Cuisinart Grind and Brew Plus | Bean to Cup Filter Coffee Maker | DGB900BCU | Silver

Wanted to use whole beans, didn't want an espresso machine. As it wasn't too expensive compared to some espresso devices I took a chance on this. Couldn't be happier.It's easy to clean which is important as I generally set it up for the next day just before heading off to bed. Anything less than easy would be a chore. This certainly isn't & I've used it everyday since buying. The coffee filter mechanism simply lifts out, you chuck the used grinds in the bin, run the rest of it under the tap paying a bit more attention to the filter basket and you're done. The mechanism goes back in the machine, you line up two arrows to ensure correct positioning and close the door. Fill the water to the desired level and it is now ready to brew.A nice feature is that it has a permanent filter which works perfectly well so no need for paper filters. It is fine enough to stop all but the very smallest coffee dust particles.The grinder mechanism is a burr grinder which is apparently better than blades. It works really well but not too sure what the difference is apart from the grind output seems slightly larger than my blade grinder.The machine has a couple of variables that require a bit of experimentation to get the coffee the way you like. I use water to the 8 cup level (approx 1 litre) with grind quantity set to 6 cups and "Strong" as the strength level. This combined with my favourite beans produces a fantastic tasting coffee. A 1kg bag of beans seems to last 3 - 4 weeks at this setting. Just note that even though this machine can make between 4 - 12 cups it will use all of the water in its reservoir during each brewing cycle i.e. if you put in water sufficient for 4 cups but set grind quantity to 12 cups you will get very, very strong coffee!The timer function works very well and even retains its memory for a time if the power is removed. Believe me there is nothing like waking up to the smell of freshly ground coffee wafting through the house! I dropped one star as the timer is a 7 day variety. I think a 5 day / 2 day option to take account of the weekend or even a more detailed daily version would be more useful but it is a minor gripe.The insulated jug works well enough although I do microwave my afternoon cup for 30 seconds to get it to the temperature I like. It is a bit of a mad design requiring total inversion to get the last cup or two out but it isn't a problem just feels a bit odd the first time. I like that the coffee isn't boiling away all day.This machine feels solid so I'm hoping it will last. I've had it for a couple of months now, used everyday and no complaints.

For a number of years we've preferred fresh ground coffee using an electronic Krupps grinder and making the coffee in a cafetiere, however recently we decided to make the leap to a bean to cup machine. We considered various machines but to avoid paying a ridiculous amount of money we concentrated on the Cuisinart range. I was keen to avoid a machine that dispensed to a glass jug on a hotplate as I've seen a number of those types cause problems when the hotplate is not switched off (leading to baked on coffee in the jug or a damaged jug) or when the jug is stuck to the hotplate because of spilled coffee (leading to a shattered jug when someone attempts to remove the jug without paying attention).A single cup machine was also discarded as impractical.We've had this machine now for a couple of days and are very happy with the it. The instructions are clear and concise, and the controls are logical. It was shipped properly packed and setup within 5 minutes of receipt. We have the strength set to "strong" as neither my partner nor I can stand weak coffee. Using Whittards Guatemalan Elephant beans and making sure to only add the required amount of water to the reservoir ensures a good, strong, flavourful brew within minutes within minimal fuss. The grinder is no more noisy than our old Krupps grinder, but as you don't need to be present during the brewing process this is not a problem and much less annoying than our old coffee making method. It's also worth noting that Cuisinart provide a 3 year warranty with the machine which is very reassuring considering the cost.Some things to note:- The machine will always use all the water in the reservoir (preventing stagnant water being used); this can be used to fine tune the strength.- The number of cups required must also be set via a dial on the front of the machine; this controls the amount of beans ground.- The measures offer up to 12 cups; this equates to slightly less than 1/2 in "mugs" i.e. 6 cups provides just under 3 "mugs" in our house.- The jug keeps the coffee warm for at least 3 hours (this is the longest we've left it so far), assuming that you've warmed the jug with boiling water first.- Cleaning the parts is fairly quick - it takes me less than 5 minutes to clean up when done.- As others have commented, the unusual design of the jug means that you have to work to pour out the last few drops. This takes some getting used to but is not a big deal.- On finishing a brew, the machine notifies you with 5 discrete beeps; a nice touch.Overall this machine has proved very useful when entertaining over the Xmas period and I'm confident it will see plenty of use in the future. I'm very happy with the purchase.NB: I've not commented on the programmable timer as we've not used it.

This was a Christmas gift. After much research and comparison shopping we decided on this item to replace our old coffee pot.PROS: It’s beautifully designed (but slightly too tall to slide under our cabinets due to the grinding bean compartment on top. Not a deal breaker). It’s a nice addition to the kitchen. The timer function, strength control and option to use beans or grounds is wonderful. It brews a tasty coffee. It’s easy to set up and clean.CONS: the jug doesn’t pour well and when you’re on the last cup it’s very hard to get the last bit of coffee out. So we’re wasting a few cups per week because it’s too awkward to pour out. The carafe is thermal but doesn’t keep the coffee hot for long enough. I have travel mugs that keep it piping hot for hours so expected the same from this expensive pot. I also think the coffee temperature could be hotter on brew.Overall a nice machine but for the price I would have expected far fewer ‘CONS’ so it’s a bit disappointing.