Cuisinart Coffee Center BaristaBar SS-4N1 Series Manual

The Cuisinart Coffee Center BaristaBar SS-4N1 Series is a versatile coffee brewing system featuring a 12-cup programmable coffeemaker, a single-serve brewer for use with ground coffee or pods, a hot water dispenser, a 24-hour programmable clock, an auto shut-off function, a charcoal water filter, a removable water reservoir, a stainless steel finish, and a warming plate. 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. Using the Single-Serve Brewer 8. Care & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Single-Serve Brewer, Hot Water Dispenser, Removable Water Reservoir, Charcoal Water Filter, Warming Plate, Control Panel.

FeatureDescription
12-Cup CoffeemakerProgrammable brewing with auto shut-off
Single-Serve BrewerBrews directly into a cup using ground coffee or pods
Hot Water DispenserProvides hot water for tea, cocoa, or oatmeal
Removable Water ReservoirEasy-fill, removable tank with water window
Charcoal Water FilterImproves taste by reducing chlorine and impurities
Warming PlateKeeps coffee hot after brewing
Programmable Clock/Timer24-hour digital clock with programmable brew start
Control PanelButtons for power, brew, single-serve, hot water, and programming
Auto Shut-OffAutomatically turns off warming plate after 4 hours
Stainless Steel FinishDurable and easy-to-clean exterior

Installation

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

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

WARNING! Ensure the unit is placed away from the edge of countertops and out of reach of children. Do not immerse the base, cord, or plug in water.

First-Time Setup

Power on the unit; the digital display will illuminate.

  1. Set the Clock: Press and hold the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the current time.
  2. Prime the System: Run a full cycle of fresh water through both the 12-cup brewer and single-serve brewer without coffee to remove any manufacturing residues.
  3. Program Auto Brew (Optional): Use the PROGRAM button to set a time for the 12-cup brewer to start automatically.
  4. Adjust Settings: Familiarize yourself with the BREW STRENGTH and HOT WATER controls.

CAUTION! The warming plate, carafe, and dispensed water become very hot. Handle with care.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via the front Control Panel. Buttons: POWER, BREW, SINGLE-SERVE, HOT WATER, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, BREW STRENGTH.

Display: Shows time, program status, and "Add Water" alert.

12-Cup Brewing: Select BREW STRENGTH (Regular or Bold). Use PROGRAM to set auto-brew time. Single-Serve Brewing: Press SINGLE-SERVE button, select cup size if applicable. Hot Water: Press HOT WATER button to dispense. Clock/Program: Set time with HOUR/MIN. Set auto-brew by pressing PROGRAM, then setting time with HOUR/MIN.

Brewing Coffee (12-Cup)

For use with ground coffee.

  1. Fill the water reservoir with cold, filtered water.
  2. Place a paper filter (or permanent filter) into the brew basket.
  3. Add ground coffee (1 tablespoon per cup).
  4. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
  5. Press the BREW button. The brew cycle will begin.
  6. When brewing is complete, the warming plate will keep coffee hot.

Tip: For best results, use the included charcoal water filter and fresh, cold water.

Using the Single-Serve Brewer

Supports ground coffee or compatible pods.

  1. Lift the single-serve brewer lid.
  2. For Ground Coffee: Place the reusable filter cup in the holder, add coffee, close lid.
  3. For a Pod: Place a compatible pod in the holder, close lid.
  4. Place a cup (up to 15 oz) on the drip tray.
  5. Press the SINGLE-SERVE button. Brewing will start immediately.
  6. To stop brewing early, press the button again.

WARNING! Do not use the single-serve brewer without a cup or mug in place. Dispensed liquid is hot.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug and allow to cool completely before cleaning.

Daily: Wash carafe, brew basket, and single-serve parts with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Descaling: Perform every 3-6 months using a descaling solution or white vinegar/water mix. Run solution through a brew cycle, then run several cycles of fresh water to rinse. Charcoal Filter: Replace every 60 brew cycles or every 2 months.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Never immerse the base unit, cord, or plug in water.

Regulatory Information

This appliance complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit does not power onPower cord not plugged inEnsure the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet.
No water flowEmpty water reservoir or clogFill the water reservoir. Check for and clear any clogs in the water inlet.
Coffee is not hotCold water used, warming plate offUse cold water only. Ensure the warming plate is on (auto shut-off may have activated).
Single-serve brewer leaksLid not closed properly or worn sealEnsure the lid is fully closed. Check the seal for damage and replace if necessary.
"Add Water" light is onLow water levelRefill the water reservoir with cold water.
Poor coffee tasteOld coffee, dirty system, or old filterUse fresh coffee and fresh water. Clean the system and replace the charcoal filter.

Reset: Unplug the unit for 2 minutes, then plug it back in to reset the electronic controls.

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

Cuisinart Coffee Center BaristaBar SS-4N1 Series Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025