Filter Brew™ Coffeemaker
DCC-900
the filter basket, since extremely hot
water/coffee can spill out from the spreader
and cause injury. If water/coffee is not draining
from the filter basket during the brewing cycle,
unplug the unit and wait 10 minutes before
opening the top cover and checking the filter
basket.
SPECIAL CORD
SET INSTRUCTIONS
A short power-supply cord is provided to
reduce the risks resulting from becoming
entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
Longer extension cords are available and
may be used if care is exercised in their use.
If a long extension cord is used, the marked
electrical rating of the extension cord must
be at least as great as the electrical rating of
the appliance, and the longer cord should be
arranged so that it will not drape over the
counter top or table top where it can be
pulled on by children or tripped over.
IMPORTANT UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the box on a large, sturdy flat
surface.
2. Remove the instruction book and any other
literature.
NOTICE
3. Turn the box so that the back side of the
coffeemaker is down and slide the
coffeemaker from the box.
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other.) To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this plug will fit in a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit
fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician.
Do not modify the plug in any way.
4. After the coffeemaker has been removed,
place the box out of the way and lift off the
top two polyfoam inserts.
5. Remove the cardboard insert between the
carafe lid and Brew Pause mechanism by
slding it out of the unit.
OPERATING NOTICE
Clogging and backing up of water and/or
coffee in the filter basket can occur under
any or a combination of any of the following
conditions: The use of too finely ground coffee;
using two or more paper filters; using the gold
tone filter in conjunction with a paper filter or
not properly cleaning coffee grounds from the
gold tone filter; or allowing coffee grounds to
spill over the filter.
6. Grasp the carafe by its handle, remove
it from the heater plate and remove the
polybag.
7. Lift the coffeemaker off the remaining two
inserts and remove the polybag covering
the coffeemaker.
We suggest you save all packing materials in
the event that future shipping of the machine is
needed.
Caution: Never open the top cover during the
brewing cycle, even if no water is draining from
Keep all plastic bags away from children.
WA R N I N G
RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING, TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER(OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REPAIR SHOULD BE DONE BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY
2
flavor should be in the coffee. Don’t expect to
achieve the same quality cup of coffee you’re
accustomed to drinking at a coffee bar if you
don’t use the same quality beans or grounds.
If you choose to grind your own beans before
brewing be sure to buy them fresh, ideally no
more than a two week supply at a time, and
buy them whole. Once the bean is broken, its
flavor degrades very quickly, so coffee should
be ground just prior to brewing. If it is not
practical to buy small supplies, we recommend
you separate larger amounts of beans into
one to two week portions immediately after
purchase and freeze them in airtight
containers. The best way to maximize fresh-
ness is to minimize exposure to air, light and
moisture. So, once removed from the freezer,
maintain the beans in a sealed container at
room temperature since damaging condensa-
tion occurs every time the beans are removed
from the freezer or refrigerator. Note that
some coffee experts advise against freezing
dark-roast beans because it can cause the
oils to coagulate, while others disagree.
We suggest you experiment and decide
for yourself.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safeguards . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
Unpacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . .Page 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3
The Quest for the
Perfect Cup of Coffee . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3
Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4
Making Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6
Cleaning and Maintenance . . . . . . .Page 7
Decalcification of Metal Parts . . . . . .Page 7
Replacing the Water Filter . . . . . . . .Page 7
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the
Cuisinart® Filter BrewTM Coffeemaker. This
easy to use coffeemaker has a top of the
line brewing system with a charcoal filter that
makes pure, great tasting coffee possible
every time. You decide how many cups you
want to make without altering the flavor of the
brew. Or if you choose, the Brew Pause™
feature will let you sneak a cup before the
brewing cycle is complete. We also included
an automatic shutoff feature that turns the
machine off after 2 hours in case you forget.
Your Filter Brew™ is easy to use, easy to clean
and looks great on any kitchen counter top.
Element 3: Grind
The grind is critical in proper flavor extraction.
If the grind is too fine, overextraction and
bitterness will result; too fine a grind may also
clog your filter. If too coarse, the water will
pass too quickly and the desired flavors will
not be extracted. We recommend a medium-
fine grind.
THE QUEST FOR THE
Element 4: Proportion
PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE
The cups on the Cuisinart coffeemaker are
4.5 ounces. Add the desired amount of ground
coffee, corresponding to the number of cups
being brewed. Many coffee bars and the
Specialty Coffee Association of America
recommend adding 2 rounded tablespoons
of coffee per 6 ounces of water. Some
coffee manufacturers recommend using one
tablespoon per cup. We recommend using 1
tablespoon of ground coffee per cup, but use
more or less to suit your taste.
It is generally agreed that there are four basic
elements critical to the perfect cup:
Element 1: Water
Coffee is 98% water. Often overlooked, the
quality of the water is as important as the
quality of the coffee. A good rule of thumb is
that if your water doesn’t taste good from the
tap, it won’t taste any better in your coffee.
That is why Cuisinart has added a built-in
water filter to the Filter Brew™. The charcoal
water filter removes chlorine, bad tastes,
odors and scale for the purest cup of coffee
every time.
NOTE: The maximum capacity for ground
coffee is 15 tablespoons for this 12 cup
coffeemaker. Exceeding these amounts
may cause overflow if the coffee is too
finely ground.
Element 2: Coffee
While the bulk of the liquid is water, all of the
3
1. Reservoir Cover
Flips back for easy filling.
FEATURES AND
BENEFITS
2. Water Reservoir
We designed the Cuisinart® Filter BrewTM
to produce great tasting coffee and still be
easy to use and easy to clean. A flip top cover
allows for easy access to the water reservoir,
coffee filter basket and water filter. We made
a water reservoir with a large fill area for easy
filling from both the front and sides of the
unit and to minimize spills. Our unique
showerhead evenly distributes the water over
the coffee, reducing temperature loss as water
passes through coffee grounds. A water filter
guarantees the purest coffee and the handgrip
on the filter holder makes it easy to place and
remove. This coffeemaker also features a
heat resistant carafe with a comfortable grip,
a knuckle guard to prevent accidental burns,
and a dripless pour spout.
3. Filter Basket (not shown)
Holds #4 paper cone filter
or permanent filter.
4. Filter Basket Holder
5. Water Window
Markings indicate amount of water
needed to make corresponding cups
of brewed coffee.
6. Showerhead (not shown)
Designed for even distribution of water
onto coffee and minimizes temperature
loss of water passing through the grounds.
7. Water Filter (not shown)
Charcoal water filter eliminates chlorine,
calcium, bad tastes and odors from tap
water.
8. Carafe
The coffeemaker will automatically shut off
after 2 hours if you do not so after brewing.
The easy pour carafe has an ergonomic
handle and brewed coffee markings, for
2 to 12 cups.
9. Brew PauseTM Feature
Stops flow of coffee from basket when
carafe is removed (30 seconds max.) from
heater plate so a cup can be poured in
mid-brew, if desired. Since the extraction
rate varies during the brew cycle, we rec-
ommend allowing the brewing cycle to
finish before pouring the coffee.
10. Heating Plate
Scratch resistant with black, non-stick
coating.
11. 1-4 Cup Setting
Adjusts the speed of water flow to
improve the flavor of a smaller quantity
of brewed coffee.
12. ‘On/Off’ Switch
13. Cord Storage (not shown)
Unused cord is easily pushed into the
back of the coffeemaker to keep counters
neat.
14. Grounds Scoop (not shown)
15. Gold Tone Filter (not shown)
4
1
4
2
5
12
11
9
8
10
5
2. Fill the water reservoir:
MAKING COFFEE
Remove the carafe from the heating plate.
Open the carafe cover and fill with cold water
to just over the amount of coffee you are
making. Close the carafe cover. Lift the lid
of the coffeemaker and pour the water from
the carafe into it. The numbers on the water
reservoir indicate a slightly higher amount
of water per cup than the carafe markings.
This is to account for the amount of water
lost in wetting the grounds and lost as steam
during the brewing process. The float on the
water window indicates the amount of water
necessary to brew the corresponding amount
of coffee.
Before making the first pot of coffee in your
new Cuisinart® Filter BrewTM, we recommend
operating the coffeemaker once using only
water and a filter paper. This will remove any
dust or residues in the system that remain
from the manufacturing process.
1.Insert the water filter:
To install the filter:
1. Remove the filter from polybag and soak in
cold tap water for 15 minutes.
2. Remove the water filter holder from the
coffeemaker by lifting it out of the reservoir area
with your thumb and forefinger.
3. Add ground coffee:
Lift filter basket up from holder to remove.
Insert #4 paper or permanent filter. Be sure
that the filter is completely open and fully
inserted in the basket. It may help to fold and
flatten the seams of a paper filter beforehand.
Add the desired amount of ground coffee,
corresponding to the number of cups being
brewed. Many coffee bars and the Specialty
Coffee Association of America recommend
adding two tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces
of water. Some manufacturers recommend
using one tablespoon per cup. We recommend
using 1 tablespoon of ground coffee per cup,
but use more or less to suit your taste.
3. Hold the water filter holder lengthwise and
place thumbs in slots directly under arrows.
4. Pull open in opposite directions with thumbs.
5. Place the filter in the holder recess area at
the bottom of the water filter holder.
NOTE: It will only fit correctly in one end of
this unit
6. Close the water filter holder; you will hear a
snap indicating it is in place.
7. Hold the filter under cold running tap water
for 10 seconds to flush. You should place the
hole openings in the side of the unit directly
under the water stream.
NOTE: The maximum capacity for ground
coffee is 15 tablespoons for this 12 cup
coffeemaker. Exceeding these amounts
may cause overflow if the coffee is too
finely ground.
8. Allow the filter to drain completely.
9. Replace the water filter holder in the
reservoir area of the coffeemaker, pushing it all
the way down to the base of the unit.
Replace filter basket in filter basket holder and
flip the water reservoir lid closed. Be sure that
it closes securely in place.
BEFORE BREWING:
Make sure you have replaced the glass carafe
in its position on the heating plate and closed
the top cover.
4. Power unit:
Plug cord into electrical outlet. Switch control
panel to on. The indicator will light.
5. Select cups setting:
Note: We recommend changing the water
filter every 60 days or 60 uses, more often if
you have hard water.
If you are brewing fewer than 5 cups,
activate the ‘1-4’ setting using the push button.
The indicator light will only come on
6
if the coffeemaker has been turned on.
ing plate with a clean, damp cloth. Never use
rough, abrasive materials or cleansers to clean
the heating plate. Do not dry the inside of the
water reservoir with a cloth as lint may remain.
6. During and after brewing:
The Brew Pause™ feature allows you to
remove the carafe from the heater during
mid- brew. The brewing process does not stop
during this period, only the flow of coffee from
the basket stops. Do not remove the carafe
for longer than 30 seconds or the coffee
may overflow the basket. While we offer
this feature, we do not recommend that
you pour coffee before the cycle has reached
completion, since the coffee brewed at the
beginning of the cycle has a flavor profile
which is very different from the flavor at the
end of the cycle. Removing a cup during
the brewing cycle will alter the flavor of the
finished pot.
DECALCIFICATION
Decalcification refers to removing the calcium
deposits that form over time on the metal parts
of the coffeemaker. For best performance from
your Filter Brew™ Coffeemaker, decalcify the
base unit from time to time. The frequency
depends upon the hardness of your tap water
and how often you use the coffeemaker.
If the coffeemaker begins to brew more slowly
than usual, or the coffee does not taste the
same, use the decalcification feature to clean
the interior. To decalcify, use a solution of 1⁄
3
Once the coffee has finished brewing, stir it
before serving to blend the flavors. The coffee
at the bottom of the carafe will be somewhat
stronger than the coffee at the top.
white vinegar and 2⁄
water, filling the water
3
reservoir to capacity. Combine in a container
and pour into the water reservoir. Plug the unit
into electrical outlet. Turn to the ON position
and run until half the amount has brewed (6
cups). Turn the unit to the OFF position and
allow to sit for 10 minutes. Return the unit to
ON and allow the remainder of the liquid to
brew. Repeat the above procedure as many
times as necessary until a normal brew rate
returns, usually 2-3 times. With each repeated
cycle, use a fresh solution of vinegar and
water. Run one cycle of fresh, cold water
through the unit at the completion of the decal-
cification before using the unit again to brew
coffee.
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
COMPLETELY CLEAN AND DRY
ALL PARTS AFTER EVERY USE.
Always turn coffeemaker OFF and remove the
plug from the electrical outlet before cleaning
unit. Lift lid of coffee maker and remove the
filter basket from its holder. Discard the filter
paper and ground coffee. The filter basket can
be washed in warm soapy water and rinsed
thoroughly, or cleaned in the upper rack of
the dishwasher. Once clean, replace the
filter basket.
REPLACING THE
WATER FILTER
To replace the filter
Remove the carafe from the heating plate.
Discard any remaining coffee. The carafe and
lid can be washed in warm soapy water and
rinsed thoroughly, or placed in the dishwasher.
The carafe and carafe lid should be placed on
the upper rack only.
1. Remove the new filter from polybag and soak
in cold tap water for 15 minutes.
2. Remove the water filter holder from the
coffeemaker by lifting it out of the reservoir area
with your thumb and forefinger.
Do not use scouring agents or hash cleaners
on any part of the coffeemaker.
3. Hold the water filter holder lengthwise and
place thumbs in slots directly under arrows.
Never immerse base unit in water or other liq-
uid. To clean base, simply wipe with a clean,
damp cloth and dry before storing. Wipe heat-
4. Pull open in opposite directions with thumbs
7
promptly to facilitate verification of the date
of original purchase. However, return of the
warranty registration is not a condition of
these warranties.
5. Remove the old filter from the holder and
discard.
6. Place the new filter in the holder recess area
at the bottom of the water filter holder.
If your coffeemaker should prove to be
defective within the warranty period, we will
repair it (or, if we think it necessary, replace
it) without charge to you. To obtain warranty
service, please call our Consumer Service
Center toll-free at 800-726-0190 or write to:
NOTE: It will only fit correctly in one end of this
unit
7. Close the water filter holder; you will hear a
snap indicating it is in place.
8. Hold the filter under cold running tap water
for 10 seconds to flush. You should place the
hole openings in the side of the unit directly
under the water stream.
Cuisinart
150 Milford Road
East Windsor, NJ 08520
To facilitate the speed and accuracy of your
return, please also enclose $10.00 for
9. Allow the filter to drain completely.
shipping and handling of the product
10. Replace the water filter holder in the
reservoir area of the coffeemaker, pushing it all
the way down to the base of the unit.
(California residents need only supply proof
of purchase and should call 1-800-726-0190
for shipping instructions). Please also be sure
to include a return address, description of the
product defect, product serial number, and
any other information pertinent to the product’s
return. Please pay by check or money order.
Note: We recommend changing the water
filter every 60 days or 60 uses, more often
if you have hard water.
Replacement water filters can be purchased in
stores or by calling customer service.
Your Cuisinart® Filter Brew™ has been
manufactured to strict specifications and
has been designed for use with the Cuisinart
coffeemaker authorized accessories and
replacement parts for your model. These
warranties expressly exclude any defects or
damages caused by accessories, replacement
parts or other repair service other than those
that have been authorized by Cuisinart.
WARRANTY
THREE YEAR
LIMITED WARRANTY
These warranties exclude all incidental or
consequential damages. Some states do not
allow the exclusion of or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the foregoing
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty supersedes all previous
warranties on the Cuisinart® Filter BrewTM
Coffeemaker.
This warranty is available to consumers only.
You are a consumer if you own a Cuisinart®
Filter BrewTM Coffeemaker that was purchased
at retail for personal, family or household use.
Except as otherwise required under applicable
state law, this warranty is not available to
retailers or other commercial purchasers or
owners.
We warrant that your Cuisinart® Filter BrewTM
Coffeemaker will be free of defects in material
or workmanship under normal home use for
three years from the date of original purchase.
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY
California law provides that for In-Warranty
Service, California residents have the option
of returning a nonconforming product (A) to the
store where it was purchased or (B) to another
retail store that sells Cuisinart products of the
same type. The retail store shall then, at its
choice, either repair the product, refer the
consumer to an independent repair facility,
replace the product, or refund the purchase
price less the amount directly attributable to
the consumer’s prior usage of the product. If
We suggest that you complete and return
the enclosed warranty registration card
8
either of the above two options does not result
in the appropriate relief to the consumer, the
consumer may then take the product to an
independent repair facility if service or repair
can be economically accomplished. Cuisinart
and not the consumer will be responsible for
the reasonable cost of such service, repair,
replacement, or refund for nonconforming
products under warranty.
California residents may also, at their
preference, return nonconforming products
directly to Cuisinart for repair or, if necessary,
replacement by calling our Consumer Service
Center toll-free at 800-726-0190. Cuisinart
will be responsible for the cost of the repair,
replacement, and shipping and handling for
such nonconforming products under warranty.
BEFORE RETURNING YOUR
CUISINART® PRODUCT
Important: If the nonconforming product is
to be serviced by someone other than
Cuisinart’s Authorized Service Center, please
remind the servicer to call our Consumer
Service Center to ensure that the problem is
properly diagnosed, the product is serviced
with the correct parts, and to ensure that the
product is still under warranty.
9
COFFEE
MAKERS
FOOD
PROCESSORS
TOASTERS
HAND
MIXERS
BLENDERS
COOKWARE
ICE CREAM
MAKERS
Cuisinart offers an extensive assortment of top quality products to make life in the
kitchen easier than ever. Try some of our other countertop appliances and
TM
cookware, and Savor the Good Life .
©2001 Cuisinart
Cuisinart® is a registered trademark of Cuisinart.
Cuisinart
150 Milford Road
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Printed in China
IB-3764B
00CU13497
|