Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Maker
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be taken to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles and knobs.
- To protect against electric shock, do not place a cord, plug, or base unit in water or other liquids.
- This appliance should not be used by or near children or individuals with certain disabilities.
- Always unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning the appliance.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Return the appliance to the nearest Cuisinart Repair Center for examination, repair, and electrical or mechanical adjustment.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Cuisinart may cause injuries
THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE
- ELEMENT 1: WATER
- Hot beverages are made up primarily of water. If water doesn’t taste good from the tap, it won’t taste good in your drink. Cuisinart includes charcoal water filters in its water reservoirs to remove chlorine, bad tastes, and odors, for the purest flavors, every time you brew.
- ELEMENT 2: COFFEE
- The flavor of your beverage comes from the coffee, tea, cocoa – or whatever you’re brewing. To achieve the best taste, always use the best ingredients. Select
fresh, high-quality beans or ground coffee, and only the best single-serve capsules. - ELEMENT 3: GRIND
- The grind of coffee, or the refinement of tea leaves, is critical for proper flavor extraction. Pre-ground ingredients in top-quality single-serve capsules ensure excellent, flavorful results. When using beans or pre-ground coffee to brew into the carafe or use in the HomeBaristaTM Reusable Filter Cup, the grind is just
as critical. If it’s too fine, over-extraction will result in bitterness and may clog the filter. If too coarse, maximum flavor is not extracted. We recommend a
medium-fine grind. - ELEMENT 4: PROPORTION
- Coffee that is too strong or too weak is always a disappointment. Follow the recommended portions of ground coffee in the instructions under Brewing Coffee
for the drip side or under Brewing with a Reusable Filter Cup for the single-serve side. You can later adjust the amount to suit your taste.
12-CUP COFFEEMAKER FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Coffeemaker Reservoir Cover
Flips back for easy filling. - Coffeemaker Water
Reservoir (not shown) With water level indicator window. - Showerhead (not shown)
Distributes water evenly over coffee, reducing temperature loss as water passes through the grounds. - Coffeemaker Control Panel
See detailed illustration, page 7. - Brew PauseTM
Stops the flow of coffee from the basket when the carafe is removed from the heater plate, so a cup can be poured mid-brew. - Carafe
The easy-pour, no-drip, 12-cup carafe has an ergonomic handle and brewed coffee markings. - Charcoal Water Filter Hol
- Charcoal Water Filter
Eliminates chlorine, bad taste, and odors from tap water. - Adjustable Heater Plate
Keeps brewed coffee at the desired temperature. Scratch-resistant with nonstick coating. - Cord Storage (not shown)
- Filter Basket (not shown)
Holds a #4 paper filter or a permanent filter. - Filter Basket Holder (not shown)
- Ready Tone (not shown)
Signals the end of the brew cycle with five beeps. - Power Loss Back-Up System (not shown)
One-minute protection if a breaker trips, the unit is unplugged, or power fails. Holds all programmed information, including time of day, Auto On time ,and Auto Off time. - Brewer Handle
- Brew Head
- Brewing Chamber
It holds a removable capsule holder or reusable filter cup. - Control Panel
6 oz. (170 ml) button; 8 oz. (235 ml) button; 10 oz. (295 ml) button; Add Water and Clean indicators. - Power Switch
- Removable Drip Tray Plate
- Removable Drip Tray
- Charcoal Water Filter Holder
- Charcoal Water Filter
- Reservoir Lid
- 40-Ounce (1.1 L) Water Reservoir
- Removable Capsule Holder
- Power Cord (not shown)
- Energy-Saving Mode (not shown)
Unit lights will dim after 30 minutes of being idle. To reactivate, press any button. To turn it off completely, turn the power switch to the OFF position
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CONTROL PANEL
12-CUP COFFEEMAKER CONTROLS
Detailed programming and use instructions are on pages 8–10
- Power Switch (not shown)
Located on the right side of your brewer. Use it to turn your Coffeemaker on and off. - Clock Display
Displays time of day, Auto On, and Auto Off times. - Clean Indicator
Indicates time to clean the Coffeemaker to remove calcium buildup. - Hour and Minute Buttons
It is used to set hours and minutes for the time of day, as well as auto on and auto off times. - BOLD Cup Setting with Indicator
Use to select bolder coffee flavor strength. - BREW/WARM Button
The top half of the button “BREW” will be lit when the unit is ready to brew. The top half will flash slowly while brewing. The bottom half of the button “WARM” will be lit at the end of a carafe brew cycle to indicate that Keep Warm is activated. - Function Knob
- a. PROG
- Select to program Auto On time The coffeemaker can be programmed to automatically start brewing up to 24 hours in advance.
- b. AUTO ON
- Select to automatically start brewing coffee at the time you’ve programmed.
- c. AUTO OFF
- Select to program your Coffeemaker to automatically shut off Keep Warm mode up to 4 hours after brewing.
- d. BREW
- Select to begin the brew cycle when the BREW button is pressed.
- e. CLOCK
- Select to set the time of day.
- Carafe Temperature Knob
Set the heater plate to Low (L), Medium (M), or High (H) to keep coffee in the carafe at the temperature you prefer.- SINGLE-SERVE COFFEEMAKER CONTROLS
- Detailed use instructions are on pages 11–14.
- Brew Buttons
6 oz. (170 ml) button; 8 oz. (235 ml) button; 10 oz. (295 ml) button. - Add Water Indicator
Indicates the need to add water to brew. - Clean Indicator
Indicates it is time to clean the Coffeemaker to remove calcium buildup
CHARCOAL WATER FILTER
INSERTING THE WATER FILTER
- Remove the filter from the polybag and soak, fully immersed, in cold tap water for 15 minutes.
- Lift the water filter holder out of the water reservoir on the 12-cup Coffeemaker side.
- Press down on the filter compartment and pull it toward you to open.
- Place the filter into the holder and snap closed. Be careful – improper placement can tear the filter skin.
- Flush the filter by running cold tap water through holes in the bottom of the compartment for 10 seconds.
- Allow the filter to drain completely.
SETTING UP YOUR 12-CUP COFFEEMAKER
INITIAL CLEANING
Perform an initial cleaning before making your first beverage. Follow these instructions, without adding coffee.
- Insert a charcoal water filter if you haven’t already.
- Fill water reservoir
- Make sure the carafe is in place.
- If you haven’t already, plug the power cord into an independent outlet. Power on the unit by pressing the power switch on the side of the unit.
PROGRAMMING YOUR 12-CUP COFFEEMAKER
SETTING THE CLOCK
- When the Coffeemaker is plugged in and the power switch is turned on, 12:00 will flash. Turn the Function knob to CLOCK Press Hour and Minute buttons to select the desired time. Hold buttons down to scroll through the digits, or press and release to advance one digit at a time. When scrolling, the numbers will advance slowly and then speed up. When the number displayed approaches the desired time, press and release to advance one digit at a time. Be sure the PM indicator is on if a PM time is desired
BREWING COFFEE
Follow the instructions in Setting Up Your 12-Cup Coffeemaker on page 8.
- Insert charcoal water filter
- Follow the directions for the preparation and insertion of the filter on page 8.
- Fill the water reservoir
- Open the Coffeemaker reservoir cover by lifting it up. Pour in the desired amount of water, using the water level indicator located at the side of the Coffeemaker.
- Before brewing
- Make sure the glass carafe is in position on the heater plate and the top cover is closed.
12-CUP COFFEEMAKER
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
- Always turn the unit off and remove the plug from the electrical outlet before cleaning. Lift up the Coffeemaker reservoir cover. Remove and discard the paper filter and ground coffee. The filter basket can be washed in warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly, or cleaned in the upper rack of the dishwasher.
- Dry all parts after use. Do not put any water in the unit once the filter basket has been removed. Wipe the area under the filter basket with a damp cloth.
Remove the carafe from the heating plate. Discard any remaining coffee. The carafe and lid can be washed in warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly, or placed in a dishwasher. The carafe and carafe lid should be placed on the upper rack only.
DESCALING
- Descaling refers to the removal of calcium deposits that form over time on the metal parts of the Coffeemaker.
To Descale Your Coffeemaker
- Depending on the mineral content of water in your area, calcium deposits (scale) may build up in your Coffeemaker. Though scale is not toxic, it can affect performance. Descaling the Coffeemaker when the indicator signals it is time to do so will help protect the heating element and other parts that come into contact with water.
To clean:
- Fill the water reservoir to capacity with a mixture of 1⁄3 white vinegar and 2⁄3 water.
- Press and hold the CLEAN button. When the CLEAN LED indicator flashes, the coffeemaker is in Clean mode. Release the button.
- When the cycle is completed, 5 beeps will sound and the coffeemaker will shut off.
SETTING UP YOUR SINGLE-SERVE COFFEEMAKER
INITIAL CLEANING
Perform an initial cleaning before making your first beverage. Follow these instructions, without inserting a capsule.
- Insert a charcoal water filter if you haven’t already. Instructions on page 8.
- Remove the water reservoir from the unit.
USING THE SINGLESERVE COFFEEMAKER
- Remove the water reservoir to fill it.
- Add water into the 40-ounce (1.1 L) water reservoir. Replace on unit.
- If not already turned on, press the power switch located on the side of your unit. Brew buttons will illuminate.
- Place the mug on the drip tray. The drip tray can be removed to accommodate travel mugs.
- Select a capsule.
BREWING WITH THE HOMEBARISTATM REUSABLE FILTER CUP
The Single-Serve Coffeemaker can be used with a reusable coffee capsule, which allows you to use your own ground coffee. Try the Cuisinart® HomeBarista™ Reusable Filter Cup included with your brewer for your favorite coffee or tea.
- Fill the filter basket within the reusable capsule with ground coffee, making sure not to fill past the max indicator. Adjust the amount to your personal preference. Do not tamp the grounds. Make sure no grounds are remaining on the upper rim of the filter basket. Close lid.
- Note: Max fill: 2.5 scoops or 15 grams
- Remove the capsule holder from the brewing chamber by pulling it toward you.
CLEANING THE WATER RESERVOIR
- It is normal over time for discoloration, spotting, or staining to appear in the water reservoir. Results will vary depending on the mineral content of the water used, but will not affect the operation of the brewer. However, be sure to clean the water reservoir regularly to minimize buildup.
- Clean inside the water reservoir with a damp, lint-free cloth as necessary.
Descaling Your Single-Serve Brewer
- Mineral content in water varies from place to place. Depending on the mineral content of the water in your area, calcium deposits or scale may build up in your Coffeemaker. Though the scale is nontoxic, it can hinder Coffeemaker performance. Descaling your Coffeemaker will help maintain the heating element and other parts that come in contact with water.
- For optimal performance, describe your Coffeemaker every 3 to 6 months. Calcium deposits can build up faster, making it necessary to descale more often. When all the lights flash in sequence upon turning the unit on, this indicates the need to descale.
Step 1: First Vinegar Rinse
- Fill the water reservoir with 13 oz. (380 ml) of white vinegar and 26 oz. (760 ml) of water
- Place the ceramic mug or container on the drip tray.
- Press and hold the 6 oz. (170 ml) and 8 oz. (235 ml) buttons for 2 seconds to start the descale function.
- Discard the contents of the mug into the sink.
- Repeat until the ADD WATER light comes on.
- When the descaling is complete, all LED lights will be on.
- Discard any remaining diluted vinegar into the sink.
Step 2: Fresh Water Rinse
- Repeat Step 1 three times, using fresh water in place of vinegar.
- This will clean the Coffeemaker plumbing and remove any residual vinegar taste.
MAINTENANCE
- Any other servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.
WARRANTY
LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY
- Your Cuisinart product has been manufactured to the strictest specifications and has been designed for use only in 120 volt outlets and only with authorized
accessories and replacement parts. This warranty expressly excludes any defects or damages caused by attempted use of this unit with a converter, as well as use with accessories, replacement parts, or repair services other than those authorized by Cuisinart - If the appliance should become defective within the warranty period, do not return the appliance to the store. Please contact our Customer Service Centre:
- Toll-free phone number: 1-800-472-7606
- Address: Cuisinart Canada 100 Conair Parkway Woodbridge, ON L4H 0L2
- Email: consumer_Canada@conair.com
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Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Maker-FAQs
What is the carafe temperature button for?
The carafe temperature button adjusts the warming plate temperature to Low, Medium, or High.
How do I clean my Cuisinart coffee maker?
Use Halefresh Wash and run a full cycle through the machine. Repeat with water only to remove any remaining residue.
Can I run vinegar through my coffee maker twice?
Yes, run vinegar through the machine, then repeat with water only to remove any remaining vinegar taste.
How much coffee do I need for a cold brew?
Use a 1:8 ratio of coffee to water (1 gram of coffee for every 8 grams of water).
How many scoops of coffee do I need per cup?
Use 1 scoop (2 tablespoons) of coffee grounds for every 8 ounces of water.
Does my Cuisinart coffee maker need a paper filter?
No, the Cuisinart Permanent Gold-Tone Commercial-Style Filter eliminates the need for paper filters.
How do I change the temperature on my Cuisinart coffee maker?
Turn the Carafe Temperature dial to Low, Medium, or High.
How do I adjust the strength of my coffee?
If the coffee is too strong, you can dilute it by adding water after brewing.