Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker Review 2022: 14 Cup Programmable Brewer
Build Quality
Features
Brew Anatomy
Ease of Use
Brand & Warranty
Value for Money
Material:
Stainless Steel
Brew Type:
Drip
Cup Capacity:
14 Cups
Price:
$
Pros
Cons
When mornings are hectic, you need at least one thing that will make your routine a lot easier, and a programmable coffee maker, such as the nifty Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 3200, is definitely what you need.
It features a 24-hour programmability function, allowing you to wake-up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee to start your morning. This product also comes equipped with other features that your standard coffee maker is not remotely capable of doing. In a nutshell, it is a machine fit for the busy digital age.
Did I pique your interest enough? Read through this review to know if this brew wonder makes a worthy investment.
Design and Construction
For a 14-cup coffee brewer, you would likely expect a big, bulky machine that would take too much counter space. This is not the case with the Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 3200.
Machine Size
For this particular product, you will be working with a 7.75 x 9 x 14-inch appliance. Even with small counter space, this machine would easily fit. Moving it from one storage area to another would not be that much of a hassle either.
Machine Weight
Despite the rather small frame of the 14-Cup coffee maker, it does bear quite an amount of weight. Specifically, it comes in at 8.75 pounds, which is a bit heavy for some people. Depending on your carrying capability, you might need help moving it from a location farther from the previous one. Otherwise, you can carry it yourself.
Material Type and Quality
The Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 3200 predominantly has a stainless steel body, making it more durable than those made of plastic. This also means the machine will look good as new even after years of daily use.
However, you must provide the necessary care methods to keep the coffee maker in good condition for longer. Always keep it clean, especially after each use.
Safety Features
The Cuisinart coffee maker DCC-3200 has one primary safety feature, which is more than enough.
It comes with an automatic shut-off timer, which you can set between a few seconds to four hours, maximum.
With this feature at your disposal, you no longer have to worry too much if you leave the house without turning off the appliance. Your trusty machine will do that for you.
Accessories Included
In terms of accessories, the appliance does not come with a lot, which is both good and bad.
On the one hand, it means fewer parts and components to take care of and wash. If you are a minimalist, this is a massive plus for you.
On the other hand, your brewing options might be limited because you are missing a milk frother or a drip timer. So, think about it.
Apart from the 14-cup glass carafe, the product comes with a reusable gold-tone filter for easier brewing. A filter holder is also included inside the water reservoir for the charcoal water filters that take out the impurities and odors. Without a doubt, you get to enjoy the best coffee from the Cuisinart DCC 3200.
Special Features
A key feature that is unique to the Cuisinart DCC-3200 is the adjustable temperature of the carafe. Using either the Low, Medium or High setting, you can keep your coffee warm to hot while you are not using it, depending on your preference.
For those who put milk in their coffee, you would want to set the carafe temperature on high. But if you are going to drink it straight up black and you want it a bit cooler, go for the low setting.
Brew Time
The Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 3200 does not take long to brew the entire 14 cups. In just five to six minutes, you will be able to serve the whole pot. It might take longer to cook an omelet than brew coffee with this appliance.
Given that short amount of time, this machine is perfect for those with busy, hectic mornings. You can even brew this coffee as you do your morning routine.
Brew Quality
You can expect above-average brewed coffee when using the Cuisinart Perfectemp 14 cup programmable DCC 3200. Thanks to the adjustable carafe temperature that keeps your coffee bearably hot at all times. With this feature, you will not have to worry about your morning brew getting cold after leaving it out for some time.
As for the flavor, you have the option to choose between regular and bold. The feature should help enhance the taste of the coffee grounds, whether it is medium roast or premium Arabica.
Ease of Use
Just by looking at it, you will see the straightforwardness of the Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 3200. The buttons are all lined up and legibly labeled to guide any user through the process.
You can also activate the tone button to alert you when brewing is done. Some people do not like the beeping sound so it can be turned off anytime you desire.
Clean-Up
The predominantly stainless steel body of the Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 3200 makes it simple to clean. Using a microfiber cloth, gently wipe the exterior to keep it looking like you just bought it yesterday. For coffee splatters, wipe them off with a little soap and water.
Another unique feature of Cuisinart coffee makers is the self-clean function. It basically tells you when there is calcium build-up from the minerals in the water you are using. Too much of this calcium may interfere with the function and flavor of your coffee, thus the need to remove it.
To do this, fill the water reservoir with a mixture of ⅔ water and ⅓ white vinegar, then press and hold the clean button. The cleaning process begins once the light on this button turns red. Do this process twice to achieve the best results.
Brand & Customer Service
Cuisinart is an established brand in terms of manufacturing kitchen appliances. Since 1973, it has been a company that has provided America its much-needed machines when it comes to culinary work.
It has a responsive customer service team dedicated to answering your questions, whether it is for general concerns or issues about a specific gadget. They have 1-800 numbers you can call, or you can contact them via email (1).
The warranty period for this product is much longer than your standard coffee maker. Cuisinart offers a limited three-year warranty where defective parts are either repaired or replaced.
Value for Money
I am giving the Cuisinart Brew Central 14 cup programmable coffeemaker a solid grade when it comes to value for money. The fact that it can serve 14 people in one sitting at its current price point is impressive.
The programmable timer and carafe temperature control are not something you will always find in other brands, especially those with fewer features.
It is on the low tier of the price range, which should accommodate the greater majority of consumers. Even if your finances are tight, this is still considered a good purchase.
Downsides
There are not really that many, other than it requires that extra step of cleaning and adding the water and vinegar mixture. If you are the forgetful type or simply unwilling to carry out the added work, this could be a hassle for you.
But on the flip side, this extra step will keep your machine in top shape and will keep your coffee tasting better. It is actually a win-win situation.
Another drawback is that it is limited to ground beans. Other similar brands that are priced slightly higher can also handle k-cups. But if you are a purist who is loyal to straight-up ground coffee, this should not be a problem.
Who Should Buy this Coffee Maker?
Anyone who is particular about their morning brew will significantly benefit from the best coffee the Cuisinart DCC 3200 makes. It has features that set the time, flavor and temperature of your coffee. This machine basically does all the work for you. All you have to do is wait until the brewing is done.
A large household of coffee drinkers will get a kick out of this product. This will also work well for the busy and impatient types who want their immediate caffeine fix upon getting out of bed. Just pre-program the appliance to start brewing a few minutes before you usually wake up.
Do not forget that the machine is at the lower tier in terms of price. This works well for every coffee lover out there, whether you are on a tight budget or if you have money to spend, the price tag it comes with is an added bonus.
Final Verdict
No machine is perfect and free from flaws. However, the Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 3200 definitely makes life easier for you. If you are the type who needs coffee to kickstart your day, this machine can change your homebrewing life.
I am giving this machine a 4.5 out of 5, based on its capabilities and its price. It would have been perfect if it can also accommodate a k-cup, but this coffee maker is already a highly functional one as it is.
Is this a worthy purchase? Yes. If you have a machine that can brew up to 14 cups at once for a relatively low price, you are most certainly getting a big bang for your buck.
Cuisinart DCC-3200 Video Review
Specifications
| Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Model | DCC-3200 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brew Type | Drip |
| Cup Capacity | 14 Cups |
| Programmable Timer? | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
| Price | $ |
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Article By:
James Kilpatrick
I’m James, a self-professed coffee enthusiast in pursuit of finding the perfect daily brew and likes to live by the motto ‘Just brew it”.
