The Cuisinart DCC 3400 and the DCC 3200 are two nearly identical 14-cup programmable coffee makers, but the DCC 3400 offers two key upgrades: an adjustable keep-warm temperature feature and a slightly more refined design with a larger display. The DCC 3200 provides the same core brewing technology and capacity at a more budget-friendly price point, making it a very popular choice.
This side-by-side comparison covers everything you need to know about these two fan-favorite coffee makers from Cuisinart so you can find the perfect one for your daily brew.
Cuisinart DCC 3400 Perfectemp 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
The DCC 3400 is Cuisinart's more premium 14-cup programmable model, designed for coffee drinkers who want maximum control over their brew. It combines a large capacity with key customization features, including brew strength control and an adjustable warming plate temperature. Housed in a durable stainless steel body, it looks modern and sophisticated on any kitchen counter.
- What it is: A fully automatic, 14-cup drip coffee maker with advanced brew customization features.
- Key features: Adjustable brewing strength (Regular or Bold), adjustable carafe temperature (Low, Medium, or High), 24-hour programmability, brew-pause function, and a 1-4 cup setting for smaller batches.
- Price: Around $150–$180
- Dimensions: 7.75" W x 9" L x 14" H
- Materials/Construction: Stainless steel exterior with BPA-free plastic components and a 14-cup glass carafe with a comfortable handle.
- Style: Sleek and modern, with a polished stainless steel finish and a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen.
- Pros: Adjustable warming plate heat is a top feature, larger LCD screen is very user-friendly, brews excellent coffee consistently, and the large 14-cup capacity is great for families or offices.
- Cons: Costs more than the nearly identical DCC 3200, its slightly larger size takes up a bit more counter space.
The Cuisinart DCC 3400 is for someone who brews coffee daily and wants enhanced control over the final product, especially the ability to keep it at the perfect temperature for longer.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dcc-3400/
Cuisinart DCC 3200 Perfectemp 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
The DCC 3200 is one of Cuisinart's most popular coffee makers, offering the perfect balance of features, performance, and price. It includes the same expert coffee-making technology and 14-cup capacity as the 3400 but forgoes the adjustable warming plate and has a smaller display. For most users, it's a reliable, user-friendly machine that delivers daily performance without compromise.
- What it is: A highly-rated, fully automatic 14-cup drip coffee maker focused on simplicity and reliable performance.
- Key features: Brew strength control (Regular or Bold), 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off (0-4 hours), and a 1-4 cup setting.
- Price: Around $120–$150
- Dimensions: 7.75" W x 9" D x 14" H
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel and BPA-free plastic housing along with a 14-cup glass carafe.
- Style: Modern design with a clean stainless steel finish that blends into most kitchens seamlessly.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price, offers essential programming features, brews hot flavorful coffee, durable construction, charcoal filter improves water taste.
- Cons: Lacks an adjustable carafe temperature setting, the blue-backlit LCD screen is smaller and can be harder to read than the ones on newer models.
The Cuisinart DCC 3200 is ideal for anyone who wants a large-capacity, set-it-and-forget-it coffee maker that’s dependable, straightforward, and a fantastic value.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dcc-3200/
Cuisinart DCC 3400 vs. DCC 3200 Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
Both the DCC 3400 and the DCC 3200 are built around a generous 14-cup glass carafe, making them perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers, entertaining guests, or small office environments. Their physical footprints are nearly identical, with both measuring approximately 14 inches tall, 9 inches deep, and 7.75 inches wide.
This size fits comfortably under most standard kitchen cabinets, although you will need to pull it forward to fill the water reservoir. Despite the very similar dimensions, the sleeker design of the DCC 3400 gives it a slightly larger, more commanding presence on the countertop compared to the more compact feel of the DCC 3200.
Features & Usability
This is where the key differences appear. Both models share the most important features: 24-hour pre-programming, a brew-strength selector for regular or bold coffee, a self-cleaning function, an optional ready alert tone, a 1-4 cup setting, and a permanent gold-tone filter.
However, the Cuisinart DCC 3400 offers one standout feature: an adjustable warming plate with three temperature settings (Low, Medium, and High). This allows you to keep coffee at your preferred temperature without scorching it. The DCC 3200 features a standard hot plate that is not adjustable. The DCC 3400 also has a larger, higher-contrast backlit LCD screen, which is easier to read and navigate than the smaller blue-lit screen on the DCC 3200.
Materials & Construction
Cuisinart built both models to last. They feature handsome stainless steel paneling on the outside and sturdy, BPA-free plastic components for the basket, reservoir, and housing. Both machines feel solid and durable, inspiring confidence that they will hold up to daily use for years. Cuisinart backs both models with a generous 3-year limited warranty, ensuring quality construction.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart DCC 3200 consistently retails for about $30-$50 less than the DCC 3400. Because it shares the most important performance features - brewing technology, taste, capacity - the DCC 3200 represents a remarkable value. It delivers 95% of the experience for a significantly lower price.
The added cost of the DCC 3400 provides the convenience of the adjustable temperature warmer and a more modern display. For those who are particular about their coffee's post-brew temperature or who strongly prefer a sleeker design, the extra cost may be well worth the investment.
Style & Aesthetics
Both coffee makers follow a similar modern aesthetic with clean lines and a stainless steel finish. However, the DCC 3400 has a more refined and contemporary look. Its handle, spout, and button layout look more intentionally designed, and its larger, white-on-black digital display feels more premium and up-to-date. In contrast, the DCC 3200’s smaller, blue-backlit screen and slightly chunkier profile have a more classic, utilitarian vibe that, while still attractive, looks a bit dated in comparison.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Cuisinart coffee makers are fantastic options, but they are built for slightly different priorities and budgets.
Choose the DCC 3400 if:
- You're sensitive about your coffee temperature and want to keep it perfectly warm - not scorched.
- You appreciate a more modern, streamlined aesthetic and an easy-to-read display.
- You think of coffee-making as a daily ritual that's worth a small extra investment in user experience and features.
- Your kitchen is equipped with other high-end, contemporary stainless steel appliances.
Choose the DCC 3200 if:
- You just want a very dependable-yet-affordable coffee maker which will make a great pot every single time.
- Value is your number one priority, and you'd rather save $30+ dollars since these premium features are not important for you.
- Features like brew-pause functionality and auto on/off are most important to you, so you don't really have a preference between the two models.
- You drink your pot of coffee fairly quickly, so an adjustable warmer would go unused anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart DCC 3400 and DCC 3200?
The biggest difference is that the Cuisinart DCC 3400 has a warming plate with adjustable temperature settings, which can't be found in DCC 3200s. There are three optional settings available: Low, Medium, High, while the DCC 3200 model includes only the standard hot plate.
Do both coffee makers use the same filters?
Yes, both models include a gold-tone, reusable filter and a pack of four paper filters. They also use charcoal filters to ensure the water tastes fresh.
Are the machines noisy?
Both models use a drip-coffee mechanism that is generally very quiet during brewing. They make gurgling sounds as the pot empties, which indicates your coffee is brewing.
How hot is the coffee?
With the Brew Strength Control setting, coffee is brewed to about 199℉ for optimal extraction. The Cuisinart DCC 3200 includes a hot plate to keep coffee warm, while the DCC 3400 offers an adjustable warmer for personalized temperature settings.
How do I clean these Cuisinart coffee makers?
Both coffee makers include an automated self-cleaning cycle to remove mineral buildup and keep the machine descaled. Vinegar-based methods can be used manually to further ensure longevity.
Do both offer automated shutoff features?
Yes, both models offer programmed auto-shutoff with adjustable times from one to four hours.
Can they be programmed the day before?
Both models allow for programming up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring fresh coffee upon waking each morning.
What is the warranty coverage for the DCC 3400 and DCC 3200?
On their website, the Cuisinart kitchen manufacturer offers a 3-year limited warranty, covering manufacturing issues during everyday use and ensuring these appliances are a trustworthy investment.
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