Cuisinart SS-15 Review (2020 Best Combo Coffee Maker)

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Dual function brewers are speedily becoming mainstream owing to their incredible level of convenience. This is actually one of the major considerations for most coffee snobs when buying a new coffee machine in 2020.

In a market where this “have-it-both” concept comes with a hefty price tag to match, the Cuisinart SS-15 coffee maker remains a viable option for people who want a balance of affordability and reliability.

The CoffeeVerdict review team has analyzed the features, functions, strengths, and possible weaknesses of this model.

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We hope that this Cuisinart SS 15 coffee maker review will help you decide whether or not this is the machine for you.

❤️ The Cuisinart SS-15 Is Most Loved By:

• Anyone who dreams of the convenience of brewing into a cup or mug at one time and a carafe when hanging around at home.
• Coffee lovers who demand customizable coffee beverages- the Cuisinart coffee center allows temperature and coffee strength adjustments.
• Anyone in need of an easy to use coffee maker.

What is in the box?

An important thing to note in this Cuisinart SS 15 coffee machine review is the number of accessories that are included in the package. Here is the list:

• 12-cup glass carafe.
• Cone-shaped gold-tone coffee filter.
• HomeBarista reusable cup.
• 2 insertable water filters (one for each side).
• Carbon filter cartridges (one for each side).
• Sampler pack of Cuisinart K-cup pods.
• Cuisinart SS 15 manual and warranty information.

As a comparison, most dual-function Keurig coffee makers don’t include the carafe, gold-tone coffee filter, and reusable cup. This means that you have to purchase these accessories separately- a move that may end up costing you more than you had budgeted for. Basically, what we are trying to point out here is the value for money that you are getting with the Cuisinart SS 15 combo coffee maker.

Breezy Assembly and Set up

The Cuisinart SS 15 comes pre-assembled. All that is left for you to do is to install the carbon filter cartridges in the reservoir. This is clearly explained in the manual. It basically involves soaking the charcoal filters in clean water for 5-10 minutes before positioning them in the water filter holders.

Setting up the machine requires plugging it to a power source. Keep in mind that its cord measures 34’’ (2.8ft). If you don’t have an outlet anywhere within this radius, you may want to make arrangements to have one before the machine is shipped.

Happy medium construction materials and build

Cuisinart is always keen to offer its devices at a price tag that most people will find manageable. One way through which they achieve this goal is by cutting the cost of production by using plastic materials where possible. That’s the case with the Cuisinart SS 15.

Most of the components of this coffee maker are made of plastics, including the casing and the water reservoirs. However, for your safety, the water tanks are made of food-grade plastics to reduce the risk of contamination.

The major water heating elements, on the other hand, are made of stainless steel to enhance performance and durability. Lastly, the carafe is made of glass. So, a little care will be required when handling it.

As far as quality is concerned, Cuisinart coffee makers are always ahead of their similarly priced competitors. The Cuisinart SS-15 combo coffee maker is not any different. Its 3-year warranty is enough proof of its reliability.

Superb design for your countertops

This is a 2-in-1 model that combines a single serve machine on one side and a drip coffee maker on the other side.

Each of these 2 units is partially independent in that each side has a separate water reservoir and coffee filter assembly. However, they share a common water pump, which makes it impossible to use both sides at the same time.

Aesthetics-wise, most coffee lovers who have reviewed the SS 15 seem appealed by its general design and its 2 colors; silver and black. Our review team was also impressed by its overall clean appearance and nicely labeled control panel.

Size and Placement

A notable highlight in this Cuisinart SS 15 coffee maker review is the size. There seems to be a lot of confusion in the measurements offered on the manufacturer’s website as well as on Amazon. The actual size of this coffee machine is 10.5’’(W) by 10.5’’(D) by 14.5’’(H).

This size may not be an issue if you have a massive space to spare on your kitchen island countertop. However, if you’ll be sliding it under a cabinet, you’ll want to ensure that you have at least 18’’ of height clearance.

Also, since the water reservoirs are located towards the back of the machine, remember that you might want to slide it outside every time you want to refill it. On this note, a rolling tray, such as this one, may make sliding the machine in and out a lot easier.

Cuisinart SS 15 coffee maker reviews: Key Features and Functions

Breezy controls

As we reviewed the SS 15 coffee center, the first thing that caught our attention was its no-brainer control panel. We believe a great coffee experience starts right from the coffee maker’s ease of usage.

Unlike machines that are entirely controlled from a touch-sensitive LCD panel, we feel that button controls are much more user-friendly and foolproof, especially for first-timers. This makes more sense when the manufacturer has cared to label each button clearly as it’s the case with this coffee maker.

Brew loose grounds or any K-cup pod

Perhaps the most significant feature in this Cuisinart SS 15 review is the dual-brewing system with independent controls.

As a drip coffee maker

The carafe side of this coffee machine is handy when you want to make more than one cup of coffee in one cycle. We believe this will be your go-to side when you are just hanging around your home and in the evenings. Interestingly, this side also offers a 20-second window for you to grab a cup before the brewing cycle ends.

As a carafe coffee system, the SS-15 allows you to brew freshly ground or pre-ground coffee beans to suit your exact needs. You can choose to use either the included goldtone cone-shaped coffee filter or paper filters (sold separately).

As a single-serve coffee maker

This side saves the day mostly during the rush hour in the morning when all you need is one cup of Joe for a perfect lift-me-up.

What we like most about the single-serve system is that it accommodates pretty much all types of K-cup brands. By this, we mean not only coffee K-cups, but cocoa, chocolate, and tea K-cups too.

Reservoir and Brew sizes

One thing that you are going to realize is that the carafe side of Cuisinart Combo SS 15 does not indicate brew sizes. This is because its non-removable tank dispenses all the water that you add to it. Therefore, it’s critical that you use the 12-cup carafe to add the exact amount of water that you need for each brew cycle. The carafe itself is nicely labeled and very easy to use.

On the other hand, the single serve side is fitted with a removable 40-ounce water reservoir. This side allows you to make single-cup brews in 3 sizes; 6oz, 8oz, and 10oz. If you want coffee on the go, you can remove the drip tray and fit in a tumbler.

Programmability and Brew Adjustments

These 2 functions are hard to come by if you are after a coffee maker with the lowest price on Amazon. As such, it’s quite impressive that Cuisinart could include them in the SS15. These functions are only available on the carafe side, though.

The programmability function allows you to set when you’d like the machine to brew your coffee. Of course, you’ll need to load it with coffee grounds and the required amount of water beforehand.

You also have an option to adjust how strong your brew comes out between regular and bold. Even better, you have 3 options as far as the temperature of your coffee is concerned; low, medium, and hot.

Cuisinart SS 15 Coffee Maker Specs

Cuisinart SS-15 vs. SS-10

Most people who are in the market for a combination Cuisinart coffee maker tend to compare the SS-15 and SS-10 a lot. The most significant difference between these 2 machines is that the SS-10 is a single serve machine only. However, compared to the single-serve side of the SS-15, the SS-10 is much more advanced.

For instance, it is fully programmable and allows brew strength and temperature adjustments too. It also has a much larger water reservoir and offers 5 brew sizes, unlike the SS-15 that offers only 3. Keep in mind, though: the SS-10 does not have a carafe system. (Click to Read our full Cuisinart SS-10 Review).

The Pros & Cons

🏁 Review Verdict

The Cuisinart SS 15 might be a good pick if you are looking for a reliable and functional 2-in-1 single-serve and drip coffee machine. Among its key strengths, we love its fully programmable carafe system that also allows you to tweak how strong and hot your brews should be. The ability to use any k-cup brand on the single serve side is incredible too. Hint: At the time of writing this, the Cuisinart SS15 had the lowest price on Amazon compared to other online sellers.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions