Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill Review

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 24th, 2023

When it is about making the perfect cup of coffee, a real addict will kill to get it. But there’s a definite difference between a coffee addict and a coffee enthusiast.


Where a coffee addict loves coffee for what it does for them: keeping sleep away, a coffee enthusiast would gulp nothing but the finest coffee.

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill Review

So, you might find a coffee enthusiast trying out some of the most expensive coffees in the world, but a coffee addict gulping down on anything they can find.

But why are we talking about the differences between a coffee enthusiast and a coffee addict in a Coffee grinder review? This is mainly because this grinder draws a stark contrast between the two with its features and functions.

As this article progresses and we dive into the features, pros, and cons, you will understand what I mean when I say this grinder draws a contrast. So let’s begin our review of the Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill by first exploring the mechanism behind a Burr Mill Grinder.

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The Burr Mill Mechanism vs. The Blade

Unlike most kitchen appliances, grind spices – blades – a Burr mill uses a different approach. A Burr mill makes use of two revolving, abrasive surfaces. These are used to grind the coffee. How? The coffee beans are set between these two grinders as they revolve. The fineness of the grind can be changed by varying the distance between the two grinders.

The process sounds simple but is often well-suited for coffee-making as it makes a consistent grind without adding too much heat. In addition, while using a blade grinder, the coffee is not only unevenly ground but also paler.

This happens due to the continuous hitting of coffee beans that have already been ground. In a burr mechanism, the ground coffee is dropped into a cup so it does not continue to be ground and loses its flavor.

This is why so many coffee-lovers avoid blade grinding. It just is not worth it.

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Features and Settings

With the mechanism of a burr grinder in your mind clearer now, we can move on to the specifics of the Cuisinart DBM – 8.

The Cuisinart-8 is a relatively good-looking coffee grinder with a stainless-steel finish that helps it find its place in any kitchen. Also, the functional design with its removable parts is a plus for a small kitchen. So, if you want to put it away after every use, you could merely tuck the power cord into its storage. The Cuisinart looks precisely like a coffee grinder should.

Features

The significant features of this grinder costing below $150 include:

  • Removable grind chamber with dimensions 4 x 7.13 x 10.75 inches.
  • Total weight of 4.5 lbs.
  • An 8 oz. removable bean hopper.
  • A scoop and cleaning brush with the bean hopper.
  • Operational settings for 18-position grind selector with its slide dial.
  • Heavy-duty motor with a great user interface power bar.
  • Electric timer to shut down the unit after completion of grind cycle saves electricity.
  • Easy pour.
  • BPA free.
  • Storage capacity up to 32 cups (not recommended)
  • Comes with an 18-month warranty.

Settings

Of these features, one that needs particular elaboration is its 18-grind setting. This setting refers to the degree of fineness Cuisinart DBM-8 can offer you. Why is this important? This is important because every different type of coffee requires a different grind. For instance, take espresso and French press; espresso requires a fine grind while a French press requires a coarse grind, so the coffee does not pass through the filter.

But while grinding, the quantity and grinding time settings will play a huge part in defining how good your coffee is. A feature that complicates these settings is the quantity that you need. For Cuisinart DBM-8, you can make as little as 4 cups to as many as 18 cups at a time.

The grinder allows automatic time settings for 4 cups (20 seconds), 12 cups (40 seconds), and 18 cups (55 seconds). In addition, you can use the DBM-8 quantity seconds to sort out how much coffee to put in for how many cups. So, half of your problems are already solved.

Safety Features

Most grinders come with safety features to ensure you do not hurt yourself. However, being unaware of these features renders you incapable of taking full advantage of the operational capabilities of any grinder. When it comes to Cuisinart DBM-8, the safety features primarily include:

  • Automatic turn-off as the time for the grind finishes. This means that you can leave your coffee beans on the grind while you go and take a shower. In addition, the grinder not running for extra time means that it will not cost you excess electricity, not ruin the taste of your coffee, and will not overheat or melt.
  • You cannot operate the grinder if everything is correctly set and assembled. This safety feature is meant to ensure that you set the hopper and chamber perfectly, avoiding any safety hazards.
  • An 18-month warranty with swift customer service means that you can get your device checked the moment you think something is wrong with the device. As a result, you do not risk operating malfunctioning parts that create safety hazards.

The Good

With the safety features, specifications, and settings of Cuisinart DBM-8 clearer now, we can move on to all the good that it brings us. These form the crux of our review of this coffee grinder. So, without further ado, here is all that is good about Cuisinart DBM-8:

1. Easy to Use

The easiest thing to do with Cuisinart DBM-8 is to grind your coffee. It does not get simpler than this. Many would say that it is so easy to grind coffee with the DBM-8 because it does not have so many features like the more expensive grinders, but say what you will, the ease of use with the DBM 8 is unlike any other.

Using the DBM-8 is pretty straightforward. You should follow three simple steps. Choose the grind size from among 18 different settings, pick the number of cups you want the coffee for from the slider just below and press the start button just below it. You will have your coffee ground within no time.

The simple fact that the Cuisinart has one button and a dial that determines how coarse your grind will be makes the Supreme extremely easy to use. The simplicity means you must try to misuse it rather than using it. Then when you are done, you can clean the grinder relatively easily with the removable bean hopper and chamber.

2. Capacity

As you have already been told, adjusting the number of cups is relatively easy. But did I tell you that it has considerable capacity? The grinder can be used for up to 18 cups of coffee. Also, it can hold up to 32 cups of coffee at a time. But, of course, it is not recommendable.

3. Speed

How could it be true that something so easy to operate and hold so much is time-consuming to bear results? You can use the machine to get your coffee grind for 18 cups in under a minute! What are you even going to do with all that time you saved?

4. Sturdy Build Quality Offers Longer Lifespan

Most people tend to believe that the price point at which the Supreme is available means that it compromises on quality. But does it? No!

The Supreme DBM-8 can outlast several other grinders in the same category. But (of course, there is a “but”) for this extended lifespan, you must ensure that you undertake regular cleaning and maintenance.

However, many coffee enthusiasts tend to agree that the quality of function for this high quality is not as excellent as it should be, especially criticizing the poor quality of plastic. Still, nobody can deny how long the Supreme DBM-8 lasts.

5. Price Effectiveness

We saved the Unique Selling Point of the Supreme DBM-8 for the very last so as not to overwhelm you with the very first point. The Supreme DBM-8 is one of the most inexpensive grinders you can find on the market. Not just that, the grinder is continuously found on sale at most electronic stores.

But the fact is that you get the most value out of the price that you pay for the Supreme DBM-8. Plus, Supreme DBM-8 is available at a price that will continuously reinforce your decision to buy a burr Mill rather than a blade grinder, even if a blade grinder is usually less expensive than a Burr Mill.

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

The Bad

Of course, every good thing has a bad side, and so does Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill. Of course, to give a review, you need to find out everything about a Grinder. So, here is where we talk about the bad of the DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill:

The Messiness

The biggest drawback of the Cuisinart Supreme is that it creates a mess that can be extremely difficult to handle. This is usually because the DBM-8 adds the coffee into the chamber from the side. As a result, the chamber creates an absolute mess when it creates the coffee powder because it spreads evenly across the entire compartment.

This means that all the coffee powder is also on the lid. So, the mess spatters across your kitchen counter when the lid is opened, no matter how carefully that might be. You are in a for a long evening of cleaning after this happens.

Inconsistent Grind Quality

The very reason I explained the distinction between a Coffee addict and a coffee enthusiast would be revealed here. The speed, the capacity, the build, and the ease of use mean that every coffee lover should get this grinder. So then why don’t coffee enthusiasts get it?

The main reason is that Cuisinart DBM-8 uses a very inferior burr set. This inferior quality set means that the grind quality is compromised. So, you cannot get the perfect grind for every kind of coffee, especially an espresso.

Perhaps the sheer quality of the Grind set causes the grinding process to be extremely noisy, so you cannot enjoy your calm while you grind your coffee with Cuisinart DBM-8.

Alternatives to Cuisinart DBM-8

With a few adjustments to the settings, you may grind beans and extract the aroma and oil to create a distinct flavor that converts into a delicious cup of coffee. Because the equipment has an electric timer, it will turn off automatically after the grind cycle.

However, the low cost comes with delicate elements that can fail and a ground consistency unsuitable for espressos or the French press. It also makes a substantial mess due to the static charge generated by the flat sinks. The grinder is great for someone looking to experiment with a low-cost coffee grinder. It also serves as a starter grinder, from which you will eventually progress.

If you require a more complex coffee grinder that is also economical and effective, you should consider the Baratza Encore. Baratza is well-known for its distinctive and high-end burr coffee grinders.

Unlike the DBM-8, which has 18 grind settings, the Baratza Encore features 40 coarseness options to accommodate a variety of brewing styles and coffee kinds. You may prepare French Press, Aeropress, and pour over coffee. Its grounds have a consistent texture and size.

The grinder has a strong frame and heavy steel burrs that aid in grinding. It is also simple to use. The motor keeps the beans cool, and the gear speed reducers slow the burr for smoother, quieter bean feeding. That is, the grinder does not generate excessive heat, which can cause the beans to emit volatile fragrance oils.

Baratza allows you to replace the burrs as they wear out, giving you years of use without buying a new coffee grinder.

Cuisinart has had multiple customer service concerns, but Baratza is known for going above and beyond customer service. For example, if you have any problems with the coffee grinder, they have a team of people who can assist you.

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How to clean and store properly

  1. Make certain that the grinder plug has been removed from the outlet.
  2. All removable parts can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher.
    Do not place parts on the bottom shelf.
  3. Do not immerse the grinder base unit in water or any other liquid. Instead, wipe with a moist cloth and use a cleaning brush to clean the grind release region.
  4. Wrap the extra cable around the tabs provided under the unit’s base to store it.
  5. An authorized service representative should only service this product.

Conclusion

Having underlined all of the goods and the bad of Cuisinart DBM-8, I can now go on to give you a final verdict on the grinder. So, here it is.

When it comes to comparison with a blade grinder, the DBM-8 is a pretty great grinder. The value it provides for your money is also great, which is the one point where it can beat most grinders. However, that is all that it can do. When it comes to offering quality and a consistent grind, Cuisinart DBM-8 fails miserably.

This is where the contrast between a coffee enthusiast and an addict becomes even more apparent because the only reason that you should use this grinder is if you are a coffee addict and do not care as much about the quality of your drink. Here is a list of why you should not buy the DBM-8:

  • Espressos or pour-overs are your friends. These are the coffees that require absolute consistency and perfection. Unfortunately, the DBM-8 cannot offer you this consistency.
  • You want the perfect cup every time. When the DBM-8 cannot provide you with a consistent grind, it cannot provide you with a similar coffee every time you use it. So, if you can not get your measurements of the water to coffee ratio right every time, you will probably have to forget to get the consistency with the DBM-8.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a Conical Burr Grinder or a Flat One?

Cuisinart DBM-8 is not a conical burr grinder. Instead, it is a flat one that uses flat metal grinding disks. Although this will produce a relatively fine grind, you will need a conical burr grinder to make the perfect grind for your espresso.

Can I add just some coffee to the hopper to make one cup?

Well, technically, you can. However, it will take a little time for you to understand how much coffee is enough to make a single cup of coffee.

How many ounces of coffee will fill the hopper?

The hopper will be full at around 10 ounces of coffee. Although this is enough for a lot of coffee, it is not recommended to fill the hopper.

How much sound will the grinder make?

Honestly, the sound that this grinder makes is beyond compare. But, looking on the bright side, you can wake up the entire house on time in the morning by running the grinder.

How do I clear the gunk buildup in the interior parts of the grinder?

To ensure you get all the gunk, you must unscrew the container by turning it counter-clockwise to open it. Once done, you can open and clean the unit.

Would you recommend using Cuisinart DBM-8 for grinding spices?

Although the grinder can handle spice grinding beautifully, it is not recommended. This is because the residue is impossible to clean and will interfere with taste and also because the warranty states that spices will ruin the grinding mechanism.

Final Verdict

The final verdict is that if you are a coffee addict, you could not find better value for money for your everyday coffee thirst. However, if you are a coffee enthusiast, do not ever make the mistake of getting the DBM-8 just because it is inexpensive.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.