the 'strong brew' button doesn't seem to make any difference, coffee tastes the same.

Diagnosis

The "Strong Brew" feature on the Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is not a temperature booster or a bean-strength adjuster; it is a flow-rate modulator. When activated, the machine alters the timing of the heating element and the valve release to slow the transit of water through the coffee grounds. This increases the "steep time," allowing for a higher extraction of oils and solids from the beans, which results in a bolder, more concentrated flavor. If the coffee tastes identical regardless of the setting, the machine is likely suffering from mineral calcification (scale) within the internal heating tube or a partial blockage in the showerhead. When calcium deposits build up, they create irregular turbulence and restrictions in the water path. This effectively "levels out" the flow rate, meaning the water drips through the basket at a constant, suboptimal speed whether the Strong Brew mode is engaged or not. You can confirm this by observing the drip rate: in Strong Brew mode, the water should visibly fall more slowly from the showerhead than in Regular mode. If the drip speed looks identical in both modes, the internal plumbing is compromised.

How to Fix It

To restore the functionality of the Strong Brew cycle, you must perform a deep chemical descale to clear the internal conduits and the showerhead nozzles.

1. Fill the water reservoir to the 12-cup maximum line with a solution of 50% distilled white vinegar and 50% filtered water. Do not use commercial descaling tablets unless they are specifically rated for aluminum heating elements.
2. Place a clean glass carafe on the warming plate. Ensure the carafe is empty to allow you to monitor the flow.
3. Turn the machine on and initiate a Regular brew cycle. Once the pot is approximately half-full, turn the power switch OFF and let the machine sit for 30 minutes. This "soak phase" allows the acetic acid to break down the calcium carbonate bonds inside the narrow heating tubes.
4. Turn the machine back on and allow the remainder of the solution to brew through completely.
5. Discard the vinegar solution and run two full cycles of plain, cold filtered water through the machine to eliminate any lingering vinegar scent or taste.
6. Perform a test brew using the "Strong Brew" button. Observe the showerhead; the water should now exit in a slower, more rhythmic pulse compared to the Regular setting.

If That Didn't Work

• Check your coffee grind size. If you are using a very coarse grind (like French Press), the water will rush through the gaps too quickly regardless of the machine's flow rate. Switch to a medium-fine "drip" grind to allow the Strong Brew setting to actually create the necessary resistance for extraction.
• Inspect the showerhead for physical debris. Use a needle or a thin paperclip to gently clear the small holes in the spray head. If coffee oils or minerals have plugged 50% of the holes, the water pressure changes, neutralizing the effect of the flow-modulation software.
• Verify your coffee-to-water ratio. The Strong Brew setting is designed to enhance the extraction of existing grounds, not to compensate for a lack of coffee. Ensure you are using at least 1 level tablespoon of grounds per 5 ounces of water; otherwise, the difference in extraction will be imperceptible to the palate.
• Test with a different brand of coffee. Some light-roast beans are highly resistant to extraction. Try a dark roast; if the Strong Brew setting works on the dark roast but not the light, the issue is the bean density rather than the machine hardware.

Heads Up

• Avoid using tap water if you live in a hard-water area; using a filtered pitcher or distilled water will prevent the Strong Brew feature from failing again due to scale.
• Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers on the showerhead, as this can warp the plastic and cause uneven water distribution (channeling).
• Perform a vinegar descale every 30 to 60 brew cycles to maintain the precision of the programmable timing elements.
• Always ensure the glass carafe is seated perfectly square on the warming plate; a slight tilt can affect the vacuum pressure and the resulting flow rate.