Nostalgia RCOF120AQ Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
- NEVER immerse in water.
- NEVER use near water.
- NEVER use an abrasive sponge or cloth.
- NEVER use a scouring pad on the appliance.
- NEVER leave the appliance unattended while in use.
- NEVER force the Kettle in or out of the brackets, as this may cause gears to become misaligned and the appliance will not operate properly.
- Unplug the unit from the outlet when not in use and during cleaning.
- DO NOT operate this appliance with a damaged cord or plug, nor if the appliance ever malfunctions.
- DO NOT clean any parts of this appliance in a dishwasher.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- This appliance is NOT A TOY.
- Unsupervised young children and cognitively challenged individuals should never operate this appliance.
- Young children should be supervised while in proximity to the appliance to ensure that they do not play with it.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electrical appliances, including the following:
- Read all instructions before operating this appliance.
- Some parts of the appliance are hot when in operation. DO NOT touch with your hands. Only use knobs or handles to touch.
- Never use the appliance if the Carafe shows any signs of cracks or of having a loose or weakened handle. Only use the Carafe supplied with this appliance. Use carefully as the Carafe is very fragile.
- DO NOT set a hot container on a hot or cold surface.
- DO NOT let the coffee maker operate without water.
- The Carafe is designed for use with this appliance. It must never be used on a range top.
- To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse the cord, plug, or any part of this appliance in water or other liquids.
- To avoid fire shock hazard or damage to the unit, this unit should be plugged into a polarized 120-volt AC outlet ONLY.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children.
- Unplug from the outlet when not in use, before removing parts, and before cleaning.
- DO NOT operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, nor if the appliance has been damaged in any manner. Return the appliance to the nearest repair shop for examination or repair.
- The manufacturer does not recommend the use of accessory attachments. The use of accessory attachments may cause injuries.
- DO NOT open the Top Cover while the appliance is in use, and make sure the Carafe is placed on the Warming Plate correctly while brewing.
- Never leave the empty Carafe on the Warming Plate, as the Carafe risks cracking.
- DO NOT use outdoors.
- Position the appliance as close to the outlet as possible to prevent injury due to tripping over the cord.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving this appliance.
- DO NOT clean with abrasive cleansers, steel wool pads, or other abrasive materials.
- DO NOT use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
- An appliance that is plugged into an outlet should not be left unattended while in operation.
- A short power supply cord is provided to reduce the risk resulting from becoming entangled or tripping over a long cord.
- Longer detachable power supply cords can be used if care is exercised in their use. If a long, detachable power-supply cord or extension cord is used: 1) The marked electrical rating of the detachable power-supply cord or extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance, 2) If the appliance is of the grounded type, the extension cord should be a grounding-type 3-wire cord, and 3) The longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the counter top or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over.
- The marked electrical rating of an extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance.
- This appliance has a polarized plug. To reduce the risk of shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the RETRO 12-CUP COFFEE MAKER from Nostalgia™!
While it looks like an appliance straight from the 1950s, this coffee maker has plenty of modern conveniences. A backlit LED display makes using the programmable functions easy, while the boil-dry protection adds safety. Use the pause-and-serve function to sneak a cup of coffee while the coffee maker is still brewing. Between its distinctive retro style and the convenience of its modern features, the RETRO 12-CUP COFFEE MAKER will be the centerpiece of your kitchen.
PARTS & ASSEMBLY
PARTS
Control Panel
HOW TO OPERATE
Before making the first pot of coffee, wipe down the exterior of your RETRO 12-CUP COFFEE MAKER with a clean, non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Thoroughly wash the Filter Basket and Carafe in warm, sudsy water and thoroughly dry.
Next, find a flat surface near an electrical outlet. Make sure your cord is away from any water source, then plug the coffee maker into the electrical outlet.
Finally, follow the steps under the Brewing Coffee section using only water. This will remove any dust or residue that remains in the system from the manufacturing process. Discard the water and repeat if necessary.
Setting the Clock
- To set the current time, press the Pro button once the word CLOCK is shown in the upper-right-hand corner of the display.
- Press the Hour and Minute buttons continuously until the display shows the correct time.
- Press the Pro button twice more to complete the setup and display the current time.
Brewing Coffee
- Open the Top Cover and fill the Water Tank with cold drinking water. Refer to the Carafe height markings and fill in the desired number of cups.
NOTE: Do not fill water past the MAX fill line located inside the Water Tank. - Place a coffee filter into the Filter Basket, and add coffee grounds to the coffee filter. Generally, it is recommended to use 1 tablespoon (1 Scoop) of ground coffee per cup, but the amount used can be adjusted to your personal preference. DO NOT exceed the Max Fill line on the Reusable Filter.
NOTE: This coffee maker requires the use of #4 size cone-shaped coffee filters. - Place the Carafe onto the warming plate and close the Top Cover.
- Press the I/O button. The Brew indicator light will illuminate red and begin the brewing cycle.
- When finished brewing, remove the Carafe to pour and serve coffee. Coffee will be kept warm on the Warming Plate for two hours. For your safety, the appliance will automatically turn off after two hours.
NOTE: The Carafe may be removed during the process of brewing, and the appliance will automatically stop dripping. DO NOT remove the Carafe for more than 30 seconds at a time.
CAUTION: Freshly brewed coffee will be hot! Use care when pouring and serving coffee. - Turn off the coffee maker by pressing the I/O button when finished using it. Dispose of the used coffee grounds and coffee filter. The Filter Basket can be easily removed by lifting the handle (found folded around the top perimeter of the Filter Basket).
Brewing Delay Function
- Begin by following steps 1-4 under Brewing Coffee.
- To set the time for the brewing delay function, press the Pro button, and the word TIMER will show in the upper-left corner of the display.
- Set the desired brewing start time by pressing the Hour and Min buttons continuously.
- Press the I/O button twice, and the Delay indicator light will illuminate green, indicating that the brewing start time is set. After a few moments, the display will return to the current time. You may check the brewing delay start time again by pressing the Pro button.
- When the current time reaches your selected brewing start time, the Delay indicator light will turn off, while the Brew indicator light will turn on, and the brewing process will begin.
HELPFUL TIPS
BREWING SLOWLY / NOT BREWING
If your RETRO 12-CUP COFFEE MAKER is brewing slowly or not at all, the coffee maker likely needs cleaning. Following the steps under CLEANING & MAINTENANCE to clean your coffee maker.
Check to be sure your coffee maker is plugged in and that the Water Tank has been filled with cold water.
Lastly, to avoid the buildup of mineral deposits that slow the drip of your coffee maker, it is recommended to use distilled water when brewing coffee. Over time, minerals, such as calcium and limestone, will leave deposits in your coffee maker and affect its performance.
COFFEE TASTES BAD
A clean coffee maker is essential for making great-tasting coffee. Regularly clean your coffee maker as specified under CLEANING & MAINTENANCE.
For optimum coffee taste, buy whole coffee beans and finely grind them just before brewing. Pre-ground coffee grounds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
GROUNDS ARE IN THE COFFEE
Be sure that you are using the correct type of coffee filter. This coffee maker requires the use of #4 size cone-shaped coffee filters.
Check that the coffee filter has not collapsed and is properly seated in the Filter Basket. If the coffee filter is not properly seated in the Filter Basket, coffee grounds may spill over the lip of the coffee filter and into the brewed coffee.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Daily Cleaning
- Make sure the appliance is turned off, unplugged, and completely cooled before cleaning.
- Remove the Filter Basket and Carafe, and wash them in warm, sudsy water. Dry parts thoroughly.
- Using a slightly damp, non-abrasive sponge, towel, or cloth, wipe the exterior surface of the coffee maker. Wipe with a non-abrasive towel to dry.
- Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the surface of the Warming Plate. Never use abrasive cleaners to clean the Warming Plate.
NOTE: To protect against electrical shock and damage to the appliance, do not immerse the cord, plug, or unit in any liquid. Never place any parts in the dishwasher. Always wash by hand.
Mineral Deposits / Decalcifying
Minerals found in water, such as calcium and lime, will leave deposits in your coffee maker and affect its performance. To keep your RETRO 12-CUP COFFEE MAKER operating efficiently, it is recommended that you regularly remove these deposits.
The frequency is dependent upon whether you are using hard or soft water, and how often you brew.
Suggested Decalcifying Interval
- Soft water………….Every 80 Brew Cycles
- Hard Water………..Every 40 Brew Cycles
- Using a store-bought coffee maker descaler, fill the Water Tank to the MAX level with a solution of water and descaler in accordance with the descaler instructions.
- Place a coffee filter into the Filter Basket (without coffee grounds), close the Top Cover, and place the Carafe onto the Warming Plate.
- Press the ON/OFF button. The BREW indicator light will illuminate and begin the brewing cycle.
- When finished brewing, turn off the coffee maker.
- Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes, then discard the solution. Repeat steps 1-4 one more time.
- Finally, rinse the coffee maker by operating it with only water and repeat at least three times.
RETURNS & WARRANTY
SHOULD YOUR UNIT NOT WORK OR IF DAMAGED WHEN YOU FIRST TAKE IT OUT OF THE BOX, PLEASE RETURN IT TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE IMMEDIATELY.
RETRO 12-CUP COFFEE MAKER / RCOF120AQ
Should you have any questions, please contact us via email or at the customer service number listed below between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Central Standard Time.
Distributed by
Nostalgia Products LLC
1471 Partnership Dr.
Green Bay, WI 54304-5685
Customer Service
Phone: (920) 347-9122
Web: www.nostalgiaproducts.com
Customer Service Inquiry
To submit a Customer Service inquiry, go to www.nostalgiaproducts.com, fill out the Customer Service Inquiry form, and click the Submit button.
A representative will contact you as soon as possible.
Product Warranty Terms
Nostalgia Products LLC (the “Company”) hereby warrants that for one (1) year from the date of original purchase, this product will be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal home use, provided that the product is operated and maintained according to the operating instructions. As the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty, the Company will, at its discretion, either repair or replace the product found to be defective or issue a refund on the product during the warranty period. This warranty is only available to the original retail purchaser of the product from the date of initial retail purchase, and is only valid with the original sales receipt, as proof of purchase date is required to obtain warranty benefits.
All warranty claims must be brought to the attention of the Company within the warranty period and no later than 30 days after the failure to perform. This warranty does not cover normal wear or damage caused by shipping, mishandling, misuse, accident, alteration, improper replacement parts, or other than ordinary household use. You may be required to return the product (with shipping prepaid by you) for inspection and evaluation. Return shipping costs are not refundable. The Company is not responsible for returns damaged or lost in transit. Unless otherwise specifically permitted by the operating instructions, this warranty applies to indoor household use only. To obtain service under this warranty, please contact the Company at the telephone number listed above or by filling out the Customer Service Inquiry Form located at www.nostalgiaproducts.com. The warranty is valid only in the USA and Canada.
This warranty is instead of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, which are hereby excluded to the extent permitted by law. In no event shall the Company be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with this product or the use thereof. Some states, provinces, or jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the foregoing exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
This warranty does not apply to re-manufactured merchandise.
Please read the operating instructions carefully. Failure to comply with the operating instructions will void this warranty.
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Nostalgia RCOF120AQ Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker- FAQs
Does it have an automatic shut-off feature?
Yes! The 2-hour auto shut-off prevents overheating and saves energy.
Can I brew less than 12 cups?
Yes, you can brew as little as 1 cup. Adjust the coffee grounds accordingly.
How long does it take to brew a full pot?
Approx. 10–12 minutes for 12 cups, depending on water temperature.
Why is my coffee weak or watery?
Use more coffee grounds (1–2 tbsp per cup).
Ensure the filter is properly seated to prevent bypassing.
Clean the machine to remove mineral buildup.
Can I use this coffee maker for tea or hot water?
Yes! Simply run a cycle without coffee to dispense hot water for tea or instant soups.
Why is my coffee maker leaking?
Check that the carafe is properly aligned under the dispenser.
Ensure the filter basket is securely closed.
Inspect for cracks in the carafe or reservoir.
How do I program the timer for automatic brewing?
Press the “Program” button.
Set the desired brew time using the “+/-” buttons.
Press “On/Off” to confirm.
Does it come with a reusable filter?
Yes! The permanent mesh filter is included (paper filters are optional).
How do I pause brewing to pour a cup mid-cycle?
Lift the carafe during brewing to pause.
Return it within 30 seconds to continue brewing.
Is the carafe glass or thermal?
It features a retro-style glass carafe with a stainless steel warming plate to keep coffee hot.
Can I replace the carafe if it breaks?
Yes! Replacement carafes are available through Nostalgia’s customer service or authorized retailers.