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I've been using the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker (DGB-2SS, stainless steel) every morning for over 5 months, and it's become my favorite way to get a fresh, customizable single cup without a full pot or separate grinder. This compact machine combines a conical burr grinder, 48 oz removable reservoir, HomeBarista reusable filter cup, and pod compatibility (including Keurig K-Cup pods) with three brew sizes: 8 oz, 10 oz, or 12 oz.
Key things that stand out:
- Fresh grind on demand – The built-in conical burr grinder grinds whole beans directly into the HomeBarista reusable cup – coffee tastes noticeably fresher, more aromatic, and flavorful compared to pre-ground. The sealed hopper keeps beans fresh, and the grind consistency is even for optimal extraction.
- Three brewing options – Use whole beans (grind + brew), pre-ground coffee in the reusable cup, or any single-cup pod (K-Cup compatible). Flexibility is huge – I switch between fresh-ground dark roast for bold mornings and pods for quick convenience.
- Customizable sizes – 8 oz for strong espresso-style, 10 oz standard, 12 oz larger mug – perfect for travel mugs with the removable drip tray. Brew strength is consistent across sizes.
- Convenient features – 48 oz removable reservoir is easy to fill and clean, charcoal water filter improves taste (especially with Cairo tap water), easy-view window shows levels, and cleanup is straightforward (reusable cup rinses fast, pod holder removable). Stainless steel finish looks sleek and resists fingerprints.
- Compact & reliable – Fits small counters, quiet grinder, quick brew time (~3–4 minutes), and with the 3-year limited warranty, it feels built to last. Great for solo users or small households.
A few honest cons:
- Grinder is loud – The burr grinder noise is noticeable (like most built-in grinders) for 20–30 seconds – not silent for early mornings in a quiet home.
- Reusable cup needs occasional deep clean – It performs well but can build minor residue over time with oily beans; rinse thoroughly or run vinegar cycle monthly.
- No programmable timer – No auto-start feature (unlike some drip machines); you have to start it manually each time.
- Pod brew slightly weaker – When using pods, strength is good but not as bold as fresh-ground – expected, but worth noting if you switch often.
- Bean hopper capacity – Holds enough for ~10–15 cups; refill every few days with regular use.
How it compares:
- Vs. Keurig K-Supreme or similar pod-only: Cuisinart adds fresh grinding for superior flavor and reusability – saves money on pods long-term and tastes better.
- Vs. separate grinder + single-serve brewer: All-in-one saves counter space and time; no transferring grounds.
- Vs. Ninja or other grind & brew singles: Cuisinart's burr grinder is smoother/quieter than blade grinders, and pod compatibility is a big plus many lack.
My results: Fresh-ground coffee is consistently richer and less bitter than pod-only or pre-ground. The 10 oz size is my daily sweet spot, and the machine handles both beans and pods reliably without clogs or leaks. Reservoir is easy to refill, and cleanup takes under 2 minutes. No breakdowns or issues after months of daily use.
Overall: 8.5/10. Highly recommend if you want the convenience of single-serve brewing with the option for freshly ground coffee, pod compatibility, and adjustable sizes. It's perfect for solo coffee lovers who value flavor freshness without extra appliances – reliable, versatile, and a great upgrade for daily routines.