Cuisinart CHW-12C Manual

The Cuisinart CHW-12C is a 12-cup programmable coffee maker with a stainless steel carafe, 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, brew pause feature, charcoal water filter, and a 1-4 cup setting for optimal flavor. It features a digital clock with easy-to-read display, adjustable keep-warm plate, and a gold-tone commercial-style filter. 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. Brewing Coffee 7. Programming 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel carafe, digital control panel, water reservoir, charcoal water filter, gold-tone filter basket, warming plate, and power cord.

Feature	Description
12-Cup Capacity	Brews up to 12 cups (5 oz per cup) of coffee
Programmable Timer	24-hour advance programming for automatic brewing
Auto Shut-Off	Automatically turns off after brewing (0-4 hours adjustable)
Brew Pause	Allows you to pour a cup before brewing is complete
1-4 Cup Setting	Optimizes brewing for smaller amounts
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes impurities for better tasting coffee
Adjustable Keep-Warm	Keeps coffee at optimal temperature after brewing
Digital Clock	Easy-to-read display with 12/24 hour format
Gold-Tone Filter	Commercial-style permanent filter (no paper needed)
Stainless Steel Carafe	Durable, drip-free pouring with ergonomic handle

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on clean, dry, level surface.

Remove all packaging materials from inside and outside the unit.
Wash carafe, filter basket, and charcoal filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
Insert charcoal water filter into the filter holder in the water reservoir.
Place the gold-tone filter basket into the brew basket area.
Ensure the warming plate is clean and free of debris.
Plug power cord into a 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse the coffee maker base, cord, or plug in water. Keep away from heat sources and edges of countertops.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, perform a cleaning cycle to remove any manufacturing residues.

Fill water reservoir to the 12-cup mark with clean, cold water.
Place empty carafe on the warming plate.
Press the ON/OFF button to start the cleaning cycle.
Allow the full cycle to complete (water will run through without coffee).
Discard the water from the carafe.
Set the clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, then use HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set the correct time.
Set auto shut-off time: Press and hold AUTO OFF button, then select 0-4 hours.

CAUTION! Never operate without water in the reservoir. Always use the carafe when brewing.

Specifications

Model: CHW-12C
Capacity: 12 cups (60 oz)
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 900W
Dimensions: 10.5" W x 14" H x 8" D
Weight: 6.5 lbs
Carafe Material: Stainless steel
Filter Type: Gold-tone commercial permanent filter
Water Filter: Charcoal filter included
Programmability: 24-hour advance programming
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: ON/OFF, PROGRAM, CLOCK, HOUR, MINUTE, AUTO OFF, 1-4 CUP, BREW PAUSE indicator.

Functions: PROGRAM - Set automatic brew time; CLOCK - Set current time; AUTO OFF - Set auto shut-off duration (0, 2, or 4 hours); 1-4 CUP - Select for brewing 1-4 cups; BREW PAUSE - Allows pouring during brewing cycle.

Display: Shows current time, programmed brew time, and auto-off status. Indicators light up for active functions.

Brewing Coffee

For manual brewing (immediate start):

Fill water reservoir with cold water to desired cup level.
Place gold-tone filter in brew basket.
Add ground coffee: 1 tablespoon per cup (adjust to taste).
Place empty carafe on warming plate.
Press ON/OFF button to start brewing.
For 1-4 cups: Press 1-4 CUP button before starting brew.
Use BREW PAUSE feature to pour a cup during brewing if needed.
When brewing completes, coffee will stay warm on the warming plate.

Tip: For best results, use fresh, cold water and grind coffee beans just before brewing.

Programming

To set automatic brewing:

Ensure clock is set to correct time.
Fill water reservoir and add coffee grounds as described above.
Press and hold PROGRAM button.
While holding PROGRAM, press HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set desired brew time.
Release PROGRAM button when desired time is displayed.
PROGRAM indicator will light up, confirming automatic brew is set.
The coffee maker will automatically brew at the programmed time.
To cancel programmed brew: Press and hold PROGRAM until indicator turns off.

Note: The coffee maker must remain plugged in and turned on for programmed brewing to work.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and coffee flavor.

Daily: Empty and rinse carafe and filter basket after each use.
Weekly: Clean exterior with damp cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners.
Monthly: Descale to remove mineral deposits:
- Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water
- Pour into water reservoir and run half cycle
- Turn off and let sit 30 minutes
- Complete cycle, then run 2 cycles with clean water
Charcoal Filter: Replace every 60 days or after 60 uses.
Gold-tone Filter: Clean with warm, soapy water; rinse thoroughly.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Never immerse base in water. Do not use harsh chemicals.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for safety in the United States and Canada. FCC Part 15: Complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190. This appliance is for household use only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Coffee maker won't turn on	Power source/plug	Check outlet; ensure plug is fully inserted; try different outlet.
No brewing occurs	Water reservoir empty	Fill reservoir with water; ensure carafe is properly positioned.
Weak or slow brewing	Mineral buildup/clog	Descale unit; clean filter basket and spray head.
Programmed brew doesn't start	Clock not set/unit off	Ensure clock is set correctly and unit is ON (not just plugged in).
Coffee tastes bad	Old coffee/dirty unit	Use fresh coffee; clean carafe and filter; replace charcoal filter.
Leaking water	Improper assembly	Ensure all parts are properly seated; check for cracks in reservoir.
Display not working	Power interruption	Unplug for 10 seconds, then replug; reset clock if needed.

Reset: Unplug for 10 minutes to reset all electronic controls.

Service: 1-800-726-0190; www.cuisinart.com