Cuisinart DCC-T20C Manual

The Cuisinart DCC-T20C is a 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker featuring 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, a 1-4 cup setting for optimal flavor, a brew pause function, a charcoal water filter, a permanent gold-tone filter, and a cleaning indicator. It includes a glass carafe with ergonomic handle and drip-free spout. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Programming the Clock & Timer 7. Brewing Coffee 8. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-Cup Glass Carafe, Removable Filter Basket, Charcoal Water Filter, Control Panel with LCD Display.

FeatureDescription
24-Hour ProgrammabilitySet brew time in advance for automatic brewing
Auto Shut-OffAutomatically turns off after brewing is complete (0-4 hours adjustable)
1-4 Cup SettingOptimizes brewing for smaller amounts of coffee
Brew Pause & ServePause brewing to pour a cup before cycle finishes
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves chlorine and impurities for better tasting coffee
Permanent Gold-Tone FilterEliminates need for paper filters
Cleaning IndicatorLight alerts when decalcification is needed
LCD DisplayShows time, program status, and settings
ON/OFF ButtonPowers the coffeemaker on and off
PROGRAM ButtonSets the automatic brew time

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Insert the charcoal water filter: Soak filter in water for 15 minutes, then place in filter holder in water reservoir.
  2. Place the permanent filter: Insert the gold-tone filter into the filter basket.
  3. Attach the carafe: Place empty glass carafe on the warming plate, aligning it under the brew basket.
  4. Plug into a standard 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure the coffeemaker is on a stable surface away from water sources. Do not immerse base, cord, or plug in water.

First-Time Use

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

  1. Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup mark with fresh, cold water.
  2. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
  3. Press the ON/OFF button to start the brewing cycle without coffee grounds.
  4. Discard the water after the cycle is complete. The coffeemaker is now ready for use.

CAUTION! The carafe and warming plate will become hot during use. Handle with care using the handle.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel includes: ON/OFF, HOUR, MIN, PROGRAM, AUTO OFF, 1-4 CUP, CLEAN indicator light.

LCD Display: Shows current time, programmed brew time, and AUTO OFF setting.

Basic Operations: Press ON/OFF to start manual brew. Use HOUR/MIN to set clock. Press PROGRAM to set automatic brew time. Press AUTO OFF to select shut-off delay (0, 1, 2, or 4 hours). Press 1-4 CUP to activate small-batch setting for optimal flavor extraction.

Programming the Clock & Timer

To set the clock and program automatic brewing:

  1. Set the Clock: With the coffeemaker off, press and hold HOUR and MIN until the correct time is displayed.
  2. Set Auto Brew Time: Press PROGRAM. Use HOUR and MIN to set the desired brew time. Press PROGRAM again to confirm.
  3. Set Auto Shut-Off: Press AUTO OFF repeatedly to cycle through 0, 1, 2, and 4-hour options.
  4. To cancel a program: Press and hold PROGRAM until the programmed time disappears from the display.

Tip: Ensure the coffeemaker is plugged in and the clock is set for the timer to function.

Brewing Coffee

Supports both manual and programmed brewing.

  1. Add Water: Fill reservoir with cold water to desired cup level.
  2. Add Coffee: Place the permanent filter in the basket. Add medium-grind coffee (1 tablespoon per cup).
  3. Manual Brew: Place carafe on warming plate. Press ON/OFF to start brewing immediately.
  4. Programmed Brew: Set the clock and program time as described above. Add water and coffee the night before. The coffeemaker will brew automatically at the set time.
  5. Brew Pause: During brewing, you can briefly remove the carafe to pour a cup. Replace within 20 seconds to continue the cycle.
  6. 1-4 Cup Setting: Press the 1-4 CUP button when brewing 1 to 4 cups for richer flavor.

WARNING! Never use the brew pause function for more than 20 seconds, as overflow may occur. Do not place carafe on warming plate without the lid.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug and allow to cool before cleaning. Wipe exterior with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Decalcification (Cleaning Cycle): When the CLEAN light illuminates, mineral scale has built up.

  1. Fill reservoir with a solution of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water up to the 12-cup line.
  2. Place an empty carafe on the warming plate.
  3. Press and hold the 1-4 CUP and AUTO OFF buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to start the cleaning cycle.
  4. After cycle, discard vinegar solution. Run 2-3 cycles with fresh water only to rinse.

CAUTION! Never immerse the base, cord, or plug in water. Do not use harsh chemicals.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Coffeemaker won't turn onPower source/plugEnsure unit is plugged into a working outlet; check power cord.
Clock resets or flashesPower interruptionReset the clock after a power outage.
Water does not brewMineral buildup/clogPerform decalcification cleaning cycle; ensure filter basket is seated properly.
Auto brew doesn't startClock/Program settingVerify clock is set correctly and program time is properly saved.
CLEAN light is onMineral scalePerform decalcification process as described in Care & Cleaning.
Weak or cold coffeeGrind size/1-4 cup settingUse correct coffee grind; ensure 1-4 CUP setting is off for full pots.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute to reset the control panel if functions become unresponsive.

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

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