KitchenAid KCM1204OB 12-Cup Coffee Maker User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and care of your KitchenAid KCM1204OB 12-Cup Coffee Maker. Please read all instructions carefully before using the appliance to ensure proper function and to prevent injury or damage.

Important Safeguards

• Read all instructions.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, 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 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.
• 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.

Parts and Features

Familiarize yourself with the components of your KitchenAid 12-Cup Coffee Maker.

Image 1: Front view of the KitchenAid KCM1204OB 12-Cup Coffee Maker in Onyx Black. This image displays the main unit, glass carafe, brew basket area, and the control panel with various buttons and the digital display.

1. Water Reservoir: Located at the back, with a clear water level indicator on the side.
2. Brew Basket: Swings out for easy access, holds the coffee filter and grounds.
3. Glass Carafe: 12-cup capacity with a comfortable handle and drip-free spout.
4. Control Panel: Features a digital display and buttons for Hour, Minute, Brew, Strength, Auto Set, Clean, and Small Batch.
5. Heating Plate: Keeps brewed coffee warm.
6. Water Filter: Located inside the water reservoir (included component).

Setup

Unpacking and Initial Cleaning

1. Remove all packaging materials and promotional labels from the coffee maker.
2. Wash the glass carafe, brew basket, and water filter holder in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a damp cloth.
4. Before first use, run two full carafe cycles with only water to clean the internal components. Discard the water after each cycle.

Installing the Water Filter

The included water filter helps reduce chlorine and impurities for better-tasting coffee. Replace the filter every 60 days or after 60 brewing cycles.

1. Soak the new water filter in cold water for 5 minutes.
2. Insert the soaked filter into the water filter holder.
3. Place the assembled water filter holder into the designated slot in the water reservoir.

Operating Instructions

Brewing Coffee

1. Fill Water Reservoir: Open the lid and fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water up to the desired level indicated on the side. Do not exceed the 12-cup maximum fill line.
2. Add Coffee Grounds: Swing out the brew basket. Insert a standard basket-style paper filter or use the permanent filter (if included). Add the desired amount of ground coffee. A general guideline is 1 tablespoon of coffee per cup, adjusting to personal preference. Close the brew basket securely.
3. Place Carafe: Ensure the empty glass carafe with its lid is placed correctly on the heating plate.
4. Select Brew Strength: Press the Strength button to toggle between Regular and Bold brew settings. The selected setting will be displayed.
5. Small Batch Brewing: If brewing 1-4 cups, press the Small Batch button for optimized brewing.
6. Start Brewing: Press the Brew button to begin the brewing cycle. The indicator light will illuminate.
7. Pause and Pour: The coffee maker features a Pause and Pour function, allowing you to temporarily remove the carafe to pour a cup before the brewing cycle is complete. Replace the carafe within 20 seconds to prevent overflow.
8. Keep Warm: After brewing, the heating plate will keep the coffee warm for a set period (typically 2 hours) before automatically shutting off.

Setting the Clock and Auto Brew

1. Set Clock: Plug in the coffee maker. The display will flash. Press the Hour and Minute buttons to set the current time. Hold the buttons for faster adjustment.
2. Set Auto Brew Time: Press the Auto Set button. The display will flash "AUTO". Use the Hour and Minute buttons to set the desired time for brewing to start.
3. Activate Auto Brew: Press the Auto Set button again to confirm. The "AUTO" indicator light will illuminate, indicating the auto brew function is active. Ensure water and coffee grounds are loaded before setting.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Daily Cleaning

• Always unplug the coffee maker before cleaning.
• Wash the glass carafe and brew basket in warm, soapy water after each use. These parts are also top-rack dishwasher safe.
• Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Do not immerse the coffee maker base in water or any other liquid.

Descaling (Clean Cycle)

Mineral deposits from water can build up over time, affecting performance and coffee taste. The coffee maker features a "Clean" cycle to facilitate descaling.

1. Empty the water reservoir and remove the water filter.
2. Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. For example, 4 cups of vinegar and 8 cups of water for a full reservoir.
3. Place an empty paper filter in the brew basket and position the empty carafe on the heating plate.
4. Press the Clean button. The indicator light will illuminate, and the cleaning cycle will begin.
5. Once the cycle is complete, discard the vinegar solution.
6. Run two full cycles with fresh, clean water to rinse the coffee maker thoroughly.

Water Filter Replacement

Replace the water filter every 60 days or after 60 brewing cycles to maintain optimal water quality. Refer to the "Installing the Water Filter" section for instructions.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Brand: KitchenAid
• Model Name: KCM1204OB
• Color: Onyx Black
• Capacity: 12 Cups
• Product Dimensions: 9.1"D x 11.7"W x 15.2"H
• Item Weight: 7 pounds
• Special Feature: Programmable, Variable Brew Strength, Small Batch Brew Mode, Pause and Pour
• Included Components: Coffee Maker, Glass Carafe, Water Filter
• Operation Mode: Fully Automatic
• Human Interface Input: Buttons

Warranty and Customer Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official KitchenAid website. If you require assistance, have questions, or need to order replacement parts, please contact KitchenAid Customer Service.

KitchenAid Official Website: www.kitchenaid.com