Thursday, June 30, 2011

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central Coffeemaker

Boy, did I do my research for a coffeemaker!  I read many, many reviews on Amazon.com after reading rave reviews of this Cuisinart Coffeemaker in ShopSmart magazine.

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central Coffeemaker

I was also interested in the Bunn, but I really liked the extra features that Cuisinart offered.

This was actually not my first Cuisinart purchase.  Before this, I bought and returned, the Cuisinart Single Serve Keurig technology coffeemaker.  It was a nice looking machine, but I did not like any of the coffee cups I tried.  It was pitiful dumping mugs of coffee in the sink, but it was so bad that I returned it with 7 days.  Thus, I followed the positive reviews I read and bought the Brew Central.  I am in love.

The most positive aspect of Brew Central is the brewing.  I like a mild blend coffee, and since my first pregnancy, have switched to decaf.  My choice of coffee is actually Dunkin' Donuts ground decaf coffee.  I do not use the reusable filter.  I use the #4 brown paper filter - it is in my opinion easier to use and clean.  The coffee is crisp and fresh tasting every time - I am just delighted.  And I like that I can control the carafe temperature or select a special brewing cycle for only 1-4 cups.  When I have made a full 12 cup pot for entertaining, the coffee has received solid compliments.  

The next selling point was the retro look.  It is a brushed metal that so far has resisted most fingerprints.  The knobs and buttons are easy to use and the functionality is great - programmable for the morning and beeping when the coffee is brewed.  This beeping comes in very handy when I get preoccupied in another room and forget the coffeemaker is on.  This is a nice little extra.

The self cleaning feature, is in my opinion, a strong selling point.  I do not like cleaning appliances, so having a feature that lets me know when it has to be cleaning and then does it for me after adding a few ingredients, is fantastic, fantastic, fantastic.  

I have a couple issues with this machine, though.  First, I am not a fan of the water reservoir.  It is in an awkward position and the measuring of water is very difficult to see.  I stopped measuring water here after a couple tries, and now I just measure the water in the glass carafe and pour it in the reservoir.  Much easier.  I see this an a pretty major design flaw, but the taste of the coffee outshines this gaffe.

Another issue I have, and this is minor, is that there is no backlight on the clock.  It is difficult to read.  I have to stand close and squint to see the numbers clearly.  I love how other Cuisinart coffeemakers have this feature and was disappointed to see this one did not.  A backlight looks classy and I hope in the future that this feature is added.

All is all, I am very happy with this purchase.  This is, by far, the best coffeemaker that  I have owned.  Although it had some things I do not like so much, the taste of the coffee makes up for it.  But, I still hope they improve these imperfections.  These changes would make a near perfect machine, just that, perfect.  Try this coffeemaker, I bet you will love it, too.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Welcome to Dash and Grace

So, here I am.  I love to shop!  How many times have you heard that phrase pass a women's lips?  But, I am not an impulse shopper of anything and everything I see.  I make lists, I like to streamline, I like to buy quality - even if it costs a bit more.  


Some products I buy are winners right off the bat, others not so much, and more often then not, I am returning and exchanging.  Just don't lose those receipts! Designate a small box or envelope for all your purchase receipts - you will be thankful you did, believe me.


I decided to start this blog to give as much informative information as I can of products that work and those that quite don't.  It will be an honest to goodness, thoughtful approach.  Not only will I share my experiences of products, but also of my experiences as a wife and mom - which is my most important job in life.

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