Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker. Please read all instructions carefully before first use and retain this manual for future reference.

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.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles and knobs.
• To protect against electric shock, do not place cord, plug, or coffeemaker in water or other liquids.
• 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 dropped or damaged in any manner.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Cuisinart may cause injuries.
• 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 fill water reservoir first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn controls to OFF, then remove plug from wall outlet.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
• Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.

Components

Familiarize yourself with the parts of your Cuisinart Coffeemaker:

• Reservoir Cover: Hinged cover for easy access to the water reservoir and bean hopper.
• Water Reservoir: Holds water for brewing. Features a water level indicator.
• Bean Hopper: Holds whole coffee beans for grinding.
• Grind Chamber: Houses the grinding blade. Removable for cleaning.
• Filter Basket: Holds the paper filter or permanent filter and ground coffee.
• Control Panel: Features programmable buttons and a digital display.
• Carafe: 12-cup glass carafe with an ergonomic handle and brew-pause feature.
• Heating Plate: Keeps brewed coffee warm.

Image: Front view of the Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker, showing the control panel, carafe, and a jar of coffee beans next to it.

Setup

1. Unpacking: Carefully unpack the coffeemaker and remove all packaging materials. Keep packaging for future storage or shipping.
2. Cleaning Before First Use: Before using your Cuisinart Coffeemaker for the first time, wash the carafe, carafe lid, filter basket, and grind chamber in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the coffeemaker with a clean, damp cloth.
3. First Cycle (Cleaning): Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup mark with cold water. Place a paper filter (or the permanent filter) in the filter basket. Do not add coffee. Close the reservoir cover. Place the empty carafe on the heating plate. Press the "Brew/Off Auto Off" button to start a cycle. This will clean the internal components. Once the cycle is complete, discard the water from the carafe and turn off the coffeemaker.
4. Setting the Clock: Plug the coffeemaker into an electrical outlet. The digital display will flash "12:00". Press the "HR" button to set the hour, ensuring AM/PM is correct. Press the "MIN" button to set the minutes. The clock will set automatically after a few seconds.

Operating Instructions

Brewing with Whole Beans (Grind & Brew)

1. Fill Water Reservoir: Open the reservoir cover and fill the water reservoir with the desired amount of cold water using the water level indicator on the side. Do not exceed the 12-cup mark.
2. Add Coffee Beans: Open the bean hopper lid and add whole coffee beans. Use approximately 1 scoop of whole beans per cup of coffee desired. Do not overfill.
3. Insert Filter: Place a #4 cone-style paper filter or the permanent filter into the filter basket. Ensure it is seated correctly.
4. Place Carafe: Ensure the carafe is empty and placed securely on the heating plate.
5. Start Brewing: Press the "Brew/Off Auto Off" button. The coffeemaker will automatically grind the beans, then begin the brewing cycle. The display will show "Brewing".
6. Brew Pause Feature: You can temporarily remove the carafe during the brewing cycle to pour a cup. The flow of coffee will automatically stop. Replace the carafe within 20 seconds to prevent overflow.

Image: Front view of the Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker, showing the digital display and control buttons.

Brewing with Pre-Ground Coffee (Grind Off)

1. Fill Water Reservoir: Follow step 1 from "Brewing with Whole Beans".
2. Add Pre-Ground Coffee: Open the reservoir cover. Place a #4 cone-style paper filter or the permanent filter into the filter basket. Add the desired amount of pre-ground coffee (approximately 1 tablespoon per cup).
3. Activate Grind Off: Press the "GRIND OFF" button. The indicator light next to "GRIND OFF" will illuminate, indicating the grinder will be bypassed.
4. Place Carafe: Ensure the carafe is empty and placed securely on the heating plate.
5. Start Brewing: Press the "Brew/Off Auto Off" button. The coffeemaker will begin the brewing cycle using the pre-ground coffee.

Programming Auto-Brew

1. Prepare Coffeemaker: Follow steps 1-4 for either "Brewing with Whole Beans" or "Brewing with Pre-Ground Coffee".
2. Set Program Time: Press the "PROG" button. The display will flash "12:00". Use the "HR" and "MIN" buttons to set the desired brew time.
3. Activate Auto-Brew: Press the "PROG" button again to confirm the setting. The "PROG" indicator light will illuminate. The coffeemaker will start brewing at the set time.

1-4 Cup Setting

For brewing smaller quantities (1-4 cups), press the "1-4 CUP" button before starting the brew cycle. This feature optimizes the brewing process for smaller batches, ensuring full flavor.

Image: Side view of the Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker, showing the water reservoir and overall profile.

Maintenance and Cleaning

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

1. Daily Cleaning:
   • Always unplug the coffeemaker from the electrical outlet before cleaning.
   • Remove the filter basket, grind chamber, and carafe. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water. They are also top-rack dishwasher safe.
   • Wipe the exterior of the coffeemaker with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the unit in water.
2. Grind Chamber Cleaning: The grind chamber should be cleaned after each use, especially when using whole beans, to prevent clogs and ensure proper grinding. Remove the grind chamber and rinse it thoroughly. Ensure all coffee residue is removed.
3. Decalcification (Monthly or as needed): Mineral deposits (calcium) can build up in your coffeemaker and affect its performance. The "CLEAN" indicator light will illuminate when decalcification is needed.
   • Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water.
   • Place a paper filter in the filter basket (no coffee).
   • Place the empty carafe on the heating plate.
   • Press the "CLEAN" button. The "CLEAN" indicator light will illuminate.
   • When the cycle is complete, the coffeemaker will beep five times and shut off.
   • Run 2-3 cycles with fresh cold water to rinse the unit thoroughly.

Image: Top-down view of the Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker with the carafe removed, highlighting the filter basket area.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Model: DGB-400NAS
• Capacity: 12-Cup
• Dimensions: 8.13"D x 9.98"W x 15.5"H
• Voltage: 120V
• Features: Programmable, Auto-Shutoff, Automatic Grind, Permanent Filter, Self Clean, Water Filter
• Color: Black/Stainless

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Cuisinart website or the warranty card included with your product. You may also find additional resources and FAQs on the Cuisinart Store on Amazon.

A digital version of the user manual (PDF) is available here.

Product Overview Video