Q &A for Coffeemakers
What is the knob on the top of the coffee maker for?
The
knob on the top of the coffee maker is the brew selector feature.
My ADC has a brew selector feature. How does it
work?
The Brew Selector allows you to select mild, regular, or strong coffee. The 1 dot
= mild, 2 dots = regular, 3 dots = strong brew.
Which ADCs have auto shutoff?
Type A11, A12, A14, A17,
and A19 clock models shut off in 2 hours for any programming mode. A6 clock models only
shut off automatically in the Auto mode (will not shut off automatically in the On
mode).
What size filters should I use?
2-12 cup basket style
ADCs use standard 12 cup disposable basket type filters (any brand).
2-12 cup cone
style ADCs use #4 cone filters (any brand).
1-4 cup basket style ADCs use standard 4
cup disposable basket type filters or #2 cone filters (any brand). 1-4 cup cone style
ADCs use #4 cone filters (any brand).
What kind of coffee do I use?
We recommend regular grind
coffee. It does not clog the Auto Pause & Serve.
Where do I purchase replacement parts such as
carafes?
Replacement carafes are available at some local discount and department stores.
Otherwise carafes can be purchased directly from Customer Service at 1-800-267-2826
Why don't I get 12 actual (8 ounce) cups of coffee from my
12 cup ADC?
The ADC's cup size is measured in 4 to 5 ounce serving sizes, the industry
standard, versus an 8 ounce measurement.
How do I clean the ADC?
To clean the inside of the
coffeemaker:
To prolong the life of your coffeemaker, periodic cleaning is
recommended. In areas with hard water, more frequent cleaning is necessary.
1. Place
empty carafe on Keep-Hot Plate and place empty filter basket into coffeemaker. Firmly
close rotating filter cover.
2. Pour one pint of plain white vinegar into the
reservoir.
3. Turn ON coffeemaker.
4. After 30 seconds turn OFF.
5. Wait 30
minutes to allow the vinegar to clean. Then turn ON again. When the brew cycle is
finished, turn OFF.
6. Empty carafe and rinse. Pour one carafe of cold water into the
reservoir. Place carafe on Keep-Hot Plate.
7. Turn ON. When the brew cycle is
finished, empty the carafe. Repeat this process with one more carafe of cold tap
water.
8. Turn OFF when complete.
9. Wash carafe and filter basket before making a
beverage.
To clean outside of the coffeemaker:
1. Unplug coffeemaker and
allow to cool before cleaning.
2. Wipe Keep-Hot Plate with a damp cloth. Do not use
abrasives.
3. Occasionally wipe the water spreader area under the rotating filter
cover, with a clean, damp cloth to remove oils and residues resulting from the ground
coffee.
4. To clean all other outside surfaces of the coffeemaker use a clean damp
cloth.
To clean carafe:
Wash carafe by hand or in dishwasher. For hard to
remove soil, use baking soda or a mild cleanser. To remove hard water stains and deposits,
fill carafe with hot water and add 2 tablespoons of automatic dishwasher detergent. Allow
this solution to remain in the carafe overnight, then rinse the carafe. Scrub with a
non-abrasive cleaner to remove any remaining residue. Note: To make cleaning the carafe
easier, we recommend that you rinse the carafe with water immediately following each
use.
Why does my coffee taste bitter?
The taste of your
coffee can be caused by all or any combination of the following:
variation in the
mineral or chemical content of the water the brand, quantity, or quality of coffee the age
or storage conditions of the coffee (coffee should be stored in a refrigerator in a sealed
container) granule size of the coffee grind (drip coffee makers should use medium grind
while cappuccino makers should use fine grind)
What about condensation and steaming?
Depending upon
humidity, condensation or steaming is normal and may result in a few drops of water around
the basket or reservoir area.
What about evaporation?
As evaporation occurs, the brew
will become stronger. Evaporation during brewing and absorption in the coffee bed will
reduce the final brew below the starting water level.
What about the noise?
Gurgling and boiling sounds are
normal and may occur near the end of the brewing cycle as the last of the water cycles
through.
Can I reheat cold coffee?
The warming plate is not
designed to reheat cold coffee. DO NOT pour coffee back into the reservoir. This may
damage your coffeemaker.
Helpful Hint: The best way to reheat cold coffee is in a
mug in the microwave.
Can I turn my ADC off and then back on, to keep the 2 hour
automatic shut off from turning the unit off?
Yes, and you may hear a normal gurgling
sound.
Can I pour already brewed coffee (cold) back into the
reservoir to reheat?
No, it may cause damage to your coffeemaker.
Can I purchase an internal replacement part?
No,
internal parts (for your safety) are not available. Please contact Customer Service for
further assistance.
What temperature is normal for brewed coffee?
175° -185°
F; this is the basic brew and keep-warm temperature.
Can I put my carafe in a dishwasher, use it on a stove top
or in the microwave?
Carafes are top rack dishwasher safe; but do not use on a stovetop
or in the microwave.
Why is the carafe not covered by warranty?
Glass is a
very vulnerable material.
What material is the ADC housing made of?
The housing
material is a plastic that has properties that meet all agency requirements.