KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Spiral Showerhead

1. Introduction

The KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Spiral Showerhead (Model KCM1208) is designed to deliver an exceptionally flavorful cup of coffee every day. Its unique spiral showerhead ensures even saturation of coffee grounds for optimal extraction. This coffee maker also features a variable brew strength selector, 24-hour programmability, and a convenient pause and pour function.

Figure 1: Front view of the KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker.

2. Key Features

• Spiral Showerhead: Unique 29-hole design evenly saturates coffee grounds for optimal flavor extraction.
• Removable Water Tank: Clear tank with a large opening and dosage chart for easy filling and consistent results.
• Variable Brew Strength: Select between regular and bold strengths to customize your coffee.
• 24-Hour Programmability: Set your coffee to brew automatically at any time, day or night.
• Pause and Pour Feature: Allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete.
• Convenient Warming Plate: Keeps your coffee at the perfect temperature for up to two hours.
• Unique Pour Spout: Designed to prevent drips and messes when pouring coffee.
• Included Components: Comes with a Drip coffee maker, Charcoal filter, and Gold-tone filter.

3. Setup

3.1 Unboxing and Initial Cleaning

1. Carefully remove all packaging materials and accessories from the box.
2. Wash the carafe, lid, removable water tank, and gold-tone filter in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a damp cloth.

3.2 Water Tank Filling

The removable water tank makes filling easy and mess-free.

1. Lift the removable water tank from the side of the coffee maker.
2. Fill the tank with fresh, cold water up to the desired level using the dosage chart markings.
3. Place the filled water tank back onto the coffee maker, ensuring it is securely seated.

Figure 2: Removing the clear, removable water tank for easy filling.

3.3 Coffee Grounds and Filter Placement

The coffee maker includes a reusable gold-tone filter. Paper filters (#6 cone-style) can also be used.

1. Open the brew basket lid.
2. Place the gold-tone filter (or a paper filter) into the brew basket.
3. Add your desired amount of ground coffee into the filter. The water tank's dosage chart and gold tone filter measuring marks help ensure consistent results.
4. Close the brew basket lid securely.

Figure 3: Coffee grounds placed in the gold-tone filter.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Brewing Coffee

1. Ensure the carafe is placed on the warming plate.
2. Press the 'Brew' button to start the brewing cycle.
3. To select brew strength, press the 'Bold' button before starting the brew cycle.
4. The coffee maker will automatically turn off after the warming plate cycle is complete (up to two hours).

Figure 4: Control panel and digital display for brewing options.

4.2 Programmable Brew

Set your coffee to be ready when you wake up or at any time you desire within a 24-hour period.

1. Press the 'Prog' button.
2. Use the 'Hour' and 'Minute' buttons to set your desired brew time.
3. Press 'Prog' again to confirm the setting. The 'Auto' indicator will light up.

4.3 Pause and Pour

The pause and pour feature allows you to temporarily stop the brewing process to pour a cup of coffee.

1. During the brewing cycle, carefully remove the carafe from the warming plate. The brewing will pause automatically.
2. Pour your desired amount of coffee.
3. Return the carafe to the warming plate within 20 seconds to resume brewing and prevent overflow.

Figure 5: The unique pour spout minimizes drips and messes.

4.4 Warming Plate

The convenient warming plate keeps your brewed coffee hot for up to two hours after the brewing cycle is complete. The warming plate will automatically shut off after this period.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and taste.

1. Always unplug the coffee maker before cleaning.
2. Wash the carafe, carafe lid, removable water tank, and gold-tone filter in warm, soapy water. These parts are also top-rack dishwasher safe.
3. Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
4. The spiral showerhead can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

5.2 Descaling

Over time, mineral deposits (scale) can build up in your coffee maker, affecting performance and coffee taste. Descale regularly, especially in areas with hard water.

1. Fill the water tank with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water.
2. Place an empty carafe on the warming plate.
3. Press the 'Clean' button (if available on your model) or initiate a regular brew cycle.
4. Allow the full cycle to complete.
5. Run 2-3 cycles with fresh, clean water to rinse out any remaining vinegar.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker, refer to the following common solutions:

• Coffee not brewing: Ensure the coffee maker is plugged in, the water tank is filled, and the carafe is correctly placed on the warming plate.
• Weak coffee: Check that you are using the correct amount of coffee grounds for the water volume. Try selecting the 'Bold' brew strength.
• Overflowing brew basket: Ensure the filter is correctly seated and not overfilled with coffee grounds. Check that the carafe is fully inserted and the pause and pour feature is not engaged for too long.
• Water leaking: Verify that the removable water tank is properly seated and the brew basket lid is closed completely.
• Condensation/Drips when opening lid: It is normal for some condensation to accumulate under the lid. Have a cloth ready to wipe away any drips when opening the lid after brewing.

For further assistance, please contact KitchenAid Customer Service.

7. Specifications

Figure 6: Product dimensions for placement reference.

8. Product Videos

9. Warranty & Support

This KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker (Model KCM1208) comes with a 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. For warranty claims, technical support, or any product-related inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or visit the official KitchenAid website.