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 thermal carafe is designed for use with this appliance only. 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.
- This appliance is intended for household use only.
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Sur La Table 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker before initial use.
Figure 1: Front view of the Sur La Table 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, showing the main unit with the digital display and the thermal carafe in place.
Figure 2: The stainless steel thermal carafe, designed to keep coffee hot for extended periods.
Figure 3: Detail of the thermal carafe lid, showing the pour mechanism with 'LOCK' and 'OPEN' indicators for controlled dispensing.
Components:
- Main Unit: Houses the heating element, water reservoir, and control panel.
- Control Panel: Digital touchscreen LED display with buttons for Brew, Programmable, Strong Brew, and 1-4 Cup Brew.
- Water Reservoir: Located at the back/side of the main unit, with a water level gauge.
- Filter Basket: Removable basket for coffee grounds, includes a reusable permanent filter.
- Thermal Carafe: Double-wall stainless steel carafe with a lid, designed to maintain coffee temperature.
- Measuring Scoop: For accurate coffee ground measurement (if included).
Before First Use
Before brewing coffee for the first time, it is recommended to clean the coffee maker to remove any manufacturing residues.
- Remove all packaging materials, stickers, and labels from the coffee maker.
- Wash the thermal carafe and its lid, the filter basket, and the reusable filter in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water.
- Fill the water reservoir with clean water up to the 12-cup mark.
- Place the empty filter basket and reusable filter into the filter basket holder. Close the lid.
- Place the empty thermal carafe on the warming plate.
- Plug the coffee maker into a standard electrical outlet.
- Run a full brew cycle with only water (no coffee grounds) to flush the internal components. Discard the water from the carafe.
- Repeat the water-only brew cycle once more for thorough cleaning.
Operating Instructions
Brewing Coffee:
- Prepare the Carafe: Ensure the thermal carafe is clean and placed correctly on the warming plate. The carafe lid should be in the 'OPEN' position for brewing.
- Fill Water Reservoir: Open the lid of the coffee maker. Carefully pour fresh, cold water into the water reservoir up to the desired number of cups, indicated by the water level gauge. Do not exceed the 12-cup maximum fill line. Close the lid securely.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Remove the filter basket. Place the reusable permanent filter (or a cone-shaped paper filter, if preferred) into the filter basket. Add the desired amount of ground coffee. A general guideline is one tablespoon of coffee grounds per cup, adjusted to personal preference. Place the filter basket back into its holder.
- Select Brew Setting: Use the digital touchscreen LED display to select your desired brew setting:
- Brew: For a standard brew cycle.
- Strong Brew: For a more intense coffee flavor.
- 1-4 Cup Brew: Optimizes brewing for smaller batches (1-4 cups) to ensure full flavor extraction.
- Start Brewing: Press the corresponding button (e.g., 'Brew') to start the brewing process. The coffee maker will begin to brew, and coffee will dispense into the thermal carafe.
- Pause and Serve: The coffee maker features a pause-and-serve 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.
- After Brewing: Once the brewing cycle is complete, the coffee maker will automatically turn off. The thermal carafe will keep the coffee hot for several hours without a hot plate.
Programmable Brewing:
The 24-hour programmability allows you to set the coffee maker to start brewing at a specific time.
- Prepare the coffee maker with water and coffee grounds as described in steps 1-3 above.
- Press the 'Programmable' button on the control panel.
- Use the time adjustment buttons (usually up/down arrows or similar on the display) to set the desired brew start time.
- Confirm the programmed time (refer to the display for confirmation, it might flash or show a specific icon).
- The coffee maker will automatically start brewing at the set time.
Adjustable Temperature:
This coffee maker is designed to brew coffee at an ideal temperature and maintain its warmth in the thermal carafe. The temperature control is an internal function to optimize brewing and holding temperatures, ensuring flavor and quality without user adjustment for brew temperature.
Care and Cleaning
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your coffee maker.
- Always unplug the coffee maker from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Cleaning the Carafe: Wash the thermal carafe and its lid in warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse thoroughly. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the stainless steel. For thorough drying, turn the carafe upside down to allow any residual water to drain.
- Cleaning the Filter Basket and Reusable Filter: Remove the filter basket and reusable filter. Discard used coffee grounds. Wash both components in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry. These parts are generally top-rack dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended for longevity.
- Cleaning the Exterior: Wipe the exterior surfaces of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. Never immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.
- Descaling (Mineral Deposit Removal): Mineral deposits (calcium) can build up in your coffee maker over time, affecting performance. Descale your coffee maker every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have hard water.
- Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts cold water.
- Place the empty carafe on the warming plate.
- Run a full brew cycle with the vinegar solution.
- After the cycle, turn off the coffee maker and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Discard the vinegar solution from the carafe.
- Fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water and run two to three full brew cycles with water only to rinse thoroughly.
Troubleshooting
Review the following common issues and solutions before contacting customer support.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee does not brew. | Coffee maker not plugged in; power outage; brew cycle not initiated; water reservoir empty. | Ensure unit is plugged in. Check power supply. Press the 'Brew' button. Fill water reservoir. |
| Coffee is too weak or too strong. | Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio; 'Strong Brew' setting not used (for strong coffee); '1-4 Cup Brew' not used (for small batches). | Adjust coffee grounds amount. Use 'Strong Brew' for stronger coffee. Use '1-4 Cup Brew' for smaller quantities. |
| Water leaks from the filter basket area. | Filter basket not seated correctly; too much coffee grounds; carafe not placed correctly or removed for too long during pause-and-serve. | Ensure filter basket is properly seated. Do not overfill with coffee grounds. Ensure carafe is correctly positioned and returned promptly after pause-and-serve. |
| Carafe leaks when pouring. | Carafe lid not properly closed or pour lever not fully engaged. | Ensure the carafe lid is securely twisted into place. When pouring, fully depress the lever above the handle to allow coffee to flow freely. |
| Coffee is not hot enough. | Carafe lid not sealed; carafe not pre-warmed. | Ensure carafe lid is securely closed after brewing to maintain thermal insulation. Pre-warm carafe with hot water before brewing for best results. |
| Difficulty filling water reservoir. | Small opening or obstructed view of water level. | Use a smaller pitcher or the carafe to fill slowly. Rotate the unit slightly to better view the water level gauge. |
| Programmable setting does not save or activate. | Incorrect programming steps; power interruption. | Review programmable brewing steps. Ensure power is consistent. Reprogram if necessary. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sur La Table |
| Model Name / Number | SLT-4104 |
| Capacity | 12 cups |
| Material | Stainless Steel (Carafe), Plastic (Main Unit) |
| Color | Black |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
| Special Features | Programmable timer, Anti-drip system, Pause and brew, Adjustable temperature control (internal), Thermal Carafe |
| Included Components | 12 Cup Double-wall Thermal Carafe, Reusable Filter |
| GTIN / UPC | 689176515435 |
Warranty and Customer Support
Specific warranty information for the Sur La Table 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (Model SLT-4104) is not provided in this document. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product packaging or contact Sur La Table customer service for details regarding warranty coverage and support.
For further assistance, troubleshooting not covered in this manual, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Sur La Table customer support through their official website or the contact information provided in your product documentation.