Cuisinart DGB-500BK Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker Manual

The Cuisinart DGB-500BK Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker is a fully programmable 12-cup coffeemaker with an integrated burr grinder, 24-hour programmability, auto-shutoff (0-4 hours), charcoal water filter, gold-tone commercial-style filter, brew pause feature, and LCD display with clock. It grinds whole beans immediately before brewing for optimal freshness. 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. Grinding and Brewing 7. Programming 8. Care & Cleaning 9. Safety Information 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Burr Grinder, 12-Cup Glass Carafe, Gold-Tone Permanent Filter, Charcoal Water Filter, LCD Display, Programmable Clock/Timer, Grind Control Selector, Brew Strength Selector.

FeatureDescription
Integrated Burr GrinderGrinds whole beans immediately before brewing
Grind Control SelectorAdjustable from coarse to fine grind
Brew Strength SelectorChoose Regular or Bold brew strength
24-Hour ProgrammabilitySet time for automatic grinding and brewing
Auto Shut-OffProgrammable from 0 to 4 hours
Brew Pause FeaturePause brewing to pour a cup
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves chlorine and impurities for better taste
LCD Display with ClockShows time, program status, and settings
Gold-Tone Permanent FilterEliminates need for paper filters
Audible SignalSounds when brewing is complete

Installation

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
  2. Wash carafe, lid, gold-tone filter, and charcoal water filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
  3. Insert charcoal water filter into holder in water reservoir (soak filter 15 minutes first).
  4. Place gold-tone filter into filter basket.
  5. Fill water reservoir with cold water to maximum line (12 cups).
  6. Plug power cord into 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure coffeemaker is unplugged during cleaning and installation. Keep away from heat sources and water splashes.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, run a brewing cycle with water only (no coffee) to clean interior.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use HOUR and MIN buttons to set time.
  2. Set auto shut-off: Press AUTO OFF button to select 0, 2, or 4 hours.
  3. Set grind control: Turn dial to desired grind setting (coarse to fine).
  4. Set brew strength: Slide switch to REGULAR or BOLD.
  5. Program automatic brew: See Programming section.

CAUTION! Do not add coffee beans or grounds during cleaning cycle. Ensure carafe is properly positioned.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER button, PROGRAM button, CLOCK button, HOUR/MIN buttons, AUTO OFF button, GRIND OFF button, GRIND CONTROL dial, BREW STRENGTH switch.

LCD Display: Shows time, PROGRAM indicator, AUTO OFF indicator.

Grind Control: Adjust dial from coarse (for stronger flavor) to fine (for milder flavor). Brew Strength: REGULAR for standard brew, BOLD for richer flavor. Auto Off: Select 0 (off), 2, or 4 hours. Grind Off: Press to brew with pre-ground coffee (bypass grinder).

Grinding and Brewing

For fresh coffee using whole beans:

  1. Fill water reservoir with cold water to desired cup level.
  2. Add whole beans to bean hopper (max 1/2 lb).
  3. Ensure GRIND OFF button is not pressed (for grinding).
  4. Set GRIND CONTROL dial and BREW STRENGTH switch as desired.
  5. Place empty carafe on warming plate.
  6. Press POWER button to start grinding and brewing cycle.
  7. Brew Pause: Carafe can be removed during brewing for up to 30 seconds.
  8. When cycle completes, audible signal sounds. Coffee stays warm on plate (auto shut-off applies).

For Pre-Ground Coffee: Press GRIND OFF button before starting. Add grounds to gold-tone filter.

WARNING! Never remove bean hopper during operation. Keep hands away from grinder area.

Programming

To set automatic grind and brew:

  1. Set current time using CLOCK, HOUR, MIN buttons.
  2. Press and hold PROGRAM button until PROGRAM light flashes.
  3. Use HOUR and MIN to set desired brew time.
  4. Press PROGRAM again to confirm. PROGRAM light stays lit.
  5. Fill water reservoir and bean hopper the night before.
  6. Coffeemaker will automatically grind and brew at set time.

To cancel program: Press and hold PROGRAM until PROGRAM light turns off.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug and cool completely before cleaning.

  1. Daily: Empty grounds from filter basket; wash carafe, lid, and filter with warm soapy water.
  2. Monthly: Descale with vinegar solution (run cycle with equal parts vinegar and water, then run 2 cycles with clean water).
  3. Charcoal filter: Replace every 60 uses or 2 months.
  4. Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth; do not immerse in water.
  5. Grinder cleaning: Unplug, remove bean hopper, wipe with dry cloth.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Never wash bean hopper or grinder parts in dishwasher.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions:

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190. Model DGB-500BK. Trademarks used under license.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power/lightsNot plugged inCheck power outlet and cord connection.
Coffee not hotPre-heat issueRun water-only cycle to pre-heat system before brewing.
Weak coffeeGrind too coarseAdjust GRIND CONTROL to finer setting.
Grinder not workingBean hopper emptyAdd whole beans; ensure GRIND OFF is not pressed.
Leaking waterImproper assemblyEnsure all parts are correctly positioned; check filter basket.
Program not workingTime not setSet correct current time before programming.
Bitter tasteGrind too fine/old beansUse coarser setting; use fresh beans within 2 weeks.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute to reset electronic controls.

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

Cuisinart DGB-500BK Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025