Mainstays 5-Cup Coffee Maker Instruction Manual

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 before operating the coffee maker.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electric shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the 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. 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 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.
• 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 materials.

Components

Familiarize yourself with the parts of your Mainstays 5-Cup Coffee Maker.

This image displays the Mainstays 5-Cup Coffee Maker. It features a black plastic body, a clear glass carafe with a black handle, and a red power switch located on the right side of the base. The water reservoir and filter basket are visible at the top.

• Lid
• Water Reservoir
• Filter Basket (removable)
• Glass Carafe with Handle
• Warming Plate
• Power Switch (with indicator light)
• Power Cord and Plug

Before First Use

Before using your coffee maker for the first time, it is important to clean all removable parts and run a brewing cycle with water only.

1. Wash the carafe, lid, and removable filter basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
2. Place the filter basket into the coffee maker.
3. Fill the carafe with cold water up to the 5-cup mark and pour it into the water reservoir.
4. Place the carafe onto the warming plate.
5. Plug the coffee maker into a standard electrical outlet.
6. Press the power switch to turn the unit on. Allow the full cycle to complete.
7. Turn off the coffee maker and discard the water from the carafe.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 once more with fresh water. Your coffee maker is now ready for use.

Setup

Proper placement and initial setup are crucial for optimal performance.

1. Placement: Place the coffee maker on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from the edge of the counter. Ensure there is adequate ventilation around the unit.
2. Power Connection: Ensure the power switch is in the 'off' position before plugging the coffee maker into a 120V/60Hz electrical outlet.
3. Cord Management: Position the power cord to avoid tangling or contact with hot surfaces.

Operating Instructions

Follow these steps to brew coffee with your Mainstays 5-Cup Coffee Maker.

1. Fill Water Reservoir: Open the lid and fill the glass carafe with the desired amount of cold, fresh water (up to 5 cups). Pour the water into the water reservoir. Do not exceed the maximum fill line.
2. Add Coffee Grounds: Place the removable filter basket into its position. Insert a standard basket-style paper filter (not included) or the reusable filter (if included) into the filter basket. Add the desired amount of ground coffee. A general guideline is one tablespoon of ground coffee per cup, but adjust to personal preference.
3. Close Lid: Close the lid securely.
4. Position Carafe: Place the empty glass carafe with its lid onto the warming plate. Ensure it is centered to prevent overflow.
5. Start Brewing: Plug the coffee maker into an electrical outlet. Press the power switch to the 'on' position. The indicator light will illuminate, signifying that the brewing process has begun.
6. Brewing Complete: The coffee maker will automatically stop brewing once the water reservoir is empty. The warming plate will remain on to keep the coffee hot.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the carafe from the warming plate to pour and serve coffee.
8. Turn Off: After serving, press the power switch to the 'off' position and unplug the coffee maker from the outlet.

Note: The warming plate will keep coffee hot for a period after brewing. For best flavor, consume coffee shortly after brewing. Do not leave coffee on the warming plate for extended periods.

Cleaning and Maintenance

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

Daily Cleaning

1. Always unplug the coffee maker and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Remove the filter basket and discard any used coffee grounds and paper filter.
3. Wash the carafe, carafe lid, and filter basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. These parts are generally top-rack dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended for longevity.
4. Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
5. Do not immerse the main unit, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.

Descaling (Mineral Deposit Removal)

Mineral deposits (calcium) can build up in your coffee maker over time, affecting its performance. Descale your coffee maker every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have hard water.

1. Fill the carafe with one part white vinegar and two parts cold water.
2. Pour the vinegar-water solution into the water reservoir.
3. Place the empty carafe onto the warming plate.
4. Press the power switch to turn the unit on and allow half of the solution to brew through.
5. Turn off the coffee maker and let it stand for at least 15 minutes to allow the solution to work.
6. Turn the coffee maker back on and allow the remaining solution to brew through.
7. Discard the vinegar-water solution from the carafe.
8. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water and run two full brewing cycles with water only to rinse out any remaining vinegar taste.

Troubleshooting

Refer to this section for common issues and their solutions.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

This product is covered by a limited warranty. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or contact Mainstays customer support.

If you require assistance or have questions not covered in this manual, please contact Mainstays customer service. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.