Cuisinart PG11358-B programmable Coffee Maker

by Peter
(Georgia, USA)

My latest foray into coffeemaking, the Cuisinart PG11358-B, is definitely a step up from my 20-year-old Krups.

I've had it for a year now, and I'm generally pleased with the performance, but it's not without its issues. The coffeemaker is impressive looking - an industrial design with stainless steel and black colors.

It's fully programmable and is capable of making up to 12 cups of coffee. The heating element is capable of keeping the carafe at a low, medium or high setting. It has a disposable water filter that will remove impurities; I must admit, though, that I've forgotten about it and haven't changed it (and can't tell the difference).

Pouring the water in the appliance is extremely difficult - there is a small opening in the back right corner, and you have to aim carefully. It also comes with a gold filter - which sounds fancy, but too many grounds get through, leaving your last sips with a gritty taste. I usually stick with paper.

I may be expecting too much from a sub-$100 coffeemaker, but this Cuisinart still doesn't measure up to your favorite coffee shop or even a French press. It does make adequate coffee, though, but it leaves me to wonder how it compares in a blind taste test to the $25 Mr. Coffee machines.