The Cuisinart DCC-3400 and the Cuisinart DCC 1850 are both reliable drip coffee makers, but they serve entirely different needs based on brewing capacity, features, and size. The DCC-3400 is a large, fully customizable 14-cup brewer for coffee enthusiasts and big households, while the DCC 1850 is a compact and simple 4-cup coffee maker perfect for small spaces and basic brewing needs.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Cuisinart coffee maker for your kitchen counter.
Cuisinart DCC 1850
The DCC 1850 is designed for simplicity and efficiency, delivering a straightforward brewing experience without overwhelming features. Its compact, stainless steel design and 4-cup capacity make it a great fit for small households, apartments, or office settings where counter space is at a premium.
- What it is: A compact 4-cup drip coffee maker focusing on ease of use and essential features.
- Key features: 4-cup brewing capacity, Brew Pause feature to pour a cup mid-brew, 24-hour programmable timer, brew strength control (regular or bold), included charcoal water filter.
- Price: Typically ranges from $80 to $120.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8" D x 6" W x 11" H. Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel body with high-quality plastic components.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist with a classic stainless steel finish that fits well with most modern kitchen appliances.
- Pros: Very compact and space-saving. Affordable price point. Simple, intuitive controls. 24-hour programmability is great for its class.
- Cons: Limited 4-cup capacity is not suitable for families or entertaining guests. Lacks advanced features like temperature control.
This coffee maker is ideal for individuals or couples who want a reliable, programmable machine without sacrificing counter space or overcomplicating their morning routine.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dcc-1850/
Cuisinart DCC-3400
The DCC-3400 is Cuisinart's high-capacity, feature-rich model for those who want more control over their coffee. With its 14-cup carafe and extensive customization options - including temperature and brew strength - it caters to larger households and coffee lovers who appreciate precision in their brew.
- What it is: An advanced, fully programmable 14-cup drip coffee maker with customizable brew settings.
- Key features: Large 14-cup glass carafe, fully programmable 24-hour brew start, adjustable carafe temperature (low, medium, high), brew strength control, "Clean" indicator for descaling, Brew Pause feature, charcoal water filter.
- Price: Usually priced between $150 and $200.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8" D x 11" W x 15" H. Requires a significant amount of counter space.
- Materials/Construction: Mix of stainless steel accents and a durable black plastic finish.
- Style: A modern and substantial machine with a digital LCD screen that acts as a sleek control center.
- Pros: Huge 14-cup capacity. Delivers precise control over brew strength and temperature. Self-clean function simplifies maintenance. Easy-to-read backlit display.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Large footprint is not suitable for small kitchens. The array of features might be more than the average user needs.
The DCC-3400 is for serious coffee drinkers, large families, or office environments that demand an appliance capable of brewing large batches with consistent quality and custom settings.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dcc-3400/
Cuisinart DCC 1850 vs. DCC-3400 Comparison
Brewing Capacity & Dimensions
The most immediate difference is size. The DCC 1850, with its 4-cup capacity, has a very compact footprint (8" x 6" x 11"), making it perfect for tucking into a corner of the kitchen counter or placing in a small office breakroom. It’s built for one or two people.
In contrast, the DCC-3400 is a countertop centerpiece, measuring a much larger 8" x 11" x 15". Its 14-cup capacity makes it an exceptional choice for families, people who entertain, or anyone who needs to brew a large volume of coffee at once.
Features & Customization
Here, the DCC-3400 pulls far ahead. It offers an advanced level of control, allowing you to select your ideal brew strength and, crucially, adjust the warming plate temperature to keep your coffee precisely as hot as you like it. The backlit LCD and self-clean indicator add another layer of convenience.
The DCC 1850 sticks to the essentials. While it includes the highly valued 24-hour programmable timer and a brew strength control for regular or bold coffee, it lacks the fine-tuned adjustments available on its larger sibling. For users who just want a good cup of coffee ready when they wake up, these features are more than enough.
Style & Construction
Both models reflect Cuisinart's commitment to quality with durable plastic and stainless steel. The DCC 1850 presents a classic, minimalist look with its sleek stainless steel body, blending in effortlessly with other appliances. The DCC-3400 has a bolder, more contemporary aesthetic with its black finish, stainless accents, and prominent digital display, designed to be a modern statement piece.
Price & Value
The DCC 1850 is the more accessible option, typically costing around $80-$120. For this price, it delivers exceptional value as a reliable, programmable brewer from a trusted brand. The DCC-3400's price tag of $150-$200 reflects its premium features and high capacity. If you need the volume and customization it offers, the higher cost is easily justified.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Cuisinart DCC 1850 excels in environments where simplicity and space conservation are key. It’s perfect for a college dorm, a small apartment kitchen, or a single person’s daily use. Its no-fuss operation ensures a great cup of coffee without a learning curve.
The DCC-3400 is built for volume, precision, and household convenience. It's the machine of choice for families with multiple coffee drinkers, offices needing a reliable workhorse, or anyone who enjoys hosting brunch. The advanced customization features also appeal to coffee aficionados who want to dial in the perfect brew.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both coffee makers are excellent choices, but they are designed for very different users and kitchens.
Choose the Cuisinart DCC 1850 if:
- You have limited counter space in your kitchen, dorm, or office.
- You typically brew coffee for just yourself or one other person.
- You prefer a simple, user-friendly interface without extra settings.
- Budget is a top consideration and you want great value for the price.
Choose the Cuisinart DCC-3400 if:
- You often make coffee for a large family, guests, or an entire office.
- You want precise control over brew strength and coffee temperature.
- You value convenient features like a self-cleaning alert and an adjustable warming plate.
- Counter space is not a concern and you have a slightly higher budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the DCC 1850 and DCC-3400?
The biggest differences are capacity and features. The DCC-3400 brews up to 14 cups and offers advanced customization like temperature control, while the DCC 1850 is a compact 4-cup brewer with essential programmable features.
Which model is better for a small apartment?
The DCC 1850 is unequivocally better for a small apartment. Its compact footprint is designed specifically for tight spaces where every inch of counter counts.
Can you program both coffee makers?
Yes, both models feature a 24-hour programmable timer, so you can set either one to have coffee ready for you when you wake up.
Do both models have a "bold" brew setting?
Yes, both coffee makers include a brew strength control function that allows you to choose between a regular or a bolder-flavored pot of coffee.
How many cups can the DCC-3400 make?
The DCC-3400 has a large 14-cup capacity, making it one of the higher-volume brewers available for home use.
Does the DCC-3400 let you control the coffee temperature?
Yes. A standout feature of the DCC-3400 is its adjustable carafe warmer, which lets you set the temperature to low, medium, or high to keep coffee at your preferred heat level.
Do these models come with a water filter?
Yes, both the DCC 1850 and DCC-3400 include a charcoal water filter to help remove impurities from your water for a better-tasting brew.
Is the DCC-3400 easier to clean?
It can be. While both are relatively easy to maintain, the DCC-3400 has a dedicated "Clean" function that provides an alert when it's time to descale the machine, taking the guesswork out of maintenance.
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