Cuisinart CHW-16 Coffee Plus Maker An Honest Review

The Cuisinart CHW-16 is a good choice for those who value kitchen counter space. This appliance offers the convenience of a coffee pot and hot water dispenser in one unit. It is a solid coffee maker with a useful hot water system, but it has a few quirks.

Quick Look 👀

• Pros: Space-saving design, programmable brewing, fast hot water.
• Cons: Loud beeps, drippy carafe, plastic construction.

Key Takeaways

• The Cuisinart CHW-16 saves kitchen space. It combines a coffee maker and a hot water dispenser into one unit.
• This machine offers convenience. You can program coffee brewing and get hot water fast for drinks or meals.
• It is great for busy homes. The dual system helps different family members get what they need quickly.

Is the Cuisinart CHW-16 Worth It? A Quick Verdict

The Cuisinart CHW-16 is a worthwhile purchase for many households. Its main value comes from combining two appliances into one. This saves a significant amount of counter space. The machine successfully merges a fully programmable coffee maker with a separate, on-demand hot water system. This design is perfect for people who want both coffee and instant hot water for tea or oatmeal without cluttering their kitchen.

Cuisinart designed this coffee pot and hot water dispenser with convenience in mind. Key features make daily use simple and effective.

• Programmable Brewing: Users can set the coffee to brew up to 24 hours in advance. It also has an adjustable auto-shutoff feature for safety.
• Better Coffee Flavor: The appliance uses a permanent gold-tone filter and a charcoal water filter. These work together to remove impurities from the water, creating a fresher-tasting coffee.
• Fast Hot Water: A separate 37-ounce water reservoir provides hot water quickly for soup, hot cocoa, or ramen.

The Verdict: This appliance is an excellent choice for those prioritizing convenience and a tidy countertop. While coffee experts might desire a higher brewing temperature, its performance is great for the average user who will love its dual functionality. The Cuisinart CHW-16 coffee pot and hot water dispenser delivers on its promise of being a versatile kitchen workhorse.

A Closer Look at the Coffee Pot and Hot Water Dispenser

The Cuisinart CHW-16 cleverly integrates two separate systems into one cohesive unit. This design provides distinct functions for brewing coffee and dispensing hot water. Each side operates with its own set of components and controls, offering true dual functionality.

The coffee maker side is a complete brewing system. It features a 12-cup glass carafe that rests on an adjustable temperature warming plate. Above it, the brew basket holds a gold-tone permanent filter, which eliminates the need for paper filters. The coffee maker draws water from its own reservoir, which includes a charcoal filter to remove impurities for a better-tasting brew.

The hot water system operates independently on the left side of the appliance. It has a separate 37-ounce water tank, allowing users to fill it without affecting the coffee brewer.

Safety First! ⛑️ The hot water dispenser includes a red safety lock. Users must slide this lock before pressing the lever to dispense water. This feature helps prevent accidental burns, making it safer for households with children.

This thoughtful combination makes the coffee pot and hot water dispenser a versatile tool for any kitchen. The table below breaks down the key components of each system.

Coffee Brewing Performance

The Cuisinart CHW-16 performs reliably as a daily coffee maker. It delivers consistent results with features designed for user convenience. The machine focuses on creating a pleasant, straightforward brewing experience for the average household.

Brew Quality and Taste

The coffee from the CHW-16 has a smooth and clean taste. This quality comes from its dual-filter system.

• Charcoal Water Filter: A small charcoal filter sits inside the water reservoir. It removes chlorine and other impurities from tap water. This step creates a better foundation for the coffee's flavor.
• Gold-Tone Permanent Filter: The machine includes a reusable gold-tone filter. This filter allows natural coffee oils to pass into the carafe, which adds body and richness to the final cup. It also eliminates the need for disposable paper filters.

For those who prefer a stronger cup, the machine offers a Bold strength setting. This function changes the brewing process. It slows down the water flow, allowing the water to saturate the coffee grounds for a longer time. The result is a more robust and full-bodied flavor.

Brewing Speed and Temperature Control

This coffee maker balances speed with functionality. A full 12-cup pot brews in approximately 10 to 12 minutes. This speed is standard for automatic drip coffee makers of this size.

A Note on Temperature 🌡️ The machine brews coffee at around 180°F. Coffee experts recommend a temperature between 195°F and 205°F for ideal flavor extraction. The lower temperature of the CHW-16 produces a coffee with less bitterness. However, it may not extract the most complex flavor notes from specialty coffee beans.

After brewing, the adjustable warming plate keeps the coffee ready to drink. Users can choose from three temperature settings: Low, Medium, or High. This feature prevents the coffee from burning, which can happen with single-setting warming plates. It keeps the last cup tasting almost as fresh as the first.

Programming and Convenience Features

Cuisinart packed the CHW-16 with features that make the morning routine easier. The fully automatic system is its main attraction. Users can program the brew start time up to 24 hours in advance. Someone can prepare the coffee and water the night before and wake up to a freshly brewed pot.

Other key convenience features include:

• Brew Pause™: This function lets a person pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle finishes. The machine automatically stops the flow of coffee when someone removes the carafe from the warming plate.
• 1–4 Cup Setting: Brewing a small amount of coffee can sometimes result in a weak pot. This setting adjusts the brewing process for smaller batches. It ensures that a small pot has the same great flavor as a full one.
• Auto-Off: Users can program the machine to turn off automatically from 0 to 4 hours after brewing. This provides peace of mind and saves energy.

These features work together to create a highly convenient and user-friendly coffee brewing experience.

Hot Water System Performance

The hot water system is a standout feature of the Cuisinart CHW-16. It transforms the appliance from a simple coffee maker into a multi-purpose kitchen station. This system operates independently from the coffee brewer, providing hot water on demand for a wide range of tasks.

On-Demand Speed and Convenience

The convenience of the hot water system is its main selling point. It has a separate 37-ounce water reservoir, so filling it does not interfere with the coffee side. Users simply press the "Hot Water" power button. A red light indicates the system is heating. In about two to three minutes, the light turns green, signaling the water is ready.

Goodbye, Kettle! 👋 This on-demand system effectively replaces a separate electric kettle. It frees up valuable counter space and an electrical outlet. The water stays hot, so it is always ready for a quick cup of tea or a bowl of instant noodles.

The dispenser provides water at a temperature perfect for instant foods and beverages. This quick access to hot water simplifies many daily kitchen routines.

Everyday Uses for the Hot Water

The hot water dispenser proves its usefulness throughout the day. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for quick meals, drinks, and even cleaning. Many users find creative ways to incorporate it into their daily lives.

Some popular uses include:

• Hot Beverages: Instantly prepare tea, hot cocoa, or apple cider.
• Quick Meals: Make instant oatmeal, ramen, or cup-a-soup in seconds.
• Food Preparation: Quickly rehydrate dried foods like mushrooms or tomatoes.
• Cleaning: Use a small amount of hot water to help loosen stubborn food on dishes.

This coffee pot and hot water dispenser adds a layer of efficiency to any kitchen. It supports a fast-paced lifestyle by making simple tasks even faster.

Safety and Usability

Cuisinart designed the hot water system with safety as a top priority. The dispenser includes important features to prevent accidents, especially in homes with children.

The primary safety mechanism is a red lock located just above the dispensing lever. This feature is designed to prevent accidental burns.

• The system includes a safety feature to prevent the accidental dispensing of hot water.
• A user must slide the red lock to the side before they can press the lever.
• The lock automatically resets after each use.

This simple but effective design provides peace of mind. The dispensing lever itself is easy to press, and the water flows in a steady stream, reducing the risk of splashing. Indicator lights clearly show when the system is on, heating, or ready to use, making it very user-friendly.

Design and Daily Usability

The Cuisinart CHW-16 is designed for everyday convenience. Its thoughtful layout and simple maintenance make it an easy appliance to live with.

Build Quality and Counter Footprint

The coffee maker has a body made mostly of plastic. While sturdy, this construction feels less luxurious than stainless steel models. The main benefit of its design is its compact footprint. It combines two appliances into one unit, measuring about 10.25 inches wide by 9.5 inches deep.

Space Saver Alert! 💡 This 2-in-1 design is a major advantage for smaller kitchens. It frees up the counter space that a separate coffee maker and electric kettle would occupy.

The machine fits neatly under most standard kitchen cabinets. Its efficient size helps reduce countertop clutter.

The Control Panel Experience

Cuisinart organized the control panel for intuitive use. All coffee-related functions are on the right side, surrounding a blue backlit LCD screen. The hot water system controls are on the left. The buttons are clearly labeled, making it easy to program brewing or select different settings. One notable point is the machine's alert sounds.

• The coffee maker beeps five times when brewing is complete.
• These beeps are quite loud.
• There is no option to disable or lower the volume of the beeps.

This clear audio alert is helpful but may be disruptive in a quiet home.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping the CHW-16 clean is a straightforward process. The appliance has several features to simplify maintenance. A red indicator light turns on when the machine needs decalcifying. The Self-Clean function then automates most of this process. For daily cleaning, the removable drip trays for both the carafe and the hot water dispenser are easy to rinse. The gold-tone coffee filter and the carafe are also simple to wash after each use.

Who Should Buy the Cuisinart CHW-16?

The Cuisinart CHW-16 Coffee Plus is an excellent choice for people who prioritize convenience and a tidy kitchen. Its dual-function design offers great value to specific households. This machine is not for everyone, but it excels for its target audience. It successfully serves those who need a reliable, multi-purpose appliance for their daily routine.

This coffee maker is a perfect fit for:

• The Space-Conscious Cook 🏡: People living in apartments, dorms, or homes with limited counter space will love this 2-in-1 unit. It effectively replaces a separate coffee maker and an electric kettle.
• Busy Households 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: A family can easily meet different morning needs. One person can brew a pot of coffee while another instantly gets hot water for tea, oatmeal, or hot cocoa.
• The Efficiency Expert ⏱️: Anyone who values a streamlined routine will appreciate the programmable features. Setting the brew timer the night before means waking up to fresh coffee without any morning fuss.

Who Should Look Elsewhere? Coffee purists may want a different machine. The CHW-16 brews at a temperature below the ideal 195°F, which can affect flavor extraction from specialty beans. Additionally, individuals sensitive to noise might dislike the loud, unchangeable beeps that signal the end of the brew cycle.

---

The Cuisinart CHW-16 Coffee Plus is a master of convenience. This coffee pot and hot water dispenser saves counter space by replacing a separate kettle. While its brew temperature may not suit coffee purists, its performance is excellent for most households.

Final Takeaway: It is a worthwhile investment for a decluttered kitchen, supported by a 3-Year Limited Warranty.

FAQ

Can you turn off the beeps on the Cuisinart CHW-16?

No, users cannot disable or lower the volume of the beeps. The machine makes five loud beeps when the brewing cycle is complete. This is a permanent feature.

Is the carafe dishwasher safe?

Cuisinart recommends hand washing the carafe and lid to maintain their quality. The carafe is not rated as dishwasher safe. Gentle cleaning with soap and water is best.

How often should you change the charcoal water filter?

You should replace the charcoal water filter every 60 days or after 60 uses. This practice ensures the water remains free of impurities for better-tasting coffee.