Cuisinart Coffee Center Brew Basics SS-12 Manual

The Cuisinart Coffee Center Brew Basics SS-12 is a versatile 12-cup programmable coffee maker with a built-in hot water system, 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, adjustable brew strength, charcoal water filter, and a stainless steel carafe. It features a hot water dispenser for tea, cocoa, or instant soups, a pause & serve function, and a cleaning indicator light. 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. Using the Hot Water System 7. Brewing Coffee 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with water reservoir, 12-cup glass carafe, Charcoal Water Filter, Hot Water Dispenser, Control Panel with LCD display.

Feature	Description
Programmable Timer	Set brew time up to 24 hours in advance
Adjustable Brew Strength	Select regular or bold coffee strength
Hot Water System	Separate hot water dispenser for beverages
Auto Shut-Off	Automatically turns off after brewing (0-4 hours)
Pause & Serve	Interrupt brewing to pour a cup
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes chlorine and impurities for better taste
Cleaning Indicator	Light alerts when decalcification is needed
LCD Display	Shows time, programming status, and alerts
Brew Basket	Removable for easy cleaning
Power Cord Storage	Wrap excess cord under base

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, dry, level surface away from edges.

Insert Charcoal Filter: Soak filter in cold water for 15 minutes, then place in filter holder in water reservoir.
Attach Water Reservoir: Ensure it is securely seated on the base.
Place Carafe: Position glass carafe on the warming plate, aligning with the drip stop.
Plug into AC power outlet (120V).

WARNING! Do not place near heat sources or in direct sunlight. Ensure unit is on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, clean the unit by running a brewing cycle with water only (no coffee).

Set Clock: Press and hold CLOCK, then use HOUR and MIN buttons to set current time.
Program Brew Time (Optional): Press PROG, then set desired brew time using HOUR/MIN.
Adjust Auto Shut-Off: Press AUTO OFF to select duration (0, 1, 2, or 4 hours).
Select Brew Strength: Press BREW STRENGTH to toggle between REGULAR and BOLD.

CAUTION! Handle carafe with care; it is hot during and after brewing. Use handle only.

Specifications

Capacity: Up to 12 cups (5 oz per cup).
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 900W.
Water Reservoir: Removable, with charcoal filter holder.
Carafe: 12-cup glass with ergonomic handle and dripless spout.
Hot Water System: Separate heating element, dispenses near-boiling water.
Programmability: 24-hour advance brew start.
Controls: Digital clock, programmable timer, brew strength, auto shut-off.
Dimensions: Standard countertop size.
Warranty: Limited 3-year warranty.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER, CLOCK, PROG (Program), HOUR, MIN, BREW STRENGTH, AUTO OFF, HOT WATER, CLEAN.

Basic Functions: POWER turns unit on/off. CLOCK sets time. PROG sets delayed brew. BREW STRENGTH selects coffee intensity. AUTO OFF sets automatic shut-off delay. HOT WATER activates hot water dispenser. CLEAN starts cleaning cycle.

LCD Display: Shows current time, programmed brew time, auto-off status, and clean indicator.

Using the Hot Water System

The hot water dispenser provides near-boiling water for tea, instant drinks, etc.

Ensure unit is powered on and water reservoir is filled.
Press HOT WATER button; indicator light will illuminate.
Wait for heating cycle to complete (approx. 3-5 minutes).
Place cup under dispenser and press lever to dispense water.
Press HOT WATER again to turn off.

Tip: Do not use hot water system without water in reservoir. Always dispense into a heat-safe container.

Brewing Coffee

For best results, use fresh, cold water and medium grind coffee.

Fill Reservoir: Lift lid and add cold water to desired cup level.
Add Coffee: Place filter in basket, add coffee grounds (1 tbsp per cup).
Start Brewing: Press POWER, then BREW NOW for immediate brew, or ensure PROG is set for delayed brew.
Pause & Serve: During brew, you can press PAUSE & SERVE to pour a cup, then release to continue brewing.
When Complete: Coffee will keep warm on plate for auto-off duration. Carafe is hot; use handle.

WARNING! Never remove carafe while brewing is in progress unless using Pause & Serve feature.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Empty and rinse carafe and filter basket. Wipe exterior with damp cloth.
Monthly: Replace charcoal water filter (soak new filter 15 min before inserting).
Decalcification: When CLEAN light illuminates, run cleaning cycle with descaling solution (vinegar or commercial descaler). Follow instructions in manual.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Never immerse unit in water. Use only recommended cleaning agents.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit won't turn on	No power	Check outlet; ensure plug is secure; press POWER button.
Coffee is not hot	Carafe not preheated	Preheat carafe with hot water before brewing.
Slow brewing/dripping	Clogged filter/water lines	Clean filter basket and showerhead; descale unit.
Hot water not dispensing	Empty reservoir/not heated	Fill reservoir; wait for HOT WATER light to indicate ready.
CLEAN light is on	Mineral buildup	Run descaling cycle as per instructions.
Leaking water	Improper assembly	Ensure reservoir, carafe, and filter basket are correctly seated.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute, then plug back in to reset electronics.

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