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Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker Review

Our Rating: 3.5/5

Cuisinart Premium

FEATURES:

  • Programmable settings
  • Filters included
  • BPA free 72-ounce removable reservoir
  • Accommodates all single-cup coffee pods
  • Brews grounds
  • Hot water function
  • Backlit screen
  • Temperature control
  • Rinse function
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Our Rating: 3.5/5

Cuisinart Premium

FEATURES:

  • Programmable settings
  • Filters included
  • BPA free 72-ounce removable reservoir
  • Accommodates all single-cup coffee pods
  • Brews grounds
  • Hot water function
  • Backlit screen
  • Temperature control
  • Rinse function
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker Review Summary


What the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker lacks in portability, it more than makes up for in versatility and efficiency. Indeed, efficiency seems to be a gold-standard for Cuisinart, a company that was the first to introduce food processors back in 1973.

With such pedigree, this machine’s versatility comes as no surprise. Brew coffee pods and grounds, or boil hot water for instant coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. This Cuisinart single serve coffee maker accepts K-Cup single-pod coffee cups, including generic versions, and can manage brews between 4 and 12 ounces.

The programmable screen means easy viewing when you adjust the brew size and temperature. You can also choose or set an auto-off function, and set the time.

Thanks to the removable reservoir, removable spill tray, and an in-built rinse function, maintenance is a breeze. You’ll get tastier and healthier coffee too. I particularly like the BPA-free reservoir’s charcoal water filter and the HomeBarista branded reusable filter cup.

Although it’s an impressive coffee machine, bear in mind that mastering its functions involves a learning curve. And its sophistication means it’s far from the cheapest single-serve coffee maker.

That said, if you’re after choice, convenience, and a great range of features, this could be the coffee maker of your dreams.

Pros

  • Temperature control
  • Brew size control
  • Removable parts and rinse function for easy cleaning
  • BPA-free reservoir
  • Reusable filter included
  • Brews K-Cups, grounds, and more
  • Easy-view backlit screen

    Cons

    • Learning how to operate the machine takes time
    • Not as quiet as other coffee makers

    Features and Benefits of the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker


    It goes without saying that a top-level machine boasts many perks (above and beyond perk-inducing coffee). But what makes this Cuisinart single serve coffee maker really special is its cool features. 

    Let’s take a look.

    Temperature Control


    I’m not sure which is worse, lukewarm coffee or scalding coffee. Either way, it’s not a problem with the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker. Many, if not most coffee machines, lack temperature control settings are, so this definitely gives Cuisinart an edge.

    You have two temperature settings to choose between. It’s not clear what the temperature control range is exactly, but consumer feedback suggests an average of 175 degrees Fahrenheit on the cooler side and 190 degrees on the hotter end.

    Five Brew Sizes


    Many coffee machines give you some control over your brew size, but few offer as much control as the Cuisinart Premium. Pick between five sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces. It’s an impressive range that accommodates coffee drinkers of all size persuasions.

    This variety makes up for the missing brew-strength control. Instead, adjust your coffee’s strength by selecting a smaller cup. Since the volume options run a size or two smaller than average, you have options you can’t take advantage of in other machines. 

    It Brews Almost Anything


    Have you noticed that coffee machines are often designed to accept coffee pods produced by the manufacturer only? It makes sense from a commercial point of view, but it’s an annoyance to consumers.

    Thankfully, this doesn’t apply here. The Premium Single-Serve Coffee Maker is compatible with other brands, notably K-Cups, even though Cuisinart makes its own pods.

    I should mention that it only takes K-Cups or rather, K-Cups and all generic brands. It is a grievance, but don’t let it deter you. This machine can still brew a lot.

    From pods (tea and cocoa included) to grounds, to boiling plain hot water for your instant coffees, soups, and other warm drinks, you are spoiled for choice and still retain full control over your coffee or hot drink preferences.

    Maintenance Is Easy


    Cuisinart really places emphasis on convenience. Though the premium single serve coffee maker is sophisticated and digital, it’s also super easy to clean and maintain. The spill tray and reservoir are fully removable, and best of all, a rinse function does the dirty work for you by flushing out the chamber after brewing.

    Since maintenance is so convenient, this coffee maker should resist deterioration from standard wear and tear — at least more so than other machines. Given the design, it should run smoothly for years to come.

    Cleaner Coffee


    Kudos to Cuisinart for the included charcoal water filter. It makes your water cleaner and healthier, and, by extension, enhances your coffee’s flavor. A filter is a much-appreciated feature that’s often disregarded, so again Cuisinart scores points.

    Another great addition is the reusable HomeBarista filter that you can use for coffee grounds or tea. It saves you a bit of money in investing in one and means that you can brew filter coffee from the get-go.

    BPA-Free Plastic


    Adding to the health considerations the company has included, this coffee maker’s reservoir is made of BPA-free plastic. It won’t deteriorate and contaminate your water with harmful chemicals over time, and you won’t have to worry about unseen impurities affecting your body — or your coffee!

    Backlit LCD Display


    The Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker’s design is pretty cool too. There’s an easy-to-read LCD screen to help you navigate and set your preferences. And an added bonus is the blue backlight for extra visibility.

    There is a learning curve involved when it comes to setting your preferences as the buttons aren’t particularly intuitive. Once you get the hang of it though, operating this coffee maker is as easy as pie.

    Travel Mug Friendly


    Since you can remove the spill tray, you can make more room for travel mugs. This is always a handy coffee machine feature and adds convenience for bean addicts who enjoy their coffee on the go.

    Auto-Off Function


    Don’t worry if you’re forgetful, this coffee maker will turn itself off if you forget. The only caveat is that you’ll have to tell it to do so first. You can set the number of idle hours before it shuts down via the control panel. The eco-conscious (and those conscious of their power bills) will appreciate this feature.

    No Heat-up Time


    Last, but certainly not least, is how fast this machine works. You won’t have to wait for the water to heat up before can make a brew, and the Cuisinart single serve coffee maker will prepare your coffee in a minute or less.

    If you lead a busy lifestyle and need a machine that’s ready when you need it, the Cuisinart Premium is a smart choice.

    What Do Users Say Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker?


    The Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker seems like the perfect machine at first glance, but there are some niggles. 

    To get to the heart of the matter, I looked into customer feedback. The consensus? For all its flaws, the majority of customers are happy with this machine.

    Favorable comments noted the coffee quality is excellent, the brew speed is appreciated, and that the machine looks sleek and slick. 

    Users also enjoy the programmable options and variety. Some owners say investing in this machine is worth every penny. While others go as far as saying that it’s the best of its kind, beating the competition by a landslide.

    On the other hand, disgruntled users argue that previous models were superior, the temperature control is subpar, and that it’s noisy and tricky to operate. Others note that overall, the product’s price simply isn’t justified.

    If we’re going by majority rules though, the overwhelming verdict is that this model is worth it, and stands out as a great coffee maker.

    Alternatives To The Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker


    Say you want a high-end model, but the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker doesn’t suit. Or, perhaps you’d like the same features, but at an affordable price point. Either way, here are some top alternatives to consider.

    Keurig rarely disappoints, and the K-Elite is no exception. One of the higher-end models Keurig offers, it includes features the Cuisinart single serve coffee maker lacks, such as a brew-strength control, an iced drink option, and a handy maintenance reminder when it’s time to descale the machine.

    It also includes the features I like about Cuisinart’s model: temperature control, coffee in under a minute, a water filter, and the auto-off function.

    Iced drink option

    Has a brew-strength control the Cuisinart model lacks

    Bonus K-Cup starter pack included

    Similar price to the Cuisinart Premium

    You won’t get as many nifty functions with Casara’s programmable coffee maker, but the biggest pro is that it costs a fraction of the Cuisinart Premium’s price. While it lacks bells and whistles (you can’t control your brew strength or temperature, for example) it is compact and comes with a travel mug and reusable filter.

    Use the LCD screen to set a timer before you want coffee and the unit will get your joe made on time. It also has an auto-off function for your convenience. It’s primarily made for grounds, but it also accepts pods, with the exception of K-Cups.

    Programmable timer

    Auto-off function

    Descale reminder

    An affordable choice

    More compact and portable than the Cuisinart Premium

    A fantastic middle ground between affordable simplicity and sophistication, Moss and Stone’s coffee maker doesn’t have a crazy list of features like the Cuisinart Premium does, but it’s automated for convenience and will save you money in the long run.

    This single serve machine allows you to set an auto-off function an hour or two hours after your last brew. Its reservoir and spill tray are removable, and the machine is compact and energy efficient. It works fast and takes a variety of pods including K-Cups.

    Programmable energy saving auto-off function

    Brews coffee in 30 seconds

    Hot water option

    Compatible with a variety of pods

    Conclusion


    The Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker is a great machine that takes convenience and preference to the next level. It gives you more control over the coffee you drink, a multitude of options, and handy features that make maintaining your machine simple and easy.

    Though it’s not the cheapest coffee maker, if you’re looking for variety and sophistication, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a comparable machine.

    On the other hand, it is not “fully” programmable, as the manufacturers would have you believe. And its sophistication belies the fact that it’s missing a couple of features. If you can look past these, it may be the perfect machine for you.

    Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker FAQs


    Can the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker Take Non-Keurig Pods?

    So long as the pods are generic K-Cups, yes. Others won’t fit in the Cuisinart premium.So long as the pods are generic K-Cups, yes. Others won’t fit in the Cuisinart premium.

    Will I Have To Replace the Charcoal Filter in My Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker?

    Yes, eventually. It’s recommended that you change charcoal filters every 60 days of regular use. With excessive use, you may have to change it sooner.

    Does the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker Come With a Warranty?

    Yes. You’ll receive a three-year limited warranty upon purchase.