What We Found When Testing The Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12
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If you’re in the market for a new coffeemaker, you’re in the right place. We recently got our hands on the Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 12 Cup Coffee Maker and put it to the test. We’re here to share our experience and give you the lowdown on whether this product is worth your hard-earned cash.
- Adjustable keep warm time
- Fully programmable
- "Renewed" models available for under $100
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- The 12-cup carafe is perfect for brewing enough coffee for the whole family, and the single-serve option is a great bonus for quick cups.
- The water reservoir with individual charcoal filters for both drip coffee and single-serve is a game-changer for ensuring clean, great-tasting coffee.
- The LCD display and 24-hour programmable clock make it easy to set up your brew ahead of time and enjoy a fresh cup whenever you want.
- The adjustable keep warm time is a fantastic feature, especially for those busy mornings when you need a refill.
- The brew pause feature comes in handy when you can’t wait for the whole pot to finish brewing.
What Can Be Improved
- The pod brew for single-serve didn’t work as smoothly as expected, which could potentially lead to clogging and leakage issues.
- It may take some trial and error to find the perfect grind size and amount for your desired espresso extraction.
Quick Verdict
Overall, the Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 12 Cup Coffee Maker is a versatile and reliable coffeemaker that delivers great-tasting coffee whether you’re brewing a full pot or a single cup. The convenience of the programmable features and the flexibility of the dual brewing options make it a worthy addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.
If you’re looking for a coffeemaker that can handle both your daily drip coffee needs and the occasional single-serve treat, this one’s definitely worth considering.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
We purchased the Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 12 Cup Coffee Maker from Amazon. As usual, delivery was extremely fast, arriving at our doorstep in just a couple of days.
Upon unboxing, we found the Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, a reusable filter, and a user guide.
Specifications
- Filter Type: Reusable
- Coffee Maker Type: Combination Drip and Single-Serve Coffee Machine
- Special Feature: Programmable
- Color: Black
- Brand: Cuisinart
User-Guide
The user guide was incredibly helpful in setting up my new coffeemaker. It provided clear instructions on how to program the machine and make the perfect cup of coffee. You can find the user guide here.
Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 12 Cup Coffee Maker Features – What We Found
Flexibility
The Cuisinart SS-12 offers the flexibility of brewing a full 12-cup carafe or a single serving of coffee. This is perfect for households with different coffee preferences or for individuals who want the option to brew a single cup. The 12-cup carafe is great for serving guests or for keeping coffee warm throughout the morning, while the single-serve option is convenient for those on-the-go moments.
Large Water Reservoirs
The coffee maker features a 64 oz water reservoir for drip coffee and a 40 oz water reservoir for single serve, each with its individual charcoal filter. This ensures that the water used for brewing is clean and free from impurities, resulting in a better-tasting cup of coffee. The charcoal filters also help to remove any chlorine or odors from the water, enhancing the overall coffee flavor.
User Friendly Interface
The LCD display on the control panel of the coffee maker includes a 24-hour programmable clock, allowing you to set the machine to brew at a specific time. This is convenient for those who like to wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, the Add water icon serves as a helpful reminder to refill the water reservoir when it’s running low, ensuring that you never run out of water mid-brewing.
Stays Warm
The Cuisinart SS-12 offers an adjustable keep warm time feature, allowing you to set the carafe to keep the brewed coffee warm for up to 4 hours. This is ideal for situations where you may not be able to drink the coffee immediately after brewing, ensuring that it stays hot and fresh for an extended period. Pro tip: Adjust the keep warm time based on your consumption habits to avoid overheating the coffee.
Brew Pause
The brew pause feature allows you to remove the carafe mid-brew to pour a cup of coffee without waiting for the entire brewing process to finish. This is perfect for those moments when you need a quick cup of coffee before the full pot is ready. The feature works by temporarily stopping the flow of coffee from the basket, allowing you to pour a cup and then continue brewing without any spillage. It’s a convenient addition to the coffee maker that adds flexibility to your brewing experience.
- Adjustable keep warm time
- Fully programmable
- "Renewed" models available for under $100
Score And Review
Our Score: 4.3
After testing the Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 12 Cup Coffee Maker, we have to say we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. The 12-cup carafe and single-serve options make it extremely versatile, catering to both your regular coffee needs and those times when you just need a quick single cup.
The LCD display and programmable clock will make your mornings so much easier, and the adjustable keep warm time is a great feature for those days when you need your coffee to stay hot for a little longer.
We absolutely love its brew pause feature, which allows you to pour a cup mid-brew without any mess.
The fact that it comes with individual charcoal filters for both the drip coffee and single-serve options is a great bonus, ensuring that you always get a clean and delicious cup of coffee.
The ease of use, the quality of coffee it produces, and the overall convenience it offers make it a worthwhile investment for any coffee lover.
If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile coffeemaker, we would definitely suggest giving the Cuisinart SS-12 a try.
Recommended Accessories
These high-quality filters ensure that the coffee brewed with your Cuisinart SS-12 12 Cup Center Brew Basics Coffee Maker is perfect every time, effectively removing impurities and sediment to deliver a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee.
Designed specifically for use with Cuisinart coffee makers, these replacement water filters guarantee optimal performance and longevity for your machine. By regularly replacing your filters, you can maintain the pristine condition of your coffee maker and prolong its lifespan, ensuring consistent and delicious results with every brew.
With the DCCF-24 water filters, you can enjoy the convenience of hassle-free brewing and indulge in the rich aroma and bold flavor of freshly brewed coffee, making them an essential accessory for any coffee enthusiast.
The Cuisinart SS-RFC HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup is an excellent addition to your coffee brewing setup, particularly when paired with the Cuisinart SS-12 12 Cup Center Brew Basics Coffee Maker. This reusable filter cup offers the versatility to enjoy a wide variety of coffee flavors and blends, all while reducing waste associated with disposable K-Cups. Crafted with durability in mind, it provides a sustainable alternative for brewing single servings of coffee, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverages guilt-free.
Compatible with the Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 12 Cup Coffee Maker, the SS-RFC HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup allows you to customize your coffee experience to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you crave a bold espresso or a smooth latte, this reusable filter cup gives you the freedom to experiment with different coffee grounds and brewing techniques. Additionally, its easy-to-clean design ensures hassle-free maintenance, making it a convenient and environmentally-friendly choice for coffee enthusiasts.
With the Cuisinart SS-RFC HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup, you can elevate your coffee brewing experience while minimizing your ecological impact, making it an essential accessory for your home coffee setup.
Alternatives To Consider
When considering a coffee maker, it’s important to explore all your options to find the perfect fit for your needs. If you’re looking for a versatile coffee maker that offers the convenience of using K-Cup pods or grounds, the Cuisinart SS-12 12 Cup Center Brew Basics Coffee Maker is a great choice. However, if you’re not completely sold on this option, there are some alternate products you may want to consider.
- Amazon Basics Programmable Coffee Maker: This coffee maker offers the simplicity of a 12-cup capacity with a reusable filter, making it a great option for those who prefer a more traditional brewing method.
- Amazon Basics 5 Cup Coffee Maker: For those who prefer smaller batches of coffee, this 5-cup coffee maker with a reusable filter is a compact and efficient choice.
- Braun KF9079SI Multiserve Coffee Maker: This stainless steel coffee maker offers the versatility of brewing different serving sizes, catering to individual preferences.
- Keurig K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker: Brew a single 6, 8, 10, or 12oz cup, or program it to automatically brew up to 12 cups using the included carafe up to 24 hrs in advance..
Want even more options, but don’t want to break the bank? Read: Want The Best Coffee Maker Under $100? Here’s What To Look For
These alternate products provide a range of features and capacities, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s coffee brewing needs. Consider these options before making your final decision.