The Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew promises a streamlined coffee experience with its integrated burr grinder and thermal carafe, designed to deliver fresh, customizable brews. Offering adjustable grind settings and a DirectFlow system, it caters to those seeking precision and consistency. However, its performance isn't without flaws, as some users note issues like water leakage and design quirks. For coffee enthusiasts weighing convenience against functionality, the DGB-850 presents a compelling yet imperfect solution. What makes it stand out, and where does it fall short? The answers lie in the details of its features, performance, and user feedback.
Key Takeaways
- Built-in burr grinder ensures uniform grind size for consistent extraction and customizable flavor strength (regular, bold, extra-bold).
- 10-cup thermal carafe maintains coffee temperature for 1-2 hours without a warming plate, preventing burnt or over-extracted coffee.
- Brew Pause™ feature allows mid-brew serving without disrupting the brewing process, enhancing convenience for busy mornings.
- Sleek stainless steel and black plastic design with a 3-year warranty, though some users report water leakage and durability concerns.
- AutoRinse feature simplifies maintenance, while 24-hour programmability enables scheduled brewing for added convenience.
##
The Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew's standout feature is its integrated burr grinder, which guarantees a consistent grind size for ideal coffee extraction. The DirectFlow grind assembly secures uniform particle size, enhancing flavor and aroma. Users can adjust grind control settings to match their preferred coffee strength, with options for regular, bold, or extra-bold brews. The 10-cup water reservoir is conveniently located but may pose challenges when filling under low cabinets. Its 24-hour programmability allows users to set brewing times in advance, while the AutoRinse feature maintains clean operation. The burr grinder's precision, combined with the water reservoir's capacity, makes this coffeemaker a reliable choice for those seeking a customizable and efficient brewing experience.
Features and Benefits
The Cuisinart DGB-850 features a built-in burr grinder that guarantees uniform coffee grounds for consistent extraction, enhancing flavor quality. Its 10-cup thermal carafe design maintains coffee temperature for extended periods, complemented by a comfort-grip handle for ease of use. The machine offers customizable flavor strength options—regular, bold, or extra-bold—alongside the Brew Pause™ feature, allowing users to pour a cup mid-brew without disrupting the process.
Built-In Burr Grinder for Consistency
A standout feature of the Cuisinart DGB-850 is its built-in professional-style burr grinder, designed to deliver uniform coffee grounds for consistent extraction and flavor. The DirectFlow grind assembly guarantees grind uniformity, producing evenly sized particles that optimize brewing efficiency and enhance taste. The burr grinder's burr durability is reinforced by high-quality materials, securing long-term performance without compromising precision. Users can adjust the grind amount based on cup quantity (4 to 10 cups) and select from three flavor strength settings—regular, bold, or extra-bold—to tailor the brewing process. The half-pound bean hopper with a sealed lid preserves bean freshness, while the AutoRinse feature assures all grounds enter the brew basket. This combination of precision engineering and user-friendly design elevates the coffee-making experience, delivering consistent results with every brew.
0-Cup Thermal Carafe Design
Featuring a 10-cup thermal carafe, the Cuisinart DGB-850 guarantees coffee stays hot for extended periods, maintaining ideal temperature without the need for a warming plate. The carafe's thermal insulation secures heat retention for 1-2 hours, preserving the coffee's flavor profile. Constructed with stainless steel, the carafe durability is enhanced, making it resistant to wear and accidental impacts. Its ergonomic, comfort-grip handle provides a secure hold, reducing the risk of spills during pouring. However, some users note that the carafe's design can make pouring at steeper angles challenging. The absence of a warming plate eliminates the risk of burnt or over-extracted coffee, a common issue with traditional drip machines. Overall, the thermal carafe design combines functionality and longevity, aligning with the needs of coffee enthusiasts seeking consistent temperature control.
Flavor Strength Options: Regular, Bold, Extra-Bold
Offering three distinct flavor strength options—regular, bold, and extra-bold—the Cuisinart DGB-850 allows users to customize their coffee experience to suit personal preferences. This feature adjusts the amount of coffee grounds used during brewing, guaranteeing precise flavor customization. For example, the regular setting uses 91g of grounds for 6 cups, while the bold and extra-bold settings increase to 102g and 120g, respectively. This granular control caters to varying strength preferences, from mild to robust. Users appreciate the ability to fine-tune their brew, though some note that achieving the desired strength may require experimentation. The system's DirectFlow grind assembly guarantees consistent extraction, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This flexibility makes the DGB-850 ideal for households with diverse coffee tastes.
Brew Pause™ for Mid-Brew Serving
The Brew Pause™ feature on the Cuisinart DGB-850 allows users to interrupt the brewing process temporarily to pour a cup of coffee before the cycle completes. This mid brew serving capability enhances brew convenience, enabling users to enjoy a fresh cup without waiting for the entire pot to finish. The feature is activated by simply pressing the "Brew Pause" button, which halts the flow of coffee while maintaining the brewing temperature. This guarantees that the remaining coffee continues to brew at its best. Users appreciate the flexibility it offers, particularly during busy mornings. However, it is recommended to limit interruptions to avoid affecting the overall brew quality. The Brew Pause™ feature exemplifies the DGB-850's focus on combining functionality with user-centric design.
Product Quality
While the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew boasts a range of advanced features, its product quality presents a mixed experience, with notable strengths and some recurring issues. A durability assessment reveals that the stainless steel and black plastic construction offers a sleek, modern aesthetic, but some users report concerns about long-term robustness, particularly with the carafe and water reservoir. The material quality of the burr grinder and thermal carafe is generally praised for its sturdiness, though the carafe's pouring mechanism has been criticized for occasional spills. The built-in components, such as the gold-tone filter and DirectFlow grind assembly, demonstrate solid craftsmanship, but issues like water leakage and error messages after prolonged use suggest inconsistencies in overall build reliability. These factors highlight a balance between premium design and practical durability.
What It's Used For
The Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew is designed for brewing fresh coffee by integrating a built-in burr grinder that guarantees uniform grind consistency for peak flavor extraction. It allows users to customize coffee strength through three flavor settings—regular, bold, or extra-bold—and adjust grind quantities for 4 to 10 cups, catering to individual preferences. Additionally, the sealed bean hopper and thermal carafe work together to maintain coffee freshness, preserving aroma and temperature for extended periods.
Brewing Fresh Coffee
Designed to deliver a superior coffee experience, the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew combines a built-in burr grinder with a drip coffee maker, enabling users to brew fresh coffee from whole beans directly. The burr grinder guarantees uniform grind consistency, enhancing the coffee aroma and flavor profile. The machine maintains an ideal brewing temperature of 195-205°F, essential for extracting the full richness of the coffee. The 10-cup thermal carafe preserves the brewed coffee's warmth and aroma for extended periods. Users appreciate the convenience of grinding beans on demand, guaranteeing maximum freshness. The AutoRinse feature preps the system by flushing out residual grounds, further enhancing the brewing process. This combination of precision grinding and temperature control guarantees a consistently high-quality cup of coffee.
Customizing Coffee Strength
With its adjustable flavor strength options—regular, bold, or extra-bold—the Cuisinart DGB-850 allows users to tailor their coffee's intensity to personal preference. The machine adjusts the amount of coffee grounds used, not the grind size, to achieve varying strengths. For example, 6 cups of regular strength use 91g of grounds, while extra-bold increases to 120g. This customization guarantees a balanced water ratio, enhancing extraction without compromising brew temperature or bean freshness. The built-in burr grinder maintains consistent grind size, preserving the beans' natural oils and flavors. Users can experiment with settings to find their ideal balance, though some note a learning curve. The DGB-850's precision in controlling coffee strength makes it a versatile choice for diverse taste preferences.
Maintaining Coffee Freshness
How does the Cuisinart DGB-850 guarantee coffee beans remain fresh from grind to brew? The machine features a half-pound bean storage hopper with a sealed lid, designed for freshness preservation by minimizing exposure to air and moisture. This airtight design makes certain beans retain their flavor and aroma until grinding. The built-in burr grinder operates on-demand, grinding only the required amount of beans for each brew, further enhancing freshness. Users report that the DirectFlow grind assembly delivers consistent grounds directly into the brew basket, reducing oxidation and preserving coffee quality. Additionally, the thermal carafe maintains brewed coffee at ideal temperature without reheating, preventing flavor degradation. These features collectively make certain that the Cuisinart DGB-850 maintains coffee freshness from bean storage to the final cup.
Product Specifications
The Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew 10-Cup Coffeemaker combines functionality and precision, offering a range of features designed to enhance the coffee-making experience. With dimension details of 10.75D x 14.25W x 19.25H inches, this compact yet robust machine fits seamlessly into most kitchen setups. Operating at 110 volts, it guarantees consistent performance for daily use. The built-in burr grinder, 10-cup thermal carafe, and adjustable grind control provide versatility, while the AutoRinse feature simplifies maintenance. Below is a table highlighting key specifications:
| Feature | Specification | Impact on User Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.75D x 14.25W x 19.25H | Compact design for space-saving |
| Voltage | 110 Volts | Reliable performance |
| Grind Control | 4 to 10 cups | Customizable coffee strength |
These technical details guarantee a seamless blend of convenience and quality.
Who Needs This
For coffee enthusiasts seeking a balance of convenience and customization, the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew 10-Cup Coffeemaker is an ideal choice. This machine caters to home baristas who value freshly ground coffee but prefer an all-in-one solution over separate grinders and brewers. Its built-in burr grinder guarantees uniform grind consistency, while the adjustable flavor strength settings (regular, bold, extra-bold) allow users to tailor their brew to personal preferences. The 10-cup thermal carafe and 24-hour programmability make it suitable for households or small offices. However, its larger footprint and need for experimentation with grind and strength settings may not appeal to casual coffee drinkers. It's best suited for those who prioritize quality and are willing to invest time in mastering its features.
Pros
Delivering a high-quality coffee experience, the Cuisinart DGB-850 excels with its built-in burr grinder, ensuring uniform grind consistency for ideal flavor extraction. The machine's ability to preserve the coffee aroma is enhanced by its sealed bean hopper and DirectFlow grind assembly, which minimizes oxidation. Additionally, the brewing speed is optimized for efficiency, allowing users to enjoy freshly brewed coffee in minutes. Key advantages include:
- Customizable Strength Options: Choose from regular, bold, or extra-bold settings to tailor the coffee's intensity to your preference.
- Thermal Carafe: Keeps coffee hot for hours without compromising flavor, thanks to its double-wall insulation.
- Brew Pause™ Feature: Enables pouring a cup mid-brew, ensuring immediate enjoyment without waiting for the full cycle to complete.
These features combine to create a seamless and satisfying coffee-making process.
Cons
Despite its advanced features, the Cuisinart DGB-850 has several notable drawbacks that may impact user satisfaction.
- Water Leakage Issues: Some users have reported water leakage from the reservoir or carafe area, particularly after several months of use. This can lead to messy countertops and potential damage to the machine.
- Error Messages: The unit occasionally displays error messages, such as "Add Water" or "Grind Basket Full," even when these components are properly filled or empty. This disrupts the brewing process and requires troubleshooting.
- Inconvenient Reservoir Placement: The water reservoir's design makes it difficult to fill under low cabinets, requiring users to remove the entire unit for refilling, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.
These issues, while not universal, are significant enough to affect the overall user experience.
What Customers Are Saying
Customer feedback on the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew highlights a mix of satisfaction and frustration, reflecting the product's strengths and weaknesses. Many users praise its ability to deliver fresh, flavorful coffee, attributing this to the built-in burr grinder and adjustable strength settings. The thermal carafe and AutoRinse feature also contribute to positive user experiences, enhancing convenience and ease of use. However, some customers report challenges, such as the awkward placement of the water reservoir, which complicates filling under cabinets, and occasional issues with carafe pouring at steeper angles. Additionally, a subset of users noted water leakage and error messages after prolonged use, impacting long-term customer satisfaction. Overall, while the DGB-850 excels in functionality, its design quirks and durability concerns divide user opinions.
Overall Value
Evaluating the overall value of the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew requires balancing its advanced features against its practical limitations. The built-in burr grinder, adjustable strength settings, and thermal carafe enhance cost efficiency by eliminating the need for separate grinders and ensuring fresh, hot coffee. However, its $200+ price point may deter budget-conscious buyers. Long-term durability is mixed; while the stainless steel construction and 3-year warranty suggest reliability, some users report issues like water leakage and error messages after prolonged use. The AutoRinse and self-clean features simplify maintenance, but the carafe's awkward pouring and reservoir placement under cabinets may frustrate daily use. For those prioritizing convenience and quality, the DGB-850 offers solid value, though its longevity may vary.
Tips and Tricks For Best Results
How can users maximize the performance of the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew to achieve consistently excellent coffee? Start by calibrating the grind settings to match your preferred coffee strength—regular, bold, or extra-bold. The grind calibration directly impacts extraction, so experiment with the grind control to find the ideal balance for your taste. Make sure the water temperature is consistent by using filtered water and regularly descaling the machine to prevent mineral buildup, which can affect brewing efficiency. Preheat the thermal carafe with hot water to maintain coffee temperature. Use the AutoRinse feature to make sure all grounds are properly flushed into the brew basket, reducing residue. Finally, clean the burr grinder and carafe regularly to maintain performance and flavor integrity.
Conclusion
While the Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew offers a range of features designed to enhance the coffee-making experience, its overall performance is a balance of convenience and functionality. The built-in burr grinder and adjustable strength settings provide flexibility, though the grind control adjusts quantity rather than coarseness. The 10-cup thermal carafe maintains warmth effectively, but its pouring mechanism can be cumbersome. The AutoRinse and Brew Pause features add practicality, though the water reservoir's placement under cabinets may frustrate some users. In final thoughts, the DGB-850 delivers a solid overall impression for those seeking an all-in-one solution, but its durability and minor design flaws may require consideration. For enthusiasts willing to experiment, it remains a functional choice despite its limitations.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
