My Two Months with the Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker: The Good, The Bold, and The Everyday
I’ve gone through more coffee makers than I care to admit. Some broke within months, others made lukewarm coffee that couldn’t wake up a toddler from a nap. After my last coffee maker gave up the ghost (mid-brew, of course, on a Monday morning), I decided to invest in something that might actually last. Enter the Cuisinart Perfectemp 14-Cup Glass Carafe coffee maker.
I’ve been using this machine daily for about two months now, and I think I’ve finally found “the one.” It’s not perfect—nothing ever is—but it’s become such a reliable part of my morning routine that I honestly don’t know how I functioned before it. Let me walk you through my experience with this surprisingly versatile kitchen companion.
- ADJUSTABLE CARAFE TEMP: Our Cuisinart 14-Cup* Coffee Maker with adjustable carafe temp feature adjusts the warming plate temperature to Low, Medium, or High to keep freshly brewed coffee at the temperature you prefer.
- BREW STRENGTH CONTROL: This coffee maker customizes your brew to perfection with regular or bold settings, catering to your unique taste preferences every time.
- FULLY AUTOMATIC COFFEE MAKER: The coffee machine offers convenience with 24-hour programmability, 1-4 cup settings, auto-off (0-4 hours), and an optional ready alert tone.
- 14-CUP* CAPACITY: *Cup equals approx. 5 oz. (varies by brewing technique).
- FILL WITH EASE: Enjoy precise water filling with the easy-to-view water window, while the Cuisinart coffee maker Brew Pause feature lets you savor a cup before the brewing cycle finishes, enhancing your experience.
Sleek Kitchen Staple
When it comes to design, the Cuisinart strikes a nice balance between classic coffee maker aesthetics and modern functionality. The stainless steel accents give it a premium look that fits well in most kitchens—mine has a somewhat industrial vibe, and this machine complements it perfectly. It’s not small, I’ll admit that. With its 14-cup capacity, this coffee maker demands counter real estate, but the footprint feels justified given what it delivers.
The glass carafe feels substantial in hand, and pouring is smooth with minimal dripping (a pet peeve with my previous machines). The control panel is straightforward enough, though I did have to consult the manual the first couple of days to remember which button did what. The blue backlit display is a nice touch, especially when I’m fumbling around in the early morning darkness trying to get my caffeine fix started.
Morning Magic Maker
Where this Cuisinart really shines is in its versatility and performance. The programmable feature has perhaps changed my mornings more than anything—I set it up before bed, and wake to the aroma of fresh coffee. It’s almost like having a barista living in my kitchen!
The brew strength selector is something I wasn’t sure I’d use much, but I’ve found myself toggling between regular and bold depending on the day ahead. Monday mornings? Bold, obviously. Sunday afternoons? Regular does just fine. The 1-4 cup setting has also proven surprisingly useful when I’m home alone and don’t need a full pot.
Temperature-wise, this machine lives up to its “Perfectemp” name. The coffee comes out hot—properly hot, not the lukewarm disappointment I’ve experienced with other makers. And it stays warm on the heating plate without developing that burnt taste that happens with some machines if you leave coffee sitting too long.
The brew-pause feature lets me sneak a cup mid-brew when I’m particularly impatient, though I’ve found the coffee is more balanced if you wait for the full brew cycle. One minor annoyance is that occasionally when using the brew pause, a few drops escape onto the warming plate, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker.
By The Numbers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 14 cups |
| Carafe Type | Glass |
| Programmability | 24-hour advance brew start |
| Brew Strength | Regular or Bold options |
| Auto Shut-Off | Adjustable (up to 4 hours) |
| Small Batch Setting | 1-4 Cup optimization |
| Cleaning | Self-cleaning with indicator light |
| Heating Plate | Keeps coffee warm up to 4 hours |
| List Price | $119.95 |
The Good & The Not-So-Good
Pros:
- Large 14-cup capacity is perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers or entertaining
- Programmable timer means waking up to fresh coffee
- Brew strength selector lets you customize your coffee experience
- Self-cleaning function makes maintenance relatively painless
- Coffee temperature is consistently hot without being scalding
- The 1-4 cup setting works surprisingly well for smaller batches
- Auto shut-off provides peace of mind if you rush out the door
Cons:
- Glass carafe is breakable (I’ve already had one heart-stopping near-miss)
- Takes up significant counter space
- Water reservoir design can make filling slightly awkward
- Control panel has a slight learning curve
- Occasionally drips when using the brew pause feature
- Price point is higher than basic coffee makers
What Others Are Saying
Based on product research and user feedback, the Cuisinart Perfectemp seems to enjoy generally favorable reviews from most users. The large capacity and programmable features are consistently highlighted as major advantages, particularly for families or office settings where multiple cups are needed throughout the day.
Many users appreciate the self-cleaning function, which makes maintenance much simpler than with some competing models. The heating plate effectiveness for keeping coffee warm for extended periods also receives positive mentions.
The most common criticisms revolve around the glass carafe’s fragility and the machine’s substantial countertop footprint. Some users have also noted issues with the water reservoir design, finding it occasionally awkward to fill without spilling.
Who Should Buy This Coffee Maker?
For beginners: This is perhaps slightly more coffee maker than absolute beginners need, but the straightforward operation and reliability make it a solid choice if you’re willing to invest in a machine that will grow with your coffee journey. The self-cleaning function and simple controls mean you won’t be overwhelmed with maintenance or operation.
For intermediate users: This is where the Cuisinart really shines. If you know what you like in a cup of coffee and appreciate being able to adjust strength and batch size, this machine offers enough flexibility without overwhelming complexity. The programmable features will fit nicely into established coffee routines.
For advanced users: Coffee connoisseurs might find this machine lacks some of the precision control they desire, but as a reliable daily driver that produces consistently good coffee with minimal fuss, it’s hard to beat. Many advanced users keep a machine like this for everyday use while having specialized equipment for weekend experimentation.
You Might Also Like
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Elevate Your Morning Routine Today!
Life’s too short for bad coffee, and the Cuisinart Perfectemp 14-Cup Coffee Maker has genuinely improved my daily routine. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile coffee maker that can handle everything from solo morning brews to dinner party coffee service, this machine deserves a spot on your counter. Your future, well-caffeinated self will thank you!
- ADJUSTABLE CARAFE TEMP: Our Cuisinart 14-Cup* Coffee Maker with adjustable carafe temp feature adjusts the warming plate temperature to Low, Medium, or High to keep freshly brewed coffee at the temperature you prefer.
- BREW STRENGTH CONTROL: This coffee maker customizes your brew to perfection with regular or bold settings, catering to your unique taste preferences every time.
- FULLY AUTOMATIC COFFEE MAKER: The coffee machine offers convenience with 24-hour programmability, 1-4 cup settings, auto-off (0-4 hours), and an optional ready alert tone.
- 14-CUP* CAPACITY: *Cup equals approx. 5 oz. (varies by brewing technique).
- FILL WITH EASE: Enjoy precise water filling with the easy-to-view water window, while the Cuisinart coffee maker Brew Pause feature lets you savor a cup before the brewing cycle finishes, enhancing your experience.
