Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-15 Manual

The Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-15 is a versatile 12-cup programmable coffee maker with a built-in hot water system, adjustable warming plate, 24-hour programmability, auto-shutoff, charcoal water filter, and a stainless steel finish. It features a glass carafe, permanent filter, and indicator lights for power, brewing, and hot water. 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 Hot Water System 8. Care & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Glass Carafe, Permanent Filter, Charcoal Water Filter, Hot Water Spout, Programmable Clock/Timer, Adjustable Warming Plate, Power/Ready/Hot Water Indicator Lights.

FeatureDescription
12-Cup CapacityBrews up to 12 cups (5 oz each) of coffee
Built-in Hot Water SystemProvides hot water for tea, cocoa, oatmeal, etc.
Programmable Timer24-hour advance brew start with auto-shutoff
Adjustable Warming PlateKeeps coffee at desired temperature (Low/High)
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves impurities for better tasting coffee
Permanent FilterEliminates need for paper filters
Power Indicator LightIlluminates when unit is plugged in
Ready Indicator LightIndicates coffee is brewed and ready
Hot Water Indicator LightLights when hot water system is active
Auto Shut-OffTurns off warming plate after 4 hours

Installation

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

  1. Insert charcoal filter: Soak filter in water for 15 minutes, then place in filter holder.
  2. Place permanent filter: Insert into filter basket.
  3. Position carafe: Place empty carafe on warming plate.
  4. Plug into AC power (120V, 60Hz).

WARNING! Keep away from water sources. Do not immerse unit in water. Ensure cord is not pinched.

First-Time Setup

Plug in unit; all indicator lights will flash once.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, then use HOUR and MIN buttons to set time.
  2. Prime hot water system: Fill reservoir with water, press HOT WATER button to dispense water into carafe (discard first batch).
  3. Brew a test batch: Fill reservoir, add coffee grounds, press BREW to ensure proper operation.
  4. Adjust warming plate: Use WARMING PLATE button to select Low or High setting.

CAUTION! First use may produce slight odor; this is normal and will dissipate.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER Button, CLOCK Button, HOUR/MIN Buttons, PROGRAM Button, BREW Button, HOT WATER Button, WARMING PLATE Button (Low/High).

Indicator Lights: Power (green), Ready (orange), Hot Water (red).

Programming: Press PROGRAM, then set brew time using HOUR/MIN. Press BREW to start programmed cycle. Clock: Hold CLOCK to set time. Warming Plate: Press WARMING PLATE to toggle between Low and High settings. Hot Water: Press HOT WATER to dispense; release to stop.

Brewing Coffee

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

  1. Fill reservoir: Lift lid, pour water up to desired cup marking.
  2. Add coffee: Place 1 tablespoon of grounds per cup into permanent filter.
  3. Brew immediately: Place carafe, press BREW. Ready light will illuminate when complete.
  4. Program brew: Press PROGRAM, set time, then press BREW. Unit will start automatically at set time.
  5. Auto shut-off: Warming plate turns off after 4 hours; power light remains on.

Tip: For stronger coffee, use more grounds, not less water. Replace charcoal filter every 60 cycles or 2 months.

Using the Hot Water System

Provides hot water on demand (not boiling, approximately 200°F).

  1. Ensure reservoir has sufficient water.
  2. Place cup or carafe under hot water spout.
  3. Press and hold HOT WATER button; water will dispense.
  4. Release button to stop.

WARNING! Hot water can cause burns. Keep away from children. Do not touch hot surfaces.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug and cool completely before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth. Clean carafe and filter basket with warm, soapy water. Descale monthly: Fill reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, run brew cycle without coffee, then run two cycles with clean water.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Never immerse unit in water.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed. FCC Part 15 Compliant. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit does not turn onPower cord not connectedEnsure plug is firmly in outlet; check power source.
Coffee not brewingWater reservoir emptyFill reservoir with water; ensure lid is closed.
Hot water not dispensingSystem not primed/reservoir emptyPrime system; refill reservoir.
Coffee tastes badOld grounds/dirty filterUse fresh coffee; clean filter and carafe; replace charcoal filter.
Program not workingClock not set correctlyReset clock; ensure AM/PM is correct.
Leaking waterMisaligned carafe or overfilled reservoirEnsure carafe is properly positioned; do not exceed max fill line.

Reset: Unplug for 10 minutes, then plug back in to reset electronics.

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

Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-15 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025