BLACK+DECKER CM1231SC

BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CM1231SC Instruction Manual

Model: CM1231SC

Introduction

Welcome to your new BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, setup, brewing, and maintenance of your CM1231SC coffee maker. Please read all instructions carefully before use and retain for future reference.

BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CM1231SC

Image: Front view of the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, model CM1231SC, in stainless steel and black finish.

Important Safeguards

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

  • Read all instructions.
  • Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
  • To protect against electrical 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.
  • 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.
  • Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycles.
  • This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
  • Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
  • Avoid contact with moving parts.
  • Only for household use.

Product Overview and Parts

Familiarize yourself with the components of your coffee maker.

Exploded view of BLACK+DECKER CM1231SC coffee maker components

Image: Exploded view of the BLACK+DECKER CM1231SC coffee maker, showing the removable filter basket, water reservoir, brew head, control panel, and glass carafe.

  1. Lid
  2. Water Reservoir
  3. Showerhead
  4. Removable Filter Basket
  5. Control Panel with Digital Display
  6. Duralife Glass Carafe
  7. Keep Warm Plate
  8. Power Cord (not shown)

Setup and First Use

Before using your coffee maker for the first time, follow these steps:

  1. Remove all packing materials, stickers, and plastic bands from the coffee maker.
  2. Wash the Duralife glass carafe and removable filter basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
  3. Clean the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth.
  4. Run a full cycle with only water to clean the internal components. Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup mark, place the empty filter basket, and brew a cycle. Discard the water.

Operating Instructions

Setting the Clock

  1. Plug the coffee maker into an electrical outlet. The digital display will flash "12:00".
  2. Press the HOUR button until the correct hour is displayed. The "PM" indicator will illuminate for afternoon hours.
  3. Press the MIN button until the correct minute is displayed.
  4. The clock is now set.

Brewing Coffee

  1. Open the lid and fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water to the desired level, indicated by the cup markings on the side of the reservoir.
  2. Place the removable filter basket into its holder. Insert a standard basket-style paper filter or the permanent filter (if included).
  3. Add the desired amount of ground coffee to the filter. A general guideline is 1 tablespoon of coffee per cup, but adjust to personal preference.
  4. Close the lid securely.
  5. Place the empty Duralife glass carafe with its lid on the keep warm plate.
  6. Press the POWER button (usually indicated by a power symbol). The indicator light will illuminate, and brewing will begin.
  7. The coffee maker features Sneak-A-Cup Technology, allowing you to temporarily remove the carafe to pour a cup before brewing is complete. Replace the carafe within 20 seconds to prevent overflow.
  8. Once brewing is complete, the coffee maker will automatically switch to the keep warm function. The Brew Freshness Time will display how long the coffee has been kept warm.
  9. To turn off the coffee maker, press the POWER button again. Unplug when not in use.

Using the Brew Strength Selector

For a stronger cup of coffee, press the STRONG button before brewing. The indicator light for STRONG will illuminate.

Programming the Auto Brew Function

  1. Set the clock to the current time (if not already done).
  2. Prepare the coffee maker for brewing as described in "Brewing Coffee" (water, filter, coffee grounds).
  3. Press the BREW LATER button. The indicator light will flash.
  4. Use the HOUR and MIN buttons to set the desired time for brewing to start.
  5. Press the BREW LATER button again to confirm. The indicator light will stop flashing and remain illuminated, indicating the auto brew is set.
  6. The coffee maker will automatically start brewing at the programmed time.

Care and Cleaning

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

Daily Cleaning

  • Always unplug the appliance and allow it to cool before cleaning.
  • Remove the filter basket and discard used coffee grounds and filter. The removable filter basket is dishwasher safe (top rack only).
  • Wash the Duralife glass carafe and its lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. The carafe is also dishwasher safe (top rack only).
  • Wipe the exterior surfaces of the coffee maker, including the keep warm plate, with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
  • Do not immerse the coffee maker in water or any other liquid.

Decalcification (Mineral Deposit Removal)

Mineral deposits (calcium) can build up in your coffee maker over time, affecting performance. Decalcify your coffee maker every 60-80 uses or monthly, depending on water hardness.

  1. Pour 4 cups of white vinegar into the water reservoir.
  2. Place an empty paper filter in the filter basket and close the lid.
  3. Place the empty carafe on the keep warm plate.
  4. Brew half of the vinegar solution (approximately 2 cups) by pressing the POWER button.
  5. Turn off the coffee maker and let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
  6. Turn the coffee maker back on and brew the remaining vinegar solution.
  7. Discard the vinegar solution and rinse the carafe thoroughly.
  8. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water and brew a full cycle to flush out any remaining vinegar. Repeat this step twice.

Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Coffee does not brew.Coffee maker is not plugged in. Power button not pressed. Auto brew not set correctly.Ensure unit is plugged in. Press the POWER button. Verify auto brew settings.
Coffee is too weak.Not enough coffee grounds. Coffee grounds too coarse.Add more coffee grounds. Use a finer grind. Use the STRONG brew setting.
Coffee overflows from filter basket.Too much coffee grounds. Filter basket not seated correctly. Carafe not on warming plate. Mineral buildup.Reduce coffee grounds. Ensure filter basket is properly seated. Ensure carafe is on warming plate. Decalcify the coffee maker.
Coffee tastes bad.Old coffee grounds. Mineral buildup. Unclean carafe.Use fresh coffee grounds. Decalcify the coffee maker. Clean carafe thoroughly.
Brew Freshness Time is inaccurate.This feature tracks time since brewing completed.This is normal operation. The display resets with each new brew cycle.
Unit does not turn off.The unit has an automatic shut-off after 2 hours of keeping warm.Manually press the POWER button to turn off, or wait for automatic shut-off. Unplug when not in use.
"Danger feux" (Fire hazard) concern.This is a serious safety concern reported by a user. While the product has an automatic shut-off, any malfunction leading to overheating or fire is critical.Immediately unplug the appliance if you notice any smoke, burning smell, or unusual operation. Do not attempt to use it again. Contact BLACK+DECKER customer service for assistance and potential replacement. Ensure the appliance is always unplugged when not in use and never left unattended during operation.
Water does not heat.Heating element malfunction.Contact customer service for repair or replacement.
Digital display not working.Power issue or internal malfunction.Ensure power cord is securely plugged in. If problem persists, contact customer service.

Specifications

Dimensions of BLACK+DECKER CM1231SC coffee maker

Image: Diagram showing the dimensions of the BLACK+DECKER CM1231SC coffee maker: 8.27 cm depth, 13.78 cm width, and 14.17 cm height.

  • Model: CM1231SC
  • Capacity: 12 Cups
  • Power/Wattage: 800 watts
  • Material: Stainless Steel, Glass
  • Dimensions (approx.): 8.3D x 13.8W x 14.2H Centimetres
  • Weight: 2.79 kg
  • Special Features: Programmable, Manual, Sneak-A-Cup, Brew Freshness Timer, Strong Brew Selector

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact BLACK+DECKER customer service. Refer to the product packaging or the official BLACK+DECKER website for the most current contact details and warranty terms applicable to your region.

Website: www.blackanddecker.com

© 2025 BLACK+DECKER. All rights reserved.

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