Cuisinart EM550U Manual

The Cuisinart EM550U is a 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with a stainless steel finish, 24-hour programmability, auto-shutoff (0-4 hours), brew pause, self-clean function, water filter, and adjustable warming plate. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel carafe, Charcoal water filter, Programmable control panel, Brew pause feature, Self-clean indicator, Adjustable warming plate.

Feature	Description
14-Cup Capacity	Brews up to 14 cups (6 oz each) of coffee
24-Hour Programmability	Set brew time in advance
Auto Shut-Off	Automatically turns off 0 to 4 hours after brewing
Brew Pause	Pause brewing to pour a cup before cycle completes
Self-Clean Function	Indicator light alerts when cleaning is needed
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes impurities for better tasting coffee
Adjustable Warming Plate	Keep coffee at desired temperature
Stainless Steel Carafe	Durable and easy to clean
Power On/Off	Main power switch
Program Button	Set clock and brew time

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
2. Wash carafe, lid, and filter basket with warm soapy water; rinse thoroughly.
3. Insert charcoal water filter into filter holder (soak filter first for 15 minutes).
4. Plug into 120V AC outlet.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on coffee maker; follow control panel prompts.

1. Set the clock: Press and hold PROGRAM, then use HOUR and MIN buttons.
2. Prime the system: Run a full cycle with water only (no coffee).
3. Install filter: Place permanent filter or paper filter in basket.
4. Adjust warming plate: Use WARM button to select temperature (Low, Medium, High).

CAUTION! Place on heat-resistant surface away from edges.

Specifications

• Capacity: 14 cups (6 oz each).
• Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 900W.
• Carafe: Stainless steel, 14-cup.
• Filter: Charcoal water filter included; compatible with paper filters.
• Controls: Programmable with digital clock.
• Auto Shut-Off: 0 to 4 hours adjustable.
• Warming Plate: Adjustable temperature (Low, Medium, High).
• Dimensions: Standard countertop size.
• Weight: Lightweight for easy handling.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel. Front Panel: POWER, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, AUTO ON, AUTO OFF, WARM, BREW PAUSE.

Indicator Lights: POWER, PROGRAM, CLEAN, WARM.

Clock Setting: Press and hold PROGRAM, adjust with HOUR/MIN. Auto Shut-Off: Press AUTO OFF to set 0-4 hours. Warming Plate: Press WARM to cycle through Low, Medium, High. Self-Clean: CLEAN light indicates when to run cleaning cycle.

Using the Coffee Maker

Supports ground coffee; use filter for best results.

1. Add water: Pour fresh cold water into reservoir (up to 14 cups).
2. Add coffee: Place filter and ground coffee in basket (1 tbsp per cup).
3. Brew: Press POWER to start immediate brew, or set AUTO ON for delayed brew.
4. Pause: Press BREW PAUSE to pour a cup during brewing.
5. Keep warm: Coffee stays on warming plate until auto shut-off.
6. Program: Set AUTO ON time for automatic morning brew.

WARNING! Do not remove carafe during brewing except during brew pause. Avoid overfilling.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Clean carafe and filter basket after each use.

1. Daily: Wash carafe and basket with warm soapy water.
2. Monthly: Run self-clean cycle (vinegar solution) when CLEAN light illuminates.
3. Filter: Replace charcoal water filter every 60 days or after 60 uses.
4. Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth; do not use abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Never immerse coffee maker in water. Use only vinegar solution for descaling.

Programming Guide

Set clock and auto brew time.

1. Set Clock: Hold PROGRAM, press HOUR/MIN to set time, release PROGRAM.
2. Set Auto On: Press PROGRAM, then HOUR/MIN to set brew time, press PROGRAM to confirm.
3. Set Auto Off: Press AUTO OFF repeatedly to select shut-off delay (0, 2, 4 hours).
4. Cancel Program: Press and hold PROGRAM for 3 seconds.

Tip: Ensure water and coffee are loaded before setting auto on.

Care & Storage

Unplug and cool completely before storage. Store in dry place.

CAUTION! Do not wrap cord tightly around base; avoid kinks.

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
Coffee maker won't turn on	Power cord/outlet	Ensure plugged in; check outlet; press POWER firmly.
Coffee tastes bad	Old filter/water	Replace charcoal filter; use fresh cold water; clean machine.
No brewing	Water reservoir empty	Fill reservoir; ensure carafe is properly positioned.
Auto on not working	Clock not set/program error	Set clock correctly; reprogram auto on time.
Leaking	Misaligned components	Ensure carafe lid is closed; check filter basket placement.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute, then plug back in.

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