Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4 Cup Coffeemaker Manual

The Cuisinart DCC-450BK is a compact 4-cup programmable coffeemaker featuring a 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, brew pause function, charcoal water filter, and a permanent gold-tone filter. It includes a glass carafe with ergonomic handle, drip-free pour spout, and a warming plate to keep coffee hot. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, 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: 4-Cup Glass Carafe, Permanent Gold-Tone Filter, Charcoal Water Filter, Control Panel with LCD Display, Power Base with Warming Plate.

Feature	Description
24-Hour Programmability	Set brew time in advance for automatic brewing
Auto Shut-Off	Turns off warming plate automatically after 30 minutes
Brew Pause & Serve	Pause brewing to pour a cup before cycle completes
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes chlorine and impurities for better tasting coffee
Permanent Gold-Tone Filter	Eliminates need for paper filters; reusable and washable
LCD Display with Clock	Shows time, program status, and auto shut-off indicator
On/Off Button	Manual power control
Program Button	Sets brew time
Hour/Minute Buttons	Adjust time and program settings
Clean Indicator Light	Alerts when descaling is needed

Installation

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

Remove all packaging materials from carafe, filter, and unit.
Wash carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
Insert charcoal water filter into filter holder (soak filter first for 15 minutes).
Place empty carafe on warming plate, ensuring it is properly seated.
Plug power cord into 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse base, cord, or plug in water. Keep away from heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on coffeemaker; set clock before programming.

Set clock: Press and hold HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set current time.
Prime filter: Run a cycle with water only (no coffee) to activate charcoal filter.
Program brew time: Press PROGRAM, then HOUR/MINUTE to set desired brew time.
Test brew: Add coffee grounds and water to brew a test pot.

CAUTION! Ensure carafe is properly placed before brewing to prevent spills.

Specifications

Capacity: 4 cups (20 oz).
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 550W.
Filter Type: Permanent gold-tone filter; includes charcoal water filter.
Carafe: Glass with ergonomic handle, drip-free spout.
Programmability: 24-hour advance brew start.
Auto Shut-Off: 30 minutes after brewing ends.
Dimensions: 7.5" W x 8.5" D x 11" H.
Weight: 3.5 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: ON/OFF Button, PROGRAM Button, HOUR Button, MINUTE Button, LCD Display.

LCD Icons: Clock, Program Set, Auto Off.

Setting Clock: Press and hold HOUR/MINUTE. Programming: Press PROGRAM, then HOUR/MINUTE to set brew time. Manual Brew: Press ON/OFF to start immediate brewing. Brew Pause: Press ON/OFF during brew cycle to pause; press again to resume. Auto Shut-Off: Warming plate turns off after 30 minutes (indicator lights). Clean Light: Illuminates when descaling is needed.

Brewing Coffee

Use fresh, cold water and medium grind coffee.

Fill carafe with cold water to desired cup level (4 cup max).
Pour water into reservoir at top of unit.
Place permanent filter in filter holder; add coffee grounds (1 tbsp per cup).
Place empty carafe on warming plate.
Press ON/OFF to start brewing immediately, or set program for delayed brew.
Use brew pause feature to pour a cup during brewing cycle.
When brewing completes, auto shut-off will turn off warming plate after 30 minutes.

Tip: For best flavor, clean carafe and filter after each use.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Wash carafe, lid, and filter with warm, soapy water. Monthly: Descale to remove mineral buildup.

Unplug unit and let cool.
Fill reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water.
Place empty carafe on warming plate.
Press ON/OFF to start cycle halfway, then turn off and let solution sit 15 minutes.
Complete cycle, then run 2-3 cycles with clean water to rinse.
Wipe exterior with damp cloth; never immerse base.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; avoid getting water in control panel.

Safety Features

Auto Shut-Off: Prevents overheating. Brew Pause: Safe serving during cycle. Overheat Protection: Thermal fuse prevents damage. Carafe Detection: Brewing only starts if carafe is properly placed.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power/lights	Power cord not plugged in	Ensure cord is plugged into outlet; check outlet function.
Coffee doesn't brew	Carafe not detected	Ensure carafe is properly seated on warming plate.
Weak or cold coffee	Clogged filter/mineral buildup	Clean permanent filter; descale unit.
Leaking water	Overfilled reservoir	Do not exceed 4-cup max line; check filter placement.
Program not working	Clock not set	Set correct time first; then program brew time.

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

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