The Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is capable of making a bold statement in any kitchen. A brushed metallic finish and tech-industrial aesthete, amp up your kitchen’s elegance.
Programmable from start to end, with a changeable heater plate for temperature control, our Cuisinart DCC 1200 review will discuss how it delivers on every front. With a fitting dripless carafe spout, 1200’s Brew Pause attribute, and an ever-present alert system for indicating its decalcify phase – Cuisinart produced a great-tasting coffeemaker appropriate for your busy lifestyle.
Cuisinart DCC 1200 Review: Key Features
Adjustable Heating Plate
This is a key feature of the coffeemaker. Since brewed coffee sitting for a prolonged time over a standard burner gets overheated and can become burnt taste-wise. If you brew with the carafe set to High temp — the brewed coffee temperature is 181 degrees Fahrenheit. It is quite a hot temperature. Then you can set the heating plate to Low. It took almost an hour for the temperature to settle at an affable 140 degrees. It’s a decent holding temperature. But the time it takes to get there was slightly long.
Carafe Handling
The carafe handle is designed for comfort avoids tendencies to drip while pouring, and offers balance for the full carafe. It’s easy to use and it is also easy to empty the last drops of liquid. This Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central model can brew into single-serve cups 1 – 4 or big self-serve mode (12 cups full carafe).
Brew Performance
The ability to go from 195° to 205° F for around five or six minutes, meets the industry standard for best brewing and marking the concentration level of the coffee. Your brewed coffee will be ready in under 10 minutes for 12 cups serving. The main benefit is that you do not need to wait for the brew to complete in order to enjoy a cup of coffee. You can simply at any point and time take out the carafe away from the brewing because there is a non-drip trait programmed. This function stops the machine from dripping coffee when the carafe is not sitting on the plate.
Auto On/Off
Programming is simple with the DCC 1200 and the brew time is accurate. But their small knob is janky. For a coffee maker mostly about design, we hope they avoid this type of downgrade. You can program this coffee maker to fit your lifestyle and habits. Remember to set it to shut down 1 – 4 hours after each usage.
Smart Filter
The Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central lets you make healthier coffee with the provided charcoal filter for filtering tap water. If you are already drinking filtered water, you can just leave out this part.
Programmable
You can plan 24 hours in advance and program this machine to have the coffee ready when you get back home or wake up in the morning.
Dripless Spout
You’ve got your cleaning cut out from now on with this machine because the carafe’s dripless spout halts the coffee dripping.
Convenience
Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central has the ease of filling the water reservoir and placing the paper filter. You can measure the amount of coffee remaining, and it notifies you of when to clean the machine. Its ease of overall control, cleaning, and maintenance is truly appreciated for this model.
Cuisinart DCC 1200 Coffee Maker: Pros And Cons
The Good
Here are the pros for the Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central:
- The charcoal water filter amps up the taste of coffee
- The adjustable carafe temperature modes go from low, medium, and high
- It has a good-sized 12-cup programmable carafe. You can also make 1 – 4 cups at once too
- Brew Pause lets you grab a cup without waiting for the brewing to be finished
- The well-thought-out carafe design with an ergonomic knuckle guard and handle to help avoid burns
- It can make a cup of java 25% faster, as well as even more efficiently than other products on the market in a similar price range
Overall, the Cuisinart coffee maker DCC 1200 reviews over the board agree that it takes different users’ tastes and preferences into consideration.
The Bad
Here are the cons of the Cuisinart DCC 1200 coffee maker:
- Compared to some other brands, for the price the customers’ feedbacks were mixed regarding the model’s looks and feel. It looks like a cheaper or at least a lesser-quality build
- The water reservoir is a bit smaller in size
- The price of this model is slightly steeper than the model which is considered a step-down, yet some consumers are not convinced whether there is any added value for such additional cost
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- FULLY AUTOMATIC COFFEE BREWER: 24-hour programmability with 1–4 cup settings, auto-off functionality (0-4 hours)
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Variable heater plate for temperature control that is adjustable – low, medium, and high settings
- 12-CUP GLASS CARAFE: Features ergonomic comfort grip black handle, dripless spout, lid, and knuckle guard for added protection
- DURABLE FILTERS: Permanent gold-tone coffee filter included, and built-in charcoal water filter ensures only the freshest coffee flavor flows through – measuring scoop, #4 paper coffee starter kit and instruction book for best practices and tips included
How To Use
Making Coffee
Before you brew the first pot of joe in your brand-new Cuisinart Coffeemaker, we advise you to run the coffeemaker once using water and a paper filter only. This will discard any residues or dust that remain inside the machine from the manufacturing process.
Step – 1: Inserting The Water Filter
- Remove the water filter from the polybag. Then soak it in cold tap water for about 15 minutes
- Now, detach the water filter holder from the coffeemaker. Lift it out of the water reservoir area (use your thumb and forefinger)
- Grasp the stem in one hand. With your thumb on another hand, press down gently and start to pull towards you. The compartment will get flipped open
- Place the filter into the holder. Then close the water filter holder. You will hear a snap sound indicating it’s in place
You must remain cautious when you start inserting the charcoal filter. Improper placement or/and handling of the holder can cause serious tearing of the filters’ skin.
- Now hold the filter underneath for 10 seconds into the cold running tap water to flush. You should position the hole openings towards the side of the unit and directly beneath the water stream
- Let the filter drain completely
- Replace the water filter holder in the water reservoir area of your coffeemaker. By pushing it all the way downwards to the base of the section, along the water reservoir’s wall
Step – 2: Filling The Water Reservoir
When filling your Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central coffeemaker with water, follow the carafe height lines and fill to the required number of cups. Make sure to pour a small amount of extra water to compensate for the amount of water that will be gone in wetting the coffee grounds for evaporation during the brewing procedure.
Step – 3: Adding The Ground Coffee
- Remove the filter basket first by grabbing the handle and lifting it straight upward. Then place it on your countertop
- Insert a permanent filter or #4 paper filter. Make sure that the paper filter is fully open and completely inserted into the basket. It may help if you fold and flatten the seams of the paper filter beforehand anyway
- Add the targeted amount of ground coffee, in accordance with the number of cups being made. We advise using only 1 tablespoon of ground coffee for each cup. But you can go more or less to fit your tastebud
Avoid Decalcification
Decalcification means the discarding of calcium deposits. From time to time, your coffee maker’s metal parts get layers of calcium on them. It brings down the taste of your coffee and turns your machine inefficient. For top shape and performance from your coffeemaker, hence, decalcify the base unit from time to time.
- This cleaning frequency depends on the hardness of the tap water you use
- And how frequently you use the coffeemaker
- The flashing self-clean light will notify you when you should perform the cleaning
How To Perform Self-Cleaning
If the Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central’s self-clean light begins to flash while the coffeemaker is on, it’s actually notifying that the Calcium buildup is high and hindering the standard functioning of the machine as well as the flavor of the coffee.
- To clean, first, fill the water tank to its capacity with a solution of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water
- Press the Self-Clean button then
- When the self-clean light shines, turn on your coffeemaker by pressing the flip switch to the “On” position
- The self-clean light now will remain shiny steadily. Your coffeemaker is now in a self-clean setting
- One cycle of it should be sufficient enough to thoroughly clean the coffeemaker
- When the cycle is done and the five beeps make a sound, your coffeemaker will shut down
- Turn on the coffeemaker to find out if the self-clean light is still flashing
- If it does, turn the coffeemaker off again. Then repeat the cleaning steps with a batch of solution of vinegar and water
- If the self-clean is light no longer flashing, turn your Cuisinart DCC 1200 coffee maker off. Then run one cycle of cold freshwater through the unit. It washes away the vinegar from the unit. Do it before you begin to prepare coffee in it again
Maintenance
- Remove the paper filter and discard the ground coffee
- With a damp fabric wipe the area underneath the filter basket
- Do not put any water/liquid in the unit after removing the filter basket
- Always remove the carafe from the heating plate and discard any leftover coffee
- Do not try to dry the inside of the water tank with a cloth, as lint may stay anyway
- Do not apply harsh cleansers or any scouring agents on any part of this coffeemaker
- Always remember to turn off the coffeemaker and remove the plug before any cleaning
- Fingerprints and other blemishes alike on the body can be cleaned off with water and soap or, with a non-abrasive cleaning solution
- Never soak the base unit in water or any other liquid. To clean the base, just wipe with a damp, clean fabric and dry out before storing
- Wipe the warming plate with a damp, clean fabric. Never use rough and/or any abrasive cleansers or materials to clean this warming plate
- The carafe and the filter basket can be washed in soapy, warm water and rinsed thoroughly. They can be cleaned in the upper rack of a dishwasher too. Dry all components after use. The carafe and its lid should be put on the upper rack of a dishwasher only
How To Program Cuisinart DCC 1200
1. To Set The Time
Turn on the Clock first by switching up the Function Knob. Now press and hold the Minute or Hour button until the clock starts flashing. To scroll through the numbers hold down the Minute or Hour button. When your desired time approaches, just release the button. Now press repeatedly to advance a single digit at a time. To finish off, wait for the numbers to cease flashing.
2. To Program The Auto-On
Start with turning the Function Knob to PROG. The AUTO ON LED will flash then. Set the time you desire your coffee to start brewing. Read the “Set The Time” instructions above. Once finished, turn the Function knob to AUTO ON mode. Now flip the switch and set it to the ON position. Finally, release it. The green indicator light will light up to notify you that the programming function is activated.
During the programmed time, the red On/Off light will indicate on. It indicates that the brew cycle is beginning.
To begin the brew cycle at the exact same time the next day, just turn the knob to PROG mode. The green Auto-On will light up.
3. To Program The Auto-Off
Turn the Function Knob to the Auto Off position. Use the Minute and Hour buttons as in the #1 position (it sets the time) to program your Cuisinart DCC 1200 Brew Central 12-cup programmable coffeemaker to switch off from 0 – 4 hours after the brew cycle is done.
4. Keep Warm Control
For after brewing temperature, the knob placed on the right of the control panel is where the heater plate control setting is situated. You can select one of three heat modes to keep your coffee warm. The modes are low, medium, and high temperatures.
Difference Between DCC 1200 And DCC 3200
The Cuisinart DCC 3200 is another top-of-the-line coffeemaker from their reputed ranks. Here are some of the pros and cons that you should glance at.
Pros: Made with the state-of-the-art technology standard as it offers hotter coffee without sacrificing any quality. You can adjust brew strength and temperature, and a fully programmable machine comes with a pre-planned coffee routine with an auto-on/off feature.
Cons: The filter must be altered every month, the charcoal filter needs some prep before usage, and the warranty period starts from the date of production not on the date of sale.
FAQs
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How Long Does A Cuisinart Coffee Maker Last?
A Cuisinart coffee maker lasts about 2 – 5 years.
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How Much Coffee Do I Have To Put In A 12-Cup Cuisinart?
Generally, it’s one tablespoon for each cup. So for 12 cups of coffee, it will be 12 tablespoons. But you can go more or less depending on your preference, strength, and taste.
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How Many Times Should I Run Vinegar Through A Coffee Maker?
For DCC 1200 it is good enough for once. But if the machine after restart signals you to decalcify then run the cleaning process again.
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Should I Run Vinegar Through My Coffee Maker?
Yes, you can unless the manufacturer tells you not to. Always use a mixture of vinegar and water to make a soft cleaning agent.
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How Often Someone Should Clean His/Her Cuisinart Coffee Maker?
A deep clean or descaling should be performed at least once every 2 to 3 months. Be sure to thoroughly wash the carafe and filter basket after every batch of coffee you prepare. Also, Cuisinart models also come with little signal lights to perform cleaning. So be sure to check them out and perform the cleaning accordingly.
Conclusion
We must address in this Cuisinart Dcc-1200 review the fact that there has been a high rate of claims from consumers having to return this machine after the purchase. Also, the coffee snobs or coffee connoisseurs felt that other brands are more capable of delivering similar attributes than this one without spending more money.
Beyond such claims, our Cuisinart Brew Central review shows how functional and stylish it can be. Featuring a tech-industrial, sleek design with a brushed metallic finish. Designed to provide a perfectly brewed pot of coffee every time. This well-advanced machine is programmable and the variable heater plate ensures precise temperature control.
For those who are looking for a programmable coffeemaker that can be set up 24 hours in advance and plan to utilize it regularly, this is indeed a good contender. The flavor seems to deliver, and the settings for customizing the temperature, and smart filtering is nice to have. Even though some people refuse to accept these factors do make a difference.
Happy Brewing!
