Cuisinart Thermal Coffee Center SS-20P1 Manual

The Cuisinart Thermal Coffee Center SS-20P1 is a dual-brew coffee maker featuring a 12-cup glass carafe and a 10-cup thermal carafe, programmable brewing, 24-hour advance brew start, auto shut-off, charcoal water filter, cleaning indicator, and pause & serve function. It includes a permanent gold-tone filter, measuring scoop, and charcoal water 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 and Maintenance 8. Safety Features 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Dual brewing system, 12-cup glass carafe, 10-cup thermal carafe, Control Panel, Charcoal Water Filter Holder, Permanent Gold-Tone Filter, Measuring Scoop.

FeatureDescription
Dual Brewing SystemBrews into either glass or thermal carafe
12-Cup Glass CarafeFor serving hot coffee with warming plate
10-Cup Thermal CarafeStainless steel, keeps coffee hot without warming plate
Programmable Timer24-hour advance brew start
Auto Shut-OffAutomatically turns off after brewing (0-4 hours selectable)
Charcoal Water FilterRemoves chlorine and impurities for better taste
Cleaning IndicatorLight alerts when cleaning is needed
Pause & ServeInterrupt brewing to pour a cup
Brew Strength SelectorRegular or Bold brew option
Power ButtonTurns unit on/off

Installation

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
  2. Wash carafes, filter basket, and permanent filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
  3. Insert charcoal water filter into filter holder and soak in cold water for 15 minutes.
  4. Place filter holder into water reservoir.
  5. Plug into 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not immerse unit in water. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, run a brewing cycle with water only to clean the system.

  1. Fill water reservoir to maximum level with fresh cold water.
  2. Place empty carafe on warming plate or thermal carafe in position.
  3. Press POWER to turn unit on.
  4. Press BREW to start cycle. Discard water after cycle completes.
  5. Repeat if desired. Unit is now ready for brewing.

CAUTION! Ensure carafe is properly positioned before brewing to prevent spills.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER, BREW, PROGRAM, HOUR, MINUTE, BREW STRENGTH, AUTO OFF, CLEAN.

Functions: POWER turns unit on/off. BREW starts immediate brewing. PROGRAM sets time for delayed brewing. HOUR/MINUTE set clock or program time. BREW STRENGTH selects Regular or Bold. AUTO OFF sets auto shut-off duration (0, 2, or 4 hours). CLEAN indicator lights when cleaning is needed.

To Program: Set current time using HOUR/MINUTE. Press PROGRAM, then set desired brew time using HOUR/MINUTE. Press PROGRAM again to confirm. Brew strength and auto-off can be set before programming.

Brewing Coffee

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

  1. Fill water reservoir to desired level (marked cups).
  2. Place permanent filter in filter basket. Add coffee (1 scoop per cup).
  3. Select carafe: Place glass carafe on warming plate or thermal carafe in position.
  4. Select brew strength: Press BREW STRENGTH for Regular or Bold.
  5. Press POWER to turn on, then press BREW to start immediate brewing.
  6. For delayed brew: Set clock, then program brew time as described above.
  7. Pause & Serve: During brew, remove carafe to pour a cup. Replace within 30 seconds to resume.

Tip: For thermal carafe, brew directly into it. Do not place thermal carafe on warming plate.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and coffee flavor.

  1. Daily: Wash carafe, lid, and filter basket with warm, soapy water.
  2. Monthly: Descale unit with vinegar solution. Fill reservoir with equal parts water and white vinegar. Run brew cycle without coffee. Rinse by running 2-3 cycles with fresh water.
  3. Charcoal Filter: Replace every 60 brew cycles or 2 months. Soak new filter 15 minutes before installing.
  4. Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

CLEAN Indicator: Lights after approximately 90 brew cycles. Descale and clean, then press and hold CLEAN button for 3 seconds to reset.

Safety Features

Auto Shut-Off: Turns off warming plate after selected time (0, 2, or 4 hours). Pause & Serve: Allows safe removal of carafe during brewing. Thermal Carafe: Double-wall insulation keeps coffee hot without external heat. Overheat Protection: Built-in safety shut-off if unit overheats.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed. FCC Part 15 Compliant. This device 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 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit won't turn onPower cord not plugged inEnsure plug is securely in outlet; check outlet with another device.
No brewingWater reservoir emptyFill reservoir with water. Ensure filter basket is properly seated.
Coffee tastes badOld coffee or dirty unitUse fresh coffee; clean unit and descale; replace charcoal filter.
Leaking waterMisaligned componentsEnsure carafe is properly positioned; check filter basket for proper placement.
CLEAN light onDescaling neededDescale unit with vinegar solution; reset CLEAN light.
Delayed brew not workingIncorrect time setEnsure clock is set correctly; reprogram brew time.

Reset: Unplug for 10 minutes to reset electronic controls.

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

Cuisinart Thermal Coffee Center SS-20P1 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025