Cuisinart SS-5 - Compact Single-Serve Coffeemaker Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before using.

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be taken 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 and injury to persons, 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 or individuals with certain disabilities.
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, fire, electric shock or other injury to persons.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
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, turn controls to Off, then remove plug from wall outlet.
12. Scalding may occur if the water filter compartment cover is removed during the brewing cycle.
13. Do not use appliance for other than its intended use.
14. Do not lift handle to open the lid of the brewer while brewing is in progress.
15. Do not overfill the water reservoir with water. Use ONLY WATER in this appliance! Do not put any other liquids or foods in the water reservoir except as instructed in the cleaning instructions in this guide.
16. Do not clean drip tray with cleansers, steel wool pads, or other abrasive materials.
17. 
    TO REDUCE THE 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.
18. 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

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.

IMPORTANT UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the box on a large, sturdy, flat surface.
2. Remove the instruction book and any other literature.
3. Turn the box so that the back side of the brewer is down and slide the brewer from the box.
4. After removing the brewer, place the box out of the way and take the side pulp-molded inserts away.
5. Remove the polybag covering the brewer.

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.

RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

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

Element 1
WATER
Any hot beverage is made up primarily of water. Often overlooked, the quality of the water is as important as the quality of the coffee, tea or cocoa. A good rule of thumb is that if your water doesn't taste good from the tap, it won't taste any better in your beverage. That's why the Cuisinart ® Compact Single-Serve Brewer has added a charcoal water filter that removes chlorine, bad tastes and odors, for the purest cup of coffee every time.

Element 2
COFFEE
While the bulk of the liquid is water, all of the flavor should be from the coffee, tea or cocoa. To achieve a great quality beverage, you need to use the same quality ingredients. By using the best single serve coffee capsules, you can be assured that you're getting the finest product with every cup you brew. If you choose to use your own coffee in a reusable coffee capsule (not included), make sure all your ingredients are at their freshest.

Element 3
GRIND
The grind of coffee and cocoa, or the refinement of your tea leaves, is critical for proper flavor extraction.
With the pre-measured, pre-ground ingredients found in every single serve coffee capsule, you can rest easy knowing that it'll brew perfectly each and every time, locking in maximum flavor and freshness.

Element 4
PROPORTION
No matter which cup size you choose, the Cuisinart Compact Single-Serve Brewer, working in conjunction with a single-serve capsule, will always produce the perfect cup every time. When grinding your own coffee and using it in a reusable coffee capsule (not included), remember to add the amount of ground coffee that corresponds to the number of ounces being brewed.

Features and Benefits

1. 1. Charcoal Filter Holder
   2. Charcoal Water Filter
2. Reservoir Lid
3. 4 0-ounce Water Reservoir
4. Brewer Handle
5. Brew Head
6. Brewing Chamber
   holds Removable Capsule holder or reusable coffee capsule (not included)
7. Housing
8. Removable Drip Tray Plate
9. Drip Tray
10. Drip Tray Base
11. Removable Capsule Holder
12. Add Water Indicator
13. Power Button
14. Brew Buttons
    6 oz. button; 8 oz. button; 10 oz. button
15. Power Cord (not shown)
16. Auto-off Function (not shown)
    Unit will automatically turn off after 30 minutes of being idle. To reactivate, press the Power button.
17. BPA Free (not shown)
    All materials that come in contact with water or coffee are BPA free

Buttons and Indicators

Power Button
Press to turn the brewer on and off.

Add Water Indicator LED
Indicator will illuminate blue and flash when water level is low. Fill the water reservoir with cold water up to 40 oz.

Brew Buttons
When all buttons are illuminated blue it indicates that a selection needs to be made. Once selected, button flashes blue, indicating water is heating, and dispensing of beverage will begin within seconds.

Your Next Brew
When the brewing process is complete, all buttons illuminate blue indicating you can begin making the next beverage, or you can power off.

Automatic Shut-Off
As a safety feature, your brewer will automatically shut off when it is idle for longer than 30 minutes. Press the Power button to restart.

Setting Up Your Device

Initial Cleaning
Perform an initial cleaning before making your first beverage. Follow these instructions, without inserting a capsule.

1. Remove water reservoir from the unit.
2. Fill the reservoir in sink and put back on unit.
   
3. Plug the power cord into an independent outlet. Press the Power button to turn the unit on.
   
4. Open and close the brew head. Do not add a capsule.
   
5. Place mug on the drip tray.
6. Press the 10 oz. cup button. Light will start flashing and the hot water will start to dispense momentarily.
7. The one-time cleaning process is complete. Discard hot water. Your brewer is ready to use.

Charcoal Water Filter

Your brewer comes with a charcoal water filter that eliminates chlorine, bad tastes and odors from tap water.

Inserting the Water Filter

1. Remove the filter and filter holder from the polybag.
2. Soak the filter, fully immersed in cold tap water, for 15 minutes.
3. Place the charcoal water filter in the holder and snap the holder cover closed. Be careful – improper placement can tear the filter skin (see figure below).
   
4. Flush the filter and holder by running fresh water through the hole in the bottom of the compartment for 10 seconds.
5. Allow the filter to drain completely.
6. Place the assembled water filter holder into the water reservoir, pushing it down to fit into place.
   

Note: We recommend changing 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, or by calling Cuisinart Consumer Service, or at www.cuisinart.com.

Brewing

1. Remove water reservoir to fill.
   
2. Add water into the 40-ounce water reservoir. Replace on unit.
3. Press the Power button.
4. The Power and Brew buttons will illuminate.
5. Place mug on the drip tray. The drip tray can be removed to accommodate travel mugs.
6. Select a capsule.
   Note: Do not remove the foil lid or puncture the capsule.
7. Open the brew head and place a capsule in the brewing chamber.
   
   There are two sharp needles in the brewing chamber that puncture the capsule, one above and one below. To avoid risk of injury, do not put your fingers in the capsule brewing chamber.
   
8. Press the desired brew button (6, 8, or 10 oz.). The beverage will start to dispense momentarily. Selected brew button will flash while brewing.
   Note: To cancel brewing, simply press the selected brew size once again and the brewing process will be stopped.
   
   There is very hot water in the capsule chamber during the brewing process. To avoid risk of injury, do not lift the handle or open the capsule chamber during the brewing process.
   
9. Once fully dispensed, all lights will illuminate. Lift the handle, then remove and dispose of the used capsule. Close the brewing head.
   
   Capsule will be hot.
   
10. Enjoy your cup of coffee! Your brewer is ready to use again or you can power it off.
    Note: When Add Water LED starts to flash, no brewing can be done. Once you refill the reservoir, your unit is ready to brew.

Brewing with a Reusable Coffee Capsule

The Cuisinart^® Compact Single-Serve Brewer can be used with a reusable coffee capsule (not included), which allows you to use your own ground coffee.
(MAX 2.5 scoops or 15 g.)

Try our Cuisinart HomeBarista^™ Reusable Filter Cup for your favorite coffee or tea. Available in stores.

1. Fill the filter basket within the reusable capsule with ground coffee, making sure not to fill past the max indicator. Adjust the amount to your personal preference. Do not tamp the grounds. Make sure there are no grounds remaining on the upper rim of the filter basket. Close lid.
2. Remove the capsule holder from the brewing chamber by pulling toward you.
   
   1. Drop the reusable coffee capsule into the brewing chamber. There is no need to snap it into place.
      
   2. Follow brewing instructions.

Note: To cancel brewing, simply press the selected brew size once again and the brewing process will be stopped.

There are two sharp needles in the brewing chamber that puncture the capsule, one above and one below. To avoid risk of injury, do not put your fingers in the brewing chamber.

3. After brewing, raise the handle and remove the reusable coffee capsule. Use caution as the reusable coffee capsule will be hot.
4. Replace the capsule holder, ensuring that the arrow on capsule rim aligns with the arrow on the brewing chamber. Gently push the capsule holder to snap into place.
   Note: This coffeemaker is compatible with most reusable coffee capsules.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning External Parts

We recommend regular cleaning of the brewer's external components.

1. Never immerse the brewer in water or other liquids. The housing and other external components may be cleaned with a soapy, damp, non-abrasive cloth.
2. To remove the drip tray, simply slide it toward you, keeping it level at all times in order to prevent spills. The drip tray and drip tray plate are dishwasher safe. Do not clean drip tray with cleansers, steel wool pads or other abrasive materials.

Cleaning the Capsule Holder

There are sharp needles that puncture the capsule above and below. To avoid risk of injury, do not put your fingers in the capsule brewing chamber.

1. The capsule holder is top-shelf dishwasher safe (use low temperature cycles). To remove, lift the handle to open the brewing chamber. Grasp the top of the capsule holder and pull up.
2. Cleaning the Funnel – To remove funnel from capsule holder, hold funnel in left hand, twist bottom away from you slightly and pull away from capsule holder to remove. The funnel is top-rack dishwasher safe.
   Note: The funnel may be tight the first few times you go to remove it, this is normal and will loosen with continued use.
   
3. Cleaning the Exit Needle-The exit needle is located on the inside bottom of the capsule holder assembly. Should a clog arise because of coffee grounds, it can be cleaned using a paper clip or similar tool. Remove capsule holder from unit, then remove funnel from capsule holder and insert the paper clip into exit needle to loosen the clog and push it out.
   

Replace funnel onto capsule holder by lining up tabs in funnel with notches on capsule holder, twist toward you until it locks into place. After cleaning, replace capsule holder, being sure to align the arrow on the capsule holder rim with arrow on the brewing chamber.

Cleaning the Piercing Needle

The piercing needle is located on the inside of the brewing chamber. Should a clog arise because of coffee grounds, it can be cleaned using a paper clip or similar tool. Insert paper clip to loosen the clog and push it out.

Cleaning the Water Reservoir

It is normal over time for discoloration, spotting or staining to appear in the water reservoir. Results will vary depending on the mineral content of the water used, but will not affect the operation of the brewer. However, be sure to clean the water reservoir regularly to minimize buildup.
Clean inside the water reservoir with a damp, lint-free cloth as necessary.

Maintenance

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

De-Scaling Your Device

Mineral content in water varies from place to place. Depending on the mineral content of the water in your area, calcium deposits or scale may build up in your brewer. Though scale is non-toxic, it can hinder brewer performance. De-scaling your brewer will help maintain the heating element and other parts that come in contact with water.
For optimal performance, de-scale your brewer every 3 to 6 months. It is possible for calcium deposits to build up faster, making it necessary to de-scale more often. When all the lights flash in sequence upon turning the unit on, this indicates the need to de-scale.

Note: Before de-scaling your brewer, remember to remove the charcoal water filter from the water filter holder located in the water reservoir.

To begin, you will need the following:

• 13 oz. of distilled white vinegar
• 26 oz. of water
• 16 oz. ceramic mug or container (do not use paper cup)
  • Access to a sink

1. First Vinegar Rinse

• Fill water reservoir with 13 oz. of white vinegar and 26 oz. of water.
• Place the ceramic mug or container on the drip tray.
• Press and hold Power and 6 oz. buttons for 2 seconds to start de-scale function.
• Discard contents of mug into the sink.
• Repeat until ADD WATER light comes on.
• When de-scaling is complete, all LED lights will be on.
• Discard any remaining diluted vinegar into sink.

2. Fresh Water Rinse

• Repeat Step 1 three times, using fresh water in place of vinegar.
• This will clean the brewer plumbing and remove any residual vinegar taste.
  The brewer is now ready for normal use.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Documents / Resources

References

• Cuisinart's Kitchen Appliances for Professional and Home Chefs

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