Cuisinart Grind & Brew DGB-500C Series Manual

The Cuisinart Grind & Brew DGB-500C Series is a fully automatic coffee maker with an integrated conical burr grinder. It features programmable settings, a 24-hour advance brew start timer, auto-shutoff, a charcoal water filter, a permanent gold-tone filter, and a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot. Key sections include safety, features, setup, operation, cleaning, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Grinding & Brewing Process 7. Programming the Timer 8. Care & Cleaning 9. Safety Information 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Conical Burr Grinder, Bean Hopper, Water Reservoir, Thermal Carafe, Control Panel with LCD Display, Charcoal Water Filter, Permanent Gold-Tone Filter.

Feature	Description
Integrated Burr Grinder	Grinds beans fresh before brewing for optimal flavor
Programmable Timer	24-hour advance setting for automatic brew start
Thermal Carafe	Stainless steel, double-wall insulated to keep coffee hot
Charcoal Water Filter	Removes impurities for better tasting coffee
Permanent Filter	Gold-tone filter eliminates the need for paper filters
Grind Selector	Adjustable from coarse to fine grind settings
Cup Selector	Brews 2 to 12 cups automatically
Auto Shut-Off	Turns off automatically after brewing is complete
LCD Display	Shows time, programming status, and alerts
Pause & Serve	Allows you to pour a cup mid-brew

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a clean, dry, level surface near a power outlet.

Rinse Components: Wash the carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
Install Water Filter: Soak the charcoal water filter in cold water for 15 minutes, then insert it into the water reservoir.
Fill Reservoir: Add fresh, cold water to the desired level (2-12 cups).
Insert Filter Basket: Place the permanent gold-tone filter into the filter basket.
Power On: Plug the unit into a 120V AC outlet.

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

First-Time Use

Before brewing your first pot, run a brewing cycle with water only to clean the internal system.

Set Grind Control: Turn the grind selector to your preferred setting (e.g., medium).
Add Water: Fill the reservoir with fresh water up to the 12-cup mark.
Start Cycle: Press the BREW button without adding coffee beans. Let the full cycle complete.
Discard Water: Empty the carafe after the cycle is finished. The unit is now ready for use.

CAUTION! The carafe, lid, and brewed coffee will be hot. Handle with care using the handle.

Specifications

Model: DGB-500C Series
Type: Fully Automatic Grind & Brew Coffee Maker
Capacity: Up to 12 cups (5 fl oz per cup)
Carafe: Double-wall insulated stainless steel thermal carafe
Grinder:Conical burr grinder with adjustable settings Filter:Permanent gold-tone filter & charcoal water filter included Programmability:24-hour digital clock with programmable auto-brew Power:120V AC, 60Hz Dimensions:Approx. 11.5" H x 8.5" W x 13.5" D

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, BREW, GRIND OFF, CUP SELECT (2-12), GRIND CONTROL (Coarse to Fine).

LCD Display: Shows time of day, programming status, "ADD WATER" alert, and "CLEAN" indicator.

Settings: Program timer for automatic brew. Adjust grind size for flavor (coarse for milder, fine for stronger). Select cup quantity (2-12). Use GRIND OFF button to brew with pre-ground coffee. Auto Shut-Off activates after brewing cycle completes.

Grinding & Brewing Process

For fresh ground coffee:

Add Beans: Fill the bean hopper with whole coffee beans. Do not exceed MAX line.

Set Cups: Press CUP SELECT to choose the number of cups (2-12).

Set Grind: Turn the GRIND CONTROL knob to desired setting.

Start Brewing: Press BREW. The grinder will start, then brewing begins automatically.

Pause & Serve: You can press the carafe lid lever to pause brewing and pour a cup.

For Pre-Ground Coffee: Place grounds in the filter basket. Press GRIND OFF, then press BREW.

Tip: Use fresh, cold water and quality beans for best results.

Programming the Timer

To set the clock and program automatic brewing:

Set Clock: Press and hold HOUR and MIN to set the current time.

Program Brew Time: Press PROGRAM. Use HOUR and MIN to set the desired brew time.

Confirm: Press PROGRAM again to confirm. The programmed time will flash on the display.

Auto Brew: Ensure the bean hopper has beans, the water reservoir is filled, and the unit is ON. It will grind and brew automatically at the set time.

Note: To cancel a programmed time, press and hold PROGRAM until the programmed time disappears from the display.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.

Daily: Wash carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Decalcification: The "CLEAN" light will illuminate when descaling is needed. Run a cycle with a descaling solution (vinegar or commercial descaler) as per instructions, then run 2-3 cycles with clean water to rinse.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Charcoal Filter: Replace the water filter every 60 days or as needed.

CAUTION! Never immerse the base, cord, or plug in water. Do not clean with harsh chemicals.

Safety Information

Important safeguards for household use.

Read all instructions before first use.

Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.

To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury, do not immerse cord, plug, or base in water or other liquid.

Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.

Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.

Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions.

Regulatory Information

This appliance complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Unit does not turn on No power Ensure unit is plugged in. Check outlet. Press POWER button.

Coffee does not brew Empty water reservoir Fill reservoir with water. Ensure "ADD WATER" light is not on.

Grinder does not operate Hopper empty or blocked Add whole beans. Ensure hopper lid is closed. Check for bean blockage.

Weak or cold coffee Incorrect grind/clean cycle needed Adjust grind to a finer setting. Descale the unit.

Leaking water Misaligned components Ensure carafe is properly positioned under the drip stop. Check that filter basket is correctly seated.

"CLEAN" light is on Mineral buildup Descale the coffee maker following instructions in the Care section.

Reset: Unplug the unit for 2 minutes, then plug back in to reset the control panel.

Service: For repairs, contact Cuisinart Customer Service: 1-800-726-0190 or www.cuisinart.com.

Cuisinart Grind & Brew DGB-500C Series Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit does not turn on	No power	Ensure unit is plugged in. Check outlet. Press POWER button.
Coffee does not brew	Empty water reservoir	Fill reservoir with water. Ensure "ADD WATER" light is not on.
Grinder does not operate	Hopper empty or blocked	Add whole beans. Ensure hopper lid is closed. Check for bean blockage.
Weak or cold coffee	Incorrect grind/clean cycle needed	Adjust grind to a finer setting. Descale the unit.
Leaking water	Misaligned components	Ensure carafe is properly positioned under the drip stop. Check that filter basket is correctly seated.
"CLEAN" light is on	Mineral buildup	Descale the coffee maker following instructions in the Care section.