Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 Manual

The Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-12 is a versatile 12-cup programmable coffee maker with a built-in hot water system, 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, brew pause feature, charcoal water filter, and stainless steel finish. It includes a glass carafe, permanent filter, and hot water dispenser for tea, cocoa, or instant soups. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, cleaning, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Functions 5. Brewing Coffee 6. Using the Hot Water System 7. Programming & Settings 8. Care & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Glass Carafe, Permanent Gold-Tone Filter, Charcoal Water Filter, Hot Water Dispenser, Programmable Clock/Timer, Control Panel with LCD Display.

Feature	Description
12-Cup Capacity	Brews up to 12 cups (5-oz per cup) of coffee
Hot Water System	Separate hot water dispenser for beverages
24-Hour Programmability	Set brew time in advance
Auto Shut-Off	Automatically turns off after brewing (0-4 hours)
Brew Pause	Pause brewing to pour a cup mid-cycle
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes impurities for better tasting coffee
Permanent Filter	Eliminates need for paper filters
LCD Display	Shows time, programming status, and settings
Stainless Steel Housing	Durable and easy to clean
Power Cord Storage	Wrap excess cord in base

Installation & Setup

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

Insert charcoal filter: Soak filter in water for 15 minutes, place in filter holder.
Install permanent filter: Place gold-tone filter into filter basket.
Add water: Fill reservoir with cold water up to 12-cup mark.
Plug into 120V AC outlet.
Set clock: Press CLOCK, then HOUR and MINUTE to set current time.

WARNING! Ensure unit is unplugged during initial setup. Keep away from water sources to prevent electric shock.

Specifications

Model: SS-12 Coffee Center
Capacity: 12 cups (60 oz) coffee, 40 oz hot water tank
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1050W
Dimensions: 11.5" W x 8.5" D x 14.25" H
Weight: 6.5 lbs
Materials: Stainless steel housing, glass carafe, BPA-free parts
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Included: Coffee maker, glass carafe, permanent filter, charcoal filter, instruction manual

Controls and Functions

Control Panel: POWER, PROGRAM, CLOCK, HOUR, MINUTE, AUTO ON, AUTO OFF, BREW, HOT WATER.

LCD Display: Shows time, programming icons, and status messages.

Basic Functions: Press POWER to turn unit on/off. Press BREW to start immediate brewing. Press HOT WATER to dispense hot water. Use PROGRAM to set delayed brew time. AUTO ON/OFF sets automatic shut-off timer (0-4 hours). CLOCK adjusts time.

Brewing Coffee

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

Ensure charcoal filter is installed and reservoir filled.
Add coffee grounds to permanent filter (1 tbsp per cup).
Place empty carafe on warming plate.
Press POWER to turn unit on.
Press BREW to start immediate brewing.
Use BREW PAUSE feature to pour a cup during brewing.
When brewing completes, auto shut-off activates (if set).

Tip: For stronger coffee, use more grounds or select "Strong Brew" if available.

Using the Hot Water System

The hot water dispenser provides near-boiling water for various uses.

Ensure hot water tank is filled (automatically fills from main reservoir).
Place cup or container under hot water spout.
Press HOT WATER button to dispense.
Release button to stop flow.

CAUTION! Hot water can cause burns. Keep away from children. Do not touch spout during or immediately after use.

Programming & Settings

Set delayed brew time for automatic morning coffee.

Press PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
Use HOUR and MINUTE to set desired brew time.
Press PROGRAM again to confirm.
"Auto On" icon will appear on display.
Ensure coffee grounds and water are prepared in advance.
Unit will automatically brew at set time.

To cancel programmed brew: Press and hold PROGRAM for 3 seconds until icon disappears.

Care & Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Empty and rinse carafe and filter basket.
Weekly: Clean carafe with vinegar solution to remove stains.
Monthly: Descale unit with vinegar solution (run brew cycle without coffee).
Charcoal filter: Replace every 60 days or after 60 uses.
Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth; do not immerse in water.

WARNING! Always unplug unit before cleaning. Never use abrasive cleaners.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for safety in the United States and Canada. FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit won't turn on	No power	Check outlet; ensure plug is secure; try different outlet.
Coffee tastes bad	Old filter/water	Replace charcoal filter; use fresh cold water; clean unit.
Hot water not dispensing	Tank empty/blocked	Ensure reservoir filled; check for clogs in spout.
Leaking water	Improper assembly	Ensure carafe is properly positioned; check filter basket seal.
Program not working	Incorrect settings	Reset clock; reprogram brew time; ensure POWER is on.
Weak coffee	Incorrect grind/amount	Use medium grind; increase coffee grounds; clean filter.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic controls.

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