The Cuisinart PRC-12N is a 12-cup stainless steel percolator at $92.84 that offers a meaningful step down in price from its older sibling the PRC-12 while adding a published 1,100-watt heating element. It carries a 4.0-star average across 626 reviews, a smaller pool but a respectable score for a newer model.
Coffee drinkers who want a name-brand 12-cup percolator with a solid heating spec and don't need the extra spend the original PRC-12 commands.
Skip if
You want dishwasher-safe components, or you need programmable brewing and a digital display.
Capacity 12.0 cups
Type Percolator
Coffee input Ground
Filter Reusable
Wattage 1100 W
Operation Manual
Priced 16% above the category median ($79.98 across 5 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.0/5overall
Owner rating4.0/5
4.0 average across 626 owner ratings
Popularity2.0/5
626 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other coffee makers, kettles and brewers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The PRC-12N is Cuisinart's current production 12-cup percolator. At 1,100 watts it heats water faster than lower-wattage budget models, and the stainless steel body at 3 pounds keeps it light enough to handle with one hand. Dimensions come in at 6.25 by 9.25 by 12.25 inches, nearly identical to the older PRC-12.
Like most percolators in this class it uses a reusable filter basket rather than paper filters, and controls are button-based with manual operation. There is no programmable timer or smart-home compatibility. Cleanup requires hand washing since the unit is not dishwasher safe.
At $92.84 it sits between budget percolators under $50 and the pricier PRC-12. For buyers who want Cuisinart build quality without paying the premium of the older model, the PRC-12N is a practical middle ground.
Pros
1,100-watt element heats water quickly compared to lower-wattage alternatives
Stainless steel body and finish resist staining and corrosion
12-cup capacity covers families and small offices
Reusable filter means no ongoing paper filter purchases
Lighter $92.84 price than the older PRC-12
Cons
Not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing for all parts
Only 626 reviews compared to the larger track record of the original PRC-12
No programmable timer or automatic brew scheduling
Performance notes
Running at 1,100 watts, the PRC-12N reaches percolating temperature faster than 800-watt models. The reusable filter basket benefits from a medium-coarse grind to avoid over-extraction during the cycling process. At 3 pounds the unit is stable on a countertop without being heavy to fill at the sink.
What buyers say
Early reviewer feedback focuses on the clean stainless finish and the straightforward assembly. Positive reviews highlight that the coffee comes out bold and hot. Critical reviews mention a learning curve with grind size, which is common feedback for percolators generally. A few buyers compare it directly to the PRC-12 and consider the price difference the deciding factor.
What is the difference between the PRC-12 and the PRC-12N?
The PRC-12N is the current production model and is priced lower at $92.84 versus the PRC-12 at $136.92. The PRC-12N publishes a 1,100-watt rating. Both are 12-cup stainless steel percolators with reusable filters and button controls.
Can the PRC-12N go in the dishwasher?
No. Cuisinart lists the PRC-12N as not dishwasher safe. All parts should be hand washed.
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