HAMILTON BEECH / PROCTOR SILEX COFFEEMAKERS

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.