Sage Precision Brewer SDC400 / SDC450 - Drip Coffee Maker Manual

Components

1. Tank lid
2. Water tank
3. Water filter
4. Water filter adapter
5. LCD display
6. SELECT dial
7. START / CANCEL button
8. AUTO START button
9. Brew basket
10. Showerhead
11. Showerhead ring
12. Drip stop lever
13. Carafe lid
14. Carafe

Rating Information SDC450
220‑240V ~50‑60Hz 1550‑1760W

ACCESSORIES

1. Cone filter basket insert
2. Mesh basket filter
3. Sage^® coffee measuring scoop
4. Water hardness test strip
5. Flat bottom basket filter paper pack (10 pieces)

Rating Information SDC400
220‑240V ~50‑60Hz 1550‑1850W

Operation

WATER HARDNESS SETTING & FLUSHING

1. Ensure that the empty coffee basket and empty carafe (with lid attached) are inserted into the machine.
2. Fill the water tank with fresh cold water to the MAX mark on the water tank. Plug into power outlet.
3. When first turned on, the machine will show 'SEt HArdnESS' on LCD, asking you water hardness level. Press SELECT dial once. Dip the water hardness test strip into the filled water tank for 1 second. Remove and wait 1 minute to reveal the result.
4. Rotate SELECT dial until the corresponding test result is shown on the screen. Press to set.
   
5. Install the water filter into the water tank before continuing to the flush cycle.
6. The machine will show 'FLUSH Unit' on LCD. Press SELECT dial to commence flush cycle. The machine will dispense all the water from the tank, through the system and into the empty carafe. After flushing, empty the basket and carafe.

INSTALLING THE WATER FILTER

This product is designed to be used with a water filter installed in the water tank. Not doing so will aff ect the internal components and performance of the appliance.
The filter cartridges should be replaced regularly; when indicated on the LCD screen.

NOTE
All water tank levels will be incorrect if the machine is used without the water filter correctly installed.

1. Remove the water filter and water filter adapter from the packaging.
2. Soak the filter in cold water for 5 minutes.
   
3. Attach water filter to adapter.
   
4. Insert the assembled water filter and adapter into the water tank.
   
5. Fill the water tank with cold water to the indicated MAX marking.

BREWING A CARAFE

1. Select the correct basket and filter to suit the amount of coffee being brewed.
   
   
   Filling the basket without a mesh basket filter or filter paper may cause the basket to overflow during the brewing cycle.
2. Fill the water tank with fresh cold water up to the MAX marking on the water tank.
   
   NOTE
   This machine will brew all the water in the tank. Ensure the tank is not filled past the indicated MAX marking.
3. Grind enough coffee beans for the volume of coffee being brewed. For a full 12 cup carafe, we recommend (108g) of coffee, approximately 13 level Sage^® measuring scoops. Roughly 1 scoop for every 150ml.
4. Insert the correct filter paper, cone or flat bottom, or mesh basket, into the brew basket. Add your ground coffee then insert the brew basket into the machine.
   NOTE
   Never use both mesh basket filter and paper filter at the same time.
5. Lock the carafe lid onto the carafe and insert under the drip stop outlet.
   
   
   The carafe MUST be in place before you brew with the water level higher than the SINGLE CUP marking. Otherwise the coffee basket will overflow.
   NOTE
   Always ensure your carafe is empty and clean before brewing.
   NOTE
   For the very best tasting coffee we recommend using a brew ratio of 60g of coffee per 1.0 litre of water.
6. Rotate the SELECT dial to the desired mode. Press the START / CANCEL button to commence brewing.
7. When your coffee is ready, the machine will beep 3 times then commence counting up for the TIME SINCE BREW.
   
   NOTE
   Never fill the water tank once the coffee machine has started a brewing cycle.

COFFEE/WATER RATIO

We recommend 1 level Sage scoop of coffee grounds per 150ml cup of water. Adjust the amount according to your individual taste. The maximum capacity for pre-ground coffee is 12 level Sage scoops. Exceeding this amount may cause the coffee basket to overflow.

BREW MODES

• FAST: This mode is to deliver the fastest brewed coffee.
• GOLD (recommended): This mode meets the criteria for an optimum brew and the gold cup standard* requirements of ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) using the Cone Filter basket and water volumes of 1.0L & 1.2L together with a brew ratio of 60g of coffee to 1.0L of water.
• STRONG: This brewing mode delivers a stronger tasting coffee.
• MY BREW: Allows you to customise every brew setting.
  • Bloom Time: Coffee bloom occurs when hot water hits the ground coffee. This setting allows you to adjust how long the bloom time lasts. We recommend 30‑60 seconds.
  • Bloom Volume: You can adjust the amount of water used for blooming by changing this setting. Ideally, this will be around 10% of the brew volume.
  • Brewing Temp: You can adjust the temperature of the brew water to suit your favourite coffee.
  • Flow Rate: You can adjust brewing time to control contact time by adjusting the water delivery speed.
• POUR OVER: If you are using the Pour Over Adapter, use this mode. Adapter sold separately.
• COLD BREW:
  Due to the long duration (typically 4‑14 hours) of the brewing process we recommend setting the machine up overnight.
  1. Fill the tank with your desired volume of chilled water, ensuring this is below the COLD BREW marking.
  2. Remove the basket, and ensure both the cone insert and mesh basket filter are removed. Add a large paper filter and then coffee at 2-3 times of regular ratio (approximately 12 scoops for 4 cups). Reinsert the basket into the machine.
  3. Remove the lid from the carafe and re‑insert the carafe.
  4. Navigate to the COLD BREW setting and press START / CANCEL.
     NOTE
     COLD BREW mode will be disabled if there is more than 4 cups of water in the tank.

SINGLE CUP / SMALLER VOLUMES (LESS THAN 4 CUPS)

1. Your Sage^® Precision Brewer will recognise when the brewer has less than 4 cups of water and will adjust the brew settings, automatically. Fill your cup with fresh cold water and then pour it into the water tank, ensuring the water level stays below the SINGLE CUP line.
   
   NOTE
   DO NOT fill the water tank above the SINGLE CUP marking or the volume of the cup being used. Otherwise it will overflow, as the machine brews until the water tank is empty.
2. Place your empty cup underneath the brew basket outlet.
   
3. We recommend using cone filter basket insert for single cups.
4. Insert the Cone filter basket into the brew basket. Use the alignment marks as a guide.
5. Place a cone shaped paper filter into the cone filter basket.
6. Grind the correct amount of whole bean coffee for the amount being brewed.
7. Select desired brewing mode.
8. Press START / CANCEL to begin brewing.

AUTO START

Allows you to automatically start brewing at preset time.

1. Set filter basket type for the amount of coffee being brewed.
2. Select your brewing mode.
3. Fill the water tank with enough fresh cold water for the amount of coffee being brewed.
4. Insert the brew basket with your desired insert or paper filter and add ground coffee.
5. Insert the appropriate cup or the carafe with the lid locked in place into the machine.
6. Press the AUTO START button.
   
7. The machine will prompt you to set the time for Auto Start. Rotate the SELECT dial to adjust Auto Start time, press SELECT dial to set. Auto Start is now set and the machine will enter Auto Start mode, brewing automatically at the set Auto Start time.
   NOTE
   If the clock hasn't been set, the machine will prompt you to set the clock. Ensure the clock is correct. The clock will reset every time the unit is unplugged.
   
8. Pressing START / CANCEL will cancel the set AUTO START time.

SETTINGS

• SET CLOCK: Set the time displayed on LCD.
• DESCALE: Clear mineral build up on internal components.
• SOUND: Sound volume is adjustable and also can be turned off.
• STANDBY: Adjust time to automatically enter STANDBY mode after a period of no use.
• NEW FILTER: Update when a new filter is installed in the machine.

CHILD-LOCK

To prevent children from possible danger, child‑lock feature is available. Press and hold AUTO START for 3 seconds. LCD will display "CL" when it is locked. Repeat this again or unplug the unit to unlock.

DEGREE INDICATION PREFERENCE

To switch between C° / F°, press the SELECT dial and AUTO START button at the same time. Rotate the SELECT dial to set preference.

KEEP WARM

* Applicable to the Sage^® Precision Brewer^™ Glass (SDC400) only.

KEEP WARM will be activated automatically for brew volumes above 4 cups.

• KEEP WARM can be switched off by navigating the SETTINGS menu to KEEP WARM then rotate and press SELECT dial to set ON or OFF.
• Keep warm will not engage on cold brew mode or pour over mode.

The bottom of the carafe is hot to touch for several minutes after brewing. Use caution and ensure not to set the carafe on a heat sensitive surface.

Do not place the thermal carafe on the heater plate when KEEP WARM is activated. It will damage the insulation.

Do not place pour over kit / box on heater plate when hot.

Care & Cleaning

Always turn the coffee machine off and remove the plug from the power outlet before cleaning.

CLEANING THE COFFEE BASKET AND MESH BASKET FILTER

Remove the coffee basket. Discard any ground coffee and filter paper. The coffee basket and mesh basket filter can be rinsed under running water. Ensure the fine holes of the mesh basket filter are clear. For a deeper clean, wash the coffee basket and mesh basket filter in warm, soapy water with a soft bristled brush.

The coffee basket, mesh basket or paper filter may still be very hot after brewing. Use caution and allow to cool before removing.

CLEANING THE CARAFE

After each use, empty the carafe. Do not let brewed coffee stand overnight as this can cause the carafe to stain. Rinse the carafe and carafe lid under warm running water. For a deeper clean, we recommend regularly washing the carafe in warm, soapy water using a soft bristled brush. Do not use abrasive cleansers, pads or cloths which can scratch the surface. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

CLEANING THE SHOWERHEAD

Simply wipe down the showerhead area periodically. However, if a more thorough clean is required, the Showerhead can be removed by unlocking the Showerhead Ring. Rotate clockwise then remove the Showerhead for cleaning. Once complete, reinstall the Showerhead.

CLEANING THE OUTER HOUSING

The outer housing and LCD screen can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Apply cleaner to the cloth and not the LCD surface. Polish with a soft, dry cloth. Cleaning and drying with dry paper towels or abrasive cloths and cleaners may scratch the surface.

REPLACING THE WATER FILTER

The provided water filter helps prevent scale build‑up in and on many of the inner functioning components. Replacing the water filter when indicated on the screen or after 3 months will reduce the need to descale.

REPLACING THE WATER FILTER

1. Remove old water filter and separate the adapter from the filter cartridge. Discard old cartridge.
   
2. Soak the new filter in cold water for 5 minutes.
   
3. Attach water filter to adapter. Insert the assembled water filter and adapter into the water tank.
   
4. Fill the water tank with cold water to the indicated MAX marking.
5. Navigate the SETTINGS menu and set YES to the NEW FILTER.
   

DESCALING

After regular use, hard water can cause mineral build up in internal components, reducing the brewing flow, brewing temperature, power of the machine, and taste of the coffee.

We recommend to descale regularly. When LCD shows "DESCALE" (flashing), descaling cycle is needed but the cycle can be performed at anytime. Descaler is available on the Sage website.

NOTE
It takes approximately 33 minutes to complete descaling cycle.

1. Empty the water tank and remove the water filter.
2. Prepare a descale solution in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Pour this solution into the empty water tank, do not exceed MAX marking.
3. Place the basket and the carafe into position under the drip stop outlet, Ensure the carafe is empty and the lid is securely locked.
4. Navigate SETTINGS menu to DESCALE. Press SELECT dial to start the cycle. The time remaining will display on the LCD.
5. When the descaling process is finished, the LCD screen will go back to the main menu. To completely remove residual water in the tank, brew with fresh water twice. Discard the water from the carafe and rinse thoroughly.

NOTE
We recommend to brew through again after descaling to brew out the residue descale solution.

NOTE
You cannot stop the descaling process mid cycle. Force stop by unplugging the cord from the power outlet.

FACTORY RESET

This will reset the machine to the factory settings, including water hardness setting. Hold the START button, the SELECT button, and AUTO START button altogether for 3 seconds. When LCD shows "rES" (flashing), press SELECT button to start. Rotate between YES or NO and press to confirm.

Troubleshooting