Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Automatic Coffeemaker Grind & Brew

Introduction

Welcome to the world of freshly ground and brewed coffee with your new Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Automatic Coffeemaker Grind & Brew. This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your coffeemaker. Please read all instructions carefully before first use to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your appliance.

This deluxe 12-cup model offers the best of Cuisinart's expert coffeemaking technology to deliver unsurpassed ease of use and rich, full-bodied coffee flavor. With streamlined European styling and a graceful carafe, it's a beautiful addition to any kitchen.

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.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles and knobs.
• To protect against electric 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 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.
• The carafe is designed for use with this appliance only. It must never be used on a range top.
• Do not set 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.
• A safety Interlock System prevents operation of the unit if the Reservoir Cover is open.

Product Parts and Benefits

Control Panel Features

• On/Off/Set Auto-Shutoff Switch with LED Indicator: Audible Tone which will sound 5 times when the coffee has completed brewing and Auto-Shutoff Tone which will sound twice at end of programmed auto-shutoff period.
• Low Cups Setting with LED Indicator: Set to 1-4 cup to improve extraction and flavor when making fewer than 5 cups of coffee.
• Hours Set/Minutes Set: Press and hold either hour or minute button for approximately 2 seconds to enter Time Set Mode.
• Clock Display: Shows current time and programmed brew time.
• Grind Off with LED Indicator: Use to turn off the grinder when using pre-ground coffee.
• Program Setting with LED Indicator: Press to display program setting or to set programmed brewing.

Image: Front view of the Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Automatic Coffeemaker, showing the control panel, glass carafe, and overall design.

Image: Detailed diagram highlighting the built-in grinder, easy-to-use control panel, Brew Pause™ feature, and the 12-cup glass carafe of the coffeemaker.

Setup

Before First Use

1. Unpack: Carefully unpack the coffeemaker and remove all packaging materials. Keep packaging for future storage or shipping.
2. Clean Parts: Wash the carafe, carafe lid, filter basket, and grinder basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. These parts are also dishwasher safe (top rack recommended).
3. Charcoal Water Filter: Remove the charcoal water filter from its polybag and soak it in cold tap water for 5 minutes. Insert the filter into the filter holder, then place the filter holder into the water reservoir.
4. First Clean Cycle: Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup mark with fresh, cold water. Do not add coffee beans or ground coffee. Place the empty carafe with its lid on the heating plate. Press the ON/OFF button to run a full brew cycle. This will clean the internal components. Discard the water after the cycle.

Setting the Clock

1. Plug the coffeemaker into an electrical outlet. The clock display will flash "12:00".
2. Press and hold the HOUR button for approximately 2 seconds until the hour digits begin to flash. Press the HOUR button repeatedly to advance to the desired hour. Pay attention to the AM/PM indicator.
3. Press and hold the MINUTE button for approximately 2 seconds until the minute digits begin to flash. Press the MINUTE button repeatedly to advance to the desired minute.
4. Once the desired time is set, release the buttons. The clock will stop flashing and the time will be set.

Operating Instructions

Making Coffee with Whole Beans

1. Fill Water Reservoir: Open the reservoir cover and fill the water reservoir with cold, fresh water to the desired cup mark. Ensure the charcoal water filter is in place.
2. Add Coffee Beans: Open the grinder basket lid. Add whole coffee beans to the grinder basket. For best results, use 1 level scoop (provided) of whole beans per cup. Do not exceed the 12-cup maximum. Close the grinder basket lid securely.
3. Insert Filter Basket: Ensure the filter basket is properly seated in its compartment. Place the gold-tone commercial filter (or a #4 basket paper filter) into the filter basket.
4. Place Carafe: Place the empty glass carafe with its lid securely on the heating plate.
5. Start Brewing: Press the ON/OFF button. The coffeemaker will automatically grind the beans, then begin the brewing process. The LED indicator will illuminate.
6. Brew Pause™: If you wish to pour a cup before brewing is complete, carefully remove the carafe. The flow of coffee will temporarily stop. Return the carafe to the heating plate within 20 seconds to prevent overflow.
7. Completion: An audible tone will sound 5 times when the brewing cycle is complete. The coffeemaker will automatically keep the coffee warm on the heating plate.

Making Coffee with Pre-Ground Coffee

1. Follow steps 1, 3, and 4 from "Making Coffee with Whole Beans".
2. Add Ground Coffee: Add the desired amount of pre-ground coffee directly into the gold-tone filter (or paper filter) in the filter basket. Do not add ground coffee to the grinder basket.
3. Activate Grind Off: Press the GRIND OFF button. The LED indicator for Grind Off will illuminate, disabling the grinder.
4. Start Brewing: Press the ON/OFF button. The coffeemaker will begin brewing using the pre-ground coffee.

Programming Auto-Brew

1. Set the current time on the clock (if not already set).
2. Prepare the coffeemaker for brewing (water, beans/ground coffee, filter, carafe).
3. Press the PROGRAM button. The LED indicator will flash.
4. Press and hold the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set the desired auto-brew time, similar to setting the clock. Pay attention to AM/PM.
5. Once the desired program time is set, release the buttons. The coffeemaker will automatically start brewing at the programmed time. The PROGRAM LED will remain illuminated.

Adjustable Auto Shutoff

The coffeemaker is equipped with an adjustable auto shutoff feature, allowing you to set the unit to turn off from 0 to 4 hours after the brew cycle ends. To adjust:

1. Press and hold the ON/OFF/SET AUTO-SHUTOFF button for approximately 2 seconds. The display will show the current auto-shutoff setting (e.g., "2:00" for 2 hours).
2. Press the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to adjust the auto-shutoff time in 30-minute increments, from 0 to 4 hours.
3. Release the button. The new setting will be saved. An audible tone will sound twice at the end of the programmed auto-shutoff period.

Maintenance

Daily Cleaning

• Always unplug the coffeemaker from the electrical outlet before cleaning.
• Wash the carafe, carafe lid, filter basket, and grinder basket after each use in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. These parts are also dishwasher safe (top rack).
• Wipe the exterior of the coffeemaker with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• The separate grinder chamber and filter area are designed for easy cleanup. Ensure all coffee grounds are removed from the grinder and filter areas.

Charcoal Water Filter Replacement

The charcoal water filter should be replaced every 60 days or after 60 uses, whichever comes first. Replacement filters are available from Cuisinart.

1. Remove the old filter from the filter holder in the water reservoir.
2. Soak a new charcoal water filter in cold tap water for 5 minutes.
3. Insert the new filter into the filter holder.
4. Place the filter holder back into the water reservoir.

Decalcification

Mineral deposits (calcium carbonate) left by water can affect the performance of your coffeemaker. It is recommended to decalcify your coffeemaker every 3-6 months, or more frequently in hard water areas.

1. Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of ⅓ white vinegar and ⅔ water.
2. Place the empty carafe on the heating plate.
3. Press the ON/OFF button to start a brew cycle.
4. After the cycle is complete, turn the coffeemaker off and let the solution sit in the reservoir for 20 minutes.
5. Discard the solution from the carafe and reservoir.
6. Fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water and run 2-3 full brew cycles with plain water to rinse thoroughly.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Model: DGB-550BKP1
• Brand: Cuisinart
• Capacity: 12-Cup (5 oz. each)
• Color: Brushed Metal / Black
• Product Dimensions: 7.48"D x 11.2"W x 15.16"H
• Item Weight: 10.8 pounds
• Voltage: 240V (Product Built to North American Electrical Standards)
• Special Features: Integrated Coffee Grinder, Permanent Filter, Programmable, Water Filter, Brew Pause™, Adjustable Auto Shutoff (0-4 hours), 1-4 Cup Feature, Grind Off Feature.
• Filter Type: Reusable Gold-Tone Commercial Filter (also compatible with #4 basket paper filters)
• Coffee Input Type: Whole Beans or Pre-Ground

Warranty and Support

Limited 3-Year Warranty

This Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Automatic Coffeemaker Grind & Brew comes with a limited 3-year warranty from the date of original purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use. It does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, commercial use, or unauthorized modification.

For detailed warranty terms and conditions, or to obtain service under warranty, please refer to the official Cuisinart website or contact Cuisinart customer service.

Customer Support

For any questions, assistance, or to purchase replacement parts or accessories, please visit the official Cuisinart website or contact their customer support line. Please have your product model number (DGB-550BKP1) and date of purchase ready when contacting support.

Online Resources: www.cuisinart.com

User Manual (PDF): Download PDF