cuisinart ss-15 coffee maker manual

The Cuisinart SS-15 is a 12-cup programmable coffee maker with a stainless steel carafe, 24-hour programmability, auto shut-off, brew pause feature, charcoal water filter, and cleaning indicator light. It features a digital clock, adjustable keep-warm plate, and a permanent gold-tone filter. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel carafe, digital control panel, water reservoir, permanent gold-tone filter, charcoal water filter, warming plate, and power cord.

FeatureDescription
12-Cup CapacityBrews up to 12 cups (5.7 oz each) of coffee
Programmable24-hour advance brew start timer
Auto Shut-OffAutomatically turns off after brewing (0-4 hours adjustable)
Brew PausePause brewing to pour a cup before cycle completes
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves chlorine and impurities for better taste
Cleaning IndicatorLight alerts when decalcification is needed
Permanent FilterGold-tone filter eliminates need for paper filters
Adjustable Keep-WarmPlate temperature can be adjusted
Digital ClockDisplays time and programming status
Stainless Steel CarafeDurable, insulated carafe with ergonomic handle

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on a clean, dry, level surface away from edges.

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

WARNING! Do not immerse the coffee maker, cord, or plug in water or other liquids. Ensure the power cord is not dangling over the edge of the counter.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, perform a cleaning cycle to remove any manufacturing residues.

  1. Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup mark with clean, cold water.
  2. Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
  3. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the unit on. The digital display will light up.
  4. Press and hold the CLEAN button for 3 seconds to start the cleaning cycle. The cycle will run water through the system without coffee.
  5. Discard the water from the carafe after the cycle completes. The unit is now ready for brewing.
  6. Set the clock by pressing the HOUR and MIN buttons while in standby mode.

CAUTION! Use only cold water. Never use warm or hot water, as it can damage the internal components.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: ON/OFF, PROGRAM, HOUR, MIN, AUTO ON, AUTO OFF, CLEAN indicator, and digital display.

Functions: ON/OFF - Turns brewing on/off. PROGRAM - Sets time for automatic brew start. HOUR/MIN - Adjusts clock time. AUTO ON - Activates programmed start time. AUTO OFF - Sets auto shut-off delay (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours). CLEAN - Indicator light illuminates when decalcification is needed.

Settings: Clock display (12/24 hour format), brew strength (not available on this model), keep-warm temperature (adjustable via internal switch).

Brewing Coffee

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

  1. Ensure the carafe is empty and properly placed on the warming plate.
  2. Fill the water reservoir with cold water to desired cup level (1-12).
  3. Insert the permanent filter into the filter basket. Add one tablespoon of ground coffee per cup (adjust to taste).
  4. Close the lid securely.
  5. Press the ON/OFF button. The brew cycle will begin, and the red brew light will illuminate.
  6. When brewing starts, you can press the BREW PAUSE button to pour a cup before the cycle finishes (pause for up to 20 seconds).
  7. When brewing is complete, the unit will switch to keep-warm mode. The auto shut-off timer will begin counting down.

Tip: For optimal flavor, serve coffee immediately after brewing. Do not leave coffee on the warming plate for more than 2 hours.

Programming

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

  1. Ensure the clock is set to the correct time.
  2. Fill the water reservoir and add coffee grounds to the filter as described in the Brewing Coffee section.
  3. Press the PROGRAM button. The PROGRAM light will blink.
  4. Use the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the desired brew start time.
  5. Press the AUTO ON button. The AUTO ON light will illuminate, indicating the program is set.
  6. The coffee maker will now automatically begin brewing at the set time. The PROGRAM light will stay on.
  7. To cancel a programmed brew, press and hold the PROGRAM button for 3 seconds until the PROGRAM light turns off.

Note: If power is interrupted, you will need to reset the clock and any programmed settings.

Care & Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Empty and rinse the carafe and filter basket. Wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth.

Weekly: Wash the carafe, lid, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.

Monthly (Decalcification): When the CLEAN light illuminates, run a decalcification cycle.

  1. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water to the 12-cup line.
  2. Place an empty carafe on the warming plate.
  3. Press and hold the CLEAN button for 3 seconds to start the cycle.
  4. After the cycle completes, discard the vinegar solution. Run two cycles with clean water to rinse.
  5. The CLEAN light will turn off.

CAUTION! Unplug the unit before cleaning. Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Replace the charcoal water filter every 60 brew cycles or every 2 months.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

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

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Coffee maker won't turn onNo powerCheck if plugged in; check outlet; ensure ON/OFF is pressed.
Water does not flowClogged filter/water linesClean filter basket; descale the unit; ensure reservoir has water.
Coffee is not hot enoughWarming plate settingCheck adjustable keep-warm plate setting (inside unit).
Auto program doesn't workClock not set/power outageReset the clock; reprogram the start time.
CLEAN light is onMineral buildupPerform decalcification cycle as described in Care & Cleaning.
Coffee tastes badOld coffee/water filterUse fresh coffee; replace charcoal water filter; clean carafe and filter.
Leaking waterMisaligned carafe/overfilledEnsure carafe is properly seated; do not fill past 12-cup mark.

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

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

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