Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker, 12-Cup Drip, K-Cup, Nespresso & Steam Wand

I want to preface this review that this machine was made and intended for 4 specific uses: 1) K-cup pods for single cup coffee, 2) Nespresso Pod original line capsule espresso shots, 3) steam/hot water wand, and 4) brewed coffee up to 12 cups. This machine saves one from buying a Keurig and Nespresso machine with added functional components, which makes coffee drinking a much more enjoyable experience. Before I go further, there are quite a few negative reviews if you do a google search on this machine that can be solved by READING THE MANUAL. The control panel is easy to use and I had no problems with it. This is coming from a student still-in school who is generally avoids reading things when I don't have to. The manual is intuitive, easy-to-follow, and saves a headache instead of trying to mess with buttons without knowing the function. Quick review: This machine is excellent and serves its purpose well given the cost. Would recommend purchasing. Long review: Here are my few thoughts regarding each of the components below: 1) + 2) K-cup and Nespresso functions: You can make a 6, 8, and 10 oz single serve coffee and a small/large espresso on the right side of the machine. the BOTTOM HALF of the control panel controls this side of the machine (including the steam wand). The water reservoir is in the back of the machine and feeds the pods and steam wand, its large and I have had no problems with leakage. It sits tight and comfortably and slides in easily. Although some may say its "held by gravity," the slide-in design secures the reservoir in place. The brew side (left) has a separate water reservoir. The K-cup pods have a slot in the back, with Nespresso in front. The Nespresso pods have a pull out attachment piece to which you have to push the pod in all the way flush with the edge before putting the pod (in the attachment piece) back in. Otherwise, I have had no issues making single serve coffee and espresso shots. 3) Steam wand/hot water: The machine sits high enough and the wand is flexible contrary to some reviews. I use a milk frothing steel cup which easily fits under the steam wand and can make steamed and frothed milk. If you want to fit a tall cup like a hydroflask, then it obviously will not fit. My only note when frothing milk is to make sure the wand is completely submerged in the milk (close to rubber holder) to prevent additional air from being sucked once a good initial foam is established. This allows the milk to texture well. I would also run the steam by itself to CLEAR the wand of any residual water. It also will take ~15-20 seconds for the want to heat up and start, but is shorter in heating for multiple immediate repeated uses. The wand also disperses hot water. Although the water is hot, my only gripe is I wish it came out at a slightly higher temperature for the purpose of making tea. 4) Brewed coffee: This is the LEFT side of the machine which is controlled by the TOP HALF control panel. The water reservoir is directly behind the filter and you can poor the amount of water you want brewed. The brew uses pre-grounded coffee and comes with a filter, but I use a #4 filter you can buy at any grocery store. When starting the brew, the machine will brew all the water that is in the reservoir. For example, if you want to make 4 cups of coffee, pour 4 cups of water in the machine prior to use. You can also make the coffee with the "bold" setting which I typically uses. The brewer is efficient and usually takes ~5 minutes to brew a 4-cup pot. Once the brew is finished, it will beep, and the "WARM" light will appear which will keep the coffee pot warm and will turn off automatically after 4 hours. If you want to turn off the "WARM" function sooner, simply rotate the knob to "auto-on" or "auto-off" and immediately rotate back to "brew". I have had no problems with this side of the machine. Overall: This machine is great for functionality and price point. It has a wide array of functions and is easy to use. If you want to make quick coffee drinks, get this machine. I may look to buying a dedicated espresso machine some point in the future to experiment with coffee making. May look to buying a coffee grinder in the future.

We always had a cuisinart coffee maker for as long as I can remember. Although the one we were using was still good (they are built to last!) , we were looking for an upgrade. This machine is great! The regular brewed coffee taste better and is piping hot. The K- cup function is wonderful. But my favorite part is the espresso feature. We have become creative making our afternoon espresso drinks- from plain americanos (yes, the hot water is hot!) to cappuccinos and lattes. It really is my favorite thing ever! And it's one machine in my counter, taking up much less space.