Cuisinart Coffee Center BaristaBar SS-4N1SC Manual

The Cuisinart Coffee Center BaristaBar SS-4N1SC is a versatile 4-in-1 coffee station featuring a 12-cup programmable coffeemaker, a single-serve brewer for pods and ground coffee, a built-in milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos, and a warming plate. It includes a reusable filter, a permanent gold-tone filter for single-serve, a glass carafe, a 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. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Single-Serve Brewer (for pods & ground coffee), Integrated Milk Frother, Warming Plate, Reusable Filters, Glass Carafe, Frothing Pitcher.

FeatureDescription
12-Cup CoffeemakerProgrammable with auto-shutoff (0-4 hours) and brew pause
Single-Serve BrewerUses K-Cup® pods or ground coffee with included filter
Milk FrotherSteams and froths milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate
Warming PlateKeeps carafe warm; adjustable temperature setting
Water FiltrationCharcoal water filter improves taste (filter included)
ControlsDigital display, PROGRAM, CLOCK, BREW, STRENGTH, CUP SIZE
Frother ControlsFROTH/STEAM selector, temperature dial, ON/OFF
IndicatorsREADY, ADD WATER, CLEAN, DESCALE lights
Power120V AC, 60Hz, 1475W
DimensionsApprox. 14.5" H x 10.5" W x 8.5" D

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers from the unit, carafe, and filters.
  2. Wash the glass carafe, lid, reusable filters, and frothing pitcher with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
  3. Insert the charcoal water filter into the filter holder in the water reservoir (soak filter first for 15 minutes per instructions).
  4. Fill the water reservoir to the MAX line with fresh, cold water and run a brewing cycle without coffee to clean the system (see First-Time Use).
  5. Plug the power cord into a 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure the unit is on a stable surface away from edges. Keep away from water sources (sink, stove) and heat. Do not immerse in water.

First-Time Use

Before first brew, prime the system to remove any manufacturing residues.

  1. Ensure the unit is unplugged. Fill the water reservoir to the MAX line with cold water.
  2. Place an empty glass carafe on the warming plate. Place a clean paper filter or the reusable filter in the basket.
  3. Plug in the unit. Press the POWER button. The digital display will illuminate.
  4. Press the BREW button to start a brew cycle without coffee. Discard this water.
  5. Repeat this process once more with fresh water. The unit is now ready for brewing.
  6. To set the clock, press and hold the CLOCK button, then use the HOUR and MIN buttons.

CAUTION! The warming plate, carafe, and brewed coffee become very hot. Handle with care using handles.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Main Control Panel (Digital Display): POWER, PROGRAM, CLOCK, BREW, STRENGTH (Bold/Regular), CUP SIZE (Single-Serve), AUTO OFF (0-4 Hr).

Milk Frother Panel: POWER, FROTH/STEAM Selector, Temperature Dial, READY Light.

Indicators: ADD WATER (low reservoir), CLEAN (frother needs cleaning), DESCALE (unit needs descaling).

Programming: Use PROGRAM button to set auto-brew time. Use CLOCK to set current time. STRENGTH adjusts coffee boldness for single-serve. CUP SIZE selects 6, 8, or 10 oz for single-serve.

Brewing Coffee

For 12-Cup Carafe:

  1. Fill water reservoir to desired cup level (see markings).
  2. Place paper filter or clean reusable filter in basket.
  3. Add ground coffee (1 tbsp per cup). Close lid.
  4. Place empty carafe on warming plate.
  5. Press POWER, then BREW. For auto-brew, set PROGRAM time.
  6. Pause & Serve feature allows you to pour a cup during brewing.

For Single-Serve:

  1. Lift pod holder. Insert a K-Cup® pod OR add ground coffee to reusable filter.
  2. Close pod holder. Place mug on drip tray.
  3. Select CUP SIZE (6, 8, 10 oz). Select STRENGTH if desired.
  4. Press BREW. Brewing stops automatically.

Tip: Use fresh, cold water and medium grind coffee for best results.

Using the Milk Frother

Prepare lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, or simply heat milk.

  1. Ensure frother is clean. Fill frothing pitcher with cold milk to the MAX line (do not overfill).
  2. Attach pitcher to the frother base securely.
  3. Turn the selector to FROTH (for foam) or STEAM (for hot milk without foam).
  4. Set the temperature dial to desired level.
  5. Press the POWER button. The READY light will illuminate when process is complete.
  6. Pour frothed milk into your coffee. Clean frother immediately after use (see Cleaning).

WARNING! The frother and pitcher become extremely hot. Always use the handle. Do not touch hot surfaces.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Discard used grounds, rinse carafe and filters. Wipe exterior with damp cloth.

Frother Cleaning: After each use, fill pitcher with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Run frother for 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly.

Descaling: Perform every 3-6 months or when DESCALE light illuminates.

  1. Mix descaling solution (provided) with water as per instructions.
  2. Pour into reservoir. Place empty carafe.
  3. Press and hold BREW and POWER for 3 seconds to start descale cycle.
  4. Follow on-prompt rinses with fresh water.

Water Filter: Replace charcoal filter every 60 brews or 2 months.

CAUTION! Always unplug and let unit cool completely before cleaning. Never immerse base, cord, or plugs in water.

Safety Information

To reduce risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

Warranty & Support

Cuisinart offers a 3-year limited warranty for this product. For warranty service, proof of purchase is required. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, commercial use, or unauthorized repairs.

For customer support, troubleshooting, or to order parts:

Cuisinart Customer Service: 1-800-726-0190

Website: www.cuisinart.com

Register your product online for faster service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit does not turn onNot plugged in / No powerEnsure plug is firmly in outlet. Check circuit breaker.
No water flow / Coffee not brewingClogged filter / Low waterCheck and clean filter. Ensure reservoir is filled above MIN line.
Coffee is not hot enoughCold carafe / Warming plate offPre-warm carafe with hot water. Ensure AUTO OFF is not set to 0 Hr.
Frother not workingNot assembled correctly / Needs cleaningEnsure pitcher is locked onto base. Clean frother thoroughly.
DESCALE light is onMineral buildupPerform descaling procedure (see Cleaning).
Leaking waterOverfilled reservoir / Loose partsDo not fill above MAX line. Ensure carafe is properly seated and filters are correctly placed.
Single-serve brew is weakIncorrect grind / Clogged needleUse medium grind. Clean pod holder needle with a paperclip.

Reset: Unplug unit for 2 minutes, then plug back in to reset electronics.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact Cuisinart Customer Service at 1-800-726-0190.

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