Cuisinart DCC-3200 Review (Programmable Coffee Maker)

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If you’re in the market for a new coffee maker the sheer amount of choice can be a little intimidating – there are a lot of them. A good place to start is to decide which features are important to you and how much you’re willing to pay. One machine that combines great features with the lowest price on Amazon for a good quality coffee maker is the Cuisinart DCC-3200 Programmable Coffee maker.

This coffee maker offers the flexibility to make small or large batches depending on your needs and that helps to set it apart in a crowded marketplace. It’s a versatile product that’s easy to use and of course, it makes a great cup of coffee.

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In our review, we’ll take a look at all of the features that make the DCC-3200 a worthwhile purchase.

Cuisinart DCC 3200 Review Criteria

• The DCC-3200 Features a User-Friendly Interface
• Durability and Design of the Cuisinart DCC-3200 Programmable Coffee Maker
• Making Great Coffee with the DCC-3200
• Features and Operation of the Cuisinart DCC-3200
• Cleaning and Maintenance of the Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker

Performance Rating of the DCC-3200

Comparing The Cuisinart CBC-6400 vs the DCC-3200

When compared to other Cuisinart coffee makers the DCC-3200 comes out ahead in most categories. It has a larger capacity than the DCC-2650 and the DCC-1200, both of which have a maximum 12 cup capacity. The DCC-3200 can brew 14 cups at a time and it has all of the features that you’ll find on the Cuisinart CBC-6400, but it has a simpler more intuitive display, so we give it the edge over this model as well. For a look at how it compares to other multi-cup coffee makers take a look at some of our other 12 cup coffee makers reviews. 

The DCC-3200 Features a User-Friendly Interface

In the DCC-3200 you’ll find all of the features you need to brew a great coffee. On the front display, there are 5 large buttons that control most of the operations, although there are a couple of extra feature buttons that surround the LCD clock as well. Each button is backlit to indicate when it’s in use. The clean button is actually just an indicator that lights when the machine needs to be cleaned.  

Durability and Design of the Cuisinart DCC-3200

Most mid-priced coffeemakers are made from plastics so the fact that this one is a stainless steel model sets it apart from other comparable products. It’s both durable and stylish and designed to hold up well with daily usage. This is all backed up with a limited 3-year warranty, so if you ever find your Cuisinart DCC-3200 buttons not working they’ve got you covered.

Making Great Coffee with the DCC-3200

The real test of any coffeemaker is the quality of coffee you can make with it and the DCC-3200 doesn’t disappoint. It brews at a consistent 200 degrees and you can control the temperature of the warming plate depending on your personal preference. You can set the plate to low, medium or high and the plate will stay warm for 2 hours before the machine automatically shuts off. This can be adjusted to 4 hours if you need to keep your carafe warm a little while longer.

For added flavor, there’s also a bold button on this Cuisinart coffee maker. If you press this button it will keep the water inside longer adding extra flavor during the brewing process. This option may not be for everyone though – it does make for a stronger cup of coffee.

Features and Operation of the DCC-3200

Controlling the brew strength of your coffee and adjusting the temperature of the warming plate are not the only innovative features of the Cuisinart Perfectemp 14 cup programmable DCC-3200. You also have the option of brewing coffee in smaller batches using the 1-4 cup button without sacrificing the flavor. 

Another great feature of this coffeemaker is that it has a showerhead dispensing mechanism for percolating the coffee from the Cuisinart DCC-3200 filter basket. This ensures that all of the coffee grounds are used giving the coffee a fuller flavor.

The gold-colored filter included with this machine does not have to be used with a paper filter, although using traditional filters as well can help to remove any residual sediment left behind in the brewing process.

If you want to pour a cup of coffee before the machine is finished, you can take advantage of the DCC-3200’s Brew Pause feature. The process pauses automatically when you remove the carafe from the hot plate without dripping and resumes when you place it back on the plate. 

This coffee maker is fully programmable using the buttons around the LED clock display for delayed brewing. You can also set audible notifications to let you know when it’s finished brewing, but you can turn them off if you prefer. 

The standard stainless steel model is not the only option – the Cuisinart DCC-3200 white is one of several options along with light grey, sky blue, white/gold, and copper. Replacement Carafes for the Cuisinart DCC-3200 are also available for purchase on Amazon.

Product Specs

Cleaning and Maintenance of the Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker

As we’ve already mentioned in this review the DCC-3200 coffee maker has a clean indicator button that lights up when it’s time to clean the machine. There is a charcoal filter included with this model as well, but it will need to be changed every couple of months and there will be some mineral build-up that isn’t captured by the filter. 

The outside of the coffee maker can be cleaned with a damp cloth as needed and the Cuisinart DCC-3200’s filter can be removed for cleaning. The buttons can be a bit difficult to clean and may require a little extra attention. When it’s time to descale the DCC-3200 you can run water with a bit of vinegar through the system to remove mineral buildup.

❤️ What We Liked Best About the Cuisinart DCC-3200:

• Simple User Interface – We reviewed every aspect of the DCC-3200 and if there’s one thing that made it stand out more than anything else – the simple user interface. This coffee maker’s functions are clearly labeled and easy to find.
• The features – For a coffee maker available at the lowest price on Amazon this Cuisinart has a surprising range of great features. We really liked the Brew Pause feature and the fact that you can opt to brew in smaller batches without sacrificing flavor.
• Durability – This stainless steel coffee maker is durable and built to be used on a daily basis. The fact that Cuisinart backs it up with a 3-year warranty is nice as well.

The Pros & Cons

🏁 Our Review Verdict

The Cuisinart DCC-3200 is one of the most versatile mid-priced coffee makers available. It’s stainless steel design and 3-year warranty are great reassuring and it’s packed full of features. The 200-degree brewing temperature and the Brew Pause function are two great examples of what makes this coffee maker standout.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions