Alessi Plissé MDL14 W/UK Drip Coffee Maker User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Alessi Plissé MDL14 W/UK Drip Coffee Maker. This appliance is designed to brew delicious filter coffee with ease and features an automatic start function for convenience. Its distinctive pleated design, crafted from thermoplastic resin, makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen. Please read this manual carefully before first use to ensure proper operation, maintenance, and safety.

Figure 1: Alessi Plissé MDL14 W/UK Drip Coffee Maker, showcasing its elegant design and digital display.

2. Important Safety Instructions

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 or knobs.
• To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, do not immerse cord, plugs, or 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.
• Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.

3. Parts and Components

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your Alessi Plissé Drip Coffee Maker:

• Machine Body: The main unit housing the heating element, water reservoir, and control panel.
• Control Panel/Display: Features a digital display for time and brewing status, along with control buttons.
• Water Reservoir: Removable tank with a clear water level indicator (graduated for cups).
• Filter Basket: Holds the coffee filter and grounds.
• Carafe: Graduated glass carafe with a handle and lid, designed to collect brewed coffee.
• Measuring Spoon: For accurate coffee ground measurement.

Figure 2: Top view of the coffee maker with the lid open, showing the filter area and the included measuring spoon.

Figure 3: Exploded view illustrating the removable water reservoir for easy filling and cleaning.

Figure 4: View showing the removable filter basket and the measuring spoon, essential for preparing coffee.

4. Setup

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all packaging materials from the coffee maker.
2. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the carafe, carafe lid, filter basket, and measuring spoon in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth.
3. First Brew Cycle (Cleaning):
   • Fill the removable water reservoir with fresh, cold water up to the "MAX" line.
   • Place the empty filter basket into its holder. Do not add coffee grounds.
   • Place the carafe with its lid on the warming plate.
   • Plug the coffee maker into a British standard wall outlet (220-240V).
   • Press the brew button to run a full cycle of plain water through the machine. This cleans the internal components.
   • Discard the water from the carafe.

5. Operating Instructions

Brewing Coffee

1. Fill Water Reservoir: Remove the water reservoir and fill it with fresh, cold water to the desired level, indicated by the cup markings. Reinsert the reservoir securely.
2. Add Coffee Grounds: Open the lid of the filter basket area. Place a paper filter (if using) or ensure the permanent filter is in place. Add the desired amount of ground coffee using the provided measuring spoon (approximately one level spoon per cup, adjust to taste). Close the lid.
3. Position Carafe: Ensure the carafe with its lid is correctly placed on the warming plate.
4. Start Brewing: Press the brew button (often indicated by a coffee cup icon or "Start"). The indicator light will illuminate, and the brewing process will begin.
5. Automatic Shut-off: The coffee maker will automatically shut off after a period of keeping the coffee warm. Refer to the specific model's manual for exact warming plate duration.

Figure 5: The coffee maker in operation, brewing fresh coffee into the glass carafe.

Setting the Clock and Automatic Start Function

The coffee maker features a digital display and an automatic start function. Specific button labels may vary, but generally:

• Setting the Clock: Press the "H" button to set the hour and the "M" button to set the minute. Hold to advance rapidly.
• Setting Auto-Start Time: Press the "PROG" or "Timer" button. The display will flash. Use the "H" and "M" buttons to set your desired brew time. Press "PROG" or "Timer" again to confirm. An indicator light (e.g., "AUTO" or a clock icon) will illuminate to show the auto-start is active.
• Activating Auto-Start: Ensure the coffee maker is prepared with water and coffee grounds as described in "Brewing Coffee". With the auto-start time set, press the "AUTO" or "Timer" button to activate the delayed brew. The machine will start brewing at the programmed time.

Figure 6: Close-up of the control panel, showing the digital clock display and control buttons for setting time and programming automatic start.

6. Cleaning and Maintenance

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

Daily Cleaning

• Always unplug the coffee maker before cleaning and allow it to cool completely.
• Discard used coffee grounds and the paper filter (if used).
• Wash the carafe, carafe lid, filter basket, and measuring spoon in warm, soapy water. These parts are generally top-rack dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended for longevity. Rinse thoroughly.
• Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker, including the warming plate, with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• The removable water reservoir can be rinsed with water. For thorough cleaning, use a mild detergent and a soft brush, then rinse well.

Descaling (Mineral Deposit Removal)

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

1. Prepare a descaling solution: Mix white vinegar and cold water in a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water). Fill the water reservoir with this solution up to the "MAX" line.
2. Place an empty carafe on the warming plate.
3. Run a brewing cycle with the descaling solution.
4. After the cycle, turn off the coffee maker and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the solution to work.
5. Discard the solution from the carafe.
6. Run 2-3 full cycles with fresh, cold water to rinse out any remaining vinegar taste or odor.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Alessi website. You may also contact the retailer from whom you purchased the product for assistance.

Keep your proof of purchase (receipt) for any warranty claims.