Cuisinart DCC-450BK12 4 Cup Coffee Maker Manual

The Cuisinart DCC-450BK12 is a compact 4-cup programmable coffee maker featuring a 24-hour advance brew start timer, auto shut-off, a charcoal water filter, a permanent gold-tone filter, a brew pause function, and a sleek black design. It is designed for convenience and optimal coffee flavor. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 4-Cup Glass Carafe, Charcoal Water Filter, Permanent Gold-Tone Filter, Control Panel with LCD, Power Base, and Water Reservoir.

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on a clean, dry, level, and heat-resistant surface away from edges.

1. Insert the Charcoal Filter: Soak filter in water for 15 minutes, then place into the water reservoir holder.
2. Install the Permanent Filter: Place the gold-tone filter into the filter basket.
3. Position the Carafe: Ensure the glass carafe is centered on the warming plate.
4. Plug into a standard 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse the power base, cord, or plug in water or other liquids. Ensure the carafe handle is secure before pouring.

First-Time Use

Before brewing your first pot, run a cleaning cycle with water only to remove any manufacturing residues.

1. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water up to the 4-cup mark.
2. Ensure the filter basket is empty (no coffee grounds).
3. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
4. Press the POWER button to turn the unit on, then press and hold the BREW button to start the cleaning cycle.
5. Discard the water from the carafe after the cycle is complete. The unit is now ready for use.

CAUTION! The warming plate and carafe will become hot during operation. Use the handle when moving the carafe.

Specifications

• Capacity: 4 cups (20 oz / 0.6 liters).
• Power: 550 Watts.
• Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Cord Length: 30 inches.
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 7.5" x 8" x 11".
• Carafe Material: Heat-resistant glass.
• Filter Type: Permanent gold-tone and optional charcoal water filter.
• Features: Programmable 24-hour timer, Auto Shut-Off (0-4 hrs), Brew Pause & Serve.
• Warranty: Limited 3-year warranty.

Controls and Settings

Access all functions via the front control panel. Power Button: Turns the unit on for programming or manual brew. LCD Display: Shows current time, programmed brew time, and auto-off setting.

Setting the Clock: Press and hold the PROGRAM button, then use HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set the correct time. Press PROGRAM again to confirm.

Auto Shut-Off: Press the AUTO OFF button to cycle through durations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours). The selected duration will be displayed.

Manual Brew: With the unit ON, ensure water and coffee are loaded, then press the BREW button to start immediately.

Programming the Timer

To program the coffee maker to brew automatically at a set time:

1. Ensure the unit is ON and the correct current time is set.
2. Press the PROGRAM button once. The "PROG" icon will blink on the display.
3. Use the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set your desired brew start time.
4. Press the PROGRAM button again to confirm and save the setting. The "PROG" icon will stay lit.
5. Fill the water reservoir and add coffee grounds to the filter basket. The coffee maker will now brew at the programmed time.
6. To cancel a programmed time, press and hold the PROGRAM button for 3 seconds until the "PROG" icon turns off.

Tip: The programmed time is retained in memory during a power outage for up to 10 minutes.

Brewing Coffee

For optimal flavor, use fresh, cold water and freshly ground coffee.

1. Fill the water reservoir with cold water to the desired cup level (1 to 4).
2. Place the permanent gold-tone filter into the filter basket.
3. Add coffee grounds. A general guideline is 1 tablespoon of ground coffee per cup (5 oz).
4. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
5. Press the POWER button to turn the unit on.
6. For immediate brewing, press the BREW button. The "BREW" light will illuminate.
7. To pause brewing and pour a cup, press the BREW PAUSE button. The brewing cycle will pause for 20 seconds.
8. When brewing is complete, the unit will beep and the auto shut-off countdown will begin.

WARNING! Never operate the coffee maker without water in the reservoir, as this may damage the unit.

Care & Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures best performance and longevity. Always unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

Carafe and Filter Basket: Wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. The permanent filter can be cleaned with a soft brush.

Descaling: Mineral buildup can affect performance. Descale every 3-6 months using a commercial descaling solution or a mixture of white vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water). Run a brew cycle with the solution, then run 2 cycles with clean water to rinse.

Charcoal Water Filter: Replace every 60 brew cycles or every 2 months for optimal water filtration.

CAUTION! Never immerse the power base, cord, or plug in water. Do not clean the warming plate with abrasive materials.

Regulatory Information

This appliance complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Cuisinart. Cuisinart® is a registered trademark of Conair Corporation. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug the unit for 10 minutes to reset the microprocessor.

Service: For repairs not covered in this guide, contact Cuisinart Customer Service: 1-800-726-0190 or www.cuisinart.com.