Pros: Makes hot 5oz. cup Keeps warm 1 to 4 hours Hot plate temp selects
Cons: Fill opening small No water level window Lid condensate runs down outside Carafe pouring concerns
The Bottom Line: Difficulty filling with water, hard to clean internally, no water level window, condensate spillage on counter and cord and carafe pouring spillage concerns are primary reasons to avoid machine.
techreview203's Full Review: Cuisinart DCC-1200 12-Cup Coffee Maker
My favorite Braun Flavor-Select 12 cup finally failed after 5 years. Liked the retro look of the Cuisinart and unlike most, it had three hot plate temperature settings, built-in replaceable filter, a self-cleaning cycle and all controls were easily used. After objective testing of the machine, I found that it makes a good hot brew and keeps the carafe warm with three temperature settings up from 1 to 4 hours by easy program. The autostart feature works as described in the product literature. The machine uses my preferred paper cone filters or gold insert which provide a thorough utilization of the ground coffee.
However ... from an engineering perspective, the water fill opening is too small, and needs careful pour-in if using carafe. There is no water level window so the carafe markings are your best guide to the 5 oz. cups desired. There is a senseless "cups" ruler inside the fill area not simultaneously readable while pouring. We found a possible safety issue and cleanup requirement from significant steam condensate under lid which runs down the rear of the machine onto power cord and counter after brew cycle. This occurs when changing filters to make a second pot which is done often as the 12, 5 oz. cups only equate to 6 small to average guest mugs. Pouring coffee from the carafe must be done slowly or spillage beyond the width of the narrow spout opening occurs. The LCD clock is recessed and readability suffers somewhat when programming autostart. The small spaces in the water tank will make thorough cleaning difficult. There is some objection though minor and personal, to the stainless retaining band for the handle of the carafe, the top edge of which approximates a 2-cup level. The machine fits under upper cabinets with 1 inch to spare so must be pulled fully forward to fill and use.
Final decision .... Returning it to the retailer and beginning another adventure in coffee-maker selection. Meanwhile my spare Braun Flavor-Select will be resurrected. Wish they had not discontinued them in 2004.
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