Cuisinart DGB-300 Automatic Grind & Brew 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
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles and knobs.
3. To protect against electric shock, do not place cord, plug, or base unit in water or other liquids.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
5. Always 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.
6. 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, or electrical or mechanical adjustment.
7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Cuisinart may cause injuries.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surface.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
11. Always fill water reservoir first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, push the button to “Off”, then remove plug from wall outlet.
12. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
13. Snap lid securely onto carafe before serving any beverages.
14. Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycle.
15. The glass carafe is designed for use with these appliances only. It must never be used on the range top.
16. Do not set a hot carafe on a wet or cold surface.
17. Do not use a cracked carafe or a carafe having a loose or weakened handle.
18. Do not clean carafe or warming plate with cleansers, steel wool pads, or other abrasive materials.
19. [Warning: Risk of Fire or Electric Shock] DO NOT REMOVE THE BASE PANEL. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REPAIR SHOULD BE DONE ONLY BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.
20. Avoid contact with moving parts.
21. Before using, check grinder basket for presence of foreign objects.
22. 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.
23. Do not place cloth or otherwise restrict airflow beneath coffeemaker.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS

[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.

[Important Information] 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 in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug in any way.

IMPORTANT UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the box on a large, sturdy, flat surface.
2. Slide the packaged unit out of the box.
3. Remove the foam insert and the cardboard insert. Now remove the carafe from the coffeemaker.
4. Carefully lift the coffeemaker from the remaining inserts.
5. Remove the plastic bag from the coffeemaker.
6. We suggest you save all packing materials in the event that future shipping of the machine is needed. Keep all plastic bags away from children.

[Warning: Risk of Fire or Electric Shock] DO NOT OPEN

[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.]

INTRODUCTION

The Cuisinart® Coffee Bar™ Automatic Grind & Brew™ Coffeemaker is a coffee lover's dream, delivering the freshest coffee. It grinds beans right before brewing. Simply add beans to the grinder basket, fill the reservoir with water, insert a filter, and press the “ON” button for a wonderfully fresh pot of coffee in minutes.

This coffeemaker uses a brewing system found in coffee bars, extracting rich coffee taste without bitterness by using only the necessary water.

The Cuisinart® Automatic Grind & Brew™ is designed to provide years of pleasure, offering a satisfying rich cup of your favorite brew.

THE COFFEE BAR™ FLAVOR SYSTEM

Coffee flavors vary from aromatic to acidic and bitter. Commercial brewers found that "good" flavors extract faster than "bad" ones. The Flavor System uses just enough water to extract the good flavors, leaving the bad behind. This results in a strong cup, which can be adjusted with added water for pleasant strength.

The Coffee Bar™ Flavor System automatically measures the correct amount of water for grounds and directs the rest into the carafe. Set the Flavor System dial according to the number of cups you intend to brew for optimal flavor extraction.

[Diagram Description: A circular dial with markings for 4, 6, 8, 10 cups, and 'Off'.]

Simply set the red dial for the number of cups of coffee you are brewing, and the Flavor System ensures great coffee bar flavor.

THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE

Four basic elements are critical to the perfect cup:

Element 1: Water

Coffee is 98% water. Water quality is crucial. Filter your drinking water for the coffeemaker as well. If tap water doesn't taste good, it won't improve coffee flavor. For hard water areas, bottled water is recommended to prevent calcium buildup, which can slow brewing, affect flavor, and shorten the coffeemaker's life.

Element 2: Coffee

All flavor comes from the coffee. Use high-quality beans for coffee bar quality. Buy fresh, whole beans in two-week supplies for maximum freshness. Once ground, flavor degrades quickly. The Automatic Grind & Brew™ grinds beans just before brewing. For larger quantities, store beans in airtight containers in the freezer, minimizing exposure to air, light, and moisture. Some experts advise against freezing dark-roast beans due to oil coagulation; experiment to find what works best.

Element 3: Grind

Proper grind is essential for flavor extraction. Too fine a grind leads to overextraction and bitterness, and may clog the filter. Too coarse a grind results in water passing too quickly, preventing flavor extraction. The DGB-300 is preset for a medium grind, optimal for this coffeemaker.

Element 4: Proportion

The Automatic Grind & Brew™ makes up to ten (10) 5-ounce cups.

Using Whole Beans:

• Full Pot: Fill the grinder basket to the top. DO NOT OVERFILL OR THE GRINDER COULD MALFUNCTION.
• Fewer than 10 Cups: Use approximately 1 tablespoon of whole beans per cup. (One measuring scoop ≈ 1 tablespoon). For 1-2 cups, use 1-1/2 tablespoons per cup. Adjust to taste.

Using Pre-Ground Coffee:

Turn off the grinder using the "Grind Off" button before operating. Use 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons of ground coffee per cup. Adjust to taste.

Note: Maximum capacity for ground coffee is 15 tablespoons (paper or permanent filter). Exceeding this may cause overflow if the coffee is too finely ground.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

The Premier Series coffeemakers are designed for ease of use. Features include a large, front-view water window, a rear-opening reservoir lid for easy filling, and a removable filter basket liner to prevent staining. Rubber feet on the front provide stability during control use, while allowing easy movement. The carafe is designed for an easy-to-hold grip for controlled pouring, with markings next to the handle for convenient filling.

The Parts

1. Reservoir Cover: Press to open, press to lock. A Safety Interlock System prevents operation if the cover is open more than 1/2 inch.
2. Water Window: Markings indicate water levels for corresponding cup amounts.
3. Brew Pause™ Feature (Not shown): Stops coffee flow when the carafe is removed, allowing a cup to be poured mid-brew. It's recommended to let the cycle finish for optimal flavor, as pouring mid-brew alters the flavor profile.
4. Carafe:
   • Taste Keeper® Lid: Minimizes oxygen flow to preserve coffee flavor.
   • Comfort Grip Handle: Ensures safe, controlled pouring.
   • Brewed Coffee Markings: Located near the handle for easy viewing.
5. Coffee Temperature Monitor: Monitors and maintains brewed coffee temperature, even with small amounts. Temperature is adjustable.
6. Warming Plate
7. Cord Storage (Not shown): Unused cord stores neatly inside the coffeemaker base.
8. Control Panel
9. Safety Interlock System (Not shown): Prevents operation if reservoir cover, grinder basket lid, or filter basket cover are not properly in place. An audible tone sounds until all covers are secured.

COFFEEMAKER DIAGRAM AND PARTS

[Diagram Description: A line drawing of the Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew Coffeemaker, labeling key components: 1. Reservoir Cover, 2. Water Window, 4a. Carafe Lid, 4b. Carafe Handle, 4c. Carafe Markings, 5. Control Panel, 6. Warming Plate, 8. Coffeemaker Body. Also shows indicators for 'Grind', 'Flavor System', and 'Brew' at the top.]

[Diagram Description: Line drawings of specific parts: 10. Flavor System Settings dial, 11. Filter Basket Cover/Filter Holder, 12. Grinder Basket Lid, 13. Grinder/Filter Basket, 14. Finger Grips, 15. Handle, 16. Steam Safety Valve, 17. Steam Collector, 18. Water Reservoir.]

CONTROL PANEL

[Diagram Description: A close-up view of the coffeemaker's control panel, with numbered buttons and indicators: 1. On/Off/Set Auto-Shutoff Switch, 2. Self Clean button, 3. "Time to Clean" Indicator, 4. Hours Set / Temperature Decrease button, 5. Minutes Set / Temperature Increase button, 6. Temperature Set button, 7. Carafe Temperature Display, 8. Clock Display, 9. Low Cups Setting button, 10. Program Setting button, 11. Grind Off button.]

1. On/Off/Set Auto-Shutoff Switch with LED Indicator:
   • Audible Tone: Sounds 5 times when brewing is complete, and twice when the unit shuts off.
2. Self Clean: For decalcification.
3. "Time to Clean" Indicator: Flashes when decalcification is required.
4. Hours Set / Temperature Decrease
5. Minutes Set / Temperature Increase: Press and hold either for approximately 2 seconds to enter Time Set Mode.
6. Temperature Set: Enter Temperature Set mode. Adjust temperature using Hours (-) and Minutes (+) buttons.
7. Carafe Temperature Display: Shows keep-warm temperature range. Adjustable.
8. Clock Display: Shows time of day, program setting, or Auto Shutoff time.
9. Low Cups Setting with LED Indicator: Press "1-4" for improved extraction when brewing fewer than 5 cups.
10. Program Setting with LED Indicator: Press to display or set programmed brewing time.
11. Grind Off: Turns off the grinder when using pre-ground coffee.

PROGRAMMING YOUR COFFEEMAKER

1. Setting the Clock:

When plugged in, the clock displays "12:00" flashing. To set the time, enter "Time Set" Mode by holding the “Hours” or "Minutes" button until the clock stops flashing and counts up (approx. 2 seconds). Press and hold buttons to scroll continuously, or press lightly for single-digit advancement. Ensure the PM indicator is on if needed.

Exiting "Time Set" Mode:

• Press any button other than "Hours" or "Minutes".
• Do nothing for five seconds.

2. Setting the Program Time:

Press the “Program Set” button; the current program time displays, and a green light illuminates. The coffeemaker will brew at this time. If no time appears and the light turns off, no program time is set.

Entering "Set Program Time" Mode:

Press and hold the “Program Set” button (approx. 2 seconds) until the green light flashes. Use “Hours” and “Minutes” buttons to set the time, scrolling continuously or advancing digit by digit.

Exiting "Set Program Time" Mode:

• Press the "Program Set" button.
• Press any other button (except "Hours" or "Minutes").
• Do nothing for five seconds.

PROGRAMMING AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF TIME

The Automatic Shutoff Time can be set from immediate shutoff to four hours after brewing. Two tones sound when the unit shuts off. Four hours is the default. "0:00" means immediate shutoff. To check the current setting, press "On/Off". To change, press and hold "On/Off" until the red “power” light flashes.

Use the "Hours" and "Minutes" buttons to set the desired time. The default is "4:00", with "0:00" as the minimum. Pressing and holding buttons allows continuous scrolling.

The Automatic Shutoff Time (ASO) can be programmed before, during, or after brewing. If reprogrammed after brewing, it accounts for elapsed time.

VARIABLE KEEP WARM TEMPERATURE

This feature allows setting the holding temperature of the coffee in the carafe. The display shows elliptical dots indicating the selected temperature relative to the factory preset. Adjust higher for milkier coffee, lower for cooler coffee. Experiment for personal preference.

Note: The heater plate cannot raise coffee temperature after brewing; this feature affects coffee during brewing. For coffee that is too hot, lower the temperature. However, for coffee not consumed within twenty minutes, it's best to shut off the coffeemaker and let it cool before transferring to a thermal carafe. Never use the carafe on a heated stovetop.

To Set Temperature:

Press the "Set Temp" button. The time display disappears, showing only the Temperature Display. Use the (-) and (+) buttons (Hours and Minutes buttons) to increase or decrease the holding temperature. The setting remains until changed or the unit is unplugged.

[Diagram Description: Visual representation of temperature adjustment on the display: three dots for increasing temperature, three dots for decreasing temperature.]

Exiting "Set Temperature" Mode:

• Press "Set Temp" button; time display reappears.
• Press any button besides (-) or (+).
• Do nothing for five seconds.

Note: If the temperature display bar flashes and "Temp Set" has no effect, the Coffee Temperature Monitor may be damaged. Return the unit to an authorized Cuisinart Repair Center.

MAKING COFFEE

TURNING OFF GRIND FUNCTION

Press the "Grind Off" button; a yellow LED illuminates. Then press the “On” button.

Making Coffee

Before first use, operate the coffeemaker once with only water and a paper filter to remove manufacturing dust or residues.

1. Fill the Water Reservoir: Remove carafe. Open carafe cover and fill with cold water slightly over the desired amount. Close carafe cover. Open reservoir lid and pour water into the reservoir. Reservoir markings indicate slightly more water than carafe markings to compensate for water absorbed by grounds and steam loss. The water window float shows the correct water level. Replace carafe on the hot plate.
2. Set the Flavor System: Position the dial according to the number of cups brewed for optimal flavor extraction. Note: Use a higher cup setting for less coffee or finer grinds to prevent overextraction. Use a lower setting for more coffee or coarser grinds. Turn the selector knob to "OFF" to deactivate the Flavor System.
3. Add Beans/Filter: Lift the grinder basket lid. Fill the basket with beans. Lift the filter basket cover/holder. Place a #4 cone filter or a permanent filter in the basket. Note: Ensure permanent filter handle faces away from the grinder basket to avoid interference. Permanent filters may allow fine grounds into the carafe. Ensure paper filters are fully open and inserted.
   • Full Pot (10 cups): Fill grinder basket to the top.
   • Fewer than 10 cups: Use approx. 1 tablespoon of whole beans per cup (1-1/2 tbsp for 1-2 cups). Adjust to taste.
4. Close the Reservoir Lid: Press down to lock. Ensure the lid is locked to prevent grounds from escaping the grinding chamber. The unit has a Safety Interlock System; it will not operate if covers are not in place, beeping until secured. Opening the lid during brewing also causes beeping and stops grinding/brewing.

Restarting Brewing: Once covers are secured, the beeping stops, and brewing resumes. Press "On" to restart. To prevent the grinder from engaging again, press "Grind Off" before pressing "On".

5. Before Brewing Coffee: Ensure the carafe is on the warming plate and a filter is in the grinder/filter basket. Plug in the unit. The clock will flash "12:00" until set (see Programming section, page 10). Check Automatic Shutoff Time and Keep Warm Temperature settings.
6. Power Unit:
   • Immediate Brewing: Switch control panel to ON.
   • Programmed Brewing: Press "Program" button. The indicator lights, and the programmed time displays. If the light turns off after release, the program is not set.
7. Select Cups Setting: Press the "1-4" button if brewing fewer than 5 cups. The indicator light illuminates only if the unit is ON or in program mode.
8. During and After Brewing: The Brew Pause™ feature allows carafe removal mid-brew for about 30 seconds. However, pouring before the cycle completes alters flavor. Stir coffee before serving to blend flavors. After brewing, five beeps sound. The coffee stays at approx. 180°-185°F on the warming plate. For best results, transfer to a pre-heated thermal carafe if not drinking within 20 minutes.

TO MAKE COFFEE WITH PRE-GROUND BEANS:

1. Follow instructions 1 and 2 from the "Making Coffee" section.
2. Add ground coffee to the filter (1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons per cup). Adjust to taste. Note: Max 15 tablespoons.
3. Close the reservoir lid.
4. See "Before Brewing Coffee" note. Press "Grind Off" (yellow LED illuminates), then press "ON".
5. Follow instructions 6 through 8 from the "Making Coffee" section.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

COMPLETELY CLEAN AND DRY ALL PARTS AFTER EVERY USE.

Always turn the coffeemaker OFF and unplug it before cleaning. Open the reservoir lid. Remove the grinder basket lid, filter basket cover, and filter. Clean permanent filters or discard paper filters. Remove the grinder/filter basket using finger grips and handle. The grinder/filter basket, its lid, and the filter basket cover can be washed in warm, soapy water or cleaned on the upper rack of a dishwasher. Dry all parts thoroughly.

Do not put water into the unit after removing the grinder/filter basket. Wipe the area under the basket with a damp cloth to prevent motor damage.

Periodically remove and clean the steam collector with warm, soapy water. Replace by aligning hooks with notches.

Remove the carafe from the warming plate. Wash the carafe and lid in warm, soapy water or place them on the upper rack of a dishwasher.

Do not use scouring agents or harsh cleansers. Wipe the base unit with a clean, damp cloth. Clean the warming plate with a damp cloth, avoiding abrasive materials. Do not dry the water reservoir interior with a cloth, as lint may remain.

DECALCIFICATION

Decalcification removes calcium deposits. For best performance, decalcify the base unit periodically. The frequency depends on tap water hardness and usage. The flashing "self-clean" light indicates when cleaning is needed.

SELF CLEANING

If the "self-clean" light flashes, calcium buildup is affecting performance and flavor. Fill the water reservoir with a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water. Turn the coffeemaker ON and press the "Self-Clean" button. The light will shine steadily. One cycle should be sufficient. After completion (five beeps), turn the unit ON to check if the light is still flashing. If so, repeat with fresh vinegar/water. If the light is off, turn the coffeemaker OFF and run one cycle with fresh cold water before next use.

Note on the Self-Clean Function: Pressing "Self-Clean" cancels other settings. Pressing it again restores previous settings. Pressing On/Off exits Self-Clean mode.

LIMITED THREE YEAR WARRANTY

This warranty supersedes all previous warranties for Cuisinart® Coffee Bar™ Automatic Grind & Brew™ Coffeemakers. It applies to consumers only (personal, family, or household use). Retailers and commercial purchasers are excluded unless state law requires otherwise.

Cuisinart warrants the coffeemaker to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal home use for three years from the original purchase date. Proof of purchase is recommended but not required; the date of manufacture will be used if proof is unavailable.

Defective units will be repaired or replaced free of charge. To obtain warranty service, call the Consumer Service Center toll-free at 800-726-0190 or write to Cuisinart, 150 Milford Road, East Windsor, NJ 08520.

Include $10.00 for shipping and handling (California residents need only proof of purchase and should call for instructions). Provide a return address, defect description, product serial number, and other pertinent information. Payment by check or money order.

This warranty excludes defects or damages caused by unauthorized accessories, parts, or repairs. It also does not cover damage from accident, misuse, shipment, or non-household use. Incidental or consequential damages are excluded, though some states may not allow this limitation.

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY

California law offers options for in-warranty service: return to the store of purchase or another retail store selling Cuisinart® products. The store may repair, refer to an independent repair facility, replace, or refund the purchase price. If these options are unsatisfactory, the consumer may use an independent repair facility at Cuisinart's reasonable cost.

California residents can also return products directly to Cuisinart for repair or replacement by calling the Consumer Service Center. Cuisinart covers repair, replacement, and shipping costs for these products under warranty.

BEFORE RETURNING YOUR CUISINART PRODUCT

Contact the Consumer Service Center at 1-800-726-0190 before returning for service. Representatives can often resolve issues without service. If service is needed, they can confirm warranty status and direct you to a service location.

Important: If servicing is performed by someone other than an Authorized Service Center, remind them to contact Cuisinart's Consumer Service Center to ensure proper diagnosis, correct parts, and warranty compliance.