Cuisinart DTC-950 Manual

The Cuisinart DTC-950 is a 9-Cup Digital Thermal Carafe Coffeemaker featuring a 24-hour programmable timer, auto-shutoff, brew pause, adjustable keep-warm temperature, charcoal water filter, and a stainless steel thermal carafe. It offers digital controls for strength selection, brew time programming, and a clean indicator light. 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 Timer 7. Brewing Coffee 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Safety Information 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital control panel, Stainless steel thermal carafe, Charcoal water filter, Removable brew basket, Warming plate.

FeatureDescription
Digital Control PanelLCD display with touchpad buttons for programming
24-Hour Programmable TimerSet automatic brew start time up to 24 hours in advance
Auto Shut-OffTurns off automatically after 2 hours (default)
Brew PausePause brewing to pour a cup before cycle completes
Adjustable Keep-WarmSelect temperature for carafe warming (Low/High)
Strength ControlSelect regular or bold brew strength
Clean Indicator LightIlluminates when decalcification is needed
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves impurities for better tasting coffee
Stainless Steel Thermal CarafeKeeps coffee hot without a warming plate
Removable Brew BasketEasy to fill and clean

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials from carafe, filter basket, and coffeemaker.
  2. Wash carafe, lid, and filter basket with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
  3. Insert charcoal water filter into filter holder in water reservoir (soak filter 15 minutes first).
  4. Fill water reservoir with clean water to maximum line and run a brewing cycle without coffee to clean interior.

WARNING! Do not immerse coffeemaker base, cord, or plug in water. Ensure hands are dry when operating controls.

First-Time Use

After initial cleaning cycle, coffeemaker is ready for programming and brewing.

  1. Set time of day: Press and hold CLOCK button, use HOUR and MIN buttons to set correct time.
  2. Program auto brew: Press PROG button, set desired brew time using HOUR/MIN.
  3. Adjust settings: Use STRENGTH button for regular/bold; TEMP for keep-warm temperature.
  4. Brew first pot: Add filter and coffee grounds, fill reservoir, press BREW NOW.

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

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: BREW NOW, PROG (Program), CLOCK, HOUR, MIN, STRENGTH, TEMP, AUTO OFF, CLEAN.

Functions: CLOCK sets time of day. PROG sets auto-brew time. STRENGTH selects regular or bold brew. TEMP adjusts carafe warming temperature (Low/High). AUTO OFF sets auto shut-off delay (0-4 hours). CLEAN initiates cleaning cycle when light is on.

Indicators: LCD shows time, program status, and settings. CLEAN light illuminates when decalcification is needed.

Programming the Timer

Set coffeemaker to brew automatically at a specific time.

  1. Ensure current time is set correctly using CLOCK button.
  2. Press PROG once; "PROG" appears on display.
  3. Use HOUR and MIN buttons to set desired brew time.
  4. Press PROG again to confirm; "PROG" icon remains lit.
  5. Add water, filter, and coffee grounds the night before.
  6. Coffeemaker will automatically brew at set time.

Tip: To cancel programmed brew, press and hold PROG for 3 seconds until "PROG" icon turns off.

Brewing Coffee

For manual brewing at any time.

  1. Fill water reservoir with desired amount of cold water.
  2. Place charcoal filter in holder (if using).
  3. Insert paper filter or permanent filter into brew basket.
  4. Add coffee grounds (1 tablespoon per cup recommended).
  5. Place empty carafe on warming plate.
  6. Press BREW NOW to start brewing cycle.
  7. Use BREW PAUSE feature to pour a cup during brewing.
  8. When cycle completes, carafe will keep coffee warm at selected temperature.

WARNING! Never brew without carafe in place. Do not touch hot surfaces.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Empty and rinse carafe and filter basket. Wipe exterior with damp cloth.

Weekly: Remove and clean charcoal filter under running water.

Monthly (or when CLEAN light illuminates): Decalcify using vinegar solution:

  1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water (4 cups total).
  2. Pour into reservoir and press CLEAN button.
  3. After half cycles, turn off and let sit 15 minutes.
  4. Complete cycle, then run 2-3 cycles with fresh water to rinse.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Never use abrasive cleaners or immerse base in water.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Polarized plug: one blade wider; matches outlet one way only. Do not operate if cord or plug is damaged. Unplug when not in use and before cleaning. Do not place on or near hot surfaces. Use only with provided carafe. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.

WARNING! Risk of fire or electric shock if misused. Keep out of reach of children.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Coffeemaker won't turn onNo powerCheck outlet; ensure plug is fully inserted; try different outlet.
Water doesn't brewClogged filter/water linesClean filter; descale coffeemaker; check for blockages.
Coffee tastes badOld grounds/dirty carafeUse fresh coffee; clean carafe and basket thoroughly; replace charcoal filter.
Auto brew doesn't startIncorrect time/programVerify current time; reprogram auto brew; ensure coffeemaker is ON.
CLEAN light is onMineral buildupPerform decalcification cycle with vinegar solution.
Leaking waterMisaligned componentsEnsure carafe is properly seated; check basket alignment; inspect seals.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute, then plug back in to reset digital controls.

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

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