West Bend 55-Cup Commercial Coffeemaker Model 13550 Instruction Manual

Important Safeguards

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

• Read all instructions before using this appliance.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electric shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or other electrical parts 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. Return appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer 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 attach plug to appliance 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.
• A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
• This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.

Product Overview

The West Bend 55-Cup Commercial Coffeemaker, Model 13550, is designed for large-capacity coffee brewing, ideal for offices, churches, break rooms, lounges, and cafes. It features a durable stainless steel exterior, an aluminum interior, and a convenient two-way dripless faucet.

Image: The West Bend 55-Cup Commercial Coffeemaker, showcasing its polished stainless steel finish and two-way faucet.

Setup and Initial Use

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials and inspect the coffeemaker for any damage.
2. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the interior, coffee basket, pump tube, and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
3. Assembly:
   • Insert the pump tube into the center well of the coffeemaker.
   • Place the coffee basket onto the pump tube.
   • Position the lid securely on top of the coffeemaker, ensuring it twists to lock if applicable.
   

   Image: Disassembled coffeemaker showing the main body, lid, pump tube, and coffee basket for assembly.
4. Placement: Place the coffeemaker on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from the edge of the counter. Ensure it is not near any water sources or flammable materials.
5. Conditioning Cycle: For the first use, run a cycle with only water to clean the internal components and remove any manufacturing residues. Fill with cold water to the maximum capacity (55 cups), plug in, and allow it to complete a full cycle. Discard the water.

Operating Instructions

Brewing Coffee

1. Add Water: Fill the coffeemaker with fresh, cold water according to the desired number of cups. The interior of the urn has markings to guide you. Do not fill above the maximum 55-cup line.
   

   Image: Close-up view of the interior of the coffeemaker, showing the water level markings for various cup capacities.

2. Add Coffee Grounds: For best results, use regular or percolator grind coffee. Place the desired amount of coffee grounds into the coffee basket. A general guideline is one level tablespoon of coffee per cup of water, adjusting to personal preference. Do not use fine grind coffee as it may clog the filter.
   

   Image: Close-up of the aluminum coffee filter basket with its perforated bottom, designed to hold coffee grounds during brewing.
3. Assemble and Plug In: Ensure the pump tube is correctly seated in the well, the coffee basket is on the pump tube, and the lid is securely in place. Plug the coffeemaker into a 120V AC electrical outlet. The indicator light will illuminate, signaling that the brewing process has begun.
4. Brewing Cycle: The coffeemaker will automatically begin brewing. The brewing time varies depending on the amount of coffee, typically taking about 1 minute per cup. Once brewing is complete, the coffeemaker will switch to a "keep warm" cycle, indicated by a change in the indicator light (if applicable) or a cessation of percolating sounds.
5. Dispensing Coffee: To dispense coffee, press the two-way dripless faucet. For continuous flow, lift the faucet handle. To stop, push the handle down.
   

   Image: A close-up of the coffeemaker's two-way dripless faucet, with coffee being dispensed into a cup.

Keeping Coffee Warm

The coffeemaker is equipped with dual thermostats to automatically keep coffee at serving temperature after brewing. Do not leave coffee in the coffeemaker for extended periods (more than 2-3 hours) as flavor may degrade.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your coffeemaker.

1. Daily Cleaning: After each use, unplug the coffeemaker and allow it to cool completely. Discard used coffee grounds. Remove the lid, coffee basket, and pump tube. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Wipe the interior and exterior of the urn with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the coffeemaker base in water.
2. Stain Removal: For coffee stains inside the urn, use a solution of baking soda and water or a specialized coffee cleaner. Scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.
3. Descaling (Mineral Deposit Removal): Over time, mineral deposits can build up, affecting performance. To descale:
   • Fill the coffeemaker with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water (e.g., 5 cups vinegar, 5 cups water).
   • Place the pump tube and empty coffee basket in position.
   • Plug in the coffeemaker and allow it to complete a full brewing cycle.
   • Unplug and let it cool. Discard the vinegar solution.
   • Rinse the interior thoroughly with fresh water. Run 2-3 cycles with fresh water only to remove any residual vinegar taste.
4. Storage: Ensure the coffeemaker is clean and dry before storing. Store in a cool, dry place.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official West Bend website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For technical assistance or to inquire about replacement parts, contact West Bend customer service directly.