If you want an affordable coffee maker that gets the job done, one of the best Cuisinart coffee makers could be the answer. These machines come in all shapes and sizes, providing alternative features and designs to suit different circumstances. For instance, if you’re tight for space, compact models exist which wont hog the counter. If you’re particular about your cup of Joe, other models let you control the brew strength and temperature exactly.
But, which are the best Cuisinart coffee makers? We’ve done the research to find out. We’ve scoured the market to find and compare a range of models, looking for those that tick every box. We considered what each design has to offer as well as any limitations, plus we factored in consumer reviews too. We then compiled our research to find the best Cuisinart coffee maker for every situation, whether you want a premium design, or need value for money.
The best Cuisinart coffee makers you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Have to brew a pot for a crowd? The Cuisinart DCC-T20 TouchScreen 14-Cup Programmable is the best coffee maker for the job. It makes more coffee than any other programmable automatic-drip coffee maker in the marketplace. That makes the machine ideal for large households, people who return for cup after cup throughout the morning, or for entertaining guests. This is a brand-new version of the PerfecTemp with a touchscreen instead of buttons. When you’re not using it, the panel “goes to sleep” giving it a sleek look.
If a ding telling you your coffee is ready annoys you (especially before you've had your morning Joe), you can turn off the sound. You can control how hot you want your coffee to be as well as how long you want the coffee maker to remain on before it shuts itself off which means you won't have to worry about whether the machine's on when you leave the house. This Cuisinart comes only black.
At less than $100, the Cuisinart Grind & Brew is our best value Cuisinart coffee maker. If you like to grind the beans right before you brew, this machine is ready for the task. It has a built-in grinder that after grinding, transfers the ground coffee directly into the filter. However, we warned that, when the grinder goes off in the morning, it'll be loud enough to wake up anyone who's still sleeping — even one floor above the kitchen. And you'll have to clean the grinder occasionally, which is an additional chore. If you ever want to use pre-ground coffee, you have the option to turn the grinder off.
As you would expect, you get the ability to program the Grind & Brew to start the brewing process just when you wake up or walk in the door. It will keep your coffee hot for up to 4 hours before turning itself off. Considering the versatility this machine offers, it's great value for money, and would be an ideal choice for those shopping on a budget.
The Cuisinart SS-15 Maker Coffee Center is designed to give you lots of choices with just one machine. For those days when you need a single cup to wake you up before you drive the kids to school, there's a single-cup brewer that works with K-cups or your own reusable coffee filter. You even have your choice of 3 different cup sizes so you can down a small dose at home or take a travel mug with you. This Cuisinart can also deliver a 12-cup carafe that’s great for when you're hosting a weekend brunch or book club meeting.
This machine comes at a premium price, but are you are getting two appliances in one, so technically it's still good value. Just make sure you're going to use both functions, because it will take up more countertop space as a consequence.
If there are both coffee and tea lovers in your house, the Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus is your machine. In addition to brewing a 12-cup pot of coffee, it can dispense a shot of hot water for quick cuppas, mugs of cocoa or bowls of instant oatmeal.
The CHW-12 has a safety lock to prevent hot water from being accidentally dispensed. On this model, you can up the temperature of the coffee in the carafe, which is a handy feature if you’re one of those people who never thinks your coffee is hot enough. It’s a bit tricky to access the filter basket and the water tank when the lid is fully opened. As the coffeemaker is taller than the space below cabinets when the top is opened, you will need to move it to pour in water and add ground coffee.
In this unusual brewer, a whole "pot" of coffee is brewed at once, but rather than dripping into a carafe, the Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee on Demand fills up an internal reservoir. You then dispense just one cup at a time, the way you would from an urn or a soda machine. It's a great choice if people in your household drift into the kitchen for their morning java at various times or if you find yourself returning throughout the morning to refill your mug. On Amazon, reviewers found the coffee tastes just as good a few hours later as it does right after it was brewed.
The water tank is removable and can easily be filled at the sink. As this machine eliminates the need to pour from a carafe, you don't get those otherwise-inevitable splashes to wipe up.
This good-looking, stainless-steel brewer is designed to mimic pour-over coffee, which usually requires that you boil water in a kettle and then slowly and carefully pour it over ground coffee in a filter set over a carafe. The Cuisinart CPO-850, however, does the work for you yet still delivers the same great beverage. That’s because this brewer is certified to meet the Specialty Coffee Association's Gold Cup Standard, which means that the machine brews with water at the perfect temperature for the optimal time to give you the ideal results.
You can adjust the strength of your coffee as well as the serving temperature. However, as is often the case, "the best" comes at a price. This machine costs almost twice as much as other Cuisinart coffee makers and far more than a non-electric pour over model. It's also limited by its 8-cup capacity.
How we tested the best Cuisinart coffee makers
Our results are based on extensive online research which factors in consumer reviews as well as specifications. First, we look for products which demonstrate consistent reviews and top ratings, keeping an eye out for any recurring faults or complaints. We shortlist products which consumers would ultimately recommend and buy again.
We take specifications into account as well to find the Cuisinart coffee makers which have the most to offer. We compare cup capacity, strength controls and any special features to find the most versatile and functional designs. Finally, we consider value for money to produce a final list of the best Cuisinart coffee makers.
What is the warranty on a Cuisinart coffee maker?
Cuisinart offers a three year limited warranty on most of its coffee makers, but these machines are well known for their long-term durability. You'll need to register your machine with Cuisinart to make the most of that warranty period, but following the tips and advice below will also ensure that your coffee maker lasts much longer as well.
How do I maintain my Cuisinart coffee maker?
- Wash all the removable parts thoroughly in the dishwasher or by hand with soapy water. Coffee can leave behind an oily residue that builds up over time and gives a bad taste to your beverage.
- When the clean alert light comes on or your coffee maker begins to take longer than usual to brew, it's time to descale, which means removing mineral deposits that build up inside the machine. Start by removing the charcoal water filter. Run a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water through the machine. Follow up with a cycle of plain water. Then, replace the charcoal filter.
- On single-serve coffee makers, the needle may get clogged, resulting in grounds in your coffee or a smaller cup of coffee than the size you selected. To fix this, begin by unplugging the machine. To unclog the exit needle, remove and disassemble the pod holder and then use a paper clip to clear away any debris. You lift the head and use the paper clip to clean the entrance needle. Refer to your manual for complete instructions with diagrams.
Four things to consider before buying a coffee maker
Will it fit?
Before you buy, be sure to measure the space where you plan to keep your coffee maker, as well as how much room you have below your cabinets. Keep in mind that even if your machine fits under the cabinet, most Cuisinart coffee makers need to be pulled forward so you can load them with water and ground coffee.
Cup size
When you're deciding what size brewer to buy, remember that coffee-maker cups are the equivalent of 5 ounces, or an old-fashioned teacup that isn't filled to the brim, leaving room for milk. Today, most of us use mugs that hold 8 ounces or more, which means a typical 12-cup coffee maker brews enough coffee for about seven mugs at the most.
What kind of carafe?
You'll pay a premium for a model with a thermal carafe. If you entertain a lot, such a model is worth the extra dollars, as you can bring the carafe to the table, where it will keep coffee hot for second cups. While Cuisinart's insulated servers are top-rack dishwasher safe, they may not actually fit on the top shelf and the machine may not be able to thoroughly clean inside them. The narrow opening makes hand-washing difficult.
Price
Most Cuisinart coffee makers will come at a reasonable price, with some models starting from less than $100 going up to about $200. However, this price difference can severely impact the features on offer.
Once you have a budget in mind, consider what features you’re looking for so you can get the best bang for your buck. Do you need a hot water dispenser, or would you rather have a built-in grinder? Make sure you keep an eye on our cheap coffee maker deals page as well — Cuisinart often frequents this page.
Is Cuisinart a good brand of coffee maker?
Cuisinart is renowned for producing effective, value-for-money appliances, offering a range of products across all kinds of categories, including toaster ovens, bread machines and air purifiers. Thankfully, its coffee makers are no exception to this trend. But, Cuisinart offers such a selection, that some are indeed better than others, depending on your circumstances and what you want from your coffee maker.
For instance, you might prefer a larger capacity from the carafe, or perhaps you want a more compact design, so it takes up minimal countertop space. Whatever the case, Cuisinart will offer a solution — but finding it may be tricky. That’s why we’ve done the research and have found the best options for you. Rest assured, this is a good brand of coffee maker, especially if you’re shopping on a budget and want to get the most for your money.
If you want to check out the competition, take a look at our guides to the best Nespresso machines and the best Keurig coffee maker. Or, for something more budget friendly, take a look at the latest cheap coffee maker deals. If you're not using pre-ground beans, it might also be worth checking out the best coffee grinders available right now.
