CuisinartBrew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

My favorite feature: this is the first coffee maker I've owned that did not drip outside the cup while coffee was being poured. I now enjoy pouring a cup of coffee without 1)having to hold both cup and pot over the sink to avoid a mess on the counter, or 2) pouring so slowly that a valuable chunk of my life is sacrificed in the process.I found the Cuisinart manual informative and easy to follow. The initial set-up process was not difficult. Some reviewers griped about the cost of replacing the charcoal water filter. Please--if you buy a set of 24 filters from Cuisinart, the cost is less than $1.50 each. A set of 12 will set you back $1.67 each. If a filter lasts through approximately 60 pots of coffee, that small expense is hardly a drawback. Filter use, while suggested, is optional, so take comfort, misers of the world. (Someone who balks at the cost of replacing the charcoal water filter is an unlikely owner of this particular coffee maker. There are cheaper models. But remember, in most cases, you get what you pay for. This unit is worth the price.)Other reviewers griped that the digital clock is difficult to read. If I stand in front of the coffee maker, I can read and set the time on its digital clock without strain. Back-lighting might be better, but it is a minor point.I haven't owned the Cuisinart long enough to test the self-cleaning feature or the 1-4 cup brewing setting. Nice to know that both are available.The toggle on-off switch is retro but handy and suits the design of the unit as a whole. I appreciate the reminder of soft beeping when the brewing cycle is complete, and when the warmer plate shuts off. I also like the adjustable heat option for the warming plate. I set mine at low and find that keeps the carafe's contents piping hot. A terrific safety feature is the automatic shut-off of the warming plate, the timing of which can be chosen by the user. No more shutting off too soon or too late--or if forgotten, not at all!Clean-up is easy. The pot lid pops off with the flick of a finger. Even though the carafe is tall, it fits nicely on the top rack of my dishwasher. The filter and its basket slide out of the coffee maker for washing and back in without a struggle.A reviewer commented that the filter capacity was insufficient. Seems fine to me.This is a tall coffee maker. I measured mine at 14". That gives me 2" clearance from my upper kitchen cabinet. The unit is not so heavy that I had any difficulty sliding it under the cabinet or pulling it out for use.Some reviewers disliked the "small" opening through which water for brewing is poured. I am not tall, but I can see the right spot and have had no trouble filling the reservoir, thanks in part to the dripless pot. As for the internal hard-to-see water level indicator, who cares? Don't you look at the water level in the pot before you add water to the coffee maker? Why would anyone need to check this twice?My only gripe is, as others did note, the internal condensation on the lid of the water reservoir. True, there's a significant amount. Some of it does dribble down the back of the coffee maker when the lid is opened, towards the electric cord at the base of the unit. Right above the cord is a curved piece of plastic that protects the cord/unit interface from bumps and, presumably, from the drops of condensation. This glitch is new to my experience. I dug out my old coffee maker (competitive brand) and took a look at the pertinent engineering. When its reservoir lid is opened, a piece of plastic built into the rear of the lid directs any condensed droplets back into the reservoir itself. The Cuisinart lacks this feature. When the Cuisinart's reservoir lid is opened, it tilts away from the unit, giving condensation nowhere else to run but out and down towards the electric cord. I cope by using a paper towel to catch the initial drops, after which I wipe the inside of the reservoir lid to remove the remaining condensation. Mildly annoying, but not enough to ruin my appreciation of this coffee maker.Overall, I give this coffee maker 4.75 stars. Bravo! Great-tasting coffee from a smart, attractive machine. All it needs is a more visible digital clock (minor issue) and re-engineering to eliminate external drips from condensation when the reservoir lid is opened. Thank you, Cuisinart.

We are a household of Java Junkies, that especially applies to me if there was a way to set up an IV of coffee to take intravenously I would most likely give this serious consideration.Much like when Proctor & Gamble bought out Braun, the build quality suffered. I've read this is the same scenario when Conair aquired Cuisinart. However the brand still ranks high according to Consumer Reports. After five years our Cuisnart coffee and tea maker model DCC-1200 began to fade, the coffee just wasn't hot enough making for a poor brew and so the process of seeking out a replacement began.Consumer reports rates this model at a 64 out of 100, not bad but not a CR recommendation. The Cuisinart Perfect Temp 14 cup scored an 84 however spec by spec I saw no significant difference in what it takes to brew an exceptional pot of coffee.The price difference between the two is an insignificant 10 bucks so based on both functionality, looks and appearance we chose this model and so far so good or rather great.Another strike against the Perfect Temp is that replacement carafes are only available through Cuisinart and the turn around time is 10-14 days. As for the DCC-1200 replacement carafes can be ordered from Amazon, purchased at stores like Bed Bath and Beyond and the cost is painless. So when you slam your carafe against a counter or drop it you can have new one in 24 hours as opposed to waiting 2 weeks.When we bought this old house a few years ago the entire inside had to be gutted - except for the kitchen, the bright red counter tops and red accents were like a 1950's kitchen, frozen in time. So I have to admit that getting this coffee maker in metallic red makes for a wonderful accent.Quality Touches:* Brew Performance is excellent at 195 - 205 degrees. This is the industry standard for optimum brewing and flavor.* Easy to fill reservoir* Adjustable brew and carafe heat* You can remove the carafe during brewing to steal a quick cup or two* Removable carafe lid makes for easy cleaning via by hand or dishwasher* Variable brews from 2-4 cups to 12 cups* Cleaning light alerts you when it's time to run some vinegar and water through the machine to eliminate scale build up* Easy to follow manual and quick start guide* Comes with a permanent filter, paper filters and a Charcoal water filter.About using the activated charcoal filters. I've been keeping fish for over 40 years and use activated charcoal to remove impurities from the water in my aquariums. It's important to note that if you commit to using the filters which I would recommend they should be replaced every four weeks.When activated charcoal has absorbed its full potential to neutralize chlorine, fluoride and a myriad of other impurities that make your coffee taste better - the charcoal will then release acids which will make even the finest Arabica bean coffee taste bitter.As for the flavor - this coffee maker produces a steaming hot full bodied cup of Joe. And so far we love it. Great Retro styling, no unnecessary bells and whistles means less of a chance for things to break - sometimes less really is more.Simply an excellent coffee maker that delivers a hot, lovely, full bodied cup of coffee time after time.Highly Recommended