Review: DCC-3200 Cuisinart Drip Coffee Maker

The editorial team at ExtendCoffee.com has been excitedly working to review the popular coffee maker models available today.

Then, we came across the Cuisinart DCC-3200 and this is our review of this coffee brewer machine.

Here is a list of topics we examined to learn a bit more about DCC-3200 by Cuisinart. The main goal was to check if this the mid-pricing range of coffee maker, retailing about the $70, can compete for the more expensive machines on the market.

• The features 
• How DCC3200 works
• The advantages and disadvantages of DCC-3200
• The best tips to get you set up for success
• Who the machine is and isn’t ideal for

Short Overview of DCC-3200 by Cuisinart

The 14 cup Cuisinart DCC-3200 Programmable Coffee Maker packs some of the company’s best innovations.

A simple but functional design of DCC-3200 gives you plenty of options to enjoy from your morning cup of java.

Although this is not a perfect coffee brewer still Cuisinart has a winner on their hands here.

With the versatility of this Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable coffee maker, you can do many adjustments things to make just the right brew to suit your taste.

The controls on this machine are all in front, along with a blue backlit display. 

Using these options, you can select regular or bold-strength coffee and make it hotter without risking that awful scorched taste.

The controls allow you to choose the coffee strength and heat and even set the warming plate temperature.

Auto brewing program that lets you set the machine to make coffee as much as 24 hours ahead.

Brew pause capability allows sneaking a cup without making a mess when you cannot wait for a full pot to finish brewing. 

You also have the choice of using a gold-tone coffee filter or disposable cone-shaped paper filters, depending on your preference.

 

[PROGRESSBAR_WP id=842]

 

 

Pros	Cons
Large carafe capacity – 14 cups Easy to clean (Self-cleaning function) Programmable – DCC-3200 gives you several programming choices Auto shutoff (0-4 hours) Very sturdy	You cannot use a thermal metal carafe Not Energy Star rated

 

We found that coffee we made is aromatic, hot and tasty, but the flavor is a bit weak when compared to other coffee makers brands.

For really robust coffee, you should add an extra scoop of grounds to the 15 tablespoon-sized filter basket.

Be careful about possible overflow if you add more than that. Also using coffee beans grounded to very fine texture may cause overflow.

Need to make only a few cups of coffee? You can push the 1-4 Cup button and get a single to 4 cups.

One the brewing is done the drip coffee maker makes five beeps.

Some people prefer using thermal metal carafes (because of their durability) – the opinion that you don’t have in this machine.

There are specific brands of coffee makers that let you use any kind of carafe you like.

The reset function in this coffee maker helps you to retain settings of how you have programmed your Cuisinart in case that the power goes out or your machine stops because of a fuse blows.

You can use programming option for automatic shut off of the brewer after a certain time.

Want the best-tasting coffee? 

You get a chlorine filter in the package of this coffee maker, that removes traces of chlorine and any other unpleasant odors or tastes from the water you use to make your coffee.

You get also coffee maker made of BPA (bisphenol A) plastic parts.  BPA  is a chemical that has been mentioned as a reason for several health problems.

Cuisinart DCC-3200 is easy to clean. When the machine has to be cleaned you will see “CLEAN” LED indicator will come on.

Also running white vinegar and water through DCC-3200 will clean it easily, then all you have to do is run clear water to rinse away the vinegar taste.

The carafe is dishwasher safe buy you can hand-wash it with other parts of coffee maker such as brew basket and lid. Or, you can wash them with a dishwasher.

The Features: Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker

Let’s review Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker features that make it stand out:

• Advanced heating technology – An innovative technology behind the water heating system in the Cuisinart DCC-3200 can reach 195° to 205° F for five or six minutes. Extra hot water will keep your coffee hot for longer, while it still preserves the flavor of the coffee through the brewing process.

• Brew strength options: The ability to choose from regular for a standard strength coffee, or bold for a stronger, more aromatic full flavor brew.

• Programmable: You can pre-programme the timer of the machine to brew your coffee anywhere within 24-hour range. This great option can help you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

• Amount settings: You have the option to choose to brew either a full pot or a smaller pot of 1-4 cup of coffee.

• Auto shut off: The machine has the option to program the shut down as soon as the brew is finished or anywhere up to four hours after.

• Adjustable temperature control: You can select the temperature of the plate and set up how hot the hot plate is. Choosing a higher setting will keep your coffee pot warm for the maximum length of time, while choosing a lower setting for a smaller pot is ideal if you don’t want coffee with the slightly scorched taste (that happens when coffee is kept on a hot plate for too long).

• Permanent gold-tone filter: You don’t have to buy and use paper filters, gold-tone filter is washable and can be reused time after time.

What Is Included With Your Purchase

1. A Cuisinart DCC-3200 coffee machine
2. A user manual
3. A gold-tone permanent filter – No need to buy filter papers
4. Charcoal water filter
5. Glass carafe – dishwasher safe
6. A standard twelve months warranty

You have an option for (for a small additional fee):

• An extended warranty. 

 

How Does this Machine Work?

14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker (DCC-3200) Review

Cuisinart DCC-3200 coffee brewer machine is very simple to use.

1. Add to the water reservoir your desired amount of coffee and water.
2. Push the bold button if you require a stronger brew and hit brew.
3. In about five to ten minutes you will have a full pot of fresh brew.

You can take the carafe out and pour a quick cup during brewing. But since the machine has no actual pause feature, you only have about twenty seconds before the brew drips onto the hot plate.

Things We Like About This Model

When talking about the advantages of choosing the Cuisinart here is a short list that ExtendCoffee.com editorial team compiled for you:

• Water filters supplied with the package remove undesired taste and odors from water, giving your coffee a fuller flavor 
• DCC3200 is Simple to use
• You make a Good tasting coffee every time
• The permanent reusable filter saves you money
• Affordable and Convenient price
• Large 14-cups carafe – most machines make 10-12 cups brew but this one gives 2-4 extra cup s that is great.

Things We Didn’t Like

The ExtendCoffee.com editorial team has found some disadvantages as well.

• DCC3200 is more steamy than other models, so don’t store it underneath cabinets when in use.
• Users have reported that the black covering on the hot plate doesn’t last long. Some of them saw that covering started peeling away after 6-8 weeks.
• The carafe is stated to be dishwasher friendly. However, when you pour your coffee, some will get stuck in the rim. Some of the dishwashers can’t get rid of it, therefore, be prepared to wash it by hand.

Pro Tips to Get the Most Out of DCC-3200 by Cuisinart

If you follow the guidelines given here you will be in a better position to get the most out of your Cuisinart coffee maker:

• Read a manual and use the machine only as instructed by the manufacturer
• Ensure the machine is cleaned regularly and thoroughly
• Make sure that you wipe around the coffee filter rim and remove coffee grinds that stick there
• Clean and descale the machine regularly
• Make use of the provided water filter
• Change the filter regularly
• Choose and use only the good quality coffee
• Grind your coffee beans only before brewing (don’t pre-grind coffee beans earlier otherwise coffee will lose its flavor)
• Make use of a coarser grind for the bold setting

Who Is The Cuisinart Ideal for?

The Cuisinart DCC-3200 machine can be the perfect fit for those who are in a hurry, or those who are not too picky about the coffee they drink.

The regular coffee that machine’s simple brewing makes is decent quality and the operation is so easy that even a complete beginner can use it. 

It’s also ideal for office use, entertains larger groups due to the large brewing capacity, and for those who drink a lot of coffee quickly.

Who is The Cuisinart Not Ideal for?

The Cuisinart isn’t the ideal choice for those who are particularly concerned with the look and aesthetics of their coffee machine.

The design of the machine is pretty basic and isn’t giving that wow factor. Sometimes when the covering starts to peel off the hot plate, the machine doesn’t look all that good.

Cuisinart DCC-3200 makes good coffee and the price tag is also reasonable. If the design isn’t your top priority then don’t let that put you off.

Now let’s review in detail Cuisinart DCC-3200 performance, functionality, taste, design, features, durability, brewing speed, ease of use, cleaning, and maintenance.

DCC 3200 Performance & Functionality

As with every machine we use we wanted to see how does it feel to use the DCC3200 brewing system itself.

In tests we have done, the DCC-3200 seems to be one of the simplest, most intuitive drip coffee makers offered on the market.

Today, there are so many coffee machines available on the shelves but not many offer an easy-to-use machine.

Yes, the small touches that Cuisinart put into this model (compared to DCC-1200) make the DCC-3200 stand off the crowd.

The best example is the fully-automatic brewing process – it is so hands-off that ExtendCoffee.com Editorial team caught themselves saying “wow, that’s all it is?”.

When you run through the device for the first time, you simply have to load your ground coffee in, select the brew size (number of cups you want from 1-4), and choose the coffee strength you want: regular roast or a bolder one. The process takes less than 30 seconds to begin brewing, once you’ve done it a few times.

 

So, with all this said, how does the end result actually taste?

Taste

When evaluating the taste of coffee our coffee maker made, we have to mention that the taste of brew is the most subjective elements that go into our reviews.

After reviewing tens of coffee machine, our editorial team ha a pretty solid understanding of the taste of the good coffee brew.

We have to admit, with the DCC-3200 by Cuisinart we experienced one of the best-tasting coffee made by budget drip coffee maker lately.

The ability of the machine to choose among a regular or bold roast did enhance the experience greatly.  The best thing is, you cannot notice any difference in flavor and taste even after making  14 cups of coffee.

We couldn’t notice any noticeable “burnt” taste or flavor that often shows in cheaper coffeemakers in spite of the fact that coffee is served very hot.

We were happy to find out that at this price tag this point isn’t the issue that may keep you off.

Cuisinart DCC-3200 Design

The Cuisinart company has signature design trends that clearly show in the DCC-3200 model as well.

The shiny stainless-steel on the handle and the body, along with perfectly fitting glass carafe to the base of the product, are only a few recognized marks of Cuisinart.

The minimalistic design and no unnecessary extras approach are the things to love and appreciate about Cuisinart’s product line.

Those who are looking for a coffee maker with an eye-catching design, DCC-3200 may not be the one.

If you’re searching for something with some humble elegance, the DCC-3200 by Cuisinart is a good pick.

Durability

The main body of the Cuisinart DCC-3200, made of a stainless steel shell, along with quality plastic used for connecting coffee machine components, create very sturdy and solid construction.

The moving parts of the DCC-3200 such as the hatch (where the grounds are placed) at the top of the product look very sturdy and well-made.

It takes just one brief look to appreciate the construction of the system and see that it may last for several years with the right care.

The glass carafe that is heavy and feels strong in-hand, just like any other glass-made unit, seems that couldn’t survive a direct fall.

The DCC-3200 includes a three-year standard Cuisinart’s warranty, that may cover brewing system or any other component defects.

As with any other coffee machine we have reviewed, manufacturers warranty does not cover any breaks or malfunctions caused by user error.

Brewing speed

DCC-3200 PerfecTemp Coffee Maker is not the fastest brewing system on the market. There are faster coffee brewers out there.

Brew performance: The ability to reach 195° to 205° F for five or six minutes, is the industry standard for optimal brewing.

According to our tests, the machine isn’t “slow” by any means. Making 8 cups of hot coffee in about 5 minutes can’t be considered as “slow” but when looking faster speed this could be a slight drawback.

All in all, the brewing speed of DCC-3200 PerfecTemp is perfectly reasonable when examining the quality of the final product.

Cuisinart DCC 3200 Features

Many features included that the DCC-3200 PerfectTemp have are pretty standard. Brew size selector (1-4 cups), or the adjustable keep-warm temperature, along with some other options that the unit includes can be considered as unique when looking for a coffee maker at around $70 price tag.

For instance, the full 24-hour breeze programmability and the most effective self-clean function are options that add value to the DCC-3200 model.

Also, the brew taste selector creating a noticeable difference between the regular brew and the bolder option is the very well-accepted option.

One thing that Cuisinart missed in DCC-3200 is that the product can’t be rated as Energy Saving Star. Today many manufacturers try to align their products with Energy Saving demands. This model seems not efficiently manages the energy usage on a longer-term basis; the heating element keeps running for a while even after the brewing is done.

So, this unit excels in every other aspect but not if you’re looking for power-saving features..is unit may not have everything you’re searching for, but in just about every other regard, it .

Ease of use

The Cuisinart DCC-3200 is one of the easiest drip coffee systems to use and it doesn’t lack advanced options.

If you are looking to customize your brew to fit your taste, DCC-3200 PerfectTemp has more than enough options for even an advanced user.

If you are a beginner who only wants to make a good cup of coffee when you awake in the morning, the DCC-3200 coffee machine is all you need.

The simplicity of the model with virtually no complex measurements, setting dials, or control parameters to mess with here, makes the programmable DCC-3200 good choice for anyone.

If you like the programmable functionality of the machine and want to get a bit more in-depth, then it’s fine otherwise those who aren’t interested,  all those features are only optional.

And this is good because there is a disturbing trend lately among drip coffee maker manufactures to force users to make use of their “innovative”/complicated features. The thing that many of us don’t need or want.

Cleaning/Maintenance

Most of Coffee brewers in $70 price tag do not offer “Self-Clean” functionality in their machines.

DCC-3200’s built-in signal light turns-on when you have to decalcify the inner mechanisms of the Cuisinart DCC-3200.

The process is simple and includes replacing the carbon filter, filling the reservoir with water or any other cleaning solution, and switching the “clean” button on.

The cleaning process of 14-Cup Cuisinart DCC-3200 takes several minutes. To remove traces of the cleaning solution and properly flush the system out, you have to run a brew of clean water after the cleaning process is done. 

The cleaning process is very easy and not time-consuming, and it didn’t appear to need to be done very often.

Although, the manufacturer recommends replacing the filter for the life of the product, simply cleaning it with water or a cleaning rinse every so often should be good enough to make a noticeable difference in the quality of the brew over the long-term.

PROS

• The largest capacity of 14 cups — puts it ahead of the competition.
• Unique brew customization options — simple but appreciably change the taste of the end result.
• One of the best self-cleaning functions found in home-coffee makers
• High-quality build quality to make last the machine for a long time.

CONS

• Not Energy Star rated, and energy usage, in general, maybe a bit high.
• Not quite as fast from start to finish as other, admittedly more expensive brewing systems.

Final Verdict

All said, there must be a good reason why the Cuisinart DCC-3200 is so popular home coffee maker. At its current price range, this coffee brewing system is a gem and only very few units can provide more value for the money. Especially if you consider the capacity and ease of use of the machine. It doesn’t have any energy-saving modes, which is a valid critique, but the coffee maker excels in just about every other capacity.

The Verdict: The Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable DCC-3200 is a good midsize drip coffee maker that offers a wide variety of brew-control options, a large capacity, and a build quality. It is very easy to use and produces good-tasting coffee with minimal fuss. Its pre-programmable so you can have your coffee ready to suit you.

If you’re looking for a quality product to invest it could be difficult to find a better deal than this.

Overall, the review Cuisinart DCC-3200 is a good mid-range all-rounder that will do the job well and consistently.