The Cuisinart DGB-400 and DGB-550 are both excellent grind-and-brew coffee makers, but they differ mainly in capacity, features, and price. The DGB-400 is a more compact, budget-friendly machine ideal for smaller households, while the DGB-550 offers a larger bean hopper and water reservoir, more customization options, and is better suited for coffee enthusiasts or larger families.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Cuisinart coffee maker for your kitchen.
Cuisinart DGB-400 Automatic Grind & Brew Coffee Maker
The DGB-400 is a straightforward and reliable coffee maker that brings the luxury of freshly ground beans to the everyday user. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and compact design, delivering quality coffee without overwhelming features, making it a perfect entry point into grind-and-brew machines.
- What it is: A fully automatic, 12-cup grind-and-brew coffee maker with a built-in conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder, 12-cup glass carafe, fully programmable 24-hour timer, auto-shutoff, Brew Pause feature, charcoal water filter.
- Price: Around $150 - $180
- Dimensions: Approximately 11" x 8" x 15"
- Materials/Construction: Main body is constructed from durable, BPA-free black plastic with stainless steel accents. It includes a conical burr grinder and a glass carafe.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a simple digital display. Its compact footprint makes it a good fit for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Pros: More affordable price point. Compact size is ideal for smaller countertops. Simple, intuitive controls for easy operation. Consistently brews a great cup of coffee without fuss.
- Cons: Smaller bean hopper and water reservoir requires more frequent refilling. Fewer settings for brew strength customization compared to the DGB-550.
The DGB-400 is the right choice for individuals or small families who want fresh, grind-and-brew coffee with minimal effort and without sacrificing a lot of counter space.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dgb-400/
Cuisinart DGB-550 Automatic Grind & Brew Coffee Maker
The DGB-550 is a step-up model designed for the more serious coffee drinker who values convenience and customization. It shares the core grind-and-brew functionality of the DGB-400 but adds features like a larger capacity and more control over the final cup, catering to busy households or those who entertain often.
- What it is: An advanced 12-cup grind-and-brew coffee maker with enhanced capacity and brew control features.
- Key features: Large bean hopper and water reservoir, built-in conical burr grinder, selectable brew strength (regular, bold, or extra-bold), 1-4 cup setting, 24-hour programmability, Brew Pause, and auto-shutoff.
- Price: Around $200 - $250
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 9" x 16"
- Materials/Construction: Features a similar durable black plastic housing with stainless steel accents. The internal grinder is a conical burr for consistency.
- Style: A slightly more substantial and commanding presence on the counter. The interface is modern and user-friendly, clearly displaying all customization options.
- Pros: Larger bean hopper and water reservoir mean less frequent refilling. More control over brew strength allows for tailored coffee flavor. Ideal for larger families or offices. Retains the easy-to-use Cuisinart interface.
- Cons: More expensive than the DGB-400. Larger size requires more dedicated counter space. May offer more features than a casual coffee drinker needs.
The DGB-550 is designed for users who need a higher capacity and want precise control over the strength and flavor profile of their coffee.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dgb-550/
Cuisinart DGB-400 vs. DGB-550 Comparison
Capacity & Footprint
While both machines feature a 12-cup glass carafe, the day-to-day capacity is where they really differ. The DGB-550 includes a significantly larger bean hopper and water reservoir. This is a key convenience factor - it means you can brew more full pots of coffee before needing to refill beans or water, which is perfect for busy mornings in a multi-person household.
This added capacity comes at the cost of space. The DGB-400 is noticeably more compact (11" x 8" x 15") and will slide more easily under cabinets or into a smaller kitchen setup. The DGB-550 has a larger footprint (12" x 9" x 16"), so it's important to measure your counter space before committing to the bigger model.
Features & Customization
Both models deliver fantastic freshly ground coffee, but the DGB-550 gives you more control over the end result. Its key advantage is the selectable brew strength, allowing you to choose between regular, bold, or extra-bold settings. Passionate coffee drinkers who enjoy fine-tuning their brew will appreciate this feature.
The DGB-400 keeps things simpler. It brews a consistently great pot of coffee but lacks these specific strength controls. Both machines offer full 24-hour programmability, a Brew Pause feature to grab a cup mid-brew, and an auto-shutoff function for peace of mind. For core functionality, they are evenly matched, the DGB-550 just adds that extra layer of customization.
Materials & Construction
In terms of build quality, both coffee makers live up to the Cuisinart reputation. They are constructed from sturdy, BPA-free plastic with attractive stainless steel accents that fit well in modern kitchens. Crucially, both are equipped with conical burr grinders. Burr grinders crush beans to a uniform size instead of chopping them, providing a much more consistent grind for better flavor extraction. You aren't compromising on the quality of a core component with either machine. Both also come with Cuisinart's standard 3-year limited warranty.
Price & Value
There is a noticeable price difference of about $50-$70 between the two models. The Cuisinart DGB-400 offers outstanding value. For its price, you get a reliable automatic coffee maker with a high-quality conical burr grinder, which is a significant step up from blade grinders.
The higher price of the Cuisinart DGB-550 is justified by its convenience and customization features. If you have a larger family, brew multiple pots a day, or are particular about the strength of your coffee, the investment in its larger capacity and strength controls will pay off daily in convenience and better coffee tuned to your taste.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver on the promise of a fresh, bean-to-cup experience, but they are built for different users and lifestyles.
Choose the DGB-400 if:
- You have limited counter space in your kitchen.
- You are buying your first grind-and-brew machine and want to stay on budget.
- Your household has 1-2 coffee drinkers and you brew one pot a day.
- You value simplicity and don't need extensive brew strength controls.
Choose the DGB-550 if:
- You have a multi-person household or office that drinks a lot of coffee.
- You want more control over your coffee's final flavor with selectable brew strengths.
- You value the convenience of a large bean hopper and water tank that require less frequent refilling.
- You have ample counter space and are willing to invest a little more for added features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart DGB-400 and DGB-550?
The main difference comes down to capacity and customization. The DGB-550 has a larger bean hopper and water reservoir, requiring less frequent refills, and features selectable brew strength options (regular, bold, extra-bold). The DGB-400 is more compact, more affordable, and simpler to operate.
Do both models use high-quality burr grinders?
Yes, both the DGB-400 and DGB-550 feature integrated conical burr grinders. This is important because burr grinders produce a more uniform grind size than cheaper blade grinders, which leads to better flavor extraction and a more balanced cup of coffee.
Can you use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
Yes, both models include a "grind off" function that allows you to bypass the grinder and use your own pre-ground coffee beans, adding a layer of versatility.
How big is the carafe on each model?
Both the DGB-400 and DGB-550 come with a 12-cup glass carafe with an ergonomic handle for easy pouring.
Which model is easier to clean?
Both are designed for straightforward cleaning. The bean hopper, grinder parts, and water reservoir are removable on both machines. Since their core design is similar, the cleaning process is nearly identical for both, though the DGB-550's components are slightly larger.
Is the Cuisinart DGB-400 good for a single person?
The DGB-400 is an excellent choice for a single person or small household. While it brews up to 12 cups, you can easily brew smaller batches. Its simple operation and compact size make it a great daily driver without being excessive.
What makes the DGB-550 more expensive?
The higher price of the DGB-550 covers its larger capacity (bean hopper and water tank), which adds convenience, and its advanced features, most notably the control over brew strength. You are paying for a more feature-rich and high-capacity machine.
What is the warranty on these Cuisinart coffee makers?
Both the DGB-400 and DGB-550 are typically covered by Cuisinart's 3-year limited warranty, which protects against defects in materials and workmanship.
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