Cuisinart EM550E Manual

The Cuisinart EM550E is a 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with a stainless steel finish, 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, brew pause, self-clean function, and a charcoal water filter. It features a digital clock, adjustable warming plate, and a gold-tone coffee 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. Brewing Coffee 7. Cleaning & Maintenance 8. Programming 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel housing, 14-cup glass carafe, Charcoal water filter, Gold-tone permanent filter, Digital clock with programmable timer, Control panel with buttons.

FeatureDescription
Programmable TimerSet brew time up to 24 hours in advance
Auto Shut-OffAutomatically turns off after brewing (0-4 hours)
Brew PausePause brewing to pour a cup mid-cycle
Self-Clean FunctionIndicator light alerts when cleaning is needed
Adjustable Warming PlateKeep coffee at desired temperature
Charcoal Water FilterReduces chlorine and impurities for better taste
Digital ClockDisplays time and program settings
ON/OFF ButtonManual brew start/stop
PROGRAM ButtonSet brew time
AUTO OFF ButtonAdjust auto shut-off duration

Installation

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

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

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

First-Time Setup

Power on coffee maker; set clock and program if desired.

  1. Set the clock: Press and hold CLOCK, then use HOUR and MIN buttons.
  2. Prime the filter: Run a cycle with water only (no coffee) to activate charcoal filter.
  3. Adjust auto shut-off: Press AUTO OFF to select duration (0, 1, 2, or 4 hours).
  4. Test brew: Add water and ground coffee to brew a test pot.

CAUTION! Use only cold water. Do not use without water in reservoir.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: ON/OFF, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, CLOCK, AUTO OFF, CLEAN indicator.

Functions: Manual Brew (ON/OFF), Programmed Brew (PROGRAM + time setting), Clock Setting (CLOCK + HOUR/MIN), Auto Shut-Off (AUTO OFF cycles through 0,1,2,4 hours).

Brew Pause: Simply lift carafe during brewing (replace within 30 seconds to continue). Self-Clean: CLEAN light illuminates when cleaning is recommended. Warming Plate: Automatically activates during brew; adjust with switch on side of base.

Brewing Coffee

For best results, use fresh, cold water and medium grind coffee.

  1. Fill reservoir with cold water using carafe markings.
  2. Insert filter (permanent or paper) into filter basket.
  3. Add ground coffee (1 tablespoon per cup).
  4. Place carafe on warming plate.
  5. Press ON/OFF to start immediate brew, or set PROGRAM for delayed brew.
  6. Use brew pause feature if desired.
  7. Auto shut-off will turn off warming plate after selected time.

Tip: For full flavor, brew within 2 hours of grinding beans.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Wash carafe, lid, and filter basket with warm, soapy water.
  2. Monthly: Run self-clean cycle (equal parts water and vinegar).
  3. Charcoal Filter: Replace every 60 brew cycles or 2 months.
  4. Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth; do not use abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Never immerse base in water.

Programming

Set the coffee maker to brew automatically at a specific time.

  1. Ensure clock is set correctly.
  2. Add water and coffee to unit as normal.
  3. Press PROGRAM button.
  4. Use HOUR and MIN buttons to set desired brew time.
  5. Press PROGRAM again to confirm.
  6. PROGRAM light will illuminate.
  7. Unit will brew at set time.

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

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. This appliance is for household use only.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Coffee maker won't turn onNo powerCheck outlet; ensure plug is fully inserted; try different outlet.
Coffee tastes badOld filter/coffeeReplace charcoal filter; use fresh coffee; clean unit.
Program not workingClock not setSet correct time; ensure PROGRAM light is on.
CLEAN light onMineral buildupRun self-clean cycle with vinegar solution.
Leaking waterMisaligned partsEnsure carafe is properly positioned; check filter basket placement.

Reset: Unplug for 10 minutes, then replug to reset electronics.

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

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