Cuisinart DCC-450 Series Manual

The Cuisinart DCC-450 Series is a programmable coffee maker featuring a 12-cup capacity, 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, brew pause, self-cleaning function, charcoal water filter, and a stainless steel thermal carafe. It includes a permanent gold-tone filter, measuring scoop, and a user-friendly control panel. 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. Cleaning & Maintenance 8. Safety Features 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel thermal carafe, Control Panel, Water Reservoir, Charcoal Water Filter, Permanent Gold-Tone Filter, and Measuring Scoop.

Feature	Description
12-Cup Capacity	Brews up to 12 cups (5 oz each) of coffee
24-Hour Programmability	Set brew time in advance
Auto Shut-Off	Automatically turns off after brewing
Brew Pause	Pause brewing to pour a cup
Self-Cleaning	Easy cleaning cycle
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes impurities for better taste
Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe	Keeps coffee hot without a warming plate
Permanent Gold-Tone Filter	Eliminates need for paper filters
Control Panel	Buttons for PROGRAM, HOUR, MINUTE, ON/OFF, CLEAN
Measuring Scoop	For accurate coffee measurement

Installation

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

Remove all packaging materials from inside and outside the unit.
Wash the carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
Insert the charcoal water filter into the water reservoir as per instructions.
Plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure the unit is unplugged during cleaning. Do not immerse the base in water.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, run a cleaning cycle with water only.

Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup mark with fresh, cold water.
Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
Press the CLEAN button. The CLEAN light will illuminate.
The cycle will run for approximately 30 minutes. Discard the water.
Your coffee maker is now ready for programming and brewing.

CAUTION! Use only cold water. Do not use the cleaning cycle with vinegar or other descaling solutions unless specified.

Specifications

Model: DCC-450 Series
Capacity: 12 cups (60 oz)
Carafe: Stainless steel, thermal
Filter: Permanent gold-tone
Water Filtration: Charcoal filter included
Programmability: 24-hour advance set
Auto Shut-Off:Yes (after brewing completes)
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 900W
Dimensions: (Approx.) 11.5" W x 8.5" D x 14" H

Controls and Settings

Control Panel Features: PROGRAM, HOUR, MINUTE, ON/OFF, CLEAN buttons, and indicator lights.

Programming: Use PROGRAM, HOUR, and MINUTE to set the clock and brew time. The ON light indicates power; the PROGRAM light indicates a program is set.

Brew Strength: Not adjustable on this model. Coffee strength is determined by the coffee-to-water ratio.

Brew Pause: Press the carafe against the brew basket to pause. Remove to resume.

Brewing Coffee

For manual brew or programmed brew.

Fill the water reservoir with cold water to desired cup level.
Place the permanent filter in the brew basket. Add ground coffee (1 scoop per cup).
Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
For Immediate Brew: Press ON/OFF. The ON light will illuminate and brewing begins.
For Programmed Brew: Set the clock first. Then press PROGRAM and use HOUR/MINUTE to set brew time. The PROGRAM light will stay on.
Use Brew Pause feature if desired.
When brewing is complete, the unit will beep and auto shut-off will engage.

Tip: For best results, use fresh, cold water and grind coffee beans just before brewing.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Wash carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water.
Monthly Self-Clean Cycle: Run the CLEAN cycle with water only to remove mineral deposits.
Charcoal Filter: Replace every 60 brew cycles or every 2 months for best water filtration.
Exterior: Wipe with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

WARNING! Always unplug the unit before cleaning. Never immerse the base, cord, or plug in water.

Safety Features

Auto Shut-Off: Turns the unit off after brewing is complete. Brew Pause: Allows safe removal of the carafe during brewing. Thermal Carafe: Eliminates hot warming plate. Overheat Protection: Built-in safety mechanism.

Regulatory Information

This appliance has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Coffee maker won't turn on	No power	Ensure unit is plugged in; check outlet; press ON/OFF firmly.
Water does not flow	Clogged filter/water path	Run CLEAN cycle; ensure filter is properly seated; check for blockages.
Program not working	Clock not set	Set the current time first, then program brew time.
Coffee is not hot enough	Cold carafe	Pre-warm carafe with hot water; ensure lid is sealed properly.
CLEAN light flashing	Mineral buildup	Run the self-cleaning cycle with fresh water.

Reset: Unplug the unit for 2 minutes, then plug back in to reset the control panel.

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