If you’re watching this, chances are coffee is as much a part of your life as it is mine. I’m Erin TGC.com and Coffee gets me going in the morning and perks me up through the day. Since we’ve all been spending so much time at home, investing in a good quality coffee maker has been an important splurge at least in my house.
Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 review
I bought the Cuisinart Brew Central 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker so that I could get coffee on schedule, from a cone-shaped brewer and one that looks good in my space. I’ve had it for several years now.
This version has a retro style look with silver and black finishings and silver levers and black dials. I like that it’s got a lot of options but doesn’t look cluttered.
in this review I’ll take a look at what the key features are, what you can and can’t do, and whether I’d recommend this machine for you.
Program timer for coffee when you wake
Anyone who’s ever woken up after a late night or a long night knows a fresh hot cup of coffee can save your sanity. That’s why I love the convenience of a programmable coffee maker. Just get it set up the night before by filling with water and ground coffee, set the time, and that’s it. This is perfect to have coffee ready moments after you get out of bed. The timer is easy to program and set and easy to adjust.
Brew Pause feature for quick cuppa
If I do wake up early and it’s mid-brew, I like the Brew Pause feature so I can grab a cup of coffee before it’s finished. This feature closes up the cone filter spout if you remove the pot, and holds the coffee inside the filter until you replace the carafe. You want to be quick, but it works great to fill a cup in a coffee emergency.
It takes about 7-8 minutes to brew a full pot, and the machine will beep when it’s done so you know
The Cuisinart Brew Central also lets you control how long your coffee is kept warm and how warm it’s kept, using the adjustable temperature control, which I love! My old coffee maker had one warming setting and that was lukewarm, and I hated needing an extra cup after it had cooled down. You can also choose how long the pot will stay hot for after the brewing is done.
Make a pot or just a few cups
Make a pot or just a few cupsWhile the Cuisinart Brew Central 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker can easily brew a dozen cups of coffee, this machine also lets you add only as much water as you want for a small batch or single cup. Just adjust your grounds, and add as much water as you need.
Filter options
The 12-cup carafe has kind of a standard but tapered cylinder design, with a spout specifically designed to pour easily and reduce dripping; I can say it is definitely spill-free.
The machine design also allows for the use of metal forever filters to reduce waste or good old paper filters can still be used.
The Cuisinart Brew Central 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker lets you add an internal charcoal water filter to help remove impurities from the water during the brewing process (which they recommend be replaced on a monthly basis). I used the filter for about the first month or so, but didn’t find it made a huge difference at my house. We have a water purification system installed, and the water is quite clean and clear, so I didn’t need this additional option, though it’s good to know it’s available.
Overall review: Cuisinart Brew Central programmable drip coffee maker
Overall review: Cuisinart Brew Central programmable drip coffee makerAll in all, the Cuisinart Brew Central 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is a tried and true brewing machine, and one of the best coffee makers Cuisinart offers. If you value thoughtful design that allows you to control the brewing process without much hassle, and are looking for a coffee maker that offers loads of convenience features – it is hard to beat this one.
The biggest downside of this device is that those little dials and their ridged design can and does collect dirt and spilled coffee grounds (see photo above), but it’s easy enough to clean with a dish brush.
Otherwise I’ve been really happy with this machine, and it’s lasted me very well. I can definitely recommend it for you.
By far the best feature though is the coffee itself, which when brewed by the Cuisinart Brew Central 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is rich and smooth, sure to please even the most discerning coffee aficionado.
