Cuisinart and Mr. Coffee Models Top Consumer Reports’ Latest Tests of Coffeemakers

CR Dec '13 Cover YONKERS, NY — Serious coffee drinkers don’t have to spend a fortune to brew a good cup of Joe at home. In Consumer Reports’ latest tests of nearly 100 coffeemakers, models from Cuisinart and Mr. Coffee delivered convenience and optimal brewing that count.

Consumer Reports evaluated seven types of coffeemakers including conventional drip machines, brew-and-dispense models and pod coffeemakers. In tests of conventional drip coffeemakers, which are best for serving a crowd, the Recommended Cuisinart Crystal SCC-1000 Limited Edition Perfec Temp DCC-2800, $200, earned the highest marks. This easy-to-use and clean model has a well-balanced carafe and aced Consumer Reports’ brew tests which are based on how closely models reach the industry-standard of 195ºF to 205ºF for roughly five minutes. The Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT, a CR Best Buy, matched that brewing performance for just $40.

There were also models that missed the mark at almost every price point. The Michael Graves Design (JCPenney), $115, a drip coffeemaker styled like a 1930s radio, was only so-so in Consumer Reports brewing tests. Bargain-priced makers Black & Decker CM2020B, $30, and Proctor Silex 43672, $25, were noted for ease of handling the carafe, but lost points for brewing performance.

Consumer Reports’ complete Ratings of coffeemakers include performance data for nearly 100 models in seven categories: conventional drip, brew-and-dispense, single-cup pods, grind-and-brew, mug-to-go, dual coffee and espresso, and espresso machines. The full report is available online at https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/coffeemakers1213 today and in the December 2013 issue of Consumer Reports, on newsstands November 5.

Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, Website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

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