When it comes to reliable coffee makers, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker stands out as a solid choice for those seeking a blend of functionality and simplicity. While it features a slightly old-school design, the appliance offers modern conveniences such as programmability, temperature control, and a built-in charcoal filter. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at its features, brewing performance, cleaning process, and overall durability to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your kitchen.
- Programmable auto-start feature
- Adjustable warming plate temperature
- Reliable and consistent brewing performance
- Self-cleaning feature for easy maintenance
- Durable construction
- Display lacks backlighting
- Carafe design makes water filling slightly inconvenient
- Default shutoff timer resets after power loss
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 might appear a bit retro, with its prominent switches and knobs. However, the machine is well-built with a sturdy frame and metallic accents that lend a polished look. The front-facing switch allows you to easily control the coffee-making process without delving into confusing menus or settings.
A key feature of this coffee maker is its cone-shaped coffee filter basket. This model comes with a reusable filter, but it also accommodates standard #4 paper filters, offering flexibility depending on your preference. The filter basket is removable, making it simple to clean and maintain. The basket has a handy plunger system, which automatically stops the flow of coffee if you pull the carafe out before the brewing cycle completes.
One small downside is the absence of a side water-level window. Instead, the machine uses water level markings inside the reservoir. While it works well enough, it might be slightly less convenient than other models with external water indicators. The reservoir does feature steps inside, allowing you to easily see how much water you’ve added.
Performance and Brewing Process
The Cuisinart DCC-1200 excels in brewing performance, consistently delivering a flavorful cup of coffee. The machine is designed to make up to 12 cups, with the standard recommendation being one tablespoon of coffee per cup. For a full pot of 12 cups, the machine can brew up to three-fourths of a cup of ground coffee, though many users find that a half cup of grounds strikes the perfect balance for flavor.
Brewing a full pot takes around 10 to 11 minutes, which is standard for most drip coffee makers. The Cuisinart DCC-1200 includes a pause feature, allowing you to pour a cup mid-brew without the coffee spilling from the filter basket. The plunger mechanism in the filter basket prevents dripping when the carafe is removed. Once you return the carafe, the brewing process resumes without any hassle.
In terms of temperature, the coffee maker offers low, medium, and high settings for the warming plate. This feature is somewhat rare in coffee makers and provides greater control over how long your brewed coffee stays hot. Whether you prefer your coffee at a piping hot temperature or something milder, the Cuisinart allows you to adjust the warming plate to suit your needs.
Auto Programming and Timer Features
One of the standout features of the Cuisinart DCC-1200 is its programmable timer, which allows you to set the machine to start brewing at a specific time. Whether you want your coffee ready in the morning or after dinner, the programmable feature makes it easy. Setting the clock is straightforward; simply press the “hour” and “minute” buttons until the correct time is displayed.
Once you’ve filled the coffee maker with water and grounds, you can set the auto-start feature by switching to the “Auto” mode and selecting your preferred brewing time. This feature is particularly helpful for those with busy schedules or anyone who wants to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The coffee maker will beep four times to signal that brewing is complete.
By default, the machine will shut off after two hours to save energy and prevent overcooking the coffee. However, this automatic shutoff time can be customized, allowing you to extend the warming plate’s operation up to four hours, or shorten it to as little as 10 minutes. Just keep in mind that if the machine loses power, it will revert to the default two-hour setting.
Self-Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining the Cuisinart DCC-1200 is relatively simple, thanks to its self-cleaning feature. Over time, mineral deposits from water can build up inside the coffee maker, affecting its performance. To counter this, the machine has a descaling function that makes cleaning easy. When you’re ready to descale the coffee maker, just fill the reservoir with a vinegar solution and press the “Self Clean” button.
The machine will periodically brew small amounts of vinegar and pause, allowing the heating element to soak and break down any mineral buildup. This process ensures that the coffee maker continues to operate efficiently over time. After the cleaning cycle, it’s recommended to run a few rounds of clean water through the machine to rinse out any remaining vinegar.
The filter basket, carafe, and lid are all dishwasher safe, making regular maintenance a breeze. You can also choose to hand wash these parts if you prefer, though the dishwasher is a more convenient option for many.
Coffee Pot and User Experience
The carafe itself is well-designed, with a lid that snaps on securely. Unlike some other models with flip-up lids, the lid on this carafe is fixed in place, which may make filling the water reservoir a little more challenging. That said, the carafe pours cleanly and without spilling, a feature that shouldn’t be overlooked.
One potential area for improvement is the control panel. The small display lacks backlighting, making it somewhat difficult to read in dimly lit kitchens. However, the controls are intuitive and easy to use. The spring-loaded brew switch is always centered, and all you have to do is flip it up to start brewing.
The coffee maker also has a “1-4 Cup” setting designed for smaller brewing batches. This setting optimizes the brewing process for making smaller quantities of coffee, ensuring that the water stays in contact with the grounds for the right amount of time. This results in a flavorful cup even if you’re only brewing a small amount. Once the brewing is complete, the machine automatically turns off the heating element to prevent the coffee from burning.
Durability and Longevity
Cuisinart has built a reputation for producing durable kitchen appliances, and the DCC-1200 is no exception. Users report that the machine holds up well over time, with little wear and tear even after extended use. The switches, though somewhat retro in design, work reliably and are durable. The warming plate has also proven to be long-lasting, maintaining its integrity even with daily use.
The included charcoal water filter helps keep your coffee tasting great by removing impurities from the water. These filters should be replaced every two months to maintain optimal performance. Replacing the charcoal filter is simple—just rinse the new filter, place it in the holder, and slide it into the slot in the water reservoir.
Final Thoughts
The Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is a well-rounded machine that balances classic design with modern convenience. Its programmability, adjustable warming plate, and durable construction make it a great option for coffee enthusiasts who want a dependable coffee maker that’s easy to maintain.
While the lack of backlighting on the display and the slightly inconvenient water filling process could be considered minor drawbacks, they are outweighed by the machine’s overall performance and ease of use. If you’re looking for a reliable coffee maker with some added features, the Cuisinart DCC-1200 is a strong contender.
Specifications for the Cuisinart DCC-1200P1 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Brushed Chrome
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Dimensions: 7.75″ D x 9″ W x 14″ H inches
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Power: 1025 watts
- Material: Plastic
- Special Features:
- 24-hour programmability with 1 to 4 cup settings
- Automatic shutoff (0-4 hours)
- Adjustable temperature heating plate (low, medium, high)
- Ergonomic glass carafe with drip-free spout and knuckle guard
- Permanent gold-tone coffee filter and charcoal water filter for fresh coffee flavor
- Brew-pause feature allows you to enjoy a cup before brewing is complete
- Included Components:
- Coffeemaker
- Measuring spoon
- Paper coffee starter kit
- Glass carafe
- Gold-tone filter
- Voltage: 120V
- Product Model: DCC-1200P1
