Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1170BK Manual

The Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1170BK is a 12-cup programmable coffeemaker with a sleek black finish. It features a 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, a 1-4 cup setting for optimal brewing of smaller batches, a charcoal water filter, a pause & serve function, and an illuminated on/off switch. The unit includes a glass carafe, a gold-tone permanent filter, and a measuring scoop. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Cleaning & Maintenance 7. Programming Instructions 8. Troubleshooting 9. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Glass Carafe, Charcoal Water Filter, Gold-Tone Permanent Filter, Programmable Clock/Timer, Auto Shut-Off, 1-4 Cup Setting, Pause & Serve.

FeatureDescription
Programmable 24-Hour ClockSet brew time in advance
Auto Shut-OffTurns off automatically after brewing (0-4 hours)
1-4 Cup SettingOptimizes brewing for 1 to 4 cups
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves impurities for better taste
Pause & ServeInterrupt brewing to pour a cup
Permanent FilterEliminates need for paper filters
Illuminated On/Off SwitchEasy-to-see power indicator
Brew Strength SelectorChoose Regular or Bold flavor
Ready ToneAudible signal when brewing is complete
Water WindowShows water level for easy filling

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, dry, level, and heat-resistant surface.

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
  2. Wash the carafe, permanent filter, and charcoal filter holder with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
  3. Insert the charcoal water filter into the filter holder and soak it in water for 15 minutes.
  4. Place the filter holder with the charcoal filter into the machine.
  5. Plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse the base unit, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid. Ensure the unit is on a stable surface away from edges.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, perform a cleaning brew cycle without coffee.

  1. Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup mark with fresh, cold water.
  2. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
  3. Press the ON/OFF switch to start the brewing cycle.
  4. Allow the full cycle to complete and discard the water.
  5. Your coffeemaker is now ready for use.

CAUTION! The warming plate and carafe will be hot after brewing. Handle with care.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel Controls: ON/OFF Switch, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, AUTO ON, AUTO OFF, BREW STRENGTH (Regular/Bold), 1-4 CUP.

Basic Operation: Fill reservoir, add coffee to filter, place carafe, press ON/OFF.

Programming Clock: Press and hold PROGRAM, then use HOUR and MIN to set time. Release PROGRAM.

Setting Auto On: With clock set, press AUTO ON, then use HOUR/MIN to set desired brew time. The AUTO ON light will illuminate.

Setting Auto Off: Press AUTO OFF repeatedly to cycle through shut-off delay options (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours).

Brew Strength: Press BREW STRENGTH to toggle between Regular and Bold.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Wash carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. Monthly/As Needed: Descale the unit to remove mineral deposits.
    • Fill reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water to the 12-cup line.
    • Place an empty carafe on the warming plate and start a brew cycle halfway. Pause and let solution sit in reservoir for 30 minutes.
    • Resume cycle to complete. Discard vinegar solution.
    • Run 2-3 cycles with fresh water only to rinse.
  3. Charcoal Filter: Replace every 60 brew cycles or every 2 months for best results.

CAUTION! Always unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

Programming Instructions

To program the coffeemaker to brew automatically at a specific time:

  1. Ensure the clock is set to the correct current time.
  2. Fill the water reservoir with the desired amount of cold water.
  3. Place the charcoal water filter and permanent filter in the filter basket.
  4. Add the desired amount of ground coffee to the filter.
  5. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
  6. Press the AUTO ON button. The AUTO ON light will blink.
  7. Use the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the time you want brewing to begin.
  8. Press AUTO ON again to confirm. The light will stay on.
  9. The coffeemaker will now automatically begin brewing at the set time.

Tip: To cancel a programmed Auto On time, press and hold the AUTO ON button for 3 seconds until the light turns off.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Coffeemaker won't turn onNo powerEnsure unit is plugged in. Check outlet. Press ON/OFF switch firmly.
Water does not flow throughClogged filter/water lineClean permanent filter. Descale the unit. Ensure reservoir is filled.
Coffee tastes badOld coffee/ dirty carafe / old filterUse fresh coffee and cold water. Clean carafe and filter. Replace charcoal filter.
Auto On does not workClock not set / program errorSet the correct current time. Re-program the Auto On time.
Coffee is too weak or too strongIncorrect coffee-to-water ratioUse 1 level tablespoon of ground coffee per 5 oz cup. Adjust to taste.
Leaking waterMisaligned carafe / overfilled reservoirEnsure carafe is properly seated under the drip stop. Do not exceed 12-cup line.

Reset: Unplug the unit for 5 minutes to reset the electronic controls.

Warranty & Support

Cuisinart offers a limited 3-year warranty for the DCC-1170BK coffeemaker. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Proof of purchase is required.

For Customer Service: Please have your model number (DCC-1170BK) and date of purchase ready.

Note: This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, commercial use, or unauthorized repairs.

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