The Cuisinart DGB 600 is a grind and brew coffee maker, and a good one at that. This is currently the coffee machine that's sitting on our kitchen counter.

We use it every morning to brew a hot pot of java, and we love it.

First of all, like most Cuisinart coffee makers, it's a great looking machine. The graceful lines and brushed stainless steel give this home brewer a classy modern profile that could spruce up any kitchen.

Most important, this Cuisinart coffee machine consistently brews strong, hot coffee. I've used it every morning for two years now, with no serious problems whatsoever.

Some convenient features on the Cuisinart DGB 600 include the programmable timer. Set up the machine the night before, and wake up to the mouth-watering aroma of freshly brewing coffee.

Although I must confess that we don't often use the programmable timer, when we've set it up, it's always worked dependably. The grind and brew feature is another great benefit. With this Cuisinart coffee maker, there's no need to have a separate mill or burr grinder. You can dump your fresh beans into the grinder basket, and let it go to work while you prepare the rest of your breakfast.

The gold tone filter, which comes with the DGB 600, eliminates the need to keep a supply of disposable paper coffee filters on hand. I think the permanent filter helps the coffee taste fresher, too. Speaking of the filter, getting to it is a snap. Just press the spring release button, and the filter basket smoothly rotates outward.

The charcoal water filter is another nice touch. It's designed to eliminate chlorine, nasty odors, and bad tastes, especially handy if you happen to use tap water.

However, as much as I love this Cuisinart coffee maker, it's not perfect. I think it's difficult to access the water reservoir. It sits on the rear right of the machine, and if you store the coffee machine under a cabinet, this means you have to slide the Cuisinart across the counter every time you refill the water tank.

The gauges on the water tank are located inside, too. You literally have to stand on your tip-toes to peer inside and monitor the water level while you're pouring.

The grind and brew feature is convenient, but it's a bear to clean up the grinder basket afterward. It gets easily clogged with residue.

The thermal carafe can be difficult to clean, too. It's hard to get inside with a brush and scrub it out. Also, to get those last few drops of coffee, you actually have to turn the carafe upside down, which often results in spillage. Overall, these are minor drawbacks. The Cuisinart DGB 600 is a high quality coffee maker, and has been a valued addition to our home.

Cuisinart DGB 600 Features and Specs

• Grinds coffee beans and brews coffee at programmed time
• Charcoal filter removes chlorine and odors from tap water
• Brushed stainless steel, double-wall insulated thermal carafe keeps up to 10 5-ounce cups of coffee
• Grinder removes for easy clean-up; brew-pause for mid-brew pour
• Built-in filter: Permanent GoldTone filter
• Timer: Yes
• Pause-and-serve function: Yes
• Strength settings: No
• Cup warming plate: No
• Auto shut off: Yes
• Cord storage: Yes
• Measures 15 by 8 by 7-1/2 inches, 3-year warranty

Positive Feedback from Consumers

• Attractive design and solid construction
• Reliably brews excellent, hot coffee
• Easy to use suite of convenient features

Negative Feedback from Consumers

• Grinder basket easily clogged with excess grounds and residue
• Occasional leakage issues with carafe
• Awkward water reservoir placement

The Bottom Line: A quality Cuisinart coffee machine, worth serious consideration.