Cuisinart DCC-450PK Coffeemakers With Stainless-Steel Carafe Manual

The Cuisinart DCC-450PK is a programmable coffeemaker featuring a 12-cup capacity, a durable stainless-steel thermal carafe to keep coffee hot for hours, a 24-hour programmability with auto-shutoff, a 1-4 cup setting for optimal flavor, a charcoal water filter, a brew pause function, and an illuminated control panel. Designed for 120V AC, 60Hz operation. 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 & Settings 6. Programming & Operation 7. Cleaning & Maintenance 8. Water Filter Replacement 9. Care Instructions 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless-Steel Thermal Carafe, Brew Basket with Permanent Filter, Charcoal Water Filter, Illuminated Control Panel, Power Base with Cord Storage.

FeatureDescription
Stainless-Steel Thermal CarafeKeeps coffee hot for hours without a warming plate
12-Cup CapacityMaximum brew capacity (5 oz per cup)
24-Hour ProgrammabilitySet brew time in advance
Auto ShutoffAutomatically turns off after brewing (0-4 hours adjustable)
1-4 Cup SettingOptimizes brewing for smaller amounts
Brew Pause & ServePause brewing to pour a cup before cycle completes
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves chlorine and impurities for better-tasting coffee
Illuminated Control PanelEasy-to-read buttons and display
Audible SignalBeeps when brewing is complete
Cord StorageBuilt-in compartment to manage power cord

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Insert Charcoal Filter: Soak filter in water for 15 minutes, then place in filter holder in water reservoir.
  2. Prepare Carafe: Remove all packaging from carafe and lid. Ensure lid is securely attached.
  3. Place Brew Basket: Insert brew basket into opening at top of unit.
  4. Add Water: Fill reservoir with fresh, cold water to desired cup level.
  5. Add Coffee: Place paper filter or use permanent filter in brew basket. Add ground coffee (1 tablespoon per cup).
  6. Plug In: Connect power cord to a 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure carafe is properly seated on warming base before brewing. Do not operate without water or coffee grounds.

First-Time Use

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

  1. Fill water reservoir to MAX line with fresh water.
  2. Place an empty carafe on the warming base.
  3. Press the ON/OFF button to start brewing cycle without coffee.
  4. Discard water after cycle completes. Repeat if desired.
  5. Your coffeemaker is now ready for normal use.

CAUTION! Do not use carafe on stovetop or in microwave. Handle carafe with care as contents will be hot.

Specifications

Controls & Settings

Control Panel: ON/OFF, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, AUTO ON, AUTO OFF, 1-4 CUP, BREW PAUSE indicator.

Basic Functions: Press ON/OFF to start immediate brew. Use PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN to set clock and program brew time. AUTO ON sets programmed brew start. AUTO OFF sets shutoff delay (0-4 hours). 1-4 CUP button activates optimized brewing for small quantities.

Settings: Clock setting (12/24 hour format), brew strength (via grind/amount), auto-off timer. Filter: Use permanent or paper filters (not included).

Programming & Operation

To program brew start time and use advanced features.

  1. Set Clock: Press and hold PROGRAM, then press HOUR/MIN to set current time.
  2. Program Brew Time: Press PROGRAM, then HOUR/MIN to set desired brew start time. Press AUTO ON to activate.
  3. Brew Now: Ensure carafe is in place, water and coffee are loaded. Press ON/OFF.
  4. Brew Pause: During brew cycle, press and hold ON/OFF for 3 seconds to pause and pour a cup.
  5. Auto Shutoff: Press AUTO OFF to select shutoff delay (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours).
  6. 1-4 Cup Setting: Press 1-4 CUP before brewing for 1 to 4 cups.

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

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Empty and rinse carafe and brew basket after each use.
  2. Weekly: Wash carafe lid, brew basket, and permanent filter in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
  3. Monthly: Descale unit by running a cycle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Follow with 2 cycles of clean water to rinse.
  4. Exterior: Wipe with a damp cloth. Do not immerse unit in water.

WARNING! Unplug unit before cleaning. Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

Water Filter Replacement

Replace charcoal water filter every 60 brew cycles or every 2 months for optimal taste.

  1. Remove old filter from holder in water reservoir.
  2. Soak new filter in cold water for 15 minutes.
  3. Insert filter into holder, ensuring it sits securely.
  4. Reset filter indicator (if equipped) by pressing and holding 1-4 CUP and AUTO OFF for 3 seconds.

Note: You can brew without the filter, but water impurities may affect coffee taste.

Care Instructions

Unplug before any maintenance. Use only non-abrasive cleaners. Do not immerse base, cord, or plug in water.

CAUTION! Do not use carafe if cracked or damaged. Avoid thermal shock—do not add cold liquid to hot carafe or vice versa.

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. This appliance is for household use only.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Coffeemaker won't turn onPower/no waterEnsure plugged in; outlet functional; water in reservoir.
Coffee not hot enoughCarafe preheatPreheat carafe with hot water before brewing.
Water leaksMisaligned componentsEnsure brew basket and carafe are properly seated.
Slow brewing/drippingClogged filter/scaleClean permanent filter; descale unit; check grind size.
Program not workingClock not setSet correct time; ensure AUTO ON is activated.
Bitter/weak coffeeGrind/ratio/waterAdjust coffee amount; use correct grind; replace water filter.

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

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

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