Cuisinart PerfecTemp® 12-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker

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:

• 1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
• Always unplug from outlet when either the appliance or display clock is not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning the appliance.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles and knobs.
• To protect against electric shock, do not place cord, plug, or base unit in water or other liquids.
• This appliance should not be used by or near children or individuals with certain disabilities.
• 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. Return appliance to the nearest Cuisinart Repair Center for examination, repair, and electrical or mechanical adjustment.
• 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, push the Brew/Off button, then remove plug from wall outlet.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
• Make sure carafe lid is secure before serving any beverages.
• Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.
• The thermal carafe is designed for use with this coffeemaker only. It must never be used on the range top.
• Do not set 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 or resting plate with cleansers, steel wool pads, or other abrasive materials.
• WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE BASE PANEL. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REPAIRS SHOULD BE DONE ONLY BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.
• Do not place cloth beneath coffeemaker or otherwise restrict airflow.
• Use only the Cuisinart® Gold-Tone Commercial Style Filter or standard cone-shaped paper filter with this unit. OTHER GOLD-TONE PERMANENT FILTERS MAY CAUSE THE COFFEEMAKER TO OVERFLOW.
• Do not operate your appliance in an appliance garage or under a wall cabinet. When storing in an appliance garage, always unplug the unit from the electrical outlet. Not doing so could create a risk of fire, especially if the appliance touches the walls of the garage or the door touches the unit as it closes.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

Electrical Safety Warnings

WARNING: RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK

SPECIAL CORD SET INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE

OPERATING NOTICE

Contents

• Important Safeguards
• Unpacking Instructions
• The Quest for the Perfect Cup of Coffee
• Features and Benefits
• Control Panel
• Operating Instructions (First Use, Programming, Making Coffee, Brew Pause)
• Cleaning and Maintenance
• Decalcification
• Warranty Information

Important Unpacking Instructions

1. Place the box on a large, sturdy, flat surface.
2. Remove literature.
3. Turn the box so that the back side of the coffeemaker is down and slide the coffeemaker from the box.
4. After the coffeemaker has been removed, place the box out of the way and lift off the left and right inserts.
5. Grasp the carafe by its handle, remove it from the resting plate, and remove the polybag.
6. Remove the polybag covering the coffeemaker.

The Quest for the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Element 1: Water

Coffee is 98% water. The quality of that water is as important as the quality of your coffee. Cuisinart includes a charcoal water filter to remove chlorine, bad tastes and odors for the purest coffee flavor.

Element 2: Coffee

The flavor comes from the beans. Use fresh, whole beans and buy only about a two-week supply, as flavor degrades quickly once beans are broken.

Element 3: Grind

The grind is critical for flavor extraction. Too fine a grind results in bitterness and may clog the filter. Too coarse a grind allows water to pass too quickly. A medium-fine grind is recommended.

Element 4: Proportion

For perfect coffee strength, use the recommended portions of ground coffee and water, adjusting to taste.

Features and Benefits

Diagram Description:

The Cuisinart PerfecTemp 12-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker (DCC-3400 Series) features a stainless steel thermal carafe, a control panel with a digital display and buttons, a filter basket, and a water reservoir. Key components are numbered for reference.

• 1. Coffeemaker Lid: Provides access to the filter basket, water filter, and water reservoir.
• 2. Water Reservoir with Water Level Indicator Window: Allows easy filling and monitoring of water levels.
• 3. Showerhead (not shown): Distributes water evenly over coffee grounds, reducing temperature loss during brewing.
• 4. Charcoal Water Filter Holder: Secures the charcoal water filter.
• 5. Charcoal Water Filter: Eliminates chlorine, bad tastes, and odors from tap water.
• 6. Filter Basket: Holds a #4 paper filter or a gold-tone filter.
• 7. Filter Basket Holder: Supports the filter basket.
• 8. Cuisinart® Permanent Gold-Tone Commercial-Style Filter: Replaces paper filters; may allow fine grounds to pass through.
• 9. Control Panel: See detailed illustration on page 6.
• 10. Brew Pause™: Temporarily stops coffee flow (up to 20 seconds) when the carafe is removed, allowing a cup to be poured mid-brew.
• 11. 12-Cup Thermal Carafe: Double-wall insulated carafe with an ergonomic handle, designed to keep coffee hot for hours.
• 12. 60-Second Reset: Protects programmed information (time of day, Auto On/Off) during brief power interruptions.
• 13. Measuring Scoop: For measuring coffee grounds.
• 14. BPA Free: All parts in contact with coffee or liquids are BPA-free.

Getting to Know Your Control Panel

Diagram Description:

The control panel features a digital display showing time and status, along with several buttons: Tone, Hour (Hr), Minute (Min), Program, Clean, Bold, Brew/Off, Auto On, and 1-4 Cup. Each button has a specific function for operating the coffeemaker.

• 1. Ready Tone Button: Turns the audible "Brew Cycle Finished" alert on or off.
• 2. Blue Backlit Display: Shows time of day and Auto On time. A Ready Tone off icon appears when the tone is disabled.
• 3. Hour and Minute Buttons: Used to set the time of day and Auto On time.
• 4. Program Button: Allows programming the coffeemaker to start brewing up to 24 hours in advance. Activate by pressing the AUTO ON button.
• 5. Clean Button: A red indicator signals when decalcification is needed.
• 6. Bold Flavor Strength Button: Selects bold or regular coffee flavor; a blue indicator shows when bold is selected.
• 7. Brew/Off Button: Turns the coffeemaker on and off.
• 8. Auto On Button: Activates the programmed start time; a blue indicator illuminates when active.
• 9. 1-4 Cup Button: Optimizes brew process for fewer than 5 cups; a blue indicator shows when selected.

Before Brewing Your First Pot of Coffee

Rinsing Your Coffeemaker:

To remove any dust from manufacturing, fill the reservoir with water, power on the unit, and follow steps 1, 3, and 5 from the "Making Coffee" section on page 8, without adding coffee.

Charcoal Water Filter Installation:

Your coffeemaker includes a charcoal water filter to improve water taste.

Steps:

1. Remove the filter from its packaging and soak it in cold tap water for 15 minutes.
2. Lift the water filter holder from the water reservoir.
3. Open the filter compartment by pressing down and pulling towards you.
4. Place the filter into the holder and snap it closed. Ensure proper placement to avoid tearing the filter skin.
5. Flush the filter with cold tap water for 10 seconds.
6. Allow the filter to drain completely.
7. Slide the water filter holder back into the reservoir channel until it reaches the base.

Note: Replace the water filter every 60 days or 60 uses, or more often if you have hard water. Replacement filters are available from Cuisinart.

Programming Your Coffeemaker

Setting the Clock:

When plugged in, the display shows 12:00 flashing. Press and hold the Hour or Minute button to set the correct time. Use quick presses to advance one digit at a time, or hold to scroll faster. Ensure the PM indicator is on for PM times.

Setting the Auto On Time:

1. Press the Program button. Use the Hour and Minute buttons to set your desired start-brew time. The Auto On light will illuminate after 5 seconds, indicating the function is active.
2. To activate Auto On with a previously set time, press the Auto On button. The set time will appear, and the indicator light will turn on.
3. To deactivate Auto On, press the illuminated Auto On button; the light will turn off.

Making Coffee

Turning Off Ready Tone:

The coffeemaker emits 5 beeps when brewing is finished. Press the Tone button to disable this alert; an icon will appear on the display. Press again to re-enable.

Brewing Steps:

1. Fill the water reservoir: Lift the lid and add the desired amount of water, using the water level indicator.
2. Add ground coffee: Insert a #4 paper filter or the gold-tone filter. Add 1 level scoop of ground coffee per cup, adjusting to taste. Do not exceed 15 tablespoons total, as this can cause overflow.
3. Position carafe and plug in: Place the carafe on the unit, ensure the lid is closed, and plug into an outlet.
4. Set preferences:
   • Press the 1-4 Cup button if brewing fewer than 5 cups (indicator light illuminates).
   • Press the Bold button for stronger coffee flavor (indicator light illuminates). Press again for regular strength.
5. Start Brewing: Press the Brew/Off button.
6. After brewing: The unit will beep 5 times. Coffee may continue to stream for a few seconds. Allow the reservoir cover to cool for 10 minutes before opening.

Helpful Hint: Preheat the carafe with hot water to maintain brewed coffee temperature.

Brew Pause™ Feature

This feature interrupts coffee flow for up to 20 seconds when the carafe is removed, allowing a cup to be poured mid-brew. Be aware that using this feature may slightly weaken the flavor of the finished pot. Do not remove the carafe for longer than 20 seconds to prevent overflow.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Always turn off and unplug the coffeemaker before cleaning.

Lift the lid. Remove and discard the paper filter and grounds. The filter basket can be hand-washed or placed in the dishwasher (upper rack). Dry all parts.

Wipe the area under the filter basket with a damp cloth. Do not put water in the unit after removing the basket.

The carafe and lid can be hand-washed or dishwasher-washed (upper rack).

Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring agents. Never immerse the base unit in water. Wipe the base with a damp cloth. Clean the warming plate with a damp cloth. Do not dry the water reservoir interior with a cloth to avoid lint.

Maintenance:

Any other servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.

Decalcification

Decalcification removes calcium deposits that affect performance and flavor. Clean when the CLEAN LED indicator lights up.

Note: Remove the charcoal water filter before decalcifying.

To Clean:

1. Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water.
2. Press and hold the CLEAN button. Release when the CLEAN LED indicator flashes.
3. After the cycle (indicated by 5 beeps), the coffeemaker will shut off.
4. If the CLEAN indicator remains lit, repeat with a fresh vinegar/water solution.
5. If the CLEAN indicator is off, run one cycle with fresh water to rinse.
6. Reinstall the charcoal water filter.

Limited Warranty

Cuisinart warrants the PerfecTemp® 12-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker (DCC-3400 Series) to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for THREE (3) years from the date of purchase for normal home use. This warranty is for U.S. consumers only.

What is NOT Covered:

• Normal wear and tear.
• Commercial or non-household use.
• Added accessories, parts, or software.
• Costs associated with replacement/repair without prior Cuisinart approval (labor, installation).
• Damage due to external causes (shipping, accidents, electrical issues, abnormal conditions), misuse, neglect, unauthorized alteration/repair, or acts of God.
• Damage caused by unauthorized third-party repairs or unauthorized accessories/parts.
• Products with removed or altered identification markings.

Hassle-Free Warranty:

If the product fails within the warranty period for covered reasons, Cuisinart will, at its option, repair, replace, or refund the purchase price (less usage). Contact Cuisinart for a return shipping label via their website or call 1-800-726-0190. Repairs typically take up to 30 days.

California Residents:

The 3-year warranty period begins on delivery. California residents can also return the product to the store of purchase or another retail store selling Cuisinart products for service, or return it directly to Cuisinart.

Limitations of Liability:

Express and implied warranties are limited to the warranty period. Cuisinart is not responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

This Limited Warranty is issued by: Conair LLC, 1 Cummings Point Road, Stamford, CT 06902, 1-800-726-0190.