Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200

The Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is praised for its 12-cup capacity and easy-to-handle carafe. It also has a number of convenient features, including 24-hour programming, a small-batch option and pause-and-brew. Some owners say the water reservoir is hard to fill, especially for left-handed users, and there are some durability complaints.

Performance

Hot brew temperatures please palates. Owners frequently mention their satisfaction with the Brew Central's brew temperatures, which are hot enough to reach optimal temperatures and extract the best flavor from coffee grounds without over-extracting. The water spout design contributes to the Brew Central's ability to maintain proper brewing temperatures, with a showerhead design that distributes water evenly over grounds to reduce temperature loss. It also has a charcoal water filter to remove chlorine from tap water to improve taste. In professional tests, the Brew Central earns very good scores for brew performance.

One standout feature is the adjustable hot plate temperature, which can be set to low, medium or high. Coffee makers with glass carafes use hot plates to maintain the coffee temperature after brewing, but this has a tendency to continue cooking the coffee, creating a bitter taste. By letting users reduce the continued heat, coffee can be maintained for longer periods without contributing to its acidity. The trade-off for this feature is that on lower settings, the coffee won't stay as hot and may need to be re-warmed for those who prefer their brew piping hot.

Ease of use

Lots of extras, but some minor inconveniences. The Cuisinart Brew Central is praised in professional tests for its easy-to-handle carafe, which features an ergonomic design for comfort and to reduce potential dripping during pouring. For users who can't wait to take the first sip of hot coffee, the pause brew feature lets you sneak a cup without making a mess mid-brew, while 24-hour advance programming means you can wake up to a fresh-brewed pot of coffee each morning. A series of five beeps lets users know when coffee is ready, so there's no guessing whether your coffee is done brewing if you're in another room. For days when less than a full pot is necessary, the small-batch function allows users to make a batch between one and four cups.

The charcoal water filter does need to be replaced periodically, but the permanent gold-tone filter means there's no need to purchase one-time use paper filters. However, it is necessary to clean the gold-tone filter between uses -- not a major inconvenience according to most. An indicator light also notifies owners when it's time to clean this coffee maker. Regular cleaning can reduce calcification buildup in the water reservoir and extend the life of the machine.

The most common complaint relates to the water reservoir; users say it's narrow and because it's accessed from the back, it can be difficult to fill. Those storing this coffee maker on a countertop will have to pull it away from the cabinets to access the reservoir, but most owners agree it's a minor shortcoming considering all the other features this machine offers.

Appearance

Stylish appearance and many color options. The Brew Central looks sleek, with a front-panel user interface. This coffee maker comes in five different colors to coordinate with any kitchen décor: black/chrome, black/brushed metal, matte black metal, metallic pink and metallic red. The unit is relatively tall, so some users say it wouldn't fit under their cabinets.

Most say the Cuisinart Brew Central has a great build quality and design, noting that even the plastic parts feel durable. But one problem we found mentioned by multiple owners is that the water reservoir does tend to leak over time. If the reservoir is leaking, it could create a mess if you fill it the day before to pre-program a morning brew time. We also read some complaints from owners who say that this coffee maker stops working after a few years, and even some users who say that an electrical malfunction caused the unit to start smoking.

The bottom line

A solid, reliable, attractive coffee maker. The Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 is an automatic drip coffee maker with a 12-cup capacity and a host of convenience features. With a small-batch function and adjustable hot plate, the DCC-1200 can accommodate a variety of needs and preferences. Among standard coffee makers, the Cuisinart Brew Central offers more features and functionality than most, and does so in an attractive package. Most downsides are small, but long-term durability could be a concern.