A coffee brewing unit is disclosed which enables a brew cycle to be
initiated automatically upon insertion of a coffee receiving vessel into
its coffee receiving position, but which prevents a brew cycle from
proceeding if a number of required operating conditions are not
implemented. If all operating conditions again become implemented after a
brew cycle, once underway, is interrupted, the brew cycle continues on to
completion. Visual signals indicate that a brew cycle is in progress and
also when sufficient mineral deposits are present that cleaning of the
unit is recommended. An insulated carafe is used as the vessel to receive
brewed coffee thereby eliminating the need for a warmer plate. The unit
may be mounted under a cabinet to thereby maximize usable countertop space
and a coffee basket for the unit utilizes a dispensing valve which is
opened by the carafe when inserted into position but which closes when the
carafe is withdrawn. A thermostat which is used in association with the
water generator for the unit has a manual reset switch which is actuated
by a self contained water reservoir when moved into its operating
position.
