Introduction
This manual provides important instructions for the safe use, operation, and maintenance of your BLACK+DECKER CM5050 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. Please read all instructions carefully before using the appliance and retain this manual for future reference.

Image: The BLACK+DECKER CM5050 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, black with silver accents, featuring a digital display showing "6:00". A glass carafe filled with coffee sits on the warming plate, and a white cup with coffee and loose coffee beans are next to the machine.
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 or knobs.
- To protect against electric shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquid.
- 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 damaged in any manner. Contact customer service for examination, repair, or adjustment.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
- 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.
- 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 carafe is designed for use with this appliance. 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 material.
Parts Identification
Familiarize yourself with the components of your coffeemaker before initial use.
- Lid
- Water reservoir
- Showerhead
- Filter basket (removable)
- Permanent filter (included)
- Control panel with digital display
- Carafe with handle
- Warming plate
- Power cord with polarized plug
Setup and First Use
Unpacking
- Remove all packing materials, stickers, and plastic bands from your coffeemaker.
- Remove any literature and save it.
Initial Cleaning
- Wash the carafe, lid, and permanent filter in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Wipe the exterior of the coffeemaker with a damp cloth.
- To clean the internal components, brew two full carafes of water without coffee grounds. Discard the water after each cycle.
Placement
- Place the coffeemaker on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Ensure adequate clearance around the unit for proper ventilation.
Operating Instructions
Setting the Clock
- Plug the coffeemaker into an electrical outlet. The digital display will flash "12:00".
- Press the HOUR button until the correct hour is displayed. The AM or PM indicator will illuminate.
- Press the MIN button until the correct minute is displayed.
- The clock is now set.
Brewing Coffee
- Open the coffeemaker lid.
- Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water to the desired level using the water level markings on the side of the coffeemaker. Do not exceed the 12-cup maximum fill line.
- Place the permanent filter into the filter basket. If using a paper filter, ensure it is a basket-style filter and place it inside the filter basket.
- Add the desired amount of ground coffee to the filter. A general guideline is one tablespoon of coffee per cup. Adjust to personal preference.
- Close the coffeemaker lid securely.
- Place the empty carafe with its lid on the warming plate.
- Press the ON/OFF button to begin brewing. The indicator light will illuminate.
- The coffeemaker will automatically brew and keep the coffee warm for 2 hours before automatically shutting off.
Programmable Auto Brew
To set the coffeemaker to brew automatically at a later time:
- Follow steps 1-6 for "Brewing Coffee".
- Press the PROG button. The digital display will flash "12:00".
- Press the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the desired auto-brew time. Ensure the AM/PM indicator is correct.
- Press the PROG button again to confirm the setting. The AUTO indicator light will illuminate.
- The coffeemaker will begin brewing at the programmed time.
1-4 Cup Brew Option
For brewing smaller quantities (1-4 cups) with optimized flavor:
- Follow the steps for "Brewing Coffee" or "Programmable Auto Brew".
- Before pressing ON/OFF or PROG, press the 1-4 CUP button. The indicator light for this function will illuminate.
- Proceed with brewing as usual.
Adjustable Brew Strength
This model features adjustable brew strength. Refer to the control panel for specific buttons or settings related to brew strength. Typically, this involves a button labeled "STRONG" or similar, which slows down the brewing process for a richer flavor.
Sneak-A-Cup™ Feature
The Sneak-A-Cup™ feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee when the carafe is removed from the warming plate. This allows you to pour a cup before the brewing cycle is complete.
- Remove the carafe from the warming plate during brewing. The flow of coffee will pause.
- Replace the carafe within 20 seconds to prevent overflow from the filter basket. Brewing will resume.
Keep Warm Plate and Auto Shut-Off
After brewing, the warming plate will keep the coffee hot for 2 hours. After this period, the coffeemaker will automatically shut off for safety and energy conservation.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your coffeemaker.
Daily Cleaning
- Always unplug the coffeemaker and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Wash the carafe, carafe lid, and permanent filter in warm, soapy water. These parts are top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Wipe the exterior surface of the coffeemaker with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
- Do not immerse the coffeemaker in water or any other liquid.
Descaling (Mineral Deposit Removal)
Mineral deposits (calcium) can build up in your coffeemaker over time, affecting performance. Descale your coffeemaker every 60-80 uses, or more frequently if using hard water.
- Pour 4 cups of white vinegar into the water reservoir.
- Place an empty filter (permanent or paper) in the filter basket and close the lid.
- Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
- Brew half of the vinegar solution by pressing the ON/OFF button.
- Turn off the coffeemaker and let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Turn the coffeemaker back on and brew the remaining vinegar solution.
- Discard the vinegar solution and rinse the carafe thoroughly.
- Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water and brew a full carafe to flush out any remaining vinegar. Discard the water. Repeat this step at least twice.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coffeemaker does not turn on. | Not plugged in; power outage. | Ensure the coffeemaker is securely plugged into a working outlet. Check household circuit breaker. |
| Coffee does not brew. | Water reservoir empty; auto-brew not set correctly; filter basket not seated. | Fill water reservoir. Verify auto-brew settings. Ensure filter basket is correctly in place. |
| Coffee overflows from filter basket. | Too much coffee grounds; filter clogged; carafe not on warming plate; carafe removed too long during Sneak-A-Cup. | Reduce coffee grounds. Clean filter. Ensure carafe is properly placed. Replace carafe quickly after using Sneak-A-Cup. |
| Coffee tastes weak or too strong. | Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio; brew strength setting. | Adjust amount of coffee grounds. Use the 1-4 cup setting for smaller batches. Adjust brew strength if available. |
| Brewing is slow or noisy. | Mineral buildup. | Descale the coffeemaker as per the "Maintenance" section. |
Specifications
- Model: CM5050
- Capacity: 12 Cups
- Color: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Special Features: Permanent Filter, Programmable, Sneak-A-Cup, 2-hour Auto Shut-off, 1-4 Cup Brew Option, Adjustable Brew Strength
- Dimensions: Approximately 12.4 x 9.4 x 15.7 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight: Approximately 9 pounds
- Power: Standard household electrical outlet (voltage not specified, but implied by typical coffeemaker usage in US).
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, product support, or to purchase replacement parts, please refer to the official BLACK+DECKER website or contact their customer service. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.





