The Cuisinart DGB-850 and DGB-900 are two excellent grind-and-brew coffee makers from Cuisinart, but they cater to slightly different users. The main differences are in capacity and customization, the DGB-900 offers a larger 12-14 cup capacity and more precise grind control, whereas the DGB-850 is a more straightforward 12-cup model better suited for those who prioritize simplicity and a lower price.
This comparison will guide you through the key features of each machine to help you decide which one will best fit your kitchen counter and coffee routine.
Cuisinart DGB-850 Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew
The DGB-850 offers Cuisinart's signature all-in-one coffee-making convenience in a reliable and easy-to-use package. It's built for those who want the incredible flavor of freshly ground beans without intricate settings or a steep learning curve. Featuring a durable burr grinder and a double-walled thermal carafe, this machine consistently brews flavorful coffee and keeps it hot for hours.
- What it is: A fully automatic, 12-cup grind-and-brew coffee maker with an insulated thermal carafe.
- Key features: Built-in conical burr grinder, 12-cup thermal carafe, 24-hour programmability, brew-pause function, and strength control (mild, medium, bold).
- Price: Typically costs between $150 and $180.
- Dimensions: Approximately 11" wide x 8" deep x 15" high.
- Materials/Construction: A mix of sturdy black plastic and stainless steel accents with a high-quality burr grinder mechanism and a double-walled thermal carafe.
- Pros: Excellent value for the features, straightforward programming, consistent brewing performance, thermal carafe eliminates the need for a warming plate, compact footprint.
- Cons: Smaller 12-cup capacity may not be enough for larger households, fewer advanced grind settings compared to the DGB-900.
This model is ideal for small to medium households that want a dependable grind-and-brew system without paying for extra features they won't use.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/tea-coffee/dgb-850-2f/DGB-850.html
Cuisinart DGB-900 Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew
The DGB-900 steps up the capacity and customization features, making it a great choice for larger families, frequent entertainers, or coffee drinkers who love to fine-tune their brew. It maintains the core all-in-one convenience of the DGB-850 but adds more precise grind control and a larger brew volume, allowing you to tailor each pot of coffee to your exact preference.
- What it is: An advanced, fully automatic grind-and-brew coffee maker with a 12 to 14-cup capacity.
- Key features: Built-in conical burr grinder with more adjustment settings, a larger 12-14 cup capacity, advanced programmability, strength control, and a charcoal water filter.
- Price: Generally ranges from $200 to $250.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" wide x 9" deep x 16" high.
- Materials/Construction: Features premium plastic and brushed stainless steel finishes, with the same durable burr grinder design and double-walled thermal carafe.
- Pros: Larger capacity is perfect for groups, more control over grind consistency and brew strength, includes a charcoal water filter for purer taste, maintains excellent thermal retention.
- Cons: Higher price point, takes up slightly more counter space.
The DGB-900 is perfect for discerning coffee lovers and larger households that require greater volume and more nuanced control over the brewing process.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/tea-coffee/dgb-900bc/DGB-900BC.html
Cuisinart DGB-850 vs. DGB-900 Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most noticeable difference between the two is size and output. The DGB-850 has a 12-cup capacity and a more compact footprint, making it a good fit for standard kitchen counters, even in smaller spaces. The DGB-900 is slightly wider and deeper to accommodate its larger 12-14 cup carafe, which is a great upgrade for families with multiple coffee drinkers or those who host guests often.
Customization & Features
Here's where the DGB-900 justifies its higher price. While both machines have brew strength control (mild, medium, and bold), the DGB-900 typically offers more precise settings for grinder control, allowing you to better dial in the perfect coarseness for your beans. It also includes an integrated charcoal water filter, ensuring impurities from your tap water don't affect the flavor of your coffee. The DGB-850 is simpler by design, focusing on core functionality rather than advanced tweaking.
Materials & Construction
Both coffee makers are built with Cuisinart's commitment to quality. They feature a combination of durable plastic housing and sleek stainless steel accents that look great in modern kitchens. Both models use a conical burr grinder, which is superior to blade grinders for creating a consistent grind size for better flavor extraction. The insulated stainless steel thermal carafes on both machines are also a highlight, as they keep coffee hot for hours without the burnt taste that can come from a hot plate.
Price & Value
The DGB-850 is the more budget-friendly option, usually priced around $50-$70 less than the DGB-900. It offers fantastic value for anyone who wants a reliable machine that handles the two most important jobs well: grinding and brewing. The DGB-900 costs more, but the investment gets you a larger capacity, better filtering, and more brewing control. The right choice depends on whether those extra features are worth the additional cost for your specific needs.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver great coffee from fresh beans, but they are designed for different priorities.
Choose the Cuisinart DGB-850 if:
- You're shopping on a tighter budget.
- You have a small to medium-sized household (1-3 coffee drinkers).
- Simplicity and ease of use are more important than advanced settings.
- Counter space is limited.
Choose the Cuisinart DGB-900 if:
- You have a larger family or regularly entertain guests.
- You enjoy experimenting with grind size and brew strength to perfect your cup of coffee.
- You want the added benefit of a charcoal water filter for purer flavor.
- The higher price is a comfortable investment for added capacity and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart DGB-850 and DGB-900?
The main differences are capacity and customization. The DGB-900 has a larger coffee carafe (12-14 cups vs. 12 cups) and offers more precise user control over the grind settings. The DGB-850 is a more straightforward machine focused on core grind-and-brew functionality.
Is the DGB-900 worth the extra money?
It's worth it if you will take advantage of its extra features. If you need to brew more than 12 cups at a time or are particular about your coffee's grind, strength, and flavor purity (thanks to the water filter), then the extra cost is justified.
How long does the thermal carafe keep coffee hot?
Both models feature a double-walled, vacuum-sealed thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for several hours without a stovetop. Since there's no warming plate, you never have to worry about the coffee developing a burnt, stewed taste. Expect fresh-tasting, hot coffee for at least 2-3 hours.
Are the built-in burr grinders any good?
Yes, both machines use a conical burr grinder. This style is much better than a blade grinder because it crushes beans to a uniform size instead of chopping them inconsistently. This leads to a more even extraction and a more flavorful, less bitter cup of coffee.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
Yes, both the DGB-850 and DGB-900 include a "grind-off" function. This feature allows you to bypass the built-in grinder and use your own pre-ground coffee, adding to the machine's versatility.
How often do I need to clean these coffee makers?
Regular cleaning is recommended for best performance. The bean hopper, grinder burrs, and carafe should be cleaned regularly to prevent oil buildup. Most parts, like the filter basket, are removable and top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup fairly simple.
What cup capacity do I really need?
A standard coffee "cup" is about 5 ounces. So, a 12-cup machine yields around 60 ounces of coffee, which is good for about 4-5 standard mugs. The 14-cup capacity of the DGB-900 gives you an extra 2 mugs worth - a helpful bump for larger households or heavy coffee drinkers.
What is the warranty on Cuisinart coffee makers?
Cuisinart typically offers a limited 3-year warranty on these and similar models, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This generous policy reflects the brand's confidence in their product's durability.
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