Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus Coffee Maker Review
Cuisinart has long been known as a household name in the small appliance world. Their prices are typically less expensive than some of the other big-name, high-quality competitors and their quality is exceptional, particularly for the price point! Like many other products of the brand, the Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus is loaded with features that make it a convenient and functional staple on your counter. This review gives you a full list of the features, including what they’ll do for you.
Price: $95 – $99 $185
Our rating: 
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Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus Coffee Maker Review
Design and Usability
Upon looking at the Cuisinart Coffee Plus by Cuisinart, you may be tempted into thinking it’s just another coffee maker like the rest. It’s not. The black and stainless design will complement any kitchen, no matter what decor you’ve chosen or the color of your other appliances.
Located on the top-front of the machine is the control panel with several easy-to-understand buttons and dials, and a bright blue LCD screen. One of the dials is the program dial with Auto-ON, Brew and Program. The dial on the other side is for the carafe temperature — that’s right, carafe temperature control for keeping your coffee warm if you’re not going to be able to enjoy it all right away!
Perks
Like other Cuisinart appliances, the Cuisinart CHW-12 comes with several little perks that add to the convenience and usability. As a fully-automatic coffeemaker, you have auto-on and automatic shutoff, self-cleaning function and a 1-4 cup setting if you don’t want to make a full pot.
The heater plate associated with the carafe temperature control has three settings: High, medium and low. If you’ve ever had a cup of coffee that was too hot or too cold, you’ll enjoy these various settings that ensure your cup will be the ideal temperature for you.
The Brew Pause feature allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee before the machine has finished the brew cycle. If you’re brewing a full pot, this is extremely convenient because you don’t have to wait for it.
Hot Water System
One of the best, most unique features of the Cuisinart Coffee Plus machine is the integrated hot water system. Hot water on demand is ideal for your favorite teas, cocoas and even soups. This system is independent of the coffeemaker and can be used separately or at the same time.
The system has its own dedicated 54-oz water reservoir that holds more than enough water for several uses. Indicator lights on the machine let you know several factors regarding your hot water system including letting you know when the water’s hot, ready to dispense and even when it’s ready to be refilled.
The hot water system includes an integrated charcoal water filter that removes any and all impurities giving you the best tasting, pure water you want for your beverages or dishes.
Features and Specifications
- Drip-free pour spout allows you to pour your coffee into your cup with ease
- Fully automatic machine takes the hassle out of making your favorite coffee
- Carafe temperature control has a heater plate that keeps your coffee at one of three temperature settings
- Brew Pause allows you to pause the brewing to snag a cup before the cycle has finished
- Charcoal water filter and gold tone filter remove the impurities from your water for the best tasting coffee and other beverages
- Hot water on demand heats up fast so you can dispense hot water for teas, cocoas, oatmeals or other dishes
- Stylish and user-friendly design looks great on the counter and creates an easy coffee-making experience
- Separate hot water system can be used separately or at the same time as the coffeemaker
- Safety features prevent hot water being dispensed when it shouldn’t be
- Limited 3-year warranty
- Measures 10.25- by 9.50- by 14.30-inches
- Weighs 19lbs
Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus Coffee Maker Reviews
Out of over 300 reviews on Amazon, the Cuisinart CHW-12 still scored a respectable 4.2 out of 5 stars. Well over half of the reviews were five stars. People absolutely love the convenience of this machine! The negative reviews, though rare, had a few issues though. A common issue is the hot water system it seems. Some people complain of a bad, almost-plastic-like taste from the hot water side. Others say the hot water side stopped working completely after an extremely short time.
This is a good value for money coffee maker, with a high capacity of 12-cup. It is very well thought and convenient to use. Now only you can decide if you can deal with the drawbacks.
What other users have to say about the Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus coffee maker.
“Finally, this thing makes a GREAT TASTING cup of coffee. I can’t believe I finally have a drip coffee maker that I enjoy using. Prior to this any time I wanted a good cup of coffee I would break out my French Press.”
“Pros: Everything!! In perfect working order and I was able to follow the manufacture’s instructions on hot water without any problems at all! Best cup of coffee I have had even counting my old Cuisinart!”
“Easy to set up, easy to use and cleanup. Has a setting for brewing a small pot (thank god I cant drink 12 cups every day) when needed. Programmable for having the coffee ready when you are.”
actual customers feedback from Amazon