Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Zojirushi EC-YGC120 12-Cup Fresh Brew Plus Coffee Maker. This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and care of your new coffee maker. Please read all instructions carefully before use and retain for future reference.
Safety Precautions
Always follow basic safety precautions when using electrical appliances to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons.
- Read all instructions.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against fire, electric shock, and personal injury, do not immerse cord, plugs, or coffee maker 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.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock, or personal injury.
- 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.
Product Components
Your Zojirushi EC-YGC120 coffee maker includes several key components designed for ease of use and optimal brewing performance.

Key components include:
- Main Unit: Houses the heating element and control panel.
- Removable Water Tank: For easy filling and cleaning, with clear markings for hot and iced coffee.
- Swing Basket: Holds the filter and coffee grounds, easily removable for cleaning.
- Filter Basket: Can be used with paper filters or the included permanent filter.
- Thermal Carafe: Keeps coffee warm for extended periods without a heating element.
- Control Panel: Features buttons for Cancel, Start, Timer, Time Setting, and Keep Warm (Temp Set).
- LCD Display: Shows time, settings, and cleaning indicators.
Setup
Before first use, wash all removable parts in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth.
- Positioning: Place the coffee maker on a flat, stable surface away from heat sources and water.
- Water Tank: Remove the water tank by lifting it straight up. Fill it with fresh, cold water according to the desired number of cups (refer to the 'HOT' or 'ICED' markings). Then, securely place it back into the unit.
- Filter Basket: Open the swing basket. Place a paper filter (if desired) or the permanent filter into the filter basket.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Add the appropriate amount of coffee grounds for your desired brew strength. For hot coffee, use approximately 1 tablespoon of coffee per cup. For iced coffee, adjust according to taste, typically a stronger brew is preferred.


Operating Instructions
The Zojirushi EC-YGC120 offers versatile brewing options for both hot and iced coffee, along with convenient programmable features.
Brewing Hot Coffee
- Ensure the water tank is filled to the desired 'HOT' level.
- Place the thermal carafe securely on the warming plate.
- Select your desired 'Keep Warm' setting (HI, MED, LOW, or OFF) using the 'Keep Warm (Temp Set)' button.
- Press the 'START' button to begin brewing. The coffee maker will heat water to an optimal 200°F for superior flavor extraction.
Brewing Iced Coffee
- Fill the thermal carafe with ice.
- Fill the water tank to the desired 'ICED' level.
- Ensure the 'Keep Warm' setting is set to 'OFF' to prevent melting the ice prematurely.
- Press the 'START' button. The hot coffee will brew directly over the ice, instantly cooling it and locking in flavor.
Using the 24-Hour Programmable Timer
- Set the current time using the 'Time Setting' arrows.
- Press the 'TIMER' button. The display will show the programmed brew time.
- Adjust the desired brew time using the 'Time Setting' arrows.
- Press 'START'. The coffee maker will automatically begin brewing at the set time.
Adjustable Warming Plate Settings
The EC-YGC120 features 4 warming plate settings to keep your hot coffee at your preferred temperature:
- HI: High temperature.
- MED: Medium temperature.
- LOW: Low temperature.
- OFF: No warming (recommended for iced coffee).
Press the 'Keep Warm (Temp Set)' button repeatedly to cycle through these options.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity of your coffee maker. The 'Clean Indicator' will alert you when cleaning is recommended.
Daily Cleaning
- Thermal Carafe: Wash the carafe and its lid with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. The easy-pour spout design minimizes dribbling and is easy to clean.
- Swing Basket & Filter Basket: These baskets lift out for thorough cleaning. Discard used coffee grounds and filter. Wash with warm, soapy water and rinse.
- Removable Water Tank: The water tank is fully washable. Remove, wash, rinse, and dry.
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Descaling (Clean Indicator)
When the 'Clean Indicator' appears on the display, it's time to descale your coffee maker to remove mineral buildup. Follow the descaling instructions provided in the full product manual, typically involving a descaling solution or a vinegar-water mixture.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your coffee maker, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee does not brew. | No power; Timer not set correctly; 'START' button not pressed. | Check power connection; Verify timer settings; Press 'START'. |
| Weak coffee. | Insufficient coffee grounds; Water tank overfilled. | Add more coffee grounds; Ensure water is filled to correct level. |
| Coffee overflows filter basket. | Too many coffee grounds; Filter not seated correctly; Carafe not in place. | Reduce coffee grounds; Re-seat filter; Ensure carafe is under the drip mechanism. |
| 'Clean Indicator' is on. | Mineral buildup. | Perform descaling procedure as per manual. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Zojirushi |
| Model Name | Coffee Maker (EC-YGC120) |
| Color | Stainless Black |
| Product Dimensions | 8"D x 11.13"W x 14.88"H |
| Capacity | 12 Cups |
| Coffee Maker Type | Drip Coffee Machine |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Special Feature | Easy to Use, 4 Warming Plate Settings, 24-hour Programmable Timer, Removable Water Tank, Removable Baskets, Clean Indicator |
| Included Components | Coffee machine; carafe |
| Item Weight | 10 pounds |
| Date First Available | April 27, 2016 |
Warranty and Support
Zojirushi products are designed with quality and durability in mind. This product comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the full warranty documentation included with your purchase for specific terms and conditions.
For product support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about replacement parts, please visit the official Zojirushi website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found in the original packaging or on the Zojirushi website.





