Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Review (2021)

If you are a regular home coffee-brewer and don’t need a high-end coffee grinding machine, try the Supreme Grind automatic burr mill. This compact and inexpensive device shows impressive performance and integrates fantastic grinding functions.

The Cuisinart DBM-8 review is going to explore its features, pros and cons to determine if this appliance is really worth buying.

Design and Main Parts of Cuisinart DBM-8

The DBM-8 is an entry-level machine. This budget coffee grinder has a reputation of an ideal option for newbies, and it comes with solid technical parameters grouped in the table below.

This grinder is a compact appliance performed in retro style. Thanks to its stainless steel base, it has a professional appearance. The combination of silver and black accents always looks elegant. In addition, the device features a lot of plastic parts that are quite durable and made up in accordance with the standards of the premium products of Cuisinart.

The appliance comes with a large bean hopper (8 oz.) and a spacious grind chamber able to hold ground coffee enough to brew 32 cups. The chamber lid of the hopper bin has a convenient deepening to open it. Both reservoirs are serviceable and allow users to grind a large amount of coffee beans at a time. The grounds bin is not airtight, and it is not recommended for storing coffee in it.

This device is a step forward from a blade grinder since it uses block burrs. Blade grinders may result in overheating and a loss of grinding accuracy, besides the blades keep hitting the ground beans all the time and heat them up.

On the contrary, a burr grinder spits the ground coffee into a reservoir providing a uniform grind and doesn’t heat it up. It comes with 18 grinding levels: six settings per each grind type (coarse, medium, and fine) and performs grinding from ultra-coarse to ultra-fine up to your preference.

On the front panel, there is a slide dial that allows setting the amount of beans to be ground – from 4 to 18 cups.

The burr size and its power are not specified by the manufacturer, but some users complain that it works loudly.

Using Cuisinart DBM-8 Coffee Grinder

The DBM-8 Supreme is simple to use. The device doesn’t come with a million of functions, and it is impossible to misuse it.

First, load the beans into the reservoir and select the grind setting. Twist the bean container to any of the 18 grind-size adjustments. Then choose the number of cups you are going to grind for by sliding the bar to any of the 4 given positions. Press the start button. The unit will work for the preset time. If you want to stop it midway, push the switch for a cup selection to its “off” position.

Cuisinart claims that the grinder takes 40 seconds to grind beans for 12 cups and 55 seconds for 18 cups regarding that the device is set to the medium grind setting.

The grinder has a plastic exterior that is prone to static. This causes fine coffee dust to stick to the top of the bin for ground coffee and the dispensing chute. Be careful when you take this bin out.

The quality of this ground coffee is better than that made by a blade grinder, and the users can enjoy a better brew each time.

How to Clean and Store This Coffee Grinder?

Cleaning the device is as easy as its usage. Both chambers (for beans and ground coffee) are removable and can be washed under running water. You can use a brush and a soft sponge for a thorough cleanup. Don’t use abrasive sponges because they may scratch the plastic finish. Dry both containers before you place them back to the base. Wipe the exterior housing with a wet cloth if necessary.

The top burr, which is attached to the bean reservoir, comes out with it. You have access to the bottom burr and can dust off any coffee residue.

The grinder has a small footprint and doesn’t occupy much space on the countertop. Due to its compact size, it can be stored in a cabinet.

Other Features You Need to Know

The device is designed with an automatic shut-off mechanism and stops after the grind circle is complete. It will not run until the bin for grounds or the bean hopper are not properly in place. This feature doesn’t allow users to grind coffee in any other reservoir where they store it. After grinding, the coffee can be transferred to any other container.

The machine has a separate groove along the bottom part of the base to store the cord.

The device comes with useful accessories: a plastic scoop and a cleaning brush.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Why do users like this coffee grinder? Here is a list of upsides and downsides that explain the popularity of the DBM-8.

Some customers complain that the machine is not long-lasting. However, the grinder is claimed by the manufacturer to last for at least 5 years.

Troubleshooting Tips

The 2-page booklet that comes with the grinder doesn’t clarify possible troubleshooting. This can be explained by the fact that the device cannot be disassembled by users.

The manufacturer just gives some advice on proper maintenance of the machine. The DBM-8 can be used only for grinding roasted coffee beans and not for grinding unroasted ones, spices or nuts. These products may dull the blades and cause poor performance.

If any problems occur, contact the Cuisinart customer support center.

Where to Buy Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Burr Mill?

This coffee grinder can be purchased from the official Cuisinart website. The webpage features a list of retailers that offer this product for sale: Amazon, Walmart, Target, eBay, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Macy’s, Williams Sonoma, JCPenney, and many others. Numerous reviews from customers and product ratings provided by these vendors will help users compare prices and find the best purchase option.

Final Thoughts

The DBM-8 from Cuisinart is a perfect variant for coffee lovers who don’t want to invest much money in a burr grinder but are curious about this machine. Because of its low cost (less than $50), the unit includes many fragile plastic components that may break and cause its malfunction. However, this cannot be a deal-breaker because these parts can be purchased separately.

Anyway, this appliance is a good machine if you are a novice to coffee grinding or just want to upgrade from a blade grinder.

References