Cuisinart DGB-850 Coffee Maker Review Fully Automatic Burr Grind Brew Excellence

Description

Highlights of the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind and Brew Thermal Coffeemaker

Testing the Cuisinart DGB-850FR Fully Automatic 10 Cup Burr Grind and Brew Thermal Coffeemaker Silver (Renewed) gave me a solid appreciation for its professional-style burr grinder that delivers a uniform grind consistency. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who values the difference between a regular drip coffee and a perfectly ground brew. The DirectFlow grind assembly is seamless, making sure all the coffee grounds fall directly into the brew basket, which is a neat solution to avoid mess and wasted grounds. The AutoRinse feature further impressed me by cleaning the grind chamber automatically, adding a layer of convenience I didn’t expect but quickly grew to appreciate.

The 10-cup thermal carafe with a comfort-grip handle is not only stylish in its silver tone but also practical. It keeps coffee hot for hours without the usual burnt taste you get from hot plates. It’s large enough to serve a family or multiple coworkers, which was tested during a busy morning at the office. The half-pound bean hopper with its sealed lid does a great job at locking in freshness, so the beans don’t go stale if you don’t use the machine daily.

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

Despite the many perks, some aspects left me wanting a bit more. The size of the coffeemaker is on the bulkier side with dimensions of approximately 10.75″ deep, 14.25″ wide, and 19.25″ high. It might not fit well in kitchens with limited counter space. Also, the weight at around 16.7 pounds makes it less portable, so moving it around isn’t exactly a two-second job.

The user interface, while intuitive with its extra-large LCD display, relies heavily on buttons that could feel a bit dated compared to touchscreen models. The grind-off feature, which allows you to use pre-ground coffee, is a nice touch but switching between modes isn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. It requires a bit of fiddling through the menu, which might frustrate less tech-savvy users.

Benefits of the Burr Grinder and Brew Settings

The burr grinder’s adjustable grind control lets me program the machine for 4 to 10 cups, which is fantastic for customizing brew volume. The flavor strength options—regular, bold, and extra-bold—actually make a noticeable difference in taste, which is rare in many drip coffee makers I’ve tried. The gold-tone commercial-style permanent filter is eco-friendly and easy to clean, eliminating the need for disposable paper filters.

Using beans and pre-ground coffee interchangeably adds versatility. I enjoyed testing how the machine handled both types, and it performed well in each scenario. The charcoal water filter also deserves a shout-out for removing impurities that can sometimes affect flavor, especially if your tap water is less than ideal.

Limitations in Design and Usability

The thermal carafe’s design, while effective for heat retention, has a narrower spout that can sometimes cause drips if poured too quickly. I found myself needing to be a bit more careful to avoid coffee spills, which is a minor but noticeable inconvenience. Also, the machine’s cleaning process requires some manual effort despite the AutoRinse feature; the brew basket and carafe need regular washing to avoid buildup.

The noise level during grinding is another factor to consider. It’s not deafening but definitely louder than simple blade grinders or single-serve machines. This might be a concern for early risers who don’t want to wake up the whole household.

Alternative Offerings and Competitors

Comparing this coffeemaker to other popular options like the Breville Grind Control or the Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS, the Cuisinart’s strength lies in its durable burr grinder and the thermal carafe design. Breville models tend to be more compact and have sleeker touch controls, but they often come at a higher price point and sometimes lack the thermal carafe, which is crucial for keeping coffee hot without degrading flavor.

The Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS offers a similar grind and brew function, but many users mention the hopper’s smaller size and less intuitive programming. In contrast, this machine’s hopper capacity and flavor strength options give it an edge for coffee enthusiasts who want more control over their brew.

However, some competitor models have better noise insulation, which might be better for those sensitive to grinding sounds. If you prioritize quiet operation and compact design, this Cuisinart might feel a bit cumbersome.

Value Proposition of This Coffee Maker

Considering the machine’s features and performance, the price to quality ratio is quite reasonable. The fully automatic operation combined with the burr grinder and thermal carafe makes it a versatile choice for both casual drinkers and coffee aficionados. The ability to brew up to 10 cups at once with customizable strength and grind settings adds tremendous value.

Given the machine’s solid build and the inclusion of extras like the charcoal water filter and reusable gold-tone filter, it feels like a smart spending decision for anyone who prefers drip coffee but wants a fresher grind than usual. The renewed model aspect also means you get this quality without the brand-new price tag, which is a big plus.

Good Points to Note

• Professional burr grinder for uniform grounds enhances overall coffee flavor.
• Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without burning it.
• Multiple flavor strength options let you customize your brew.
• AutoRinse feature simplifies cleaning of the grind chamber.
• Reusable gold-tone filter and charcoal water filter add eco-friendliness and improve taste.

Areas for Improvement

• The machine’s bulk and weight make it less ideal for small kitchens or frequent relocation.
• The button-based interface could be more user-friendly and modernized.
• Slightly noisy grinding operation might disturb early mornings.
• The thermal carafe’s spout design can cause drips when pouring quickly.
• Despite AutoRinse, manual cleaning is necessary for optimal maintenance.

Having my kids try the coffee was amusing—they loved the bold setting so much they demanded it every morning, while my coworkers appreciated the large batch capacity during meetings. This machine definitely excels in making coffee that suits different tastes and occasions, but it requires a bit of patience with its size and noise level.

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