Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker
DGB-400 Series - Instruction Booklet
Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, especially when children are present, basic safety precautions should always be taken to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- 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 its intended use.
- Snap lid securely onto carafe before serving any beverages.
- Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.
- The glass 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 heating 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.
- Avoid contact with moving parts.
- Check grinder basket for presence of foreign objects before using.
- Use the coffee grinder to grind roasted coffee beans only. Grinding other substances, such as nuts, spices or unroasted beans, may dull the blade and cause poor grinding or injury.
- Do not place cloth beneath coffeemaker or otherwise restrict airflow.
- Use only the Cuisinart® Gold-Tone Commercial-Style Filter or standard #4 basket 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.
Warnings and Notices
WARNING: RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of fire or electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Special Cord Set Instructions
A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Longer extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in their use.
If a long extension cord is used, the marked electrical rating of the extension cord must be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance, and the longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over.
Notice
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug will fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug in any way.
Operating Notice
Clogging and backing up of water and/or coffee in the filter basket can occur under any or a combination of any of the following conditions: The use of too finely ground coffee, using two or more paper filters, using the gold-tone filter in conjunction with a paper filter or not properly cleaning coffee grounds from the gold-tone filter, or allowing coffee grounds to spill over the filter.
Caution: Never open the filter basket during the brewing cycle, even if no water is draining from the filter basket, since extremely hot water/coffee can spill out from the filter basket and cause injury. If water/coffee is not draining from the filter basket during the brewing cycle, unplug the unit and wait 10 minutes before opening and checking the filter basket.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REPAIR SHOULD BE DONE BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY.
The Quest for the Perfect Cup of Coffee
Coffee is 98% water. The quality of that water is as important as the quality of your coffee. If water doesn't taste good from the tap, it won't taste good in your coffee. Cuisinart includes a charcoal water filter to remove chlorine, bad tastes and odors, for the purest coffee flavor, every time you brew.
Element 1: Water
Coffee is 98% water. The quality of that water is as important as the quality of your coffee. If water doesn't taste good from the tap, it won't taste good in your coffee. Cuisinart includes a charcoal water filter to remove chlorine, bad tastes and odors, for the purest coffee flavor, every time you brew.
Element 2: Coffee
While coffee is 98% water, all of the flavor comes from the beans. To achieve the same great taste you enjoy at a coffee bar, buy only a two-week supply of fresh coffee beans at a time. Once the bean is broken, its flavor degrades quickly. That's why Cuisinart grinds your beans just prior to brewing.
Element 3: Grind
The grind is critical for proper flavor extraction. If the grind is too fine, overextraction and bitterness will result. Too fine a grind may also clog the filter. If grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly and the maximum flavor will not be extracted. Your coffeemaker is preset for medium, the optimal grind for this type of brewing process.
Element 4: Proportion
Coffee that is too strong or too weak is always a disappointment. Follow the recommended portions of whole beans or ground coffee in the instructions under MAKING COFFEE, and later adjust the amount to your taste.
DO NOT OVERFILL OR THE GRINDER COULD MALFUNCTION AND/OR OVERFLOW.
Features and Benefits
The Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker (DGB-400 Series) offers several features:
- 1. Reservoir Cover: Flips back for easy filling of the water reservoir and access to the grinder compartment.
- 2. Grinder Basket Lid: Use the recess on each side of the lid to remove the lid for easy addition of beans. Note: Lid must be in place for the unit to operate.
- 3. Grinder Basket with Stainless Steel Blade: For grinding coffee beans.
- 4. Charcoal Water Filter Holder: Holds the charcoal water filter. Follow directions for preparing and inserting the filter.
- 5. Water Reservoir with Level Indicator: Allows easy filling and monitoring of water levels.
- 6. Showerhead (not shown): Distributes water evenly over coffee, reducing temperature loss as water passes through grounds.
- 7. Filter Basket Door with Release Button: Opens to access the coffee filter.
- 8. Filter Basket: Cover flips up to access/holds paper filter or Cuisinart permanent gold-tone filter. Note: Filter basket holder must be in place for unit to operate correctly. The cover becomes hot after coffee is brewed; use caution when removing the cover.
- 9. Gold-Tone Cuisinart Commercial-Style Filter: A reusable filter. When using this filter, position the handle toward the front of the unit to avoid interfering with coffee flow into the filter basket. Note: Some fine coffee grounds may pass through and appear as sediment in the carafe.
- 10. Control Panel: See detailed explanation on the Control Panel section.
- 11. Brew Pause™: Stops the flow of coffee from the basket 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 weaken the flavor strength of the finished pot.
- 12. Carafe: An easy-pour, dripless, 12-cup carafe with an ergonomic handle and markings for four to 12 cups.
- 13. Warming Plate: Scratch resistant with nonstick coating.
- 14. Cord Storage (not shown): For neat storage of the power cord.
- 15. Measuring Scoop with Brush: For measuring coffee and cleaning.
- 16. #4 Basket Paper Filters included (not shown): Disposable filters for use with the coffeemaker.
Diagram Description: The diagram displays the coffeemaker with numbered callouts pointing to its various components, including the water reservoir, grinder basket, filter basket, carafe, and control panel.
Control Panel
The control panel allows users to manage all functions of the coffeemaker.
- Clock/LCD Display: Shows the current time, Auto On times, and Auto Off times.
- Program Button with LED Indicator: Sets and/or displays the programmed Auto On time.
- 1-4 Cup Setting: Improves extraction, flavor, and temperature when brewing fewer than 5 cups.
- Hour and Minute Buttons: Used to program the clock, Auto On, and Auto Off functions. Press and hold to scroll through digits quickly, or press and release to advance one digit at a time. Ensure the PM indicator is on if setting a PM time.
- Grind Off Button with LED Indicator: Turns off the grinder when using pre-ground coffee.
- Clean Button: A red indicator appears when it is time to decalcify the coffeemaker. Refer to the Decalcification section for instructions.
- Brew/Off/Auto Off Button with LED Indicator: Programs the coffeemaker to automatically shut off 0 to 4 hours after the brew cycle is complete. It also manually turns the coffeemaker on or off.
Programming Your Coffeemaker
Setting the Clock
When the coffeemaker is plugged in, "12:00" will flash in the display for 5 seconds, indicating Time Set mode. If "12:00" stops flashing, press and hold the Hour or Minute button to return to flashing Time Set mode.
To set the time, press either the Hour or Minute button to select the desired time. Hold buttons down to scroll through digits quickly, or press and release to advance one digit at a time. Be sure the PM indicator is on if setting a PM time.
To exit Time Set Mode: Press any function button besides Hour or Minute, or do nothing for 5 seconds.
Setting the Program Time (Auto On)
Pressing the Program button displays the previously selected auto-on time or the default time (12:00).
To enter Set Program Time mode: Press and hold the Program button until the blue indicator light and LCD display begin to flash. Set the desired brew start time using the Hour and Minute buttons as described for setting the clock. The coffeemaker will start to brew at the programmed time. The Program mode cannot be entered if the coffeemaker is in its brew cycle.
To exit Set Program Time Mode: Press and release the Program button, or press any function button besides Hour or Minute, or do nothing for 5 seconds.
Activating Auto On
To select the time you want coffee to start brewing, press the Program button. The previously set time or default time will appear, and the blue indicator will come on, reminding you that the programming function is in use. The brew cycle will begin at the selected start time. The Brew/Off blue indicator light will also come on at the selected start time.
Deactivating Auto On
Press the illuminated Brew/Off button; the light will go off, indicating the mode is turned off.
Setting the Auto-Shutoff Time
The coffeemaker can be programmed to automatically shut off from 0 to 4 hours after brewing is complete. The default shutoff time is 2 hours.
To change the preset time, press and hold the Auto Off button until the blue indicator light and LCD display begin to flash. This signals entry into Set automatic shutoff mode. Set the desired shutoff time using the "Setting Hours and Minutes" instructions. When the coffeemaker shuts itself off, two tones will sound.
Note: Automatic shutoff can be programmed before or during coffee brewing. If programmed after brewing is completed, the unit will automatically account for elapsed time. For example, if you set auto shutoff for 40 minutes and 25 minutes have already elapsed, the unit will shut off automatically after 15 minutes.
Before Brewing Your First Pot of Coffee
It is recommended to flush out the system before brewing your first pot of coffee. Follow the instructions for "Making Coffee with Pre-Ground Beans," skipping step #2 and using only water and a paper filter (no coffee).
Once flushed, brew a pot of real coffee and enjoy.
Charcoal Water Filter
Your coffeemaker includes a charcoal water filter to eliminate chlorine, bad tastes, and odors from tap water.
Inserting the Water Filter
- Remove the filter from its polybag and soak it, fully immersed, in cold tap water for 15 minutes.
- Lift the water filter holder out of the water reservoir.
- Press down on the filter compartment and pull toward you to open.
- Place the filter into the holder and snap it closed. Be careful – improper placement can tear the filter skin.
- Flush the filter by running cold tap water through the holes in the bottom of the compartment for 10 seconds.
- Allow the filter to drain completely.
- Slide the water filter holder back into the channel in the water reservoir, pushing it down to the base of the unit.
Note: It is recommended to change the water filter every 60 days or after 60 uses, and more often if you have hard water. Replacement filters can be purchased in stores, by calling Cuisinart Consumer Service, or at www.cuisinart.com.
Making Coffee with Whole Beans
Follow instructions in "Before Brewing Your First Pot of Coffee" (page 7).
- Insert Charcoal Water Filter: Follow directions for preparation and insertion on page 7.
- Fill the Water Reservoir: Open the reservoir cover and pour in water, using the water level window indicator to measure the number of cups desired. Note: Do not exceed the 12-cup line, as this could cause the carafe to overflow.
- Add Beans: Lift the grinder basket lid, using the recess on either side. Fill the basket with the desired quantity of beans and replace the lid. Note: Use 1 level scoop (1 tablespoon) of whole beans per cup. For 1 to 4 cups, use 1½ level scoops per cup. Do not add more than 14 scoops, as this could cause the grinder to malfunction and/or the coffeemaker to overflow.
- Insert Coffee Filter: Press the filter basket door release button to open the door and place either a paper filter OR the permanent filter in the basket.
- Paper Filter: Place a #4 basket paper filter in the basket, ensuring it is completely open and touching the side walls and bottom of the basket.
- Cuisinart's Commercial-Style Permanent Filter: Ensure the filter handle faces away from the grinder basket to avoid interfering with coffee flow. Note: Some ground coffee may pass through and appear as sediment in the carafe.
- Put Filter Basket in Place and Close Filter Door.
- Close Reservoir Cover Lid: Press down to lock. The coffeemaker has a safety interlock system that prevents operation if the cover is open or the grinder cover is left out. If the unit is turned on with the cover open, it will beep continuously until parts are installed and the lid is closed. If the cover is opened during grinding, the unit will beep, the grinder will stop, and brewing will stop. Once parts are in place and the cover is closed, the beeping stops. Brewing can be restarted by pressing the Brew/Off button. If you do not want the grinder to engage again, press the Grind Off button before pressing the Brew button.
- Put Carafe in Place: Ensure the glass carafe is correctly positioned on the warming plate.
- Brewing:
- To Brew Right Away: Push the 1-4 cup button if brewing fewer than 5 cups. Note: This setting double heats water for piping hot coffee. Press the Brew/Off button. The blue LED will light up, and brewing will begin.
- To Brew Later: Push the 1-4 cup button if brewing fewer than 5 cups. Press and release the Program button. The blue LED indicates that the unit is in programmed-start mode, and the brew cycle will begin at the selected time. To change the time, refer to "Setting The Program Time" (page 6).
- After Brewing: Five beeps will sound at the end of the brew cycle. Coffee will continue to stream from the filter for several seconds. The coffeemaker will automatically shut off after 2 hours or at the programmed auto-shutoff time.
Making Coffee with Pre-Ground Beans
Follow instructions in "Before Brewing Your First Pot of Coffee," page 7.
- Fill the Reservoir and Insert Filter: See steps #1 and #2 in "Making Coffee with Whole Beans," page 8.
- Add Pre-Ground Coffee: Press the filter basket door release button to open the door and place either a paper filter OR the permanent filter in the basket. Add ground coffee and close the filter door.
Recipe Suggestion: Use 1 level scoop (1 tablespoon) of ground coffee per cup. Adjust the recipe according to taste.
Note: The maximum capacity for ground coffee is 16 level scoops (16 tablespoons), using either a paper or permanent filter. Exceeding this amount may cause overflow if the coffee is too finely ground.
- Press Grind Off Button: When this function is activated, the blue LED will come on.
- Follow Steps #5 through #8 in "Making Coffee with Whole Beans," pages 8-9.
Brew Pause™ Feature
The Brew Pause™ feature interrupts the flow of coffee from the basket to allow pouring the first cup mid-brew. Be aware that using this feature may weaken the flavor strength of the finished pot, as the flavor profile changes during the cycle.
Note: Removing the carafe for more than 20 seconds may cause the filter basket to overflow.
Tips and Hints
- If you buy large portions of beans, separate them into one- or two-week portions and store them in airtight containers in the freezer. Preserve freshness by minimizing exposure to air, light, and moisture. Once beans are removed from the freezer, keep them in a sealed container at room temperature, as damaging condensation can occur when beans move from cold to warmer temperatures.
- Some experts feel freezing dark-roast beans can cause oils to coagulate; others disagree. You will have to decide for yourself.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Completely Clean and Dry All Parts After Every Use
Always turn the coffeemaker OFF and unplug it from the electrical outlet before cleaning. Open the reservoir lid. Remove the grinder basket lid using the recessed area on each side, then remove the grinder basket. Open the filter basket door. Remove the filter basket cover, filter basket, and filter basket holder. The grinder basket, grinder basket lid, filter basket, and filter basket cover can be washed in warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly, or cleaned on the upper rack of the dishwasher. Dry all parts after every use.
Do not put water into the unit after the grinder basket has been removed. Wipe the area under the grinder basket with a damp cloth. If water gets into the grinder motor, the motor may become damaged and malfunction. Once clean, reverse the above steps.
Remove the carafe from the warming plate. Discard any remaining coffee. The carafe and lid can be washed in warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly, or placed in a dishwasher. The carafe and carafe lid should be placed on the upper rack only.
Do not use scouring agents or harsh cleansers on any part of the coffeemaker. Never immerse the base unit in water or other liquids. To clean the base, simply wipe with a clean, damp cloth and dry before storing. Wipe the heating plate with a clean, damp cloth. Never use rough, abrasive materials or cleansers to clean the heating plate. Do not dry the inside of the water reservoir with a cloth, as lint may remain.
Note: The reservoir lid can also be removed for easy cleaning. Open the lid 60° and gently pull toward you. To replace, reverse steps.
Maintenance
Any other servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.
Decalcification
Decalcification refers to the removal of calcium deposits that form over time on the metal parts of your coffeemaker. The mineral content of the tap water and frequency of use affects calcium buildup, which can impact coffeemaker functioning and coffee flavor.
For best performance, it is recommended to clean the unit whenever the CLEAN LED indicator lights up.
Note: Before decalcifying, remove the charcoal water filter from the water reservoir.
To Clean:
- Fill the water reservoir to capacity with a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water.
- Press and hold the CLEAN button. When the CLEAN LED indicator flashes, the coffeemaker is in Clean mode. Release the button.
- When the cycle is completed, 5 beeps will sound, and the coffeemaker will shut off.
- If the CLEAN indicator illuminates once more, repeat the cleaning procedure with a fresh solution of vinegar and water. Note: One cleaning cycle is usually sufficient.
- If the CLEAN indicator remains off, run one cycle with a full reservoir of fresh, cold water to rinse the unit.
- Return the charcoal water filter to the holder inside the water reservoir. Your coffeemaker is ready to brew!
Warranty
Limited Three-Year Warranty
This warranty is available to U.S. consumers only. You are a consumer if you own a Cuisinart® Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker purchased for personal, family, or household use. This warranty is not available to retailers or other commercial purchasers or owners, unless required by applicable law.
Cuisinart warrants that its Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker will be free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal home use for 3 years from the date of original purchase.
Product registration is recommended at www.cuisinart.com for efficient proof of purchase verification, but it is not required to obtain warranty benefits. In the absence of proof of purchase date, the warranty period will be calculated from the date of manufacture.
California Residents Only
California law provides residents with two options for in-warranty service: (A) return the product to the store where purchased, or (B) return it to another retail store selling Cuisinart products of the same type. The store may choose to repair, refer to an independent repair facility, replace the product, or refund the purchase price less an amount attributable to prior usage. If these options are insufficient, the consumer may take the product to an independent repair facility for economical service. Cuisinart, not the consumer, is responsible for reasonable costs of service, repair, replacement, or refund for nonconforming products under warranty.
California residents may also return nonconforming products directly to Cuisinart for repair or replacement by calling the Consumer Service Center toll-free at 800-726-0190. Cuisinart will cover the costs of repair, replacement, and shipping/handling for such products under warranty.
Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty
Cuisinart's goal is your ultimate satisfaction. If your Cuisinart® Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker fails within the warranty period, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost.
To obtain a return shipping label, email Cuisinart at https://www.cuisinart.com/customer-care/product-return or call the toll-free customer service department at 1-800-726-0190.
This product is manufactured to strict specifications and designed for use with 120-volt outlets and authorized accessories/parts. This warranty expressly excludes defects or damages caused by:
- Use with a converter.
- Use with accessories, replacement parts, or repair service not authorized by Cuisinart.
- Commercial or industrial use.
- Damage caused by accident, misuse, shipment, or other than ordinary household use.
This warranty excludes all incidental or consequential damages. Some states may not allow these exclusions, so they may not apply to you. You may also have other rights that vary by state.
Important: If the product is serviced by a non-authorized center, remind the servicer to call Cuisinart's Consumer Service Center at 1-800-726-0190 to ensure proper diagnosis, correct parts, and warranty validation.
Product Information
©2020 Cuisinart
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Printed in China
20CE071564
BN IB-16740-ESP
