Cuisinart DGB-550BCH Grind-and-Brew Automatic Coffeemaker Manual

The Cuisinart DGB-550BCH Grind-and-Brew Automatic Coffeemaker is a 12-cup programmable coffeemaker with a built-in burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh coffee beans and brew automatically. It features a charcoal water filter, 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, a brew pause function, and a permanent gold-tone filter. 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. Grinding and Brewing 7. Cleaning and Maintenance 8. Programming 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Burr grinder, 12-cup glass carafe, Charcoal water filter, Gold-tone permanent filter, Programmable clock/timer, Control panel with LCD display.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Burr GrinderGrinds coffee beans fresh before brewing
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves impurities for better-tasting coffee
Programmable Timer24-hour advance setting for automatic brewing
Auto Shut-OffTurns off automatically after brewing
Brew PauseAllows you to pour a cup before brewing finishes
Permanent Gold-Tone FilterEliminates the need for paper filters
Grind SelectorAdjustable from coarse to fine grind
Cup SelectorAdjusts brewing strength for 1-4 cups
LCD DisplayShows time, programming, and status
Power ButtonTurns the coffeemaker on/off

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, dry, level surface.

  1. Remove all packaging materials from inside and outside the coffeemaker.
  2. Wash the carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
  3. Insert the charcoal water filter into the filter holder (soak filter first for 15 minutes).
  4. Place the carafe on the warming plate.
  5. Plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse the coffeemaker base, cord, or plug in water. Ensure the carafe is properly seated.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, run a brewing cycle with water only to clean the system.

  1. Fill the water reservoir with clean water to the 12-cup mark.
  2. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
  3. Press the POWER button to turn on the coffeemaker.
  4. Press the BREW button to start the cleaning cycle.
  5. Discard the water after the cycle completes.
  6. Set the clock by pressing the HOUR and MIN buttons.

CAUTION! Use only cold water. Do not use the grinder without coffee beans.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER, BREW, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, GRIND SELECT (coarse/fine), CUP SELECT (1-4), CLOCK.

LCD Display: Shows time, programming status, and brew progress.

Grind Settings: Adjust grind size from coarse to fine using the GRIND SELECT dial. Cup Selector: Adjusts brewing strength for 1-4 cups for optimal flavor. Clock Setting: Press CLOCK, then HOUR and MIN to set time. Programming: Press PROGRAM, then HOUR and MIN to set auto-brew time.

Grinding and Brewing

For fresh ground coffee: Add beans to the grinder hopper, select grind size, and brew.

  1. Fill the water reservoir with cold water to desired cup level.
  2. Add whole coffee beans to the grinder hopper (max ½ cup).
  3. Set the GRIND SELECT dial to desired coarseness.
  4. Set the CUP SELECT button for 1-4 cups if brewing less than 5 cups.
  5. Place the carafe with permanent filter on the warming plate.
  6. Press POWER, then BREW to start grinding and brewing.
  7. Use BREW PAUSE to pour a cup before brewing finishes.

Tip: For pre-ground coffee, use the BYPASS feature: add ground coffee to the permanent filter, then press BREW.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Wash carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water.
  2. Monthly: Descale the coffeemaker using a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water).
  3. Charcoal Filter: Replace every 60 days or after 60 uses.
  4. Grinder Cleaning: Wipe hopper with a dry cloth; do not immerse.
  5. Exterior: Wipe with a damp cloth; do not use abrasive cleaners.

WARNING! Unplug before cleaning. Never immerse the base in water.

Programming

Set the coffeemaker to brew automatically at a specific time.

  1. Press and hold the PROGRAM button.
  2. While holding PROGRAM, press HOUR and MIN to set the desired brew time.
  3. Release PROGRAM. The programmed time will appear on the display.
  4. Ensure the coffeemaker is powered on, beans are in the hopper, water is in the reservoir, and the carafe is in place.
  5. The coffeemaker will automatically grind and brew at the set time.

Note: To cancel programming, press and hold PROGRAM until the display shows the current time.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use a soft, damp cloth for exterior; wash removable parts with soapy water.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Avoid getting water in the grinder or electrical parts.

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

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Coffeemaker won't turn onPower outlet/plugCheck power outlet; ensure plug is securely connected.
No grinding occursBeans/hopper lidEnsure beans are in hopper; close hopper lid securely.
Coffee tastes weakGrind size/water ratioAdjust grind to finer setting; use correct coffee-to-water ratio.
Leaking waterCarafe placement/filterEnsure carafe is properly seated; check filter alignment.
Program not workingClock setting/powerSet correct time; ensure coffeemaker is powered on.

Reset: Unplug for 10 minutes, then plug back in.

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

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