Cuisinart Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew 12 Cup Coffeemaker Review

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(More customer reviews)Review for: Cuisinart Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew 12 Cup Coffeemaker
First a heads-up... the product's picture shows a "black" carafe which might lead you to believe it is a thermal carafe. This is not the case, it is actually a glass carafe filled to the brim with coffee. As such, be forewarned that this product does not include a thermal carafe (I was fooled, but it's interesting to note that Amazon suggested I include "thermal carafe" when "tagging" this review.) Instead, it ships with a glass carafe and features a hot-plate that has a programmable auto shut-off.
My disappointment with the carafe aside, this product has worked marvelously (received it three weeks ago.) It houses a burr grinder as opposed to a cheap blade grinder. It cleans up very easily compared to my old "Melitta MEMB1 Mill & Brew" (less than two minutes to rinse the carafe and filter-chamber/cap; after drying it's ready to be loaded with a new filter in less than 30 seconds.) The bean-hopper has a good seal to it, although I am unsure as to whether the clear plastic used offers UV protection (I would prefer to see a shaded plastic used to protect the beans inside; but I suppose the clear plastic offers a better design-element and the functionality of being able to see the level of beans inside.) And, in terms of the most important aspect, it makes great tasting coffee! (My girlfriend still marvels daily at how good the coffee is.)
Having owned and operated a coffee shop a few years back, I thought I might emphasize the importance of buying a burr grinder vs a blade grinder (for those of you who are interested and new to the art of making gourmet coffee.) First, burr grinders do not produce nearly the level of heat that can be produced by blade grinders. Heat denatures the delicate flavors of the beans (which is also why I was disappointed by having a glass carafe that sits over a direct source of high-heat.) Second, burr grinders ensure that each particle of ground coffee is consistent in size; meaning flavor extraction can be truly optimized and achieved with consistency... The flavor of your coffee is based on the contact time between the beans' chemicals and water; varied sizes of particles means the chemicals are exposed to water for varying amounts of time, and the chemicals have varied distances to travel to escape the fibers of the bean particles. A blade grinder results in variably-variable sizes of particles... meaning variable flavors escaping the clutches of the bean fibers. If you are planning to spend the extra money to buy high-quality beans, it is important to both preserve the chemicals inside (destroyed by heat, light and oxygen) and to extract them in a reasonable manner that enables isolation of the chemicals responsible for "good" flavors.
If the science of coffee interests you, Scientific American had a great article written by Ernesto Illy in June 2002, titled "The Complexity of Coffee." At only 6 pages, it's a pretty quick read and well worth the time. Here's a link: [...]

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Factory-Reconditioned Cuisinart DCC-1200FR Brew Central 12-Cup Coffeemaker, Brushed Stainless Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)Would I buy this coffee maker for the full price of the new model? Probably not. But the reconditioned one is a great value.
It looks great, as is apparent from the photo. Keep in mind, though, that as a reconditioned unit, it may have some minor blemishes to its appearance. Mine, for example, has a very small dent in the stainless steel on its left side. It's not noticable unless you're looking for it, and that alone wouldn't keep me from recommending this coffee maker. (Also, as previous reviewers have noted, this model does NOT come with a permanent filter like the new model does.)
What's a little iffier about it, though, are a couple strange design issues that affect usability.
Every coffee maker I've ever owned has had a flip-top carafe--but not this one. You have to physically remove the lid to pour water into the carafe--a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.
You need the carafe to measure water, because there's no water-level indicator on the coffee maker itself. Additionally, the water filter takes up a lot of the space under the lid, meaning that there's a relatively small space to pour the water into from the carafe. It's enough room that someone without any mobility problems shouldn't have any issues getting the water in, but it takes a little getting used to.
Overall, I'd recommend the reconditioned model of the Brew Central. It's not so great that I'd replace it with another one of the same model if it became unusable, but good enough that I'm glad to have it on the counter.

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Introducing an evolutionary new look in coffeemakers. The Cuisinart Brew Central Coffeemaker makes a bold statement with a brushed stainless steel finish and an elegant tech-industrial design. Programmable from start to finish, with a variable heater plate for temperature control, it's the ideal coffeemaker for today's demanding consumer. It even tells you when it's time to decalcify. Cuisinart quality, performance and convenience -- now in new state-of-the-art packaging.Features:Classic Design12-Cup Glass CarafeLCD Clock and 24-hour Programmable TimerAdjustable Keep-warm Temperature ControlTime-to-clean MonitorBrew Pause FeatureCharcoal Water Filter0-4-hour Automatic Shutoff1-4 Cup Setting"Brewing Complete" Audible BeepCord StorageInstruction Book

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Cuisinart DGB-600BC Grind and Brew, Brushed Chrome Review

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(More customer reviews)Ye gads. I forgot all about the fierce partisanship amongst purchasers that this wee little machine invokes. Last year, I dutifully combed through all of the reviews and was almost pursuaded to look to another machine. Thank the stars I was not. Like many, I was won over by the lure of (1)the thermal carafe, (2) the auto grind&brew feature, and (3) the shininess. I also trusted the Cuisinart name and had been previously pleased with the Brew Central. I noted, however, that many writers were highly displeased with (4) the noise and (5) the mess. So, after a year, here are my experiences:
(1) The thermal carafe rocks out loud. Yes, pre-heating the carafe seems to keep the coffee hotter for longer, but on the crazy work-mornings that I use the auto-grind&brew function, I do not pre-heat and find no need to, as I am out of the house at light speed. Note that the coffee is still scaldingly hot. People seem irritated/perplexed at the slowness with which coffee is dispensed from the carafe, as well as the steep pouring angles necessitated by the carafe. I am not at all disturbed by either; however, a relative in need of immediate coffee discovered that one can get faster pouring by just removing the lid. Which defeats the awesome vacuum-packed thermal hotness, but seems a likely remedy for those with a fundamental aversion to slow pours. As far as weird geometry issues, I have nothing to offer.
(2) The auto grind&brew is very convenient. It has always worked flawlessly for me and really amazes and pleases guests who may rise before residents.
(3) It is damn shiny.
(NB: I have a lot of stainless in the kitchen and, through trial and error, have found that the Method stainless steel cleaner keeps it all damn shiny and keeps me from going stark raving from the constant buffing and rubbing).
(4) The noise? Really not that unusual for a coffee bean grinder. I did not notice that it was any louder than other grinders. If the "grind" portion of the auto grind&brew is waking one too early, I would imagine that one could either pregrind or use ground beans and just skip the "grind" function. While it is intriguing to imaging a space age machine with stealth grind mode, I would urge potential buyers to neither expect silence nor let lack of silence keep you from buying this machine.
(5) The ire over the mess was what nearly kept me from purchasing this maker. And I completely forgot about the issue until just now when I re-read some of the reviews. I guess that I don't understand what "mess" they mean. There are seven parts to this thing that I clean: carafe/lid, filter/basket/lid, and grinder base/lid. I rinse the carafe and filter with hot water and clean the rest with hot soapy water. It all takes approximately 2.5 minutes. I never have to clean the rest of the machine. I usually tilt the top-loader lid open to let condensation out after brewing is done. I occasionally wipe the inside of the machine down with a damp cloth. I have replaced the water filter a couple of times. But altogether, clean-up is not that big of a deal. Maybe others are not getting a tight enough seal on the the grinder parts?
SUMMARY: I have had this machine for over a year and have never had a single problem with it. It makes delicious, hot coffee. I was almost deterred by the problems that others have had with it, but am glad that I opted to take my chances. I gave it four, rather than five stars because so many people have had problems with it. Even though I have not experienced these problems, the negative feedback must nonetheless be taken into consideration.
cheers!
~currer bell

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With its sleek Italian styling, brushed stainless finish and "loaded" feature package, you'd expect nothing less than a fabulous cup of coffee. And you won't be disappointed! From filtering the water, to grinding the beans, to keeping your brew hot, not to mention having it ready and waiting for you first thing in the morning, this handsome machine does it all, and then some.

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Krups Konstantin Grcic Programmable Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great home espresso machine. I have used it 4-5 times per week, every week for the last 15 months since I received it and I have never had a problem with it. It produces nice, hot, frothed milk with minimum effort. It does require regular cleaning, as any espresso machine does. It is much more user friendly than the two steam espresso machines I previously owned.

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Cuisinart CBM-18N Programmable Conical Burr Mill Review

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(More customer reviews)**See July 18 update below.
Original Review:
I've been looking for a replacement to my "Lello 45800/3006 Ariete Burr Coffee Grinder" for at least a year. I've probably read a good portion of the reviews for every burr grinder sold by Amazon, and the combined reviews in general left much to be desired for every single one. Finally a few weeks ago I noticed this unit in my search results, and from what I could tell, it was a new release! There were no reviews at all at the time, so frankly there was nothing to dissuade me from purchasing this one. I couldn't even compare prices, because it seemed Amazon was the only one selling it at the time. In addition, the black/stainless styling matched my new coffee maker (Cuisinart DCC-1200 12-Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker). So I ordered it, received it today, and I just had my first cup of coffee using its coffee grinds.

I'm no expert on coffee. But I must say this is the easiest coffee grinder I have ever used. There is an LED display alongside a button allowing me to select number of cups. The LED display also shows the selected grind setting dialed on the hopper. First I pressed the button to select number of cups, then I adjusted the dial to select the grind setting. Finally, I pushed Start and let it go. I think the noise level is about half that of my previous grinder, but that's not saying much. The LED display counted down the seconds until completed. I was surprised by the amount of output, which seemed much greater than from my old grinder. But in retrospect I don't think this was due to this unit using more beans. I noticed when I poured the grinds into my coffee filter that the grinds were much looser than I'm accustomed to. I think my previous grinder had been compressing the grinds and there were always clumps. I did not notice any clumps in the output from this unit, and the grinds seemed very even and loose.
Now that I've used the grinder several times, I must say it does spill some grinds onto the base when I remove the bin unless I work the grinds out somehow. I now gently lift the entire unit about an inch off the counter and gently tap it down to release the remaining grinds into the bin. I then remove the bin and tap the lid of the bin a few times before removing the lid. This just minimizes mess and waste.
The grind setting of 6 seems perfect for the relatively dry beans I used this time, even though I used it for auto-drip coffee, not espresso. For oily beans such as Starbucks, 7 might be the optimum grind setting.
Two other differences between this grinder and my previous one were the lids, one for the hopper and one for the grinds bin. In both cases, the lids for this unit snap shut, whereas the ones for my previous unit just nestled precariously on top of the respective containers.
One curious note: there is no way to turn the LED off, which concerned me because it is very bright and I don't want the display to burn out and quit working any time soon. But I think this is why there is no switch: within the entire (tiny-but-informative) manual for this unit, there is only one sentence in all caps: "UNPLUG FROM OUTLET WHEN NOT IN USE...". So there we have it -- that is why there is no on/off switch; the manufacturer expects us to keep the unit unplugged when we aren't actively using it. In response to the other reviewer's comment on needing to reprogram the number of cups after plugging the unit back in, it takes about 4 or 5 seconds to cycle through the number of cups (the default is 12 cups) until the desired selection is displayed, an extremely minor issue.
In spite of it's brevity, the manual is very descriptive and I found it sufficient. It provides a very detailed set of instructions for cleaning. The bean hopper, hopper lid, grind chamber, and grind chamber lid are all dishwasher-proof (top shelf). Then it also provides instructions for removing and cleaning the burr unit.
A dual-purpose scoop/stiff brush is provided.
Regarding it's appearance, it actually looks even nicer in my opinion than my new coffee maker. The body has a sleek, brushed stainless steel appearance, and the blue LED is very attractive when it is on.
The grind chamber is not made of glass, but I live in a humid climate; dry air here is almost a luxury and I rarely have problems with static anyway. Problems with static are dealt with the same as with any other grinder. I personally minimize loose grinds spilling everywhere by the following method. First I remove the hopper lid, then I cover the top of the hopper with the filter (opened wide, placed top down), then I turn the filter/hopper over and place it into the cup, keeping hold of the hopper which is now upside down. Then I tap the bottom of the hopper and remove it from the filter. Finally, I remove the filter from the cup and place it in the appropriate area of the coffee machine. I do this on top of a full sized paper towel, and clean up merely involves folding up the paper towel afterwards to contain the few stray grinds. However this method probably only works well for me because I rarely make more than 4-5 cups of coffee at a time and I always use paper filters.
I didn't find cleaning the unit difficult at all. Dump the beans into another bowl, twist the hopper hard right twice until the arrows align and then lift up, lift up the burr sleeve using a combination of the handle and grasping the sides (if the handle pops off, just pop it back on), and brush, brush, brush. Then twist the sleeve back on, twist the hopper back on, clean up the mess, and you are back in business.
By the way, contrary to the product description, there is no true cord storage; but one can wrap the cord around knobs underside the base.
This product has a 3-year limited warranty.
UPDATE APRIL 30, 2010: I've had this unit for about 15 months and all of a sudden it started whining a high pitched noise and almost no grinds were coming out. I called customer service and they are going to ship me an entirely new unit -- they specified "NEW"; they only asked that I return the old unit in the same box the new one comes in, when I receive it. They said there is a 4.00 shipping charge but they waived it. At this moment I am very impressed with Cuisinart. They surprised me.
UPDATE JULY 18, 2010: The brand new (2-month old) replacement grinder is now doing the same thing my original one started doing after 15 months; after grinding for 14-cups, I'm lucky to get a tablespoon of grinds from this nearly new one. The grinder can work for 20 or more seconds without a single grind coming out, and then I hear it finally grab a bean and a few sparse grinds fall out. Getting enough grinds to make a cup of coffee really heats up the unit. Apparently this is going to happen to these grinders sooner or later. I had one that went bad "later", and one "sooner".
After considering my options, I decided to see if Cuisinart would honor their warranty yet again. Surprisingly, they did! This time they sent UPS to pick up the old (second) one and sent me a third one, brand new. I haven't yet used this third one, but even if it turns out to be as good as the first (lasting more than a year, the duration of my original warranty), I can no longer endorse this product. Even so, I can say this: Cuisinart does honor their warranties!

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Cuisinart DGB-550BK Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased this coffee maker to replace my Cuisinart Coffee on Demand. This is the second coffee maker like this that I have owned and I am glad that I have come home. When my coffee on demand went out, I purchased another brand coffee maker and returned it within 3 days.
My husband and I consider ourselves coffee snobs and about a year ago began purchasing our coffee whole bean solely and thought it would be a great "ease" in our morning coffee routine to own this machine again.
I have read reviews about the difficulty of cleaning and noise of the grinder. It is actually really easy. After I grind and brew a pot of deliciously strong, rich, hot coffee; I open the lid and take out the grinder rinse it off with hot water and set it on a towel. I then take out the gold tone filter, empty the grounds, rinse it and set it on the towel. Then I remove the filter basket and lid and rinse them and set them on the towel. I leave the top lid open to dry out the inside and by the time I am ready to brew another pot of coffee all parts and inside of the machine are dry and ready to go. All together it takes me less than minutes to clean it. And then when all the parts are ready for a deep clean, I through all parts, including the carafe and lid, into the dishwasher. Piece of cake.
All in all this is the most incredible coffee maker that I have ever owned and the easiet to use and I don't have to worry now about replacing my worn out bean grinder, my coffee maker doesn it for me.
And a note about the grinder basket. I have read reviews that have said that it doesn't hold enough beans for a full 12 cups and then it can't be adjusted for the 1-4 cup feature. The grinder holds just as many beans as what I used in my counter top grinder for 12 cups. And if you only want to brew 1-4 cups of coffee, only put in enough beans for 1-4 cups. The grinder will still run for the 30 seconds that it is set for the 12 cups but it works well and you don't even realize it's doing it.
I would highly recommend anyone who loves to brew whole bean coffee, whether occasionally or everyday, to buy this machine. You don't have to always brew whole beans it this machine, you can turn off the grinder and place pre-ground coffee right into the filter. Also a piece of cake.
I would also recommend that you try the gold tone filter that comes with it. It mixes the oil from the whole bean in with the coffee and gives such a boost in the coffees smoothness and flavor.


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A nice addition to any modern kitchen, this 12-cup automatic coffeemaker automatically grinds whole beans right before brewing to produce a fresh and flavorful pot of coffee. The 24-hour fully programmable unit allows for "wake-up" coffee, plus its brew-pause function makes it simple to enjoy a cup of coffee before the end of the brewing cycle. The included 60-ounce glass carafe offers an ergonomic handle, knuckle guard, and dripless pour spout for graceful serving. Other highlights include adjustable auto shutoff for up to four hours, a grind-off option, a charcoal water filter to remove impurities, and a separate grinder chamber and filter area to ensure simple cleanup. Housed in elegant Italian styling, the coffeemaker measures approximately 12 by 10 by 17 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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Saeco 12-Cup Automatic Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe and Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this machine for Christmas 2010. It's got all the features I want and the build quality is great. BUT I had the same problem as others with beans not making their way to the grinder. I called Saeco where upon the woman told me there were no problems with this that anyone had ever heard of. She also said that everyone uses this machine there and loves it. And she knew the details of the machine to a tee so yes they really do use it there. Surely, I told her there has to be a problem since the reports are widely available in customer reviews at various sites. She would send another machine if I wanted it but it seemed like a true waste to me to do that. I would just have the same issue all over again.
So no satisfaction there .. BUT I HAVE A 2 MINUTE FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM and now I completely love my machine. Here's what you do .. Inside the bean basket is a black round shield over the grinder. Mine shipped to me with the smooth surface of it sloping down from the center. I unscrewed the center screw (requires a small straight screwdriver in the triangle screw head), flipped it over, screwed it on smooth face down, and now no more problems at all. Yes it is that easy. Now you have a great machine without any problems. And I use some pretty sticky beans too.
I'm thinking the design dept didn't talk to the assembly department and this problem resulted. The smooth side looks more presentable so it's logical to assume that that's the side customers should see .. wrong. The smooth side is to ensure that beans don't get hung up on the way to the grinder. So there you have it, problem solved!
Now buy this thing and enjoy a truly great coffee machine! You can make really strong coffee with it and with no bitter taste at all. It doesn't burn the beans and extracts all the oils from the beans!
There is just one little issue .. this unit DOES NOT accept no 4 coffee filters as the literature says but it comes with a really nice gold basket filter so you have no need for paper filters anyway. It's a good filter that works even on very fine grinds.

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Cuisinart DTC-975 Stainless Programmable Automatic Brew and Serve Coffeemaker Review

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(More customer reviews)I use it to make 2 cups or full pots. I have used many different machines over 15 years of drinking coffee (and therefore making coffee) daily and have absolutely no complaints about this machine. I would like to address the complaints here for people shopping for a coffeemaker.
RE: The reported leakage problem. This is due to OVERFILLING. The water reservoir is larger than the carafe for a reason people: Steam builds up as water is heated, if the reservoir were the exact size of the carafe... YOU finish this sentence. If you can- a) figure out in your head what happens to heated plastic without room built in to displace heat and b) either fill the machine with the actual carafe being used or something you measured out beforehand that is equal to the volume of said carafe- than you're smart enough to own this excellent machine.
RE: The BEEP. Yes it beeps (3 times) and yes it's not a whisper, but it's not the trumpet people are making it out to be. These people must have it set up in their bedrooms two feet from their head. If the machine is in your kitchen and you are nearby it's not loud enough to wake you, it's just loud enough to hear if you're in the other room and can't WAIT to get that first cup of java. It's morning and it tells me "hey, your coffee is ready." It's evening and I'm chatting with friends and forget and then it tells me "hey, your coffee is ready." People who complain about the beep would complain about getting wet in the rain or cold in the winter.
RE: The screw cap. Yes it takes 3 revolutions to get this SCREW cap SCREWED on. And like any nut and bolt system you have to start screwing evenly in order to form a tight bond. This tight bond is what keeps your coffee hot. The carafe pours using a built-in ball-bearing that uses that wonderful thing we like to call gravity to move the ball ever so slightly away from the opening so that your HOT coffee can pour into your waiting favorite coffee cup. The stream is thin yes, again for a reason: large openings equal larger exposure to air, air that is most probably colder than you like your coffee.
I've tried many others and this is my favorite. This is the coffeemaker I would give as a gift to someone who really loves their coffee.
Now I will retire to my DTC-975BK and celebrate its excellence with an afternoon cup of French Roast.

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Now you can enjoyed piping hot%2C full%2Dflavored coffee in style%2E This handsome coffee maker from Cuisinart features a good%2Dlooking brushed stainless steel carafe that keeps coffee hot for 12 hours%2E The patented brew%2Dthrough and pour%2Dthrough lid means coffee means less mess%2E Totally programmable%2C this coffee maker can be started any time during a 24%2Dhour cycle%2E Loaded with useful features like Brew Pause%2C automatic shutoff%2C brewing complete alarm and a %234 paper filter starter kit%2E

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Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1) Review

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(More customer reviews)Don't believe that ANY grinder in this price range will be the ultimate grinder for all your grinding needs. I read with amusement as some reviewers slammed this grinder for not grinding well enough to use with their espresso machines. I own this machine for use with my drip coffee maker only. I own a $500+ Mazzer Grinder for my espresso machine. The point being, that for the absolute consistent grind needed for use with espresso, you better be willing to step up significantly in price. That said, on to this grinder review.
Considering there are no decent blade grinders on the market - including those in the $25 price range, the best grinder to have is a burr grinder. Burr grinders do not create the heat that destroys the flavor of your beans and creates a more uniformed grind. Burr grinders do not produce the large "chunks" of beans in varying size that a blade grinder does. I have yet to see any missed "untouched" beans find their way past the burrs (as one reviewer claimed) and find that hard to believe, considering beans can only pass through the small space between the burrs and would thus be ground on their way through. You may get some bean smaller than your setting, but will not get anything larger than your setting.
As with any burr grinder under $200 this grinder does create some powder. It creates a lot of powder if you attempt to grind at its' finest setting (called Turkish Coffee). For drip coffee makers though, a mid-range toward coarse setting doesn't produce enough powder to be a concern when using paper filters in your coffee maker and a GOOD bean to start with. I sometimes wonder if the complaints of "bitterness" from some reviewers isn't a problem with their bean choice or their water temperature. As a drinker of 100% Kona in my drip maker, I have yet to taste a bitter cup of coffee, even with the less than a tsp. of powder that is present in my freshly ground coffee.
Noisy? Yes, but no more noisy than some and less noisy than most in this price range. A grinder of this size will create noise, but unless you plan on grinding 24/7 that is to be expected. My guests are actually enthralled by the noise and the ability to watch fresh beans meet their demise (I hang with a morbid crowd) as the beans slowly disappear down the hopper. The timer is a nice touch if noise is a concern. The fact that you can turn it on, leave the room and return in a minute or two (avoiding the noise) to find the unit automatically shut off should make those with sensitive hearing happy.
This grinder has a decent weight to it, making it feel sturdy on your countertop. The S/S body also gives the appearance of a well built machine and makes it more stylish than your standard black plastic neoprene models being produced by other manufacturers. This is a solid, sturdy, and well built machine for this price.
If there are complaints that you should be warned about, it is the age old problem of static cling caused by the use of plastic for the grounds receiver. Cuisinart should have used glass to receive the grounds. I would have gladly paid an extra $3 on the final price in order to avoid dealing with the static cling found in every machine that uses plastic for this purpose. The other is the clean-up, if you are as anal as I am about coffee equipment. Again, the static cling is annoying, but I keep a slim painters brush nearby for the purpose of brushing out the chute and receiver which makes the task quick and easy. It loses a star for the static cling issues, but I guess every grinder in this price range has the same problem because they use plastic.
Overall, for under $50 this is a very good machine for the price.

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Elegant SS styling

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Gaggia 16109 Evolution Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver and Chrome Review

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(More customer reviews)Although I would like the unit to be all stainless, that is unrealistic expectation at this price point. The internals are the same as higher priced Gaggia units and it makes an excellent cup of espresso. I use the Evolution to make a minimum of 4 double shots daily and it never misses a beat. The Evolution is easy to operate, easy to clean and is ready to use in less than 5 minutes. I highly recommend this unit and would purchase the Evolution again.
If you are concerned about the "plastic" exterior, buy the Gaggia Classic or another higher priced unit instead.

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Brew cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and more from the comfort of home with this semi-automatic espresso machine. The unit's 44-ounce water reservoir removes for convenient filling, and its user-friendly control panel offers three simple push buttons for power, brewing, and steaming. The machine also contains a 3-1/2-ounce aluminum boiler with two heating elements, which makes the initial heating process much quicker than with other semi-automatic espresso machines. Furthermore, its commercial-style chrome-plated brass brew group and portafilter provide excellent temperature stability, and the rubber-mounted 15-bar vibration pump ensures quiet operation. The portafilter can be used with either ground coffee or ESE coffee pods--a nice feature for guests who might want decaf after dinner, and thanks to the Turbo-Frother steam wand, anyone can look like a professional barista. Other highlights include a passively heated cup warmer, an easy-to-clean design, and lightweight heat-resistant polycarbonate construction. Accessories include single/pod and double-shot stainless-steel filter baskets, a coffee tamper, and a 7-gram measuring scoop. The 1425-watt espresso machine measures 10-3/5 by 8-2/3 by 13-2/5 inches.

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Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this machine now 4 months. I've had many machines before it, including the ever popular DeLonghi. This is an amazing machine, but there are a few things to know.
1. All espresso machines, and even some coffee machines, need to be primed. If there is water in the tank, yet it's not pumping but making noise, chances are you just need to prime it. Turn the steam knob just like in the manual, and if it fails, try again. You only have to do this when you first get the machine, or if you some how let it run dry.
2. The specs list this as not coming with a tamper, that's only partially correct. It comes with a plastic scoop / tamper combo thang. Before you get too annoyed with it, I recommend ordering "RSVP Terry's Tamper" (probably advertised on the same page). It's less than 7 bucks, and the small side fits this machines portafilter perfectly.
3. Some reviewers have knocked this machine because the "Filter keeps getting clogged". Here's a news flash: All espresso filters will get clogged if your grinder leaves too many fines. You can get pre-ground espresso (I recommend LaVazza InBlu, or Illy), or you can get yourself a good grinder (doesn't need to be great, as long as it grinds *evenly*). If you accidentally grind too finely, this machine comes with pins to un-clog the filter. You can save a bit of time by just rubbing your thumb over the filter aggressively while running watter over it.
4. Noise. Without a doubt, this is the noisiest espresso machine I've ever owned. That said, I just purchased a Kurieg for my wife, and it is noisier and had even more trouble with it's initial priming. To the Kurieg's credit, there is no grind to mess with, and the clean up is Zero. :)
Now for the stuff that Hasn't been mentioned, but if I where Cuisinart, I'd be shouting this from the roof tops...
1. This machine has the most rock solid temperature across shots I've ever seen. Nothing else comes close.
2. This machine has integrated pressure relief. It's not perfect, which is probably why they didn't mention it, but even Gaggia's solenoid freaks out from time to time too. Most every other manufacture with this feature charge double this machines cost. It's a big deal.
3. I've been inside DeLonghis, Gaggias, and others, this thing is pretty well built. It also looks pretty nice on the outside, and has a water res that is easy to use, large enough, and above all else, leak free.
4. The steam wand works well. It actually works better than my Gaggia's (which was 4 *times* as much money), but it is Different, and takes some initial practice.
5. This machine has an auto power down. That's a Very Nice feature that is often overlooked on less expensive machines, and it's very handy too.
6. The dosing on this thing actually works. I've had a couple other machines that claimed dosing, yet they all seemed pretty random. This one actually works and it works reliably. Before you think this is a feature you can live without, consider this: With non-dosing machines, you need to use a shot glass or some other way of eye-balling when to stop, then put into final glass for mixing. But, with dosing, you can punch up a double shot right into the final cup, and it gets it right. Every Time. How cool is That??? Very Cool!
The only things I wish they did different:
1. I wish the machine was quieter.
2. I wish they had a non-pressurized portafilter basket option.
But, when you compare that to the plus side, it's a no brainer: Buy This Machine!
Not having to temperature surf, not having gooey cleanup, having a cup warmer that actually works, AUTO POWER DOWN, dosing, etc., all for the price of a used Gaggia? Just click "Add to Cart" already!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Brew a single or double espresso using either ground espresso or pods with this programmable espresso maker. The unit's 15 bars of pressure deliver consistently authentic espresso with excellent crema, while its stainless-steel steam nozzle makes it easy to turn an espresso drink into a frothy cappuccino or latte. Pre-programmed cup sizes include 1-1/2 ounces and 3 ounces. The espresso maker's 64-ounce reservoir removes for easy filling, and its steam button functions separately for convenience. Other highlights include a cup-warming tray on top, a removable drip tray and cover for easy cleanup, and a porta-filter holder with a locking mechanism, which makes it possible to quickly pump out wet grounds after each use. Accessories include a stainless frothing cup and a tamping tool with a measuring spoon. Beautifully designed in professional stainless-steel housing with an embossed Cuisinart logo, the espresso maker measures 10-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty. From the Manufacturer The Quest for a Perfect Espresso Features and Benefits Removable 64-ounce water reservoir with lid with 2 options for filling with water:
Lift the lid at the top of the espresso maker and fill with cold or filtered water.
Remove the reservoir to fill and then replace by pushing down firmly until the reservoir sets on the base flush with the unit.
Cup-warming plate for warming espresso cups 15-bar pump Manual Button: Used for a continuous pour of espresso 1-Cup Button: Used for a single serving of espresso, 1.5 ounces 2-Cup Button: Used for a double serving of espresso, 3 ounces Program Button: Used to set the number of ounces needed Steam Button: Used when making cappuccinos and lattes--will flash until ready for use. Portafilter Holder: Can be used with ground or pod espresso--has two positions, lock and unlock, for ease of cleaning Brew Head: For easy fit of the portafilter holder Steam or Hot Water Control Dial: Use to activate steam or hot water Commercial Steam Wand: Use to steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes Removable Drip Tray: Removable drip tray with grate Cleaning Pins: Used to clean any excess milk that gets stuck inside the steam wand or any coffee particles that get stuck inside the filter Stainless Frothing Pitcher: Used for steaming milk for cappuccinos and lattes Measuring Scoop/Tamping Tool: Use one side as a coffee scoop and the other to tamp the coffee grinds in the filter basket Filter Baskets: Use the one cup filter for a single espresso and the two cup filter basket for the double espresso, and the pod filter basket for espresso pods Bringing the Good Life Home Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long. Specialty items, like this espresso machine, offer today's consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends. Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time. Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today's relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

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Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this machine at a Kohl's for roughly $220. I think it's of an exceptional quality for the price. Positives: #1 Well built (it's actually quite heavy)
#2 easy to use, filters allow for a single or double shot to be made - also comes with a pod filter but I've never used it
#3 large water reservoir that has allowed me to make 4 or 5 espressos and steam milk too
#4 comes with a DVD that teaches you how to use it (much easier than reading the booklet) - this is especially helpeful if you're new at making your own drinks
#5 easy to clean
#6 has a warming plate on top (good if you need to make more than one double shot cups or two single shot cups
#7 espresso has a good taste (although I think this has as much to do with the quality of the coffee you're using) The machine actually does produce a good amount of crema for the price you pay
#8 Stainless steel frothing picture is just the right size for one latte or two cappucinos
#9 15 bar pump allows for more than enough pressure and for great taste.
#10 has a feature that allows you to get plain old hot water too if someone isn't interested in the espresso and wants tea/cocoa/whatever
Negatives: #1 the steam nozzle is too long - you kind of have to tilt the pitcher to get the nozzle out - this isn't a problem so long as you know so you can use less milk or you can place the machine so the nozzle can be used on a non-countered space. The nozzle has a good range of movement so this does help counteract.
#2 the distance between the portafilter (where the coffee comes out) and the drip tray is not very tall - I've found that I have to use a smaller cup to brew and then dump it into a larger cup if I'm going to make a latte and want to fit in a decent amount of frothed milk.
#3 you have to be really careful to not overtamp your grounds or you'll end out with coffee everywhere - this machine is a little pickier than I expected (and pickier than the really cheap machine this replaced). But, with that said, the taste is 100x better. You can catch it if you overtamp too so long as you closely monitor and make sure the water is coming out of the portafilter at a decent rate. If you overtamp, barely anything drips out. After a while you figure out how much is too much.
#4 - my biggest complaint, and this one is quite dangerous - There's not a great way of knowing that pressure has been released - this means that once your espresso is made and you're ready to clean out the coffee grounds you have to be really really careful or it'll explode the hot coffee grinds all over you and your kitchen. I've been seriously burned a couple of times. It might not be a problem if you're used to espresso machines (I wasn't when I first bought this one) or you learn to be super extra careful always.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Enjoy a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or latte--hot, fresh, and flavorful--anytime of the day with this easy-to-use espresso maker. The countertop appliance delivers 15 bars of pressure for perfect results and can brew one to two cups from either ground espresso or a coffee pod. Use its stainless-steel steam nozzle and included stainless frothing cup to quickly turn an espresso into a cappuccino or latte. The machine's porta-filter holder with locking mechanism makes it easier to pump out wet grounds after each use, while its removable drip tray and cover provide added convenience. Other thoughtful details include a 53-ounce removable reservoir, a warming plate to heat cups, and an included tamping tool with measuring spoon. Housed in professional-grade stainless steel and embossed with the Cuisinart logo, the sleek-looking 1,000-watt espresso maker measures 8-1/5 by 11 by 12-5/9 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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