Display shows DESC or a descaling icon and the coffee maker beeps or flashes until descaling is performed.

Safety first: Unplug the coffee maker when filling or emptying the reservoir. Do not open the brew head while brewing.

Descaling procedure (general Chefman coffee maker):

• Fill the water reservoir with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water up to the MAX line.
• Place an empty carafe or large mug on the warming plate or drip tray.
• Plug in the unit and start a brew cycle without coffee or pods.
• Allow about half of the solution to brew through, then pause or turn off the machine and let it sit for 20–30 minutes to dissolve internal scale.
• Resume brewing until the reservoir is empty.
• Rinse by filling the reservoir with fresh water and running 2–3 full brew cycles.

After descaling, the DESC indicator should clear automatically or after a full brew cycle. If it does not, consult the user manual for the specific reset sequence for your Chefman model.