Fresh Brew of Coffee
Pros:
Only product on the market to grind and brew in one step
Cons:
It is prone to breakage due to moving parts
The Bottom Line:
If you like freshly ground coffee on a daily basis, this is the best solution for you.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I have used my Cuisinart Coffee Bar for about three years. Over the past three years this product has performed well but I have experienced a number of malfunctions putting it out of business for weeks at a time. In the end, I still love my Coffee Bar.
My Cuisinart Coffee Bar was given to me as a Christmas present. I immediately liked the product because I love freshly ground coffee. Unfortunately other coffee makers requires the user to grind the coffee beans separately. I find this very annoying as it is another messy step in the process and the user is required to determine the degree of how much to grid. Over grinding can make the coffee bitter, under grinding can make the coffee weak. Cuisinart is the only manufacture that I know that combines the grinding function with the brewer.
Cuisinarts product combines the grinding of the beans with the brewing of the coffee into a one step process. All users have to do is fill the reservoir with water and the grinder with beans and you are ready to go with one push of the button. The machine automatically grinds the beans for a period of time then shoots the grinds into the filter. The result is coffee made from freshly ground coffee beans.
Because the coffee bar grinds the beans there are a lot of moving parts in this brewer. I have experience a few parts that have broken over normal wear and tear use. Fortunately Cuisinart has an excellent customer service center to help. Every time I have called they have answered the phone promptly. Once I explain the problem they develop a solution for me. Often they ship out a replacement part at no cost to me, without any proof of ownership, it is great. Once I broke the carafe and I was directed to a local retail store, Linens and Things, to purchase a replacement. Although I have experience more mechanical problems then I would have liked, the customer service department has compensated well for these issues.
From reading other reviews on this product I would like to make a few comments. First, I dont think the grinder is too hard to clean. Please consider that an electric hand grinder is a popular option. These grinders are much more messy, typically I spill grinds all over the counter no matter how careful I am, and you can not wash the electric grinder in water. The Cuisinart grinding section is easily rinsed with water or you can put it in the dishwasher, like I do everyday.
Another point other users have made is the noise from the grinding. Yes, when the grinder turns on at the beginning of the brewing process it is a bit loud for about 15 seconds. But again, considered the alternative, a hand grinder, which is just as loud.
The last point I would like to counter is that the grinder grinds the beans a bit large making for weaker coffee. I have not really noticed this as an issue. This might be because I fill the grinder all the way with beans. Also, typically Americans like weaker coffer compared to Europeans. If I was an Italian I would not like the coffee for the Coffee Bar. But because I drink coffee like water, weaker coffee is good for me.
In summary, the Cuisinart Coffee Bar was my first introduction to Cuisinart quality and service. This product has performed so well that I am a big Cuisinart fan. In addition, Cuisinarts customer service is one of the best around helping me with any issues I have had with the product. If you like freshly ground coffee on a daily basis, this is the best product on the market.
