Cuisinart DGB-850 Coffee Maker Review Thermal Burr Grind Brew Excellence Explored

Description

Strengths of the Cuisinart DGB-850FR Fully Automatic Coffeemaker

Using the Cuisinart DGB-850FR Fully Automatic 10 Cup Burr Grind and Brew Thermal Coffeemaker Silver (Renewed) has been quite an experience. One feature that really stands out is the professional-style burr grinder. It grinds beans to a consistent size, which is crucial for brewing that perfect cup of coffee. The 10-cup thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot for hours without the burnt taste you get from glass pots on a hot plate. I also appreciate the comfort-grip handle, which makes pouring a breeze even when the carafe is full.

Other highlights include the DirectFlow grind assembly that deposits grounds directly into the brew basket, minimizing mess and waste. The AutoRinse feature is a thoughtful addition—it ensures all coffee grounds are efficiently transferred, so you don’t get leftover grinds clogging up the machine. The half-pound bean hopper with a sealed lid does a solid job keeping beans fresh, preserving aroma and flavor. For those who prefer flexibility, the grind-off feature allows the use of pre-ground coffee, which I found handy on busy mornings.

• Professional burr grinder ensures uniform grind consistency
• Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot without a warming plate
• DirectFlow grind assembly reduces mess during brewing
• Sealed bean hopper maintains bean freshness

Areas for Improvement in the Coffee Maker

Despite its many perks, this coffee maker isn’t without flaws. The extra-large LCD display and buttons, while intuitive, can be a bit fiddly. Sometimes I found myself pressing buttons multiple times to get the desired setting, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. The machine also tends to be a bit noisy during grinding, louder than I expected from a kitchen appliance.

Another drawback is the size and weight. At over 16 pounds and with dimensions of roughly 10.75”D x 14.25”W x 19.25”H, it’s not exactly compact or lightweight. This limits placement options in smaller kitchens or cramped countertops. Additionally, the charcoal water filter needs regular replacement to maintain water quality, which is an extra maintenance step some users might overlook.

• Buttons can be unresponsive or require multiple presses
• Grinder noise is louder than average
• Bulky size and heavy weight limit placement flexibility
• Charcoal water filter requires consistent upkeep

Versatile Features and Settings

One of the aspects I enjoyed testing was the variety of flavor strength options: regular, bold, and extra-bold. This lets you customize your brew to suit your mood or guests’ preferences. The grind control is programmable for anywhere from 4 to 10 cups, which is great for scaling your coffee output without guesswork. The 24-hour brew start timer is a solid convenience feature; I set it up to have fresh coffee ready the moment I wake up.

The Brew Pause feature is a lifesaver for impatient coffee drinkers like me. If you can’t wait for the full pot to finish brewing, you can pour a cup mid-cycle without any drips or mess—very handy. The machine also comes with a gold-tone commercial-style permanent filter, which means you don’t have to keep buying disposable paper filters, reducing waste and ongoing costs.

Comparing to Popular Competitors

This coffee maker competes with well-known models like the Breville Grind Control and the Baratza Encore paired with a separate brewer. Compared to these, the Cuisinart DGB-850FR excels in offering an all-in-one solution with its built-in burr grinder and thermal carafe combo. The integrated grinder is a major convenience over buying a separate grinder and coffee maker.

However, in terms of grind quality and noise level, some standalone grinders from competitors still outperform it. The Baratza Encore, for example, offers quieter operation and more grind settings, making it ideal for enthusiasts who want precise control. The Breville model includes a more modern interface and sometimes sleeker design, but it often comes at a higher price point.

Overall, the Cuisinart is a great pick for those who want consistent grind quality and hot coffee without juggling multiple devices, but it’s not the quietest or smallest option out there.

Value for Money Considerations

Assessing the price to quality ratio, this machine offers decent value given its multifunctionality. The fact it is sold renewed means you get a professionally inspected product that works like new, often at a better cost than brand-new models. Its fully automatic operation paired with a thermal carafe and burr grinder usually comes at a premium, but here it feels more affordable.

The build quality and included accessories like the charcoal water filter and gold-tone filter add to the value proposition. You’re not just paying for a coffee maker; it’s a complete brewing system. However, potential buyers should weigh the size and noise tradeoffs against the cost savings. For someone who prioritizes convenience and thermal retention, this could definitely be worth the investment.

User Experience and Practical Use

My family has been quite vocal about their impressions of this coffee maker. My spouse loves the boldness options and the fresh grind taste, while my kids appreciate the ease of use with the buttons—once you get the hang of it. Even my tech-averse parents found the intuitive operation manageable, which speaks well for its user-friendly design.

That said, I noticed the machine requires a bit of patience during brewing because of the grinding step. It’s not instantaneous, so if you’re used to pod machines, this might feel slow. Cleaning the grinder and brew basket regularly is necessary to keep performance optimal, but that’s true for most machines with integrated grinders.

Design and Build Quality Insights

The silver and black color scheme fits well in most kitchens, offering a modern yet classic look. The thermal carafe’s sturdy construction and the comfort-grip handle make pouring easy, even when full. I appreciate that the reusable gold-tone filter is included, which feels sturdier than typical plastic filters.

The machine’s weight and dimensions do make it less portable, but the solid build gives a sense of durability. The buttons and display are large enough to be seen clearly, even in low light, but the plastic feel is a bit less premium compared to some competitors. Still, the machine feels robust enough to last several years with proper care.

This review reflects my hands-on experience with the Cuisinart DGB-850FR Fully Automatic 10 Cup Burr Grind and Brew Thermal Coffeemaker Silver (Renewed), highlighting its blend of strengths and quirks for anyone considering this coffee system.

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