Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-15BKS Manual

The Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-15BKS is a versatile 3-in-1 coffee brewing system featuring a 12-cup programmable coffeemaker, a single-serve brewer for K-Cup® pods, and a hot water dispenser. It includes a 12-cup glass carafe, a reusable My K-Cup® filter, a charcoal water filter, a descaling solution, and a user manual. 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 Settings 6. Brewing Coffee 7. Using the Hot Water Dispenser 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Single-Serve Brewer (K-Cup® compatible), Hot Water Dispenser, Charcoal Water Filter, Reusable My K-Cup® Filter, 12-Cup Glass Carafe.

FeatureDescription
12-Cup CoffeemakerProgrammable with auto-shutoff and brew pause
Single-Serve BrewerBrews K-Cup® pods or ground coffee with reusable filter
Hot Water DispenserProvides instant hot water for tea, soup, etc.
Charcoal Water FilterImproves taste by reducing chlorine and impurities
Reusable My K-Cup® FilterFor use with ground coffee in single-serve mode
Programmable TimerSet brew time up to 24 hours in advance
Brew PausePour a cup mid-brew without dripping
Auto Shut-OffTurns off coffeemaker after brewing (0-4 hours)
Water WindowShows water level for accurate filling
Indicator LightsShow power, brewing status, and hot water ready

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, dry, level surface near an electrical outlet.

  1. Install charcoal filter: Rinse filter, insert into filter holder in water reservoir.
  2. Prepare carafe: Wash carafe and lid with warm, soapy water; rinse thoroughly.
  3. Fill water reservoir: Lift lid, add cold water up to desired cup level (max 12 cups).
  4. Plug into 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse unit in water. Keep cord away from hot surfaces. Ensure unit is on a stable surface.

First-Time Use

Before first brew, run a cleaning cycle to remove any manufacturing residues.

  1. Fill reservoir with fresh cold water to 12-cup line.
  2. Place empty carafe on warming plate.
  3. Press POWER to turn unit on.
  4. Press BREW to start cycle (no coffee grounds).
  5. Discard water after cycle completes.
  6. Repeat if desired.

CAUTION! Do not use without water. Always use cold water for best results.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER, BREW, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, AUTO OFF (0-4 hr), HOT WATER.

Programming: Set clock by pressing and holding HOUR/MIN. Set auto brew by pressing PROGRAM, then HOUR/MIN to desired time. Press AUTO OFF to set shut-off delay (0, 1, 2, 4 hours).

Brew Strength: For 12-cup brew, use more grounds for stronger coffee. For single-serve, adjust cup size (6, 8, 10, 12, 14 oz) by pressing cup size button.

Hot Water: Press HOT WATER button after unit is powered and heated (ready light on).

Brewing Coffee

12-Cup Coffeemaker:

  1. Fill reservoir with cold water.
  2. Place paper filter or gold tone filter in basket.
  3. Add ground coffee (1 tbsp per cup).
  4. Place carafe on warming plate.
  5. Press POWER, then BREW.
  6. Use BREW PAUSE to pour mid-cycle.

Single-Serve Brewer:

  1. Lift handle, insert K-Cup® pod or reusable filter with grounds.
  2. Close handle, place mug on drip tray.
  3. Select cup size (6-14 oz).
  4. Press BREW.

WARNING! Do not brew without mug or carafe. Keep hands away from hot surfaces.

Using the Hot Water Dispenser

  1. Ensure unit is powered on and heated (ready light illuminated).
  2. Place mug or container under hot water outlet.
  3. Press HOT WATER button.
  4. Water will dispense; press again to stop.

Tip: Use for tea, instant soup, oatmeal, or hot cocoa. Do not use for carbonated beverages.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Empty and rinse carafe; wipe exterior with damp cloth.

Weekly: Clean water reservoir and filter holder. Wash reusable filter.

Monthly: Descale unit using Cuisinart descaling solution or white vinegar solution.

  1. Mix descaling solution with water in reservoir.
  2. Run brew cycle without coffee or filter.
  3. Rinse by running 2-3 cycles with fresh water.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Replace charcoal filter every 2 months or 60 brew cycles.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Cuisinart; trademarks of Conair Corporation. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit won't turn onNo powerCheck outlet; ensure plug is secure; press POWER.
Coffee not hotPreheat issueRun hot water cycle first; ensure carafe is clean.
Slow brewingClogged filter/descaling neededClean filter holder; descale unit.
Leaking waterLoose parts/overfilledCheck reservoir seal; do not exceed max fill line.
Single-serve not workingPod not puncturedEnsure handle is fully closed; check for pod damage.
Error lights flashingMineral buildupDescale immediately; reset by unplugging for 5 minutes.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then restart.

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

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