Who should buy a Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center 10-Cup Single-Serve Brewer Coffee Maker? In this Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center review, discover the pros and cons of a popular coffee machine.
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center review… in just 3 questions:
1. Is there anything seriously wrong with the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center?
No, absolutely not. The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is a really good coffee machine and if you have been thinking about buying it but don’t have much time to decide, you can go ahead confidently and get it. You’ll not regret your purchase, because there is no major flaw or fault to warn against.
2. Are there any better models of coffee maker than the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center?
Let us explore this dual brew coffee machine in detail to decide whether this coffee maker is right for you.
- Do you like just one cup of coffee at different times of the day?
- Are you a fan of K-cups?
- Do you also need a large carafe of coffee for the rest of the family?
If you answered yes to these questions, then it may be among the best choices for you. There are other good coffee machines like the single serve Keurig K-Elite and Keurig K-Classic coffee makers.
And there are also the Black+Decker 12-cup Programmable coffee maker and Nespresso Vertuo Next which may better match your tastes.
3. Where can you buy the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center?
This popular coffee machine is readily available in retail outlets like Target, Macy’s and Walmart. You might also find it in department stores which sell kitchen and office wares.
A convenient and simple way to shop for a Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is to order it online from e-commerce portals like Amazon.com.
You can have the purchase shipped right to your doorstep at no added cost. In addition, you’ll enjoy periodic discounts and coupon offers that will save money.
Buy the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center at Amazon.com
Now let’s take a closer look at this coffee machine in a Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center review. Find out if this coffee maker is the ideal choice for you.
At a Glance
Material: Stainless steel and polypropylene
Capacity: 10-cup thermal carafe
Single-Serve: Can brew 6, 8 and 10-oz. servings using any single-cup pods
Compatible with all single cup pods including Keurig K-Cup pods
Includes Cuisinart’s HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup which lets you use your own coffee grounds
- Removable 40 oz. reservoir
- Energy Save mode
- Removal drip tray allows enough space for any tall mug.
- Charcoal water filter
- Removable parts are dishwasher-safe
Carafe Brewer: 10-cup thermal carafe, 40 oz capacity
Brew Pause: Lets you pause brewing to pour a cup
Brew Strength Control – Adjust how strong your coffee brews
24-hour brew start – Pre-program ahead of time
- Self-clean
- Ready Alert
- Easy-view water window
- Gold tone coffee filter for delicious and flavor brew
Overall Dimensions: 10.75 x 12.75 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 10 lbs
The stainless-steel carafe, the convenience and ease of use and stylish appearance all earn praise. The dual-purpose Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center with its single serve side and carafe side is ideal for busy people.
Pros:
- Dual Brew System
- Water reservoir on both sides
- Easy Controls
- Stylish Design
Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center Review
The Cuisinart SS-20 appeals for several reasons, chief among them being its programmable features, high-quality thermal carafe, the different single-serve cup sizes and excellent quality of the coffee it brews.
Whether you are a small family that drinks many cups of coffee a day, or a large family that needs a big carafe of coffee every morning, you will enjoy brewing coffee with the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center 10-Cup Thermal Single-Serve Brewer Coffee Maker.
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center can brew either a single cup or a whole carafe of coffee depending on your needs.
With the single-serve option you won’t waste coffee. Even with the multi-serve option, you can activate brew-pause so you don’t have to wait for the coffee maker to finish brewing the entire 10 cups. You can simply grab a quick cup in between.
What are the Most Popular Features of Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center?
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is a top-of-the-line coffee maker from the popular range of Cuisinart coffee makers.
Its ease of use and convenience make the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center 10-Cup Thermal Single-Serve Brewer coffee maker one of the most popular models.
According to several Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center reviews, most people like the convenience offered by this dual coffee maker.
There are many customizable options available. You can adjust
- quantity of coffee to brew
- types of coffee
- strength
- and more.
It offers both the single-serve and carafe choices of making coffee. So you can brew a single cup or make up batches of several cups at a time. The coffee machine is compatible with Keurig K-cups.
The buttons are clear and easy to understand. You don’t even have to read the instruction manual or a Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center review.
The detachable water reservoir makes it easy to refill, and the water level is easily seen through a transparent water window.
The insulated thermal stainless-steel carafe keeps your coffee hot long after you’ve finished brewing. However if you choose the model which serves 12 cups, it comes with the glass carafe which may not retain warmth for quite as long.
Single-Serve Side:
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center offers dual coffee brewing capacities.
The single serve side is compatible with a wide range of coffee pods including K-cups. You can also use your own coffee grounds with the HomeBarista Reusable Filter cup.
The single-serve brewer can be customized with three different serving sizes. You can brew either 6, 8 or 10 ounces of coffee, so you won’t worry about brewing too much or too little.
Carafe Side:
With the carafe side you can brew coffee for many people at the same time. The Carafe has a 10-cup capacity. This is ideal when you have a large party of guests over.
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center brews delicious coffee and uses the same brewing system as older Cuisinart coffee maker models.
Many a Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center review confirms that it brews a range of oily and normal beans or flavored coffee with equal ease. The Bold setting gives a stronger brew, although not everyone enjoys the bitter undertones or burned taste.
Compatible with K-cups:
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center 10-Cup Thermal Single-Serve Brewer coffee maker is compatible with several different models and brands of coffee pods and brews like a champ.
The company’s own HomeBarista reusable filter can be used along with your choice of coffee grounds to make your favorite coffee. If you prefer K-cup pods that is fine, too.
Charcoal Water filter:
Many coffee makers require that you fill the tank with filtered water to brew the perfect cuppa.
To make things easy for you, the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center uses a charcoal filter. The filter bed of charcoal removes any impurities from the water you fill in the water tank. This gives a rich and delicious coffee with a strong aroma.
Accommodates Tall Cups:
It is frustrating when you can’t directly drip your coffee into a tall glass or travel mug because the space between the outlet and the base is too little.
But with the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center 10-Cup Thermal Single-Serve Brewer Coffee Maker you’ll have no problem fitting in taller glasses or travel mugs.
The drip tray can be removed and you can slide in even larger cups. This makes it so much more convenient. It eliminates messes and frustrating spills.
Removable Water Tank:
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center has a well-designed removable water tank. This makes filling the tank easy and simple.
You won’t spill water all over the counter or bend at odd angles to see the water level. The water reservoir has clear markings that are easily visible. This means you know exactly how much water to fill in the tank.
Gold-tone coffee filter:
A Gold-tone coffee filter replaces paper filters. This lets through only the pure coffee flavor. The coffee from your Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is as smooth and flavor-rich as what you usually get from a professional coffee shop.
Programmable Timer:
With a programmable timer you can set up the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center 10-Cup Thermal Single-Serve Brewer to start brewing at any time of your choice.
Set the timer so it can gets going before you wake up in the morning, or around when you get home from work. There will always be a hot cup of coffee waiting for you to enjoy.
Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center Review : More Features
Ready Alert:
This neat function lets you know when the coffee is ready.
Stainless steel Thermal Carafe:
Instead of fragile glass carafes that often break, Cuisinart supplies a double wall thermally-insulated stainless steel carafe with the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center.
This not only retains heat with increased efficiency but also won’t break if you accidentally drop it. Even temperature differences due to the weather being too cold won’t make the carafe crack or leak.
Strong Brew:
There are people who like a stronger brew and others who like lighter coffee in the morning. With the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center there are options to select your brew strength.
Pick the one you like. You could also experiment with stronger brews on days you feel like a stiff dose of caffeine to help you through.
Brew Pause:
Good news for impatient users who need a quick cup but simply can’t wait for the entire brewing process to be over. You can grab a quick cup of coffee by pressing the Brew-pause button.
Then let the machine get on with the brewing process while you enjoy your coffee. The Brew Pause feature works well at preventing drip spills as well.
Removable Water Reservoir:
The coffee machine has separate water reservoirs for single serve and larger brews. The reservoir is large with 40 oz capacity. Markings help guide you in filling up the reservoir with water. It helps prevent any messes.
Self-Clean:
Don’t forget to clean your coffee maker regularly. A quick perusal of any Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center review reveals that problems come from not cleaning the needle on the single serve side or the brew system and water tank on the drip coffee side.
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center has a self-cleaning program. Use it with a 50/50 vinegar and water mix every 3 days or so. You can wash removable parts in a dishwasher.
The needle can become clogged with grounds and must be cleaned out separately, even if the self-clean option is available. Use a straightened paper clip to clear stuck grounds from the single serve needle or drip spout on the brew side.
Warranty:
No Cuisinart SS-20 coffee center review is complete without mentioning that it has a 3-year warranty. The company clearly believes in its product and is willing to back it. If you have any minor/major problems within the first three years of purchase, you can get it fixed by the manufacturer or have a replacement shipped out.
What are the biggest problems with Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center?
The Cuisinart coffee maker is not perfect. There are a few drawbacks that unhappy owners have complained about in their Cuisinart SS-20 coffee center reviews.
Carafe Is Not Drip Proof
One potential problem that customers could face is that the carafe drips when it is brimming with coffee. A solution is to not fill it all the way to the brim. That way it is easy to pour into cups or glasses without dripping over the counter.
Coffee Temperature Not Hot Enough
Brewing takes awhile and by the time the whole pot of coffee is brewed, the coffee in carafe is already cooling off. There is an optimum temperature to brew if you’re to avoid bitter undertones from coffee grounds.
At optimal temperature the brew has rich aroma and tastes delicious. But this also means your coffee will cool down in an hour or two. If you always want really hot coffee, consider heating up your mug in the microwave.
Most people enjoy a moderately hot beverage. The thermally insulated stainless steel carafe keeps coffee hot for quite a while, though not for many hours.
Avoid Finely Ground Coffee
The filters used in this coffee maker – HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup and the Gold-tone coffee filter – are both designed for coarse grounds only. Fine grounds will clog the filters and they will stop working if used repeatedly.
Should you buy the Cuisinart SS 20 Coffee Center?
This is a quality product from a reputed brand. It is one of the better coffee makers that caters to all kinds of users. Those who drink an occasional cup of coffee as well as those who guzzle large volumes of this elixir will find it useful.
The coffee from a Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is delicious and consistent in taste and flavor. It makes single serve coffee and large pots as per your requirement. Whether you brew only for yourself or need large amounts of coffee when entertaining guests, this machine is just perfect.
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is like owning two coffee systems in one appliance.
- On one side you can do the regular brewing with your own coffee grounds in the normal drip coffee maker style.
- On the other side is a K-cup compatible single-serve system which you will find in a Keurig coffee maker.
This Cuisinart Coffee Center dual coffee systems can be compared to a FlexBrew model like the Hamilton Beach 49976.
A Word About Coffee Pods:
But Cuisinart’s innovation has slashed the cost of coffee pods.
You don’t have to brew using K-cup pods or any other pods. Cuisinart’s HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup allows you the freedom to use any coarsely ground coffee even on the single serve side.
The reusable filter cup is a two-piece plastic pod that fits in the single serve side. You can use this reusable plastic pod to fill in whatever coarsely ground coffee you like and use it to brew your coffee just like you would with a disposable pod.
While the disposable pods are highly convenient to use, they are expensive and add to unnecessary plastic waste.
The HomeBarista Reusable Filter is dishwasher safe. You can also wash it by hand. The water filter is a charcoal filter which removes any impurities so you enjoy all the flavors of coffee in your brew.
All Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center reviews agree that the 12-cup coffee maker is a very good drip brewer with a healthy 40-ounce water tank that is pretty easy to access and fill.
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is made from BPA free materials. So it is safe.
The Cuisinart SS-20 coffee maker has many of the features like a
- carafe with thermal insulation
- removable drip tray to allow for taller cups
- programmable 24-hour start time
- brew strength control
- reusable Gold-tone coffee filter
- charcoal filter beds
Most problems from earlier models have been sorted out and the company offers a 3-year warranty on this machine.
From the all the feedback and Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center reviews it’s clear that this is an excellent product.
Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center Review : How to Choose the Perfect 2-Way Coffee Maker?
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is a reliable 2-way coffee maker that makes really good quality coffee on both brewing and single-serve sides.
This machine is durable and will last a long time. It’s also well designed and constructed with quality materials. The attention to detail in the design means more convenience for you.
There are dual water reservoirs for each side. The type of coffee you’ll brew – whether K-cups or other pods or your favorite speciality blend – is entirely your choice. Just make sure the grounds are not too fine as the filters in this machine are designed for coarse grounds.
There are two filters supplied – Gold tone filter and HomeBarista Reusable filter. Both are reusable and dishwasher safe.
The appliance comes with a 3-year warranty.
You can choose between a black and silver finish. While the 10-cup version comes with thermal stainless-steel carafe, the 12-cup version comes with glass carafe.
With the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center you can brew either drip coffee or different sizes of a quick single-serve coffee. And choose between 6, 8, or 10 oz. sizes.
And There’s More…
It’s easy to remove the drip tray and collect your brew directly into a larger travel mug.
While the coffee machine is compatible with K-Cups and other single-cup coffee pods, you can use the reusable filter with your own coffee grounds.
If you prefer stronger brew use the Bold feature.
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is a fully automated and programmable coffee maker. You can set up the machine to brew coffee 24 hours ahead of time.
The energy saver function helps conserve power even while it waits to brew the freshest cup of coffee for you at the right time.
The self-clean feature helps keep the insides of the machine clean with ease. You’ll also clean the needle and other removable parts like the filter in a dishwasher 2-3 times a week.
It has 40 oz removable water reservoirs for each side which is easy to access and comes with a charcoal water filter that will removes any impurities. This improves the taste immensely.
The Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center is indeed a great coffee machine for a coffee lover.