20 Most Recent Cuisinart Brew Central 12-cup Coffee Maker Questions & Answers

Try cleaning with white vinegar, using the method described in the owner's / instruction manual.

It might be dead, but... Here is the basic troubleshooting for the Cuisinart coffee makers: Make sure all baskets are in proper place - especially if unit is beeping. Do not use a paper and a gold-tone or other permanent filter at the same time. Unplug for LONGER THAN 15 full minutes to reset. Clean by brewing 2 oz of distilled white vinegar/2 oz water. If these methods fail, the unit probably requires replacement - call Cuisinart as they have a longer-than-standard warranty.

Press the ON/Off button until it time on the clock starts blinking. Then where the clock is just set the time to what ever time you like for instance 2 hours just set it for 2 and wait for it to stop blinking or just press the on/off button again for it to stop blinking. Hope this is helpful to you. Have a great day

Hello k_alderman
I recently had this similar problem. If you still have you machine try the following.
Your described problem may be one of two problems. Let's start with the easier solution first. In the DCC 1200 there is a filter "stick or column" in the left rear. Pull it out and remove the clogged carbon filter(s) that are in there. Shine a light into the receptacle and remove the debris in the bottom. It is likely that this is causing the problem with you machine needing to be started on multiple times. See if this solution works. If it does, you might run 8 cups of water and 4 cups of vinegar through to help decalcify the units plumbing. Do this once or twice and then rinse with at least one pot run-through of clean water. If this works then you are good to go.
Next, if this does not solve your problem we can do the following: unplug the unit and lay it on its back. You will need a #10 torx driver (hardware store if you don't have one) to remove the bottom cover plate. There are 4 torx screws holding it on. When removed, you will find 2 orange hoses. Carefully attempt to remove the left hose without splitting. I used a eyeglas screwdriver to loosen it up. If it splits, just cut off the split and stretch it to reconnect when time comes. As you look into the hose you will find a little black valve inside as well a some gunk. Clean it all out with a fine wire as best you can. Rinse well. Attempt to reconnect the hose back onto the pipe. Slip the pipe clamp back into place. Replace the cover and screws and you should be good to go again. This is not as daunting as it may seem. You can do it. :o) Good luck! If this answer helps, please leave positive feedback for me. Much appreciated. Regards, NormanZ

I had this problem. The Fix: There is a valve in the centre of the carafe lid (If you shake the lid you can hear the valve rattle). This valve becomes gummed up with heavy coffee oils over time and sticks causing part of your brew to pour onto your counter. The fix is to simply clean the oil out of this valve. I cleaned mine by soaking it overnight in a water/bleach solution then blasting hot water into it. You can clean it more thoroughly if you pop off the bottom lid part that extends into the pot. It is a snap fit. Before you take it off note the orientation. On my lid this valve was coated in heavy, greasy coffee oils. After this cleaning your pot should not leak when brewing. Another problem is the stiffness of the lid making it sometimes very difficult to open and close and if not fully closed coffee will leak while pouring. This o-ring binds against the carafe. To fix this, locate the 'O' ring in that same part the extends into the carafe on the bottom of the lid. put a drop or two of vegetable oil on your finger and apply a thin film around this ring once every three weeks or so. Your lid will open and close smoothly and beautifully. Happy brewing!