The Cuisinart SS-700 Coffee Center and the Keurig Platinum cater to different coffee drinkers by design. The Cuisinart SS-700 is a versatile two-in-one appliance, offering both a full-pot drip coffee maker and a single-serve brewer, built with durable stainless steel. The Keurig Platinum, on the other hand, is a dedicated single-serve machine focused purely on the speed, convenience, and simplicity of the K-Cup pod system.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which coffee maker belongs on your kitchen counter.
Cuisinart SS-700 Single-Serve Brewing System
The Cuisinart SS-700 is built for households with diverse coffee needs. It seamlessly combines a traditional 12-cup drip coffee maker with a convenient single-serve brewer, making it an all-in-one coffee station. Its robust construction and customizable features appeal to those who appreciate flexibility and a more hands-on approach to their coffee routine.
- What it is: A dual-function coffee maker featuring a single-serve brewer on one side and a multi-cup drip brewer with a glass carafe on the other.
- Key features: K-Cup compatible single-serve brewing, fully automatic 12-cup drip brewer, brew strength control, adjustable brew temperature, programmable 24-hour start timer, includes a reusable filter cup for ground coffee.
- Price: $150 - $180
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel housing, quality plastic components, and a glass carafe. The brewer is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
- Style: A modern and substantial appliance with a professional look. The stainless steel accents and digital display fit well in contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Highly versatile - make a single cup or a full pot. More customizable settings. Sturdy build quality and a generous 3-year warranty. Use K-cups or your own ground coffee with the included reusable filter.
- Cons: Larger footprint takes up considerable counter space. Higher price point than a standard single-serve machine. Has more parts to clean and maintain.
This appliance works best for families or small offices that require the flexibility of brewing both full carafes and quick single cups without owning two separate machines.
Shop this product: https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-SS-700-Single-Serve-Brewing-System/dp/B002S51240/
Keurig Platinum Brewing System
The Keurig Platinum embodies the single-serve convenience that made the brand popular. It is designed to deliver a consistent cup of coffee quickly and without any fuss. Its streamlined operation, compact size, and vast K-Cup compatibility make it perfect for anyone who values speed and simplicity above all else.
- What it is: A dedicated single-serve coffee maker that uses K-Cup pods for fast, easy brewing.
- Key features: Fast brewing times (typically under a minute), offers multiple brew sizes, a large water reservoir, and a simple button interface.
- Price: $100 - $130
- Materials/Construction: Made from high-quality plastic with black and silver finishes. The internal brewing system is engineered for consistent day-to-day use. Backed by a 1-year warranty.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and compact. Its streamlined appearance fits easily into smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office nooks.
- Pros: Exceptionally fast and easy to use. Small footprint saves counter space. Lower price point. Compatible with thousands of K-Cup pod varieties from different brands.
- Cons: Limited to single-serve brewing only. Plastic construction is less premium than Cuisinart's stainless steel. Shorter 1-year warranty. Using your own grounds requires purchasing a separate My K-Cup accessory.
The Keurig Platinum is an excellent choice for individuals or households that prioritize convenience and want a quick, no-mess cup of coffee on demand.
Shop this product: https://www.amazon.com/Keurig-K155-Brewer-Platinum-Silver/dp/B00BCF3TLA/
Cuisinart SS-700 vs. Keurig Platinum Comparison
Brewing Versatility & Options
This is the most significant difference between the two machines. The Cuisinart SS-700 is a true hybrid, allowing you to brew a 12-cup pot of drip coffee for a crowd or a single K-Cup for yourself. It also comes standard with a reusable filter cup, giving you the freedom to use any ground coffee you like in the single-serve brewer. This flexibility is its main selling point.
The Keurig Platinum focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: brewing single cups via K-Cup pods. While it doesn't offer a carafe option, its strength lies in the vast ecosystem of available pods, offering endless flavor varieties at the push of a button. If single-serve coffee is all you need, the Keurig offers simplicity that the Cuisinart cannot match.
Materials & Construction
Cuisinart builds the SS-700 with a more premium mix of materials, featuring a prominent stainless steel housing that feels solid and durable. This heavier build quality is complemented by a generous 3-year limited warranty, indicating the brand's confidence in the product's longevity.
The Keurig Platinum uses primarily high-quality plastics. While still durable for everyday use, it doesn't have the same weighty, premium feel as the Cuisinart. It comes with a standard 1-year warranty. For users concerned with long-term durability and materials, the Cuisinart has a clear edge.
Dimensions & Footprint
Due to its dual-function design, the Cuisinart SS-700 is a larger machine, measuring roughly 11 x 13 x 15 inches. It requires a dedicated spot on the counter and is best for users who have ample space for a coffee station.
The Keurig Platinum is designed to be more compact, at around 9 x 12 x 13 inches. Its smaller footprint makes it a much better fit for smaller apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart SS-700 typically costs between $150 and $180, which is higher than the Keurig. However, its value comes from its versatility. Since it replaces two separate appliances (a drip coffee maker and a single-serve brewer) and includes a reusable filter, the higher cost can be easily justified.
The Keurig Platinum is more budget-friendly, usually priced between $100 and $130. It offers fantastic value for those who want a reliable and fast single-serve machine without extra features they won't use. For pure K-Cup pod brewing, it is an efficient and affordable choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both coffee makers are excellent options, but they are built for different users and priorities.
Choose the Cuisinart SS-700 if:
- You want the flexibility to brew a full pot of drip coffee or just a single cup.
- You value a durable, more premium build with stainless steel construction.
- A longer warranty (3 years vs. 1 year) is important to you.
- You plan to frequently use your own ground coffee in the single-serve brewer.
Choose the Keurig Platinum if:
- Your top priority is speed and convenience for one cup at a time.
- You have limited kitchen counter space.
- You are on a tighter budget and want to save some money upfront.
- You exclusively plan to use K-Cup pods and enjoy the convenience of the pod system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Cuisinart SS-700 and Keurig Platinum?
The main difference is functionality. The Cuisinart SS-700 is a dual-brew system that makes both full 12-cup carafes of drip coffee and single-serve cups. The Keurig Platinum is strictly a single-serve K-Cup pod brewer.
Which coffee maker is faster?
The Keurig Platinum is generally faster for a single cup, typically brewing in under a minute. The Cuisinart's single-serve side is also quick, but Keurig has optimized its entire system for speed.
Can I use my own coffee grounds in these machines?
Yes, but it's easier with the Cuisinart. The Cuisinart SS-700's drip side naturally uses ground coffee, and its single-serve side comes with a reusable filter cup. For the Keurig, you must purchase a separate "My K-Cup" reusable coffee filter to use your own grounds.
Does the Cuisinart SS-700 take K-Cups?
Yes, the single-serve portion of the Cuisinart SS-700 is designed to be compatible with K-Cup pods, offering the same convenience as a Keurig.
Which machine is more durable?
The Cuisinart SS-700 is generally considered more durable due to its stainless steel construction and a 3-year limited warranty, compared to the Keurig Platinum's primarily plastic build and 1-year warranty.
Which machine is easier to clean?
The Keurig Platinum is simpler to clean. With fewer parts and a self-contained pod system, regular maintenance involves descaling and wiping the exterior. The Cuisinart has more components - a carafe, filter basket, and two separate water reservoirs - that require cleaning.
How big are the water reservoirs?
They are comparable in size. The Cuisinart SS-700 has a large reservoir for its dual functions (around 60 oz typically shared or split). The Keurig Platinum series water reservoirs can range from 48 to 66 oz, holding enough water for several cups before needing a refill.
Which is a better value for the money?
Value depends on your needs. If you would otherwise buy two separate brewers, the Cuisinart SS-700 offers excellent value. If you only need a fast, simple single-serve machine, the cheaper Keurig Platinum offers better value for that specific purpose.
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