Discover the difference that freshly ground beans make to your coffee, with the Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill! The elegant brushed stainless steel Cuisinart burr mill boasts 18 levels to grind your coffee beans, from ultra-fine to extra-coarse. With an automatic stop, your beans are guaranteed to be consistently ground to the right grade, maximizing the oils, aromas, and flavors for a better cup of coffee. Grind enough coffee to make 4-18 cups, and store any remaining grounds in the chamber. Do not place this appliance on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
Electric Burr Grinders
CUISINART Coffee Grinder, Electric Burr One-Touch Automatic Grinder with18-Position Grind Selector, Stainless Steel, DBM-8P1
$4.40
| Asin | B00018RRRK |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.75"L x 7.13"W x 6"H |
| Weight | 0.634 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
J. Fraser –
N8N –
Exactly 364 days ago, I bought this grinder. I was at the time (and still am) using a Zojirushi drip coffee maker with a gold metal basket that I bought used off of eBay about a year earlier; beggars couldn’t be choosers in the early days of the pandemic when everyone was out of stock of everything, and me finding myself suddenly single and living with non-coffee drinkers, I had to rectify the situation and take what I could get. At first I used pre-ground coffee from the grocery store but after a while decided to up my game and get a grinder again. Well, I learned stuff, but it was frustrating. Previously I’d been using first an older Zojirushi and then when that literally fell apart after 10+ years of use (the plastic housing cracked) and later a Bonavita drip machine paired with a cheap Mr. Coffee burr grinder. I didn’t really like the Mr. Coffee; my main complaint was that the hopper wasn’t securely retained so it was very easy to knock it when e.g. moving the grinder out from or back under kitchen cabinets, resulting in a flood of beans. It did however make an acceptable pot of coffee, so I didn’t put much thought into it. When I needed a new grinder (the old one was actually my ex’s, so it didn’t come with me), this Cuisinart appeared to be a slightly more upscale version of the Mr. Coffee and addressed my issues with the hopper.
I was so, so wrong. While in overall concept and ergonomically yes, in fact this was very similar to the Mr. Coffee and did in fact correct my main complaint, it is not a good coffee grinder, and I’ve been suffering with substandard coffee. Using pretty common Costco Colombian beans, I would use the grinder on the “12 cup” setting (the Zojirushi is ostensibly a “10 cup” coffeemaker, but remember, it’s Japanese, so while we call a cup 6 oz. theirs is 6.75 oz. just because) and was puzzled as to why my coffee always came out weak and watery. Additionally, just from inspection, the grounds appeared larger than I’d expected and inconsistent in size. I ended up adjusting it finer and finer until it was hard against the “fine” stop with no improvement. Eventually, a few weeks ago, I decided enough was enough. I stepped up my grinder game and purchased a Baratza Sette 270Wi. Yeah, I know, I know, even as factory refurbished the Baratza is literally almost an order of magnitude greater cost than the Cuisinart, but I was just sick of the coffee I was brewing at home being disappointing compared to the institutional packets run through a bog standard Bunn drip machine at work. The Baratza arrived yesterday and I set it up, set the burrs per Baratza’s recommendations, and gave it 5-6 clicks toward “fine” just because I like a strong cup (more later). Ran 80g of coffee through it on the theory that the first so many would be waste, cleaning the burrs.
Observations: the grinds from the Baratza about 3/4 of the way to the fine end of its adjustment were significantly and shockingly finer than the grinds from the Cuisinart. They were also at least by inspection more uniform, although I suppose that is to be expected comparing a $600 MSRP grinder to a $60 MSRP grinder. What I also learned was that when I took a small mixing bowl and kitchen scale and measured out 67g of coffee off the top to leave in the basket for my morning brew (there’s differing opinions on how much coffee per unit water you used, but I started with 10g/10 fluid oz., I’ve seen other recommendations go all the way up to 10g/6oz cup however. Also, pearl-clutching coffee snobs can back off, I’m pretty sure my housemates would throw me out on the street if I were to run a coffee grinder at 6 AM, and I myself am none too sharp at that hour either, so grinding the night before and setting a timer is the way to go), that amount of coffee was by inspection about twice the volume of coffee that the Cuisinart spit out when set on the “12 cup” setting. This is of course somewhat my fault for not checking either with a measured scoop or kitchen scale before, but you’d think it’d at least be in the ballpark. The scale on the Baratza appeared to be pretty close to accurate however, although I’ll check it more thoroughly later when I get to know it and go to post a review of THAT machine.
So, my expectations were pretty much met although I was wrong to not follow Baratza’s grind recommendations. Rather than being weak and disappointing, this morning’s coffee came up out of the cup, grabbed me by the throat and yelled “WAKE UP” in its best Serj Tankian voice. Definitely going to dial it back closer to official recommendations. The Cuisinart is now in the trash can waiting for trash day; I’m not even taking it to Value Village as I would feel bad if anyone paid for it.
Lessons: this is not a good grinder, but if you have one, at least take your kitchen scale and check how much coffee you’re using; or use a measured scoop if you prefer. If you are making a full pot on a 10 cup machine, there may not be an automatic timer setting on this grinder that results in enough grinds meaning you’ll have to either weigh or scoop every pot, which makes the ostensible convenience of a timed grind utterly useless. My own fault for not doing that. However, you may find that even when you have the weight or volume right, you may or may not get a fine enough grind for a standard drip machine. I would definitely expect that this is utterly and completely worthless for anything requiring a finer than drip grind.
In short, unless my grinder was simply defective, it’s most glaring and unfixable flaw is that it doesn’t grind fine enough for even drip coffee on its finest setting and as such is useless. Rather than giving me flack for comparing it to a 10x as expensive grinder, I submit: 1) if you check, you can get a refurb Baratza for significantly less than MSRP 2) Baratza makes much less expensive grinders that still are quite acceptable; I just went big because I had the money and my inner engineer thinks the integral scale is cool and most importantly 3) even if I had paid MSRP for the Sette, if it lasts 10 years it will still have the same operating cost over time as the Cuisinart, and at the end of those 10 years probably will still be working fine or at worst will need a burr replacement which is a DIY job on that machine, and most importantly, I wouldn’t have spent a year drinking substandard coffee and being frustrated.
My advice, if you are looking at this grinder, is get something else – hop on Baratza’s web site and get a refurb is my specific advice. If you can’t afford even a refurb lower end Baratza, I would offer that buying pre ground coffee and measuring “one scoop per cup” will result in a less frustrating coffee experience than using the Cuisinart grinder. I’m not kidding.
I’m finally happy with the Zojirushi (as I was with its predecessor), although if it died today I might be looking at a Technivorm Moccamaster with a thermal carafe (I’m a big fan of thermal carafes, that was the impetus for me to go Zojirushi in the first place) or alternately the Behmor Brazen looks really appealing. But I’m getting off topic, but I think you’ve got the point… which is, don’t buy this grinder. I haven’t a clue why it seems to be well reviewed on some sites, I’m far from a coffee snob but I was just very disappointed by this thing.
Edwin Hojnacki –
The CUISINART Coffee Grinder, Electric Burr One-Touch Automatic Grinder with 18-Position Grind Selector, is by far the best coffee grinder I have ever owned. From the moment I started using it, I was impressed by its performance and features. The 18-position grind selector is a game-changer, allowing me to precisely adjust the grind size for any brewing method I choose, whether it’s a coarse grind for my French press or a fine grind for espresso.
The burr grinding mechanism ensures a uniform grind every time, significantly enhancing the flavor and aroma of my coffee. The one-touch operation is incredibly convenient, making it easy to use even on busy mornings. I also appreciate how quietly it operates compared to other grinders I’ve used in the past.
Another standout feature is the grinder’s capacity. It can grind enough coffee beans to brew multiple cups at once, which is perfect for when I have guests over or when I need that extra boost to start my day. Cleaning is a breeze as well—the detachable parts are easy to remove and wash, and the design prevents any mess from spilling over.
Moreover, the build quality is superb. The machine feels sturdy and well-made, promising durability and longevity. It has seamlessly integrated into my daily coffee routine, making it an indispensable part of my kitchen. The sleek design also adds a touch of elegance to my countertop.
In conclusion, the CUISINART Coffee Grinder is a top-notch product that delivers consistent results, user-friendly features, and excellent build quality. It has significantly improved my coffee-making experience, and I highly recommend it to any coffee enthusiast looking for a reliable and efficient grinder. This machine truly elevates the art of coffee brewing to a whole new level.
RJF –
From its packaging to its easily understood instructions to its infinite adjustability, this coffee grinder definitely deserves a swipe right. It arrived ready to go to work and good thing too because the Mrs. was getting decaf-cranky after purchasing whole bean instead of ground coffee down at the Piggly. Thank goodness Amazon Prime got this peacemaker to us overnight.
Once unboxed, I set the grind and the desired number of cups. I loaded the beans and pressed start. The ensuing stimuli can only be described as delightful…a veritable Golden Corral-level buffet for the senses.
What I heard was the smooth engagement of the motor spinning the precision-milled grinding blades in near silence until the beans spilled ever so gently into the smooth whirl to meet their perfunctory fate. It was not violent, but more as if the power of the grinder could handle river rock and all I loaded in the hopper was coffee beans.
I felt the Cuisinart effortlessly thrash those beans into perfect grounds – not a shake or a shudder on the counter – just mechanical magic in motion. Our last grinder jackhammered across the counter spilling ground coffee like a dump truck in a construction zone. Not this little gem. Solid. Stout. Stable.
I saw the grounds pour into the capture vessel without a single clump or clog in the process. This powerful machine literally ejects the coffee into the tank. Gravity has no place in this process. The grounds pile up in the hopper like sand in an hourglass but instead of being out of time, you are in for the time of your life when this unit automatically shuts down at the desired amount of coffee.
The smell… The aroma of ground coffee is hit or miss. This little dragon breathed in mere beans and exhaled coffeehouse-level aromas unrivaled in this household. Sometimes a grinder will “burn” your beans in the process. Not this one. It perfectly filled the entire house with the “come get me” scent of morning go juice.
The taste. The brewed coffee made my knees weak. Listen, the perfect grind will tend to yield the perfect cup, but everyone’s “perfect” is different. This grinder met my expectation of perfect – not too coarse and not powdery. Once introduced into our ‘more appreciated than our fifth kid’ Cuisinart coffeemaker, this ground goodness produced a pot of coffee more smooth than my 1985 prom moves. It was way less bitter than wife #1 and it tamed the beast within #2.
This is no Starbucks $2000 grinder, but it sure thinks it is and you can’t tell me different. 10/10 recommend this grinder to all that need to work a bean over into a steamy cup of joe…or jo. We don’t judge here. Go get you one and get another to give as a gift to the friends you like best.
E.Swope –
12/31/2013
Updating again, as this has been in use (daily) for over 2 years now, outlasting both the Krups and Capresso, and its’ warranty. If I needed to replace it tomorrow I would but another as it is the best of the 3 I have used and outlasted the others by a wide margin. Thus far it has cost me roughly $10/ year vs. the $100/ year that the Krups and Capresso cost (given their limited lifetimes). I am sufficiently impressed with this and the Cuisinart SM-55BC 5-1/2-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer, Brushed Chrome (mine is black) that I have replaced most of the appliances in my kitchen with Cuisinart, and coming from a hard-nosed consumer who is not typically a brand buyer, that says something! Highly recommended as a very functional, solid and reliable piece of equipment at a great price.
original review (now 2 years old) appears below
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Now that I have been using this for close to a year, I am adding an update to note that it has continued to work flawlessly. Given that the Krups lasted less than a year, and the Capresso had intermittent problems from about that point, I can say unequivocally that this is the best of the lot! At it’s currently listed price (between $34-49 depending on seller) it also costs roughly half of what I paid for the others! If it wasn’t humming along so smoothly, I’d buy another as a back-up at this price. I am very glad I do not need to 🙂 🙂 The Cuisinart tops the others in this range not only in performance, but reliability and durability too! After a bad experience with one of their high-end blenders, this brand has completely won me back with the performance of their burr grinder and stand mixer Cuisinart SM-70BC 7-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer, Brushed Chrome Highly recommended.
Full review appears below
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I am writing this review, as this is now the third burr grinder I have purchased in as many years 🙁 My first, the Krups Krups GVX212 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder with grind and cup selection, Black and stainless steel I purchased because of good experience with their blade grinders. It was an expensive mistake! As a grinder it was so-so, and also quite expensive ($74 at the time of purchase, here). It lasted one year (which is what made it such an expensive purchase).
The second Burr grinder I bought was the Capresso Capresso 464.05 CoffeeTeam GS 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker with Conical Burr Grinder which had received good reviews on “coffee geek” (at least, good for this price range). As at least one other reviewer noted, this is the low end for Burr grinders. The highest quality go for 4-20x the cost. In terms of functionality, the Capresso was fairly similar to the Krups. It did however, cost less and last longer.
I have just been using the Cuisinart for a few weeks (and so can not comment on longevity) but I am finding the performance superior to either of the other 2: The grind is more consistent, control of the grind is better (that is, turning the knob from medium to fine gives you a corresponding change in the grind. With the other 2 the correspondence was inconsistent. This is the only 1 of the 3 which did not clog when used with fresh oily beans!
Yes, there is some static cling. You’ll get that on any grinder which has a plastic collector (and I believe the only sub-$200 grinder which has a glass collector is the Bodum… which is likely next on my list if this one gives out {and I hope it doesn’t}.
Contrary to what another reviewer said, uniformity of the grind is not the only or even primary reason to buy a burr grinder. Better coffee is, and that better coffee is achieved not only by getting a consistent grind of the right size, but also by using a grinder with a motor powerful enough that it will not overheat and burn the coffee, producing a bitter brew.
Thus far I am very happy with the Cuisinart. It bests the other 2 burr grinders which I have owned (and it is sad that I have had to purchase 3 in 3 years!!).
After a disappointing experience with their blender, this company has been winning me back little by little. I have bought 2 Cuisinart appliances this year (this and the stand mixer Cuisinart SM-55 5-1/2-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer, White which I believe to be best in class (at least my personal experience has proven so).
All that said I will just hope this holds up… but as of this writing, it is the best of the 3 in terms of performance, and the company provides the longest warranty (by just 6 months… but having had my Krups last just 1 year… well, that is significant!)
EdM –
Overall pretty happy with the unit.
Test 1: Grind setting & Constancy. Did a test at 18, 14, 10, 7, 4, 1 (where 18 = coarse & 1 = fine) with the same exact beans with the bean holder starting at the same level every day. See pictures. Seems to be fairly consistent on the size of the grind and there is a gradation of coarseness over the full range of settings. However, with every grind there is a little glob of super fine ground coffee that comes out in the bin (see pic).
Result: Way better than blade grinder, happy with the grind.
Test 2: Timer. Played with the timer setting until it produced the weight that I wanted for my coffee maker (25 oz Mr. coffee), then taped the timer into position so that it wouldn’t move. Ground coffee every day and measured the weight. I ran out of coffee and had to switch to a lighter roast for the last couple of readings.
Average: 1.16 ounces
Standard Deviation: 0.07 ounces (with 2 different coffees)
Standard Deviation: 0.05 ounces (with same coffee)
I did not try with different grind sizes, but I’m sure the output will change with grind size.
Result: Can use the timer if you use same grind setting and same coffee. However the variation from one coffee to the next is not that much, so I will probably stick to keeping the tape on the timer and using a full bin of beans. Also, I feel like the timer (cup) setting is kind of flimsy and can move around, so I would tape it into position if you are going to use it. The other option (which I did for a while before I decided to really test the unit), weight the beans & pour into empty container and set grind timer on max & turn off when finished.
Test 3: Taste. Well this is subjective but was interesting to experience the change in flavor of the coffee over the different grind settings.
Result: My setting is 11 (and if you like Spinal Tap you might think this is funny). Probably will need to buy a light, medium, and dark roast and play with the grind settings to figure out which one I like best for all of those roasts.
Enjoy your coffee! Cheers.
nCiseman –
This is my 2nd purchase of this grinder, my last one lasted for over 10 years with minimal cleaning. I expect if I clean this one regularly, it will last even longer. If you factor in the extremely low price for a burr grinder, that meant I spent around $8 a year for the services this product supplied and the 2nd one was lower priced here on Amazon. So overall, benefits/price is 5 star.
Advice for use:
– Play around with the settings at first, its automatic as far as number of cups are concerned but its just an average. I find that since I like a stronger cup of coffee, I’ll grind more beans for 8 cups than the 8 cup setting, I typically set it for 10 cups for my 8 cup coffee maker. Thats for my Bonavita which is inefficient making coffee. In my old Krups, 8 cups in the grinder gave me a good 8 cups in the coffee maker that met my strength goals. Also, play around with the grind courseness settings, I found that slightly less than medium works well for my drip maker, but that won’t ring true for every coffee making style or pot.
Pros:
– Fast
– Good, even grind that preserves the oils without excess heat
– Lots of variables, you can adjust the courseness from extremely fine to very course so it should work with any type of coffee maker. I use mine mostly with my Bonavita drip coffee maker now and my Krups before. I’ve also used it with my espresso maker with perfect results.
– Bean bin hold at least 1/2 a pound of coffee, more than enough for several pots of coffee, I refill mine from my ceramic, sealed container as needed.
– Grind bin is big enough for all coffee pots I’ve used from 12 cup Krups to 8 cup Bonavita
– Extremely reasonable price ~$50 vs $150 for similar grinders
– This is a burr grinder, steel or ceramic burrs and disks (they are a flat grey color, so not sure if metal or ceramic, but definitely not plastic.
– My last one lasted for over 10 years, so I have high expectations for this one too
Cons:
– Loud, but I don’t have another burr grinder to compare it to. Not a factor most mornings, since the kids and adults all have to get up around the same time. On mornings that I’m making coffee extra early, I might grind the night before. FYI, while its grinding, I nearly always think of the scene from the Billy Crystal movie City Slickers where they decide to treat themselves to some fresh espresso and cause a stampede – if you haven’t seen it, definitely find it and watch.
– Plastic grind bin does have a static cling. Unlike some reviewers, I don’t find it excessive and It doesn’t spray grinds all over the counter, so this might be a factor of your environment i.e. humidity, counter type, electrical outlet or even the clothes your wearing that day. This does cause some grind dust build-up on the inside of the grind bin – I simply give it a couple of strong taps while the lid is still on to shake them down before I open and pour into the filter. I think a glass grind bin would probably help here. (as an extra, we have found the bean dust build up makes for great espresso cookies).
– Needs cleaning, since it is not static free, you will have to clean it infrequently – not every time you use it though, so it totally depends on your usage. I use mine every day for a pot of coffee and clean the grind receptacle as needed every few weeks and the main grinder every few months. Cleaning is not that hard and its relatively easy to take apart. BTW, I never cleaned the one dbm8 I owned before and it lasted for 10 years or more – in addition, after it died I took it apart to see if it was coffee grinds that did it in or something else. What I found was darkened circuit board around a particular capacitor, so electrical failure got it in the end.
Overall I think you get a great buy for the quality, resulting grind and price. There are better grinders out there, for twice or quadruple the price of the Cuisinart dbm8, but why get one that is close in price and gives you only slightly better results. For me, this grinder works great and I expect years of satisfactory service from it just like its predecessor.
Carey M. Cabe –
-but I am a Professional Coffee Drinker ☕ 😉 ! We purchased this Cuisinart Burr Mill Grinder to replace a Braun Blade Type Grinder that did get the job done, but the grind consistently was not always the same due to the design but was worth what We gave for it. Started searching for a Grinder & came across this Cuisinart Burr Mill Grinder & saw the number of People that had purchased it & the high ratings of them so I started reading the Reviews. Comes highly rated, & while I didn’t read all the Reviews I read enough to suit My need for information. Of the Reviews I read several had stated how much mess You end up with while using it. If You ck My photo that is basically “the mess” I ended up with after grinding a whole 2# Bag of Amazon’s Bold Coffee Beans (which is Good Coffee if You like it strong I might add), & if You’ve ever ground Coffee You know that You will have some sort of residue at the end. What I had done as a precaution after reading the reviews-not knowing what to expect was while I was grinding I put a small amount of pressure on the catch bin with one hand while also holding the backside of the Grinder with My other hand just to make sure the catch bin stayed tight against the Grinders Base to reduce the Ground Coffee from escaping & You see in the Photo what We ended up with, again that’s a 2#’s bag’s worth. As far as the grind consistency it does a great job. I like a stronger Coffee taste, so We set it on the 2nd fine setting & the Cuisinart Grinder Delivered ! Happy with the purchase, & if the Grinder stands the test of Time will be extremely satisfied with it. As a side note We purchased thru Amazon in “Used Like New Condition” which I have done with several other items in the past with really good results as I have found that the ratings of the items condition is usually “spot on”. That being said I have sent 2-3 items back as I found them not to be as the rated condition stated, but again I have purchased SEVERAL Items this way & Amazon’s Ratings are at least 99% correct with them even stating scratches & even where the scratches are located, so buy with confidence-You can save Yourself some $ ! The Cuisinart Grinder We ended up with is actually the 2nd “used like new” We ordered, the 1st one turned out to be not as stated, sent it back & rec’d the 2nd one & while the box had been opened the Grinder had never been used, so We’re well satisfied with the purchase. Best, PawPaw C
Gage Cratic –
We’ve used this coffee grinder for 2 years now and it has never missed a beat, it gets ran 2-3 times a day so 10/10 durability! Don’t really mess with the grind settings too much, it’s spent most of its life on the medium setting which gives a similar (maybe finer) grind to store bought pre ground coffee. Each grind cycle yields about 2oz of coffee, perfect for your standard 12 cup pot. The only down side to this grinder is the noise. If you’ve ever been to an airshow and heard the jets taking off full throttle, that’s probably half as loud as this grinder. Start it to early, you wake people up. Start it too late, you wake people up. Would I buy this grinder again… probably? I doubt this thing will ever break but the noise is it’s Achilles Heel for sure
J. W. Dietrich –
My favorite coffee beans are Nicaragua and the Mexican Chiapas but they are harder beans and this grinder does tend to have problems with grinding them. I bought this in 2018. When grinding these beans you can hear the grinder slowing down, almost stalling. The last time I used it it stopped working. The next day I tried again and it worked… seems it was over heating from grinding the beans.
I’m not saying this is a bad grinder, I’ve been grinding Mexican Chiapas all these years and never had it stop even when grinding a couple of pounds of beans to fill up a container is use to store ground coffee in. This is the first time grinding Nicaragua beans and it stopped working half way through the second hopper full.
OK the nitty gritty… It grinds OK but it isn’t consistent in the grind size. Some pieces will be bigger and smaller, wasn’t much of a problem when doing perked coffee but using a single serve basket type coffee maker the grind size and consistency makes a difference. It puts out a lot of coffee dust while grinding. It does tend to lug down a lot, you can hear the speed changing… slowing down then sounds like it hit a rock and then speeds back up to start slowing down again.
At one time this type of grinder was a good buy compared to conical grinders that used to be much more expensive. Today the prices are about the same. Conical grinders do a better job of grinding consistent size grinds. I just recently bought one (when I thought this grinder was dead) and used the same coffee beans from the same 5 pound bag. The conical grinder didn’t slow down or sounded like it was hitting rocks. (of course there were not any rocks, just very hard coffee beans). High altitude coffee is very dense but tends to have the best flavor.
This was a good coffee grinder back when it was the cheaper option for coffee grinders but today with stainless steel conical grinders costing the same and conical grinders being more consistent with grinding it only makes sense to go with a conical grinder.