Cuisinart SS-300 Manual

The Cuisinart SS-300 is a premium single-serve coffeemaker featuring K-Cup® pod compatibility, a 40-oz removable water reservoir, three brew sizes (6, 8, 10 oz), an auto-off function, a descale indicator, and a removable drip tray. Designed for home or office use, it offers fast heating and simple one-touch operation. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First Use Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Brewing Guide 7. Cleaning & Descaling 8. Care & Storage 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Brew chamber, Removable water reservoir, Drip tray with adjustable cup rest, Power button, Brew size buttons, Descaling indicator light.

FeatureDescription
K-Cup® Pod CompatibilityBrews using licensed K-Cup® pods
Removable Water Reservoir40 oz capacity, easy-fill design
Brew Size SelectionThree options: 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz
Auto-Off FunctionTurns off automatically after 90 seconds of inactivity
Descale IndicatorLight alerts when descaling is needed
Removable Drip TrayAccommodates travel mugs up to 7.5 inches tall
Fast Heat-UpReady to brew in under 2 minutes
Power ButtonMain on/off control
Brew ButtonsOne-touch selection for each brew size
Indicator LightsShow power status and descale alert

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Place on a clean, flat, stable surface.

  1. Remove all packaging materials from inside and outside the unit.
  2. Wash the water reservoir and drip tray with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
  3. Insert the drip tray into the base of the coffeemaker.
  4. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water and slide it into place on the back of the unit.
  5. Plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure the unit is on a heat-resistant surface away from edges. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.

First Use Instructions

Before first brew, perform an initial water flush to clean the internal system.

  1. Ensure the water reservoir is filled and properly seated.
  2. Press the POWER button to turn the unit on. The indicator light will illuminate.
  3. Do not insert a K-Cup® pod. Place a large mug (at least 10 oz) on the drip tray.
  4. Press the 10 oz brew button. Allow the full cycle to run, dispensing hot water into the mug.
  5. Discard the water. The unit is now ready for brewing.

CAUTION! The water and brewed beverage will be very hot. Avoid contact with steam and hot surfaces.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Front Panel: POWER button, 6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz brew buttons, Descale indicator light.

Brewing Cycle: Press POWER to turn on (light glows solid). Insert a K-Cup® pod. Select desired brew size. The brew button will flash during heating and then glow solid during brewing. The cycle completes automatically.

Auto-Off: The unit will turn off automatically 90 seconds after the last button press or the end of a brew cycle. The power light will turn off.

Descale Indicator: The DESCALE light will illuminate when mineral buildup requires cleaning. Refer to the Cleaning section.

Brewing Guide

For optimal coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

  1. Lift the handle to open the brew chamber.
  2. Insert a licensed K-Cup® pod.
  3. Close the handle firmly until it snaps into place.
  4. Place a cup or mug on the drip tray.
  5. Press the POWER button if the unit is off.
  6. Select your desired brew size (6, 8, or 10 oz).
  7. The brewing process will begin automatically after a brief heating period.
  8. When brewing is complete, lift the handle to eject the used pod into the internal storage compartment (holds approx. 10 pods).

Tip: For a stronger brew, select a smaller cup size (e.g., use the 6 oz setting for an 8 oz pod).

Cleaning & Descaling

Regular cleaning ensures performance and longevity.

Daily: Wipe exterior with a damp cloth. Empty the drip tray and used pod container as needed. Wash reservoir and drip tray in warm, soapy water.

Descaling (When Indicator Lights):

  1. Fill reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and half fresh water.
  2. Place a large mug on the drip tray.
  3. Press POWER. Without a pod, run multiple 10 oz brew cycles until the reservoir is empty.
  4. Discard the vinegar water. Rinse the reservoir thoroughly.
  5. Fill with fresh water and run several brew cycles to rinse the internal system.
  6. The descale light will turn off after the process is complete.

WARNING! Unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Never immerse the base in water or other liquids.

Care & Storage

Unplug and allow to cool before storage. Store in a dry place. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

CAUTION! The needle that pierces the K-Cup® pod is sharp. Use caution when cleaning the brew chamber.

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. K-Cup® is a registered trademark of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., used under license. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit does not turn onNo powerEnsure plug is firmly in outlet; check household circuit breaker.
No water flow / slow brewingClogged needle or mineral buildupDescale the unit. Use a paperclip to gently clear the exit needle (unplug first).
Brew is not hot enoughCold mug, initial cyclesPreheat mug with hot water. Run a water-only cycle before brewing.
Water leaks from unitReservoir not seated properlyRemove and re-seat the water reservoir firmly.
Descale light is onMineral buildupPerform descaling procedure as outlined in Section 8.
Pod not puncturedBrew chamber not closed fullyOpen and firmly re-close the handle until it snaps.

Reset: Unplug the unit for 60 seconds, then plug back in.

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

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