Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions before operating the coffeemaker.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles and knobs.
- To protect against electrical shock, do not place cord, plug, or coffeemaker in water or other liquids.
- 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, and before cleaning the appliance.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been dropped or damaged in any manner.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Cuisinart may cause injuries.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Always fill the water reservoir first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to 'off', then remove plug from wall outlet.
- Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
- Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.
- The glass carafe is designed for use with this coffeemaker only. It must never be used on a range top.
- Do not place a hot carafe on a wet or cold surface.
- Do not use a cracked carafe or a carafe having a loose or weakened handle.
- Do not clean carafe with cleansers, steel wool pads, or other abrasive materials.
Parts and Features
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Cuisinart Grind-and-Brew Coffeemaker.
- Water Reservoir: For filling with water.
- Grind Chamber: Holds whole coffee beans for grinding.
- Filter Basket: Holds the paper filter and ground coffee.
- Showerhead: Distributes water evenly over coffee grounds.
- Control Panel: Features digital clock, program buttons, and brew controls.
- Glass Carafe: 10-cup capacity with an ergonomic handle.
- Warming Plate: Keeps brewed coffee hot.

Image of the Cuisinart DCC-490SA Grind-and-Brew 10-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker. The coffeemaker features a stainless steel finish with a black control panel and a glass carafe on a warming plate.
Before First Use
Before using your new Cuisinart Grind-and-Brew Coffeemaker for the first time, it is recommended to clean the unit.
- Wash the glass carafe and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Remove the filter basket and grind chamber. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry. All removable parts are dishwasher-safe (top rack only).
- Fill the water reservoir to the 10-cup mark with cold water.
- Run a brewing cycle without coffee grounds. This will clean the internal components.
- Discard the water from the carafe and repeat the process once more.
Setup
Proper setup ensures optimal performance of your coffeemaker.
- Place the coffeemaker on a flat, stable surface.
- Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Make sure the grind chamber and filter basket are correctly seated in their positions.
Operating Instructions
Setting the Clock
- Plug in the coffeemaker. The digital display will flash '12:00'.
- Press the 'Hour' button to set the hour. Hold to advance rapidly.
- Press the 'Minute' button to set the minute. Hold to advance rapidly.
- Ensure the AM/PM indicator is correct.
Brewing Coffee with Whole Beans (Grind & Brew)
- Open the lid and fill the water reservoir with cold, fresh water to the desired cup mark. Do not exceed the 10-cup line.
- Place a standard basket-style paper filter into the filter basket.
- Add whole coffee beans to the grind chamber. Refer to the manual for recommended bean quantities per cup.
- Close the lid securely.
- Place the empty glass carafe with its lid on the warming plate.
- Press the 'Grind/Brew' button to start the grinding and brewing cycle. The coffeemaker will automatically grind the beans and then begin brewing.
Brewing Coffee with Pre-Ground Coffee
- Open the lid and fill the water reservoir with cold, fresh water to the desired cup mark.
- Place a standard basket-style paper filter into the filter basket.
- Add the desired amount of pre-ground coffee to the paper filter.
- Close the lid securely.
- Press the 'Grind Off' button to disable the grinder. The indicator light for 'Grind Off' will illuminate.
- Place the empty glass carafe with its lid on the warming plate.
- Press the 'Brew' button to start the brewing cycle.
Programming the Timer (Auto On)
The 24-hour programmable timer allows you to set the coffeemaker to start brewing at a specific time.
- Ensure the current time is set correctly.
- Prepare the coffeemaker for brewing as described in the 'Brewing Coffee with Whole Beans' or 'Brewing Coffee with Pre-Ground Coffee' sections.
- Press the 'Program' button. The digital display will flash '12:00'.
- Use the 'Hour' and 'Minute' buttons to set your desired brew time. Ensure the AM/PM indicator is correct.
- Once the desired time is set, press the 'Program' button again to confirm. The 'Program' indicator light will illuminate.
- The coffeemaker will automatically start brewing at the programmed time.
Brew Pause Feature
This feature allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete. Simply remove the carafe from the warming plate. The brewing will pause automatically. Replace the carafe within 20 seconds to prevent overflow from the filter basket.
1-4 Cup Setting
For brewing smaller quantities of coffee (1 to 4 cups) without compromising flavor, press the '1-4 Cup' button before starting the brew cycle. This adjusts the brewing process for optimal extraction with smaller volumes.
Automatic Shut-off
The coffeemaker is equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off approximately 4 hours after the brewing cycle has completed, enhancing safety and energy efficiency.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
- Always unplug the coffeemaker from the electrical outlet before cleaning.
- Wash the glass carafe, carafe lid, filter basket, and grind chamber in warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse thoroughly. These parts are also dishwasher-safe (top rack only).
- Wipe the exterior of the coffeemaker with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
- Never immerse the main unit in water or other liquids.
Decalcification
Mineral deposits (calcium) can build up in your coffeemaker and affect its performance. Decalcify your coffeemaker periodically, depending on the hardness of your water and frequency of use.
- Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water.
- Place a paper filter in the filter basket (do not add coffee).
- Place the carafe on the warming plate.
- Turn on the coffeemaker and allow half of the solution to brew through.
- Turn off the coffeemaker and let it soak for at least 30 minutes to loosen deposits.
- Turn the coffeemaker back on and brew the remaining solution.
- Discard the vinegar solution and rinse the carafe thoroughly.
- Run 2-3 cycles with fresh, cold water to flush out any remaining vinegar taste.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coffeemaker does not turn on. | Not plugged in; power outage. | Ensure plug is securely in outlet; check circuit breaker. |
| Coffee is not brewing. | Water reservoir empty; brew button not pressed; carafe not on warming plate. | Fill water reservoir; press 'Brew' or 'Grind/Brew'; ensure carafe is correctly placed. |
| Grinder not operating. | 'Grind Off' button pressed; no beans in chamber. | Ensure 'Grind Off' light is off; add whole beans to grind chamber. |
| Coffee overflows from filter basket. | Too much coffee grounds; filter basket clogged; carafe removed too long during brew pause. | Reduce coffee amount; clean filter basket; replace carafe quickly during brew pause. |
| Coffee tastes weak or bitter. | Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio; coffeemaker needs decalcifying. | Adjust coffee amount; perform decalcification process. |
Specifications
- Model Number: DCC-490SA
- Capacity: 10 Cups
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Special Features: Built-in Coffee Grinder, 24-hour Programmable Timer, 1-4 Cup Setting, Brew Pause, Automatic Shut-off
- Dimensions: Approximately 7.5 inches (W) x 7.75 inches (D) x 15 inches (H)
- Weight: Approximately 10 Pounds
Warranty and Support
This Cuisinart DCC-490SA Coffeemaker comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Cuisinart Customer Service. Refer to the official Cuisinart website or your product registration card for current contact information.





