Cuisinart Coffee Center BaristaBar SS-4N1C Series Manual

The Cuisinart Coffee Center BaristaBar SS-4N1C Series is a versatile 4-in-1 coffee brewing system featuring a 12-cup programmable coffeemaker, a single-serve brewer for K-Cup® pods, a hot water dispenser, and a built-in milk frother. It includes a reusable coffee filter, a permanent K-Cup® pod adapter, a stainless steel frothing pitcher, and a descaling solution. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Brewing Coffee 7. Using the Milk Frother 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Descaling 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Carafe, Single-Serve Pod Holder, Hot Water Spout, Frother Wand, Control Panel, Water Reservoir, Drip Tray.

FeatureDescription
12-Cup Programmable CoffeemakerBrews up to 12 cups; programmable clock/timer
Single-Serve BrewerBrews K-Cup® pods or ground coffee with adapter
Hot Water DispenserProvides hot water for tea, cocoa, oatmeal
Built-in Milk FrotherSteams and froths milk for lattes and cappuccinos
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves impurities; improves taste (included)
Reusable Coffee FilterEco-friendly filter for 12-cup brewing
Permanent K-Cup® AdapterFor use with your own ground coffee
Stainless Steel Frothing PitcherFor frothing milk (included)
Descaling SolutionFor periodic cleaning (included)
Auto Shut-OffTurns off coffeemaker after brewing

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a clean, flat, stable surface near a power outlet.

  1. Insert Charcoal Filter: Soak filter in water for 15 minutes, then place in water reservoir basket.
  2. Fill Water Reservoir: Lift lid and fill with fresh, cold water to desired level.
  3. Prime the System: Run a cycle of hot water through each brewer without coffee to clean.
  4. Set the Clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, then use HOUR/MIN to set time.

WARNING! Ensure unit is unplugged during setup. Keep away from edges to prevent tipping.

First-Time Use

Plug into a 120V AC outlet. Follow on-panel prompts.

  1. Select Brew Type: Press BREW TYPE for 12-CUP or SINGLE-SERVE.
  2. Set Brew Strength: Press STRENGTH for BOLD or REGULAR (12-cup only).
  3. Program Auto Brew: Press PROGRAM, set time, then press AUTO ON.
  4. Test Frother: Fill pitcher with milk, select FROTH/STEAM, press START.

CAUTION! Do not operate without water in reservoir. First brews may taste off—discard.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Control Panel: POWER, BREW TYPE (12-CUP/SINGLE), STRENGTH, CLOCK, PROGRAM, AUTO ON, HOT WATER, FROTH/STEAM, START/CANCEL.

Indicator Lights: POWER (green), READY (blue), HOT WATER (orange), FROTH (white).

12-Cup Mode: Select strength, set auto brew, use brew pause. Single-Serve Mode: Place pod, select cup size (6, 8, 10, 12 oz). Hot Water: Press HOT WATER, place cup, press START. Frother: Select FROTH (foamy) or STEAM (heated), press START.

Brewing Coffee

For 12-cup or single-serve brewing.

  1. Fill Reservoir: Ensure water level matches desired cups.
  2. Add Coffee: For 12-cup, add grounds to filter (1 tbsp per cup). For single-serve, insert K-Cup® or fill adapter with grounds.
  3. Select Mode: Press BREW TYPE for 12-CUP or SINGLE-SERVE.
  4. Set Options: Press STRENGTH for 12-cup; select cup size for single-serve.
  5. Start Brew: Press START. Brewing begins; pause by lifting carafe.
  6. Hot Water: Press HOT WATER, then START to dispense.

Tip: Use filtered water for better taste. Rinse carafe after each use.

Using the Milk Frother

For lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate.

  1. Fill Pitcher: Pour cold milk to MAX line (do not exceed).
  2. Attach Frother: Place pitcher under frother wand; ensure secure.
  3. Select Mode: Press FROTH/STEAM for desired texture.
  4. Start: Press START. Frothing lasts about 60 seconds.
  5. Clean Immediately: Rinse wand and pitcher after use to prevent clogging.

WARNING! Frother wand gets hot. Keep hands clear. Use only with provided pitcher.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Unplug and cool before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; do not immerse.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners. Never clean frother wand with sharp objects.

Descaling

Required every 3-6 months to remove mineral buildup.

  1. Prepare Solution: Mix included descaling solution with 24 oz water in carafe.
  2. Start Descaling: Pour into reservoir, press POWER, then HOT WATER and START.
  3. Rinse: Run two cycles of clean water through hot water spout.
  4. Clean Frother: Run frother with water only to flush.

Note: Descaling indicator light may illuminate when needed.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Cuisinart, a division of Conair Corporation. Patents pending. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190. This product is for household use only.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerOutlet/plugCheck outlet; ensure plug is secure; press POWER button.
Water not heatingDescaling neededDescale unit; ensure reservoir is filled.
Weak coffeeGrind/strength settingUse finer grind; select BOLD strength; check filter.
LeakingMisaligned partsEnsure carafe, pod holder, reservoir are properly seated.
Frother not workingClogged wandClean wand with damp cloth; ensure pitcher is attached.
Single-serve not brewingPod/piercingCheck pod insertion; clean pod holder; ensure water.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute, then restart.

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

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