Cuisinart makes genuinely useful kitchen appliances, but whether they're worth buying depends entirely on which product you're eyeing. The Espresso Bar Slim espresso machine justifies its £199.95 price for serious coffee drinkers, while their refurbished blenders offer extraordinary value at under £60 — though availability is limited.
Why Cuisinart?
Cuisinart has manufactured kitchen appliances since 1971, starting with the food processor that became a household staple. They specialise in mid-range, no-nonsense tools: espresso machines, blenders, food processors, and hand blenders designed for everyday use rather than luxury positioning. What sets them apart is reliability at reasonable prices — their products tend to last several years of regular use without gimmicky features you'll never use. They're not premium brands like Breville, but they're substantially better-made than budget disposables.
Top Picks
Espresso Bar™ Slim Espresso Machine (EM-160) — £199.95
Best for espresso enthusiasts who want serious crema without the £1000+ price tag. This is a proper semi-automatic machine with a 19-bar pump and steam wand for milk frothing. It won't match a £800 prosumer machine, but it produces café-quality shots consistently. The slim design fits tighter kitchen spaces. Worth the full retail price if you drink espresso 4+ times weekly.
Cuisinart Bfp-703bcfr 3 Cup Smart Power Duet Blender/Food Processor (Certified Refurbished) — £20.95
Best for compact kitchens or occasional use. This does double duty as both blender and food processor in one device — processor bowl handles chopping, grating, and kneading; blender jug handles smoothies and soups. The refurbished model is functionally identical to new stock but saves 60% of the retail price. At £20.95, it's nearly disposable-cost with genuine utility.
Refurbished Cuisinart Csb-179fr Smart Stick Hand Blender (Stainless Steel) — £58.99
Best for soup-makers and smoothie drinkers who value portability. Handheld blenders are underrated — this one blends directly in pots, bowls, or jugs without transferring liquid. Stainless steel construction resists corrosion. The refurbished price undercuts new models by roughly 50%, making it genuinely affordable for a niche tool you'll use daily if you cook soups.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Espresso Bar Slim | £199.95 | Daily espresso drinkers | 19-bar pump pressure for café-quality crema | | Smart Power Duet (Refurbished) | £20.95 | Compact kitchens or occasional cooks | 2-in-1 blender/food processor in one compact unit | | Smart Stick Hand Blender (Refurbished) | £58.99 | Soup and smoothie enthusiasts | Blends directly in pot or bowl; saves space |
What to Look For
- Motor power: The hand blender runs 500 watts; the duet blender's exact wattage isn't specified, so ask seller before purchase. Higher wattage (600+W) handles ice and frozen fruit better, though both manage soft foods reliably.
- Warranty on refurbished: Manufacturer refurbished products should carry 12-month warranty. Check the listing — if no warranty is stated, the deal isn't as strong as it appears.
- Capacity matters: The 3-cup duet is tiny — adequate for singles or couples, not family cooking. The hand blender works in existing pots (no capacity limit). The espresso machine pulls single or double shots only.
- Cleaning effort: Hand blenders are easiest to clean; food processors require disassembly. Factor this into daily-use appeal, especially if you cook multiple times per week.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Espresso Bar Slim (£199.95) if you're serious about espresso; it's the only full-price product here worth recommending unreservedly. For value, the refurbished blenders are exceptional — grab the Smart Stick hand blender (£58.99) if you make soups or the Smart Power Duet (£20.95) for occasional blending. All three are reliability-solid, but only the espresso machine should be purchased new at current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuisinart good value for money?
Yes, but context matters. Cuisinart's refurbished appliances offer exceptional value — a £20.95 blender/food processor or £58.99 hand blender rival much pricier new units. The full-price espresso machine is fairly priced against competitors with equivalent 19-bar pressure, though you can find cheaper semi-automatic machines if budget is tight. Don't expect boutique quality at Cuisinart prices, but reliability is solid.
Should I buy refurbished Cuisinart appliances?
Absolutely, if they carry manufacturer warranty. Certified refurbished means Cuisinart inspected, tested, and repackaged the unit — indistinguishable from new in function. The £20.95 duet blender and £58.99 hand blender are priced so aggressively that even if they fail after two years, you've spent less than one month's coffee shop visits. Only skip refurbished if warranty isn't clearly stated.
Does the Espresso Bar Slim come with a grinder?
No — it's an espresso machine only, requiring pre-ground coffee or a separate burr grinder. You'll need to budget £60–150 for a decent grinder to get the best from this machine. Factor that into your total cost if you don't already own one.
Can the Smart Stick hand blender handle ice?
It handles ice better than ultra-budget models, but it's not an ice-crushing specialist. It works reliably for frozen fruit in smoothies (which partially thaws during blending), but don't expect it to pulverise a cup of solid ice cubes. For heavy ice work, the duet blender's higher motor power is more suitable, though neither is a dedicated blender-crusher.
