Cuisinart DGB-550 Manual

The Cuisinart DGB-550 is a fully automatic thermal carafe coffee maker with a built-in burr grinder, programmable settings, and a 12-cup capacity. It features a charcoal water filter, a 24-hour digital clock with programmable auto-on function, a brew pause feature, an adjustable grind selector, and an automatic shutoff. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, 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: Burr grinder, thermal carafe, water reservoir, charcoal filter, digital control panel, bean hopper, and grounds container.

Feature	Description
Built-in Burr Grinder	Grinds beans fresh for each pot; adjustable grind size
Thermal Carafe	Stainless steel, 12-cup capacity; keeps coffee hot for hours
Programmable Auto-On	Set time for coffee to start brewing automatically
Brew Pause	Pause brewing to pour a cup before cycle completes
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes impurities for better-tasting coffee
Digital Clock	24-hour display with programmable settings
Grind Selector	Adjust from fine to coarse grind
Automatic Shutoff	Turns off after brewing is complete
Power Button	Turns unit on/off
Clean Indicator	Light alerts when cleaning is needed

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, dry, level surface near an electrical outlet.

Remove all packaging materials from inside and outside the unit.
Wash the carafe lid and filter basket with warm, soapy water; rinse and dry.
Insert the charcoal water filter into the filter holder in the water reservoir.
Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
Plug the power cord into a 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse the unit, cord, or plug in water or other liquids. Ensure hands are dry when handling.

First-Time Setup

Power on the unit; follow initial setup steps.

Set the clock: Press and hold the CLOCK button, then use HOUR and MIN buttons to set the correct time.
Prime the water filter: Soak the charcoal filter in water for 15 minutes, then run a cycle of clean water through the unit without coffee.
Adjust grind size: Turn the grind selector to the desired setting (medium is recommended for most coffees).
Program auto-on: Press the AUTO ON button, set the desired brew time using HOUR and MIN, then press PROGRAM to confirm.

CAUTION! Ensure the carafe is properly seated on the warming plate before brewing.

Specifications

Capacity: 12 cups (60 oz).
Grinder Type: Built-in burr grinder with adjustable settings.
Carafe: Stainless steel thermal carafe.
Filter: Permanent gold-tone filter; includes charcoal water filter.
Controls: Digital with programmable auto-on, brew pause, and clock.
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1000W.
Dimensions: Approximately 14" H x 9" W x 7" D.
Weight: 10 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Access settings via the digital control panel. Front Panel: POWER, CLOCK, HOUR, MIN, AUTO ON, PROGRAM, BREW PAUSE, CLEAN indicator.

Functions: POWER turns unit on/off; CLOCK sets time; AUTO ON programs automatic brew start; BREW PAUSE interrupts brewing to pour a cup; CLEAN light indicates when descaling is needed.

Grind Selector: Located on the side; adjust from fine (1) to coarse (10). Settings: Clock (24-hour), Auto-On (program brew time), Brew Strength (regular or bold if available).

Brewing Coffee

Supports whole beans or pre-ground coffee.

Fill the water reservoir: Lift the lid and add cold water to the desired cup level.
Add coffee beans: Fill the bean hopper with whole beans (or use pre-ground in the filter basket).
Select grind size: Adjust the grind selector if using whole beans.
Start brewing: Press POWER to turn on, then press BREW (or wait for auto-on if programmed).
Pause and serve: Press BREW PAUSE to pour a cup during brewing.
After brewing: The unit will shut off automatically; discard grounds from the container.

Tip: For best flavor, use fresh, cold water and clean the unit regularly.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe exterior with a damp cloth; clean carafe and filter basket after each use.

Daily: Empty grounds container; rinse carafe and filter basket.
Weekly: Clean the burr grinder by running a small amount of uncooked rice through it.
Monthly: Descale the unit using a vinegar solution or commercial descaling agent.
Filter: Replace the charcoal water filter every 60 days or as needed.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Never immerse the unit in water.

Safety Features

Automatic Shutoff: Turns off after brewing. Brew Pause: Allows safe pouring during cycle. Thermal Carafe: Reduces risk of burns compared to glass pots. Overheat Protection: Prevents damage if unit overheats.

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.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit won't turn on	Power cord/outlet	Ensure plug is securely in outlet; check power source.
Coffee tastes weak	Grind size/water ratio	Adjust grind to a finer setting; use more coffee per cup.
Grinder not working	Beans/blockage	Ensure beans are in hopper; clean grinder of debris.
Auto-on not working	Clock setting/program	Reset clock; reprogram auto-on time.
Leaking water	Seals/placement	Check that all parts are properly assembled; ensure carafe is seated.

Reset: Unplug for 10 minutes, then plug back in to reset electronic controls.

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