable coffeemakers offer an auto on function that will kick in at the time you set the coffee maker to begin the brewing process.
  • A clean carafe is a happy carafe. Wash your carafe regularly with hot water to purge it of any old coffee residue or grounds that could adversely affect your coffee’s flavor.
  • Perform occasional thorough cleanings, too. Because descaling the interior components of a coffee maker is important for achieving flavorful coffee, run a mixture of 1/3 part vinegar and 2/3 part water through your machine every few months.
Cusinart coffee maker
Cuisinart grind-and-brew coffee makers usually feature a professional-style burr grinder to provide a uniform consistency for its grounds.

FAQ

Q. What type of Cuisinart coffee maker is best if I have a small kitchen?

A. Cuisinart single-serve coffee makers typically have a slim, compact design, so they don’t take up much space on your countertop. But if you like to grind fresh beans, you’ll prefer a grind-and-brew model. Because these models contain their own built-in grinders, you only need room for one appliance on your countertop.

Q. Can I fit a travel mug in a Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker?

A. Cuisinart single-serve models feature a removable drip tray to accommodate larger cups or mugs. Simply remove the tray, and your to-go or commuter mug should fit without any problem.

Q. What type of warranty protection does Cuisinart offer for its coffee makers?

A. Cuisinart offers a three-year warranty for all its coffee makers. The warranty doesn’t cover damage that results from misuse or accidents, however.