The Cuisinart DGB-900BC and the Breville BDC650BSS are both excellent grind-and-brew coffee makers, but they appeal to different users through their design, price, and brewing philosophy. The Cuisinart is a practical, budget-friendlier workhorse built for convenience and capacity, making it great for busy households. The Breville justifies its higher price with a sleek, premium build, a more compact footprint, and a greater emphasis on precise, customizable brewing for the discerning coffee enthusiast.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which all-in-one coffee machine deserves a spot on your countertop.
Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew
The DGB-900BC from Cuisinart is a fully automatic coffee maker designed to streamline your morning routine by combining a burr grinder and a programmable brewer into one machine. It's built for functionality and volume, focusing on delivering a reliably good cup of coffee with minimal fuss. This model is a popular choice for families and offices that prioritize ease of use and capacity over intricate control.
- What it is: A 12-cup automatic drip coffee maker with an integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Fully programmable 24-hour brew start, brew strength control (strong, medium, mild), 8-ounce bean hopper with a sealed lid, charcoal water filter, brew pause feature, and a thermal carafe.
- Price: Typically around $200 to $250.
- Dimensions: 11" x 7.5" x 15".
- Style: Functional and straightforward with a stainless steel faceplate and sturdy plastic housing that fits into most traditional kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: A mix of brushed stainless steel and durable plastic components with a stainless steel thermal carafe.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one unit. Large 12-cup capacity is great for households or entertaining. Very user-friendly with simple, programmable controls. Built-in burr grinder offers a significant upgrade over blade grinders. Generous 3-year limited warranty.
- Cons: A bulkier design that takes up more counter space. Less precise control over grind size and brew temperature compared to the Breville. Some plastic components may feel less premium.
This machine is ideal for busy individuals or families who want the fresh taste of bean-to-cup coffee but don't want to spend time tinkering with settings every morning.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dgb-900bc/
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control
The BDC650BSS Grind Control is Breville's answer for coffee lovers who crave precision and quality in a stylish drip machine. It stands out with its high-end brushed stainless steel construction and customizable settings that let you dial in the perfect cup. More than just a brewer, it's designed to give you control over the entire process, from grind size to brew volume, all within a compact and modern package.
- What it is: A premium 12-cup drip coffee maker with a highly adjustable integrated burr grinder.
- Key features: Adjustable grinder with 6 settings, customizable brew sizes from a single cup to a full carafe, machined stainless steel burrs, an intuitive LCD screen, pre-brew temperature control.
- Price: Generally ranges from $250 to $350.
- Dimensions: 9.5" x 6.7" x 12".
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and modern aesthetic with a full brushed stainless steel body that complements contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality brushed stainless steel exterior and internal components built for longevity and flavor purity.
- Pros: Superior build quality and premium materials. High level of user control over grind size and brew strength. Compact footprint saves counter space. A sleek LCD provides clear feedback. Versatile single-cup brewing option.
- Cons: Higher price point. The 2-year warranty is shorter than Cuisinart's. Can have a slightly steeper learning curve to dial in the perfect settings.
The Breville Grind Control suits coffee enthusiasts who are particular about their brew and willing to invest in a machine that offers precision, durability, and high-end design.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/coffee-machines/bdc650.html
Cuisinart DGB-900BC vs. Breville BDC650BSS Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While both machines brew up to 12 cups, their physical presence is quite different. The Cuisinart measures 11" x 7.5" x 15", making it the bulkier of the two. It has a significant countertop presence that's best suited for larger kitchens without tight space constraints.
The Breville BDC650BSS is noticeably more compact at 9.5" x 6.7" x 12". This smaller footprint makes it an excellent choice for a kitchen with limited counter space or for homeowners who prefer a less cluttered look. If every inch matters, the Breville is the clear winner here.
Brewing Features & Control
This is where the two models diverge the most. The Cuisinart coffee maker is built around convenience. It offers three strength settings (mild, medium, strong) and is fully programmable, so you can set it and forget it - perfect for waking up to a fresh pot. Its controls are simple and get the job done efficiently.
The Breville, on the other hand, is built for precision. It features six distinct grind settings and allows you to customize the brew volume, so you can make a single mug or a full 12-cup carafe with optimized results. Its LCD screen provides precise feedback and gives you far more granular control over the taste of your coffee, appealing to those who enjoy experimenting with their brew.
Materials & Construction
The Cuisinart uses a combination of brushed stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic. It feels solid and durable, ready for daily use in a busy home. The machine is backed by a 3-year limited warranty, reflecting the brand's confidence in its longevity.
Breville uses premium materials throughout, with a full brushed stainless steel housing that not only looks fantastic but is built to last. The internal components, including the stainless steel burrs, are engineered for consistency and durability. Although its warranty is shorter at 2 years, the machine's build quality often speaks for itself.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart DGB-900BC costs significantly less, typically running between $200 and $250. For an automatic coffee maker with a built-in conical burr grinder and a thermal carafe, it provides outstanding value. It makes fresh-ground coffee accessible without breaking the bank.
The Breville BDC650BSS is a premium purchase, priced between $250 and $350. The higher cost is an investment in superior materials, precise brewing technology, brand reputation, and a sleek, compact design. For those who prioritize these features, the value is in the enhanced quality of both the machine and the coffee it produces.
Style & Versatility
Cuisinart embraces a functional, practical design. Its larger size and combination of plastic and steel suit a classic or family-style kitchen where utility is the main focus. It is designed to be a reliable appliance first and foremost.
The Breville boasts a modern, minimalist look that makes it a statement piece on the countertop. Its brushed metal finish and clean lines integrate seamlessly into contemporary or upscale kitchens. Its versatility also extends to brewing, with its ability to brew directly into different-sized vessels, a feature the Cuisinart lacks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver fresh, flavorful coffee, but they are designed for very different users and kitchen environments.
Choose the Cuisinart DGB-900BC if:
- You are on a tighter budget but still want a reliable grind-and-brew machine.
- You typically brew full pots of coffee for family or guests.
- You prefer simple "set it and forget it" programmable controls.
- You have ample counter space and prioritize practicality and capacity.
Choose the Breville BDC650BSS if:
- You are a coffee enthusiast who enjoys tinkering with grind and strength settings.
- You value a sleek, premium design and superior build quality.
- You need a more compact machine to save countertop space.
- You often brew single cups or varying amounts of coffee and want optimal flavor for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart and Breville coffee makers?
The primary difference is control versus convenience. The Breville BDC650BSS offers precise control over grind size and brew volume for customizable coffee, wrapped in a premium, compact design. The Cuisinart DGB-900BC focuses on convenience, large-capacity brewing, and programmability at a more accessible price point.
Can you use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
Yes, both machines have a "grind-off" feature that allows you to bypass the built-in grinder and use your own pre-ground coffee instead.
Which one has a better grinder?
Both use conical burr grinders, which are far superior to blade grinders for creating consistent coffee grounds. However, the Breville's machined stainless steel burrs and six setting options give it an edge in terms of consistency and adjustability for fine-tuning your brew.
Which machine is a better fit for a small kitchen?
The Breville Grind Control is a much better choice for kitchens with limited space due to its significantly smaller footprint.
Do these machines come with a thermal or glass carafe?
The Cuisinart DGB-900BC typically comes with an insulated 12-cup stainless steel thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours. The Breville BDC650BSS model is designed to brew into its glass carafe, but its brewing flexibility also allows it to dispense coffee directly into a travel mug or cup.
Is the Breville worth the extra money?
If you genuinely appreciate the subtleties of coffee flavor and will use the adjustable settings to dial in your perfect brew, then yes. The premium build, compact size, and enhanced control justify the higher cost for those who prioritize those features.
How easy are they to clean?
Both machines feature removable parts that simplify cleaning. The Cuisinart has a separate grinder chamber and filter basket that can be easily washed. The Breville works similarly, with its grinder chute and filter basket being accessible for regular cleaning to ensure fresh flavor.
How long is the warranty for each machine?
The Cuisinart DGB-900BC comes with a 3-year limited warranty, while the Breville BDC650BSS offers a 2-year limited warranty.
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