Cuisinart’s Newest Single-Serve Brewer Brings Fresh Grinding into the Mix

Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker that brings together the convenience of single-serve brewing and freshly ground material. The Cuisinart Single Serve + Coffee Grinder, model DGB-2, simplifies the morning of many coffee lovers who enjoy fresh-ground taste without the hassle.

Sleek and black in color, this machine is only 11.02″D x 7.28″W x 12.67″H. It would certainly fit just about any kitchen. The matte finish adds a nice touch with its stainless steel accents, giving it a somewhat modern look. Despite its compact size, it does boast a 48-ounce removable water tank and a bean hopper holding 100 grams, enough for about 7-8 cups.

The DGB-2 brews 8, 10, and 12 ounce servings. Brew with freshly ground beans or use any brand of single-cup pods, including Keurig K-Cup pods. For those who prefer to use their own ground coffee, the machine includes Cuisinart’s HomeBarista reusable filter cup.

It boasts an integrated conical burr grinder that grinds beans directly into the filter cup for an ultra-fresh brew. A sealed lid on the hopper keeps the beans fresh between uses. You can also bypass the grinder altogether for pre-ground coffee or pods.

Brewing is quick, with the cycle taking approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds to fill an 8-ounce cup. The coffee does come out very hot, at approximately 160°F in the cup. For many users, the flavor comes out best on the 8-ounce setting; the 12-ounce option can be too weak.

It’s equipped with push-button controls, an easy-view water window, and a great cleanup; though many users do say that, if using the grinder option, there may be some coffee grounds to wipe up afterward. The removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs for on-the-go brewing.

Customer reviews on DGB-2 rate it at an average 3.9 out of 5 stars, from 2,634 ratings. Many praise its convenience and how well it makes the coffee. Some users reported sediment problems when using the reusable filter.

While much can be said in favor of the machine, it is by no means perfect. Some taste buds may find the 12-ounce setting a bit too watery. The grinder is convenient for sure but has limited capacity and sometimes leaves some grounds to clean up afterward. Some users find the reusable filter produces more sediment than they’d care to put up with.

Priced competitively in the single-serve coffee maker market, the DGB-2 gives good value for those wanting freshly ground coffee without giving up pod convenience. Currently ranked #30 in Coffee Machines on Amazon, it would appear to be finding a receptive audience.

All in all, the Cuisinart Single Serve + Coffee Grinder is a close fit for coffee lovers who would not want to miss the taste of fresh ground but at the same time love the convenience of single-serve brewing. It is ideal for a small number of households or offices where individuals have different tastes regarding coffee. Those who value speed and ease of brewing with minimum clean-up afterward will love the features on this machine.

The Cuisinart DGB-2 is compact, versatile, and puts together in one unit the best of both worlds: fresh grinding and single-serve convenience. Though this machine has a few minor setbacks, overall performance and flexibility make it a solid choice for most coffee drinkers. It simplifies a morning coffee well without giving away too much in flavor and freshness.

It is a great compromise for those who can’t choose between the ease of pods and the quality of freshly ground beans. Sure, this isn’t perfect, but again, it’s a real contender in today’s single-serve coffee maker market. Since the Cuisinart Single Serve + Coffee Grinder has an impressive design, multi-option brewing, and a built-in grinder, it is worth considering by many who plan to upgrade their home with regard to coffee.