1. Introduction
The Philips Avent SCF870/21 Combined Baby Food Steamer and Blender is designed to simplify the preparation of healthy, homemade baby food. This appliance allows you to steam ingredients and then blend them in the same jar, preserving nutrients and minimizing cleanup. It is suitable for various stages of weaning, from purees to chunkier textures.
Figure 1: Philips Avent SCF870/21 Combined Baby Food Steamer and Blender with chopped vegetables in the jar, highlighting its 0% BPA feature.
2. Important Safety Information
Please read this instruction manual carefully before using the appliance and save it for future reference. Incorrect use can lead to electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
- Voltage Compatibility: This appliance operates on 220-240V, 50-60Hz. Ensure your power supply matches these specifications. A 110V socket adapter is included for compatibility.
- Safety Lock System: The appliance is equipped with a safety lock system that prevents operation if the lid or bowl is not correctly detected and secured. Always ensure all parts are properly assembled before use.
- Electrical Safety: Do not immerse the base unit in water or any other liquid. Unplug the appliance from the power outlet when not in use, before cleaning, and during assembly or disassembly.
- Child Safety: Keep the appliance out of reach of children. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children.
- Material Safety: All food-contact parts are made from BPA-free materials.
- Overheating Protection: To prevent motor overheating, allow the appliance to cool down for at least 10 minutes between consecutive blending cycles. Do not blend for more than 30 seconds continuously.
- Sharp Blades: The blending blade is very sharp. Handle with extreme care during assembly, disassembly, and cleaning.
3. Product Components
The Philips Avent SCF870/21 includes the following components:
- Steamer/Blender Base Unit
- Blending Jar with Handle
- Steaming Basket/Lid
- Blending Blade
- Spatula
- Measuring Cup
- Recipe Booklet (may vary by region)
Figure 2: Disassembled components of the Philips Avent baby food maker, showing the base unit, blending jar, blade, and steaming basket.
4. Setup
Before first use, follow these steps:
- Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Initial Cleaning: Wash the blending jar, lid, steaming basket, and blade in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the base unit with a damp cloth.
- Assemble: Place the blending jar onto the base unit, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
Figure 3: A hand placing the blending jar onto the base unit of the Philips Avent baby food maker, demonstrating proper assembly.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Preparing Food
- Wash and peel fruits, vegetables, or meat as required.
- Chop ingredients into small pieces (approximately 1 cm cubes) to ensure even steaming and blending.
- Place the chopped ingredients into the blending jar. Do not overfill; refer to the maximum fill lines on the jar.
Figure 4: Chopped carrots and potatoes inside the steaming basket of the Philips Avent baby food maker, prepared for steaming.
5.2 Steaming
- Ensure the blending jar with food is securely placed on the base unit.
- Fill the water tank with the appropriate amount of water using the provided measuring cup. The recipe booklet may provide guidance on water quantities for different foods.
- Close the water tank lid securely.
- Plug the appliance into a suitable 220-240V power outlet.
- Turn the control knob to the steaming position (steam icon). The steaming process will begin.
- The appliance will automatically switch off once the water tank is empty, indicating the steaming cycle is complete.
5.3 Blending
- Once steaming is complete, unplug the appliance.
- Carefully remove the blending jar from the base unit.
- Invert the blending jar so that the steamed food is positioned over the blending blade. Securely place the inverted jar back onto the base unit.
Figure 5: A hand demonstrating the inversion of the blending jar, transitioning from steaming to blending mode.
Figure 6: Visual guide illustrating the seamless two-step process of steaming ingredients and then inverting the jar for blending.
- Plug the appliance back in.
- Turn the control knob to the blending position (blade icon). Pulse or blend continuously until the desired consistency is achieved. Remember not to blend for more than 30 seconds continuously.
- Unplug the appliance once blending is complete.
Figure 7: Freshly blended baby food in the appliance's jar, surrounded by whole fruits and vegetables.
5.4 Serving
Carefully remove the blended food from the jar using the spatula and transfer it to a bowl. Always check the food temperature before feeding your baby.
Figure 8: A bowl of freshly prepared, pureed baby food, ready for serving.
6. Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and hygiene.
- Disassembly: Unplug the appliance. Carefully remove the blending jar, lid, steaming basket, and blade.
- Washing Parts: Wash the blending jar, lid, steaming basket, and blade immediately after each use in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Note: These parts are not dishwasher safe.
- Cleaning Base Unit: Wipe the base unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base unit in water.
- Water Tank Descaling: To prevent mineral buildup, descale the water tank regularly, approximately every 4 weeks, depending on water hardness in your area. Consult the recipe booklet or Philips Avent website for specific descaling instructions. After cleaning, keep the water tank lid open to allow it to dry completely and prevent bacterial growth.
- Drying: Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling or storing the appliance.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your appliance, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance does not turn on. | Not plugged in; lid or bowl not correctly assembled. | Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a 220-240V outlet. Verify that the blending jar and lid are correctly and securely locked into place. |
| Food is not steaming properly. | Insufficient water in the tank; food pieces too large. | Check the water level in the tank and refill if necessary. Ensure food is chopped into small, uniform pieces (approx. 1 cm cubes). |
| Food is not blending smoothly. | Too much food in the jar; food not steamed enough; motor overheating. | Do not overfill the jar. Ensure food is adequately steamed. If the motor feels hot, allow the appliance to cool for 10 minutes before blending again. Blend in short pulses (max 30 seconds). |
| Unpleasant odor or visible residue in water tank. | Mineral buildup or bacterial growth. | Descale the water tank regularly. After cleaning, ensure the water tank is completely dry by leaving its lid open. |
8. Specifications
- Model: SCF870/21
- Brand: Philips Avent
- Power: 400 W
- Voltage: 220-240 V
- Frequency: 50 - 60 Hz
- Safety Classification: Class 1
- Capacity (Solids): 800 ml
- Capacity (Liquids): 450 ml
- Speed Settings: 1
- Water Tank Volume: 200 ml
- Cord Length: 70 cm
- Product Dimensions (approx.): 16.50 cm (round base) x 30.8 cm (height) / 6.5 x 6.5 x 12.13 inches
- Product Weight (approx.): 2 kg / 4.4 pounds
- Material: BPA-free
- Dishwasher Safe: No
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical assistance, or to purchase replacement parts, please contact Philips customer support in your region. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
You can find contact details and further information on the official Philips website: www.philips.com/avent
