Cuisinart Grind & Brew 12-Cup (DGB-550BK) Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this coffee maker in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of one hands-on expert review, Cuisinart's own product page and owner troubleshooting guidance, all listed at the end of this article. Independent testing of this exact model is thin, and we say so below. Our method.
Convenient fresh-ground coffee if you accept noise and upkeep
The DGB-550BK grinds whole beans and brews up to 12 cups on a 24-hour timer, and Real Homes' tester found it easy to program, quick (12 cups in under five minutes) and consistent once she adjusted the bean ratio. The catch is the upkeep: the grinder is loud, and owner troubleshooting guides describe oily or damp beans caking the grinder chute and causing weak coffee or a stalled grinder. It is also tall and heavy, and Cuisinart now lists this model as discontinued on its site. Good for households that want hands-off, fresh-ground pots; less good for light sleepers or anyone who will not brush out the grinder.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want fresh-ground coffee ready on a timer in the morning
- brew full pots for several people
- like the option to switch the grinder off and use pre-ground coffee
Skip it if you…
- have light sleepers nearby during early brews
- use dark, oily roasts and do not want to clean the grinder often
- are short on counter space
- want espresso or milk drinks
The Cuisinart Grind & Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker (DGB-550BK) has a built-in grinder that grinds whole beans just before brewing, a 24-hour programmable timer, a 1-4 cup setting, Brew Pause, a gold-tone permanent filter and a charcoal water filter.
We found one detailed hands-on review of this exact model, so we also lean on Cuisinart's specs and owner troubleshooting guidance for the Grind & Brew line, and flag where evidence is thin.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Capacity | 12 cups (5 oz each), glass carafe |
|---|---|
| Grinder | Built-in, with a grind-off option for pre-ground coffee |
| Programming | 24-hour timer, 1-4 cup setting, Brew Pause |
| Filters | Gold-tone permanent filter plus charcoal water filter |
| Auto shutoff | Adjustable, 0 to 4 hours |
| Size | About 7.5 x 11.2 x 15.2 in, roughly 11 lb |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
We found no independent long-term test of the DGB-550BK. The three-year warranty is generous for a drip machine. Owner guidance suggests most grinding problems come from residue and lid alignment rather than parts failure, and regular brushing prevents many of them. Note that Cuisinart's site lists this model as discontinued, so check seller stock and warranty terms.
Tips from owners
- Brush out the grinder chamber and chute weekly, especially with shiny dark roasts.
- Prefer dry, medium roasts to reduce clogging.
- Reseat every lid and the basket until they click if the grinder will not start.
- Add more beans than the default scoop-per-cup if coffee tastes weak.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Grinds and brews in one programmable machine
- Brews 12 cups in under five minutes in testing
- Grind-off option for pre-ground coffee
- Permanent filter and charcoal water filter
- Three-year limited warranty
What owners complain about
- Loud grinder
- Grinder chute needs regular cleaning
- Default bean ratio can taste weak
- Large counter footprint
- Listed as discontinued by Cuisinart
Other options owners compare
These are the drip machines most often weighed against the Grind & Brew.
| Model | Type | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Grind & Brew 12-Cup (this review) | Drip with built-in grinder | You want fresh-ground pots on a timer | See on Amazon |
| Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable | Drip, no grinder | You use pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder and want a quieter, simpler machine | See on Amazon |
| Breville Grind Control | Drip with burr grinder | You want adjustable burr grinding and more control | See on Amazon |
Want fresh-ground coffee ready when you wake up?
Check the current price and availability on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes. A grind-off feature lets it work as a normal drip coffee maker.
Why is my Grind & Brew not grinding?
Owner guidance points to the grind-off setting, a misaligned lid or basket tripping the safety interlock, or a clogged chute. Check those before suspecting the motor.
Is it loud?
Yes. Real Homes found the grinder loud enough to matter for early-morning brewing.
Is it still made?
Cuisinart's own site lists the DGB-550BK as discontinued, though it may still be sold by retailers.
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Sources we analyzed
- Real Homes: Cuisinart Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker review — hands-on test, brew time, noise, taste
- Cuisinart: DGB-550BK product page — official specs, warranty, discontinued status
- Barista Life: Cuisinart Grind and Brew not grinding — chute clogging, interlocks, oily beans
Figures reflect each source as of October 13, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.