Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Universal Coffee Maker

Important Safeguards

• Read all instructions before use.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless closely supervised by a responsible person.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs. Burns can occur from touching hot parts or from spilled hot liquid.
• To protect against electric shock, do not place the cord, plug, or coffee maker in water or other liquid.
• Unplug the coffee maker when not in use and before cleaning. Allow it to cool before handling parts or cleaning.
• Operate the coffee maker on a flat surface away from the edge of the counter to prevent accidental tipping.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after it malfunctions or has been dropped or damaged. Repairs must be conducted by the manufacturer or qualified personnel.
• Use of accessory attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may cause injuries.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces, including stoves.
• Do not place the coffee maker on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
• To disconnect, turn the power switch to OFF (O) and remove the plug from the wall outlet.
• ⚠️ WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not remove the bottom cover. No user-serviceable parts are inside. Repair should only be done by authorized service personnel.
• Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.
• Do not place the coffee maker in a cabinet when in use.
• ⚠️ CAUTION! Cut Hazard: The removable single-serve pod holder contains a sharp needle. Use caution when handling.
• ⚠️ CAUTION! Cut Hazard: The piercing needle is sharp. Use caution when cleaning.
• ⚠️ WARNING! To avoid hot water spraying from the piercing needle, do not lift the lid during the brew process.
• Only use capsules intended for this appliance. If a capsule does not fit, do not force it into the appliance.

Other Consumer Safety Information

• This appliance is intended for household use only.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Electrical Shock Hazard: This appliance is provided with a polarized plug (one wide blade) to reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug fits only one way into a polarized outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug by modifying it or using an adapter. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, have an electrician replace the outlet.
• The cord length was selected to reduce hazards of tangling or tripping. If a longer cord is necessary, use an approved extension cord with an electrical rating equal to or greater than the appliance's rating. Arrange the extension cord so it does not drape over countertops or tables where children could pull on it or trip over it.
• To avoid electrical circuit overload, do not use another high-wattage appliance on the same circuit with this appliance.

Parts and Features

The coffee maker features a removable water reservoir with handle (#2), an espresso pod holder (#3), various brew buttons for different cup sizes (e.g., Small Espresso Button #4, Medium Espresso Button #5, Large Espresso Button #6), an espresso dispenser (#7), a removable used pod container (#8), an opening for cup rest (#9), a base (#10), adjustable cup rests with removable drip trays (#11, #12), a FlexBrew dispenser (#13), a BOLD button (#14), and specific cup size buttons (#15, #16, #17). It also includes a funnel (#18), piercing needle (#19), a gray removable needle holder with black seal (#20), the FlexBrew lid (#21) with a latch (#22), a gray removable single-serve pod holder with handle (#23), and a brown removable brew basket for ground coffee with a hinged lid and handle (#24). The power switch is located on the right side panel.

Before first use: Remove the Removable Water Reservoir from the coffee maker. Remove and discard the red plug. The sticker on the Water Reservoir can also be removed. Wash all removable parts in hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Brew one cycle with water on each side and discard the water.

How to Make Espresso

⚠️ WARNING Burn Hazard: Fully insert cup or travel mug on drip tray. If overflow occurs, unplug and allow coffee maker to cool.

⚠️ CAUTION Cut Hazard: The piercing needle in the cup holder is sharp. Avoid contact.

Notes: Before first use, remove the Removable Water Reservoir, discard the red plug, and optionally remove the sticker. The unit may make a pumping sound during brewing, which is normal. Use only Nespresso® or compatible espresso pods. Never lift the Espresso Lid during brewing, as the pod may be expelled. Press any cup size button to stop brewing. Always use cold water for espresso.

Recipes

Brewing Steps:

1. Fill Removable Water Reservoir with water up to 56 oz. (1656 mL). Do not exceed MAX fill line. [Illustration shows filling the water reservoir.]
2. Place a cup on the Cup Rest with Drip Tray. If needed, remove the Cup Rest and align its tab with the Opening for Cup Rest for a small espresso cup. [Illustration shows placing a cup on the drip tray.]
3. Plug into outlet. [Illustration shows the power cord being plugged into an outlet.]
4. Press the Power Switch on the right side panel to the ON (I) position. Lights will slowly fade in and out during preheating; when they stay on, the coffee maker is ready. [Illustration shows pressing the power switch.]
5. Lift the Espresso Lid. [Illustration shows the espresso lid being lifted.]
6. Insert the espresso pod according to the cutout on top of the unit. [Illustration shows an espresso pod being inserted into the unit.]
7. Close the Espresso Lid until fully latched. [Illustration shows closing the espresso lid.]
8. Press the desired cup size button (1.35 oz, 2.7 oz, or 5 oz). After one minute of inactivity, the unit enters standby mode. Press any button to wake it. [Illustration shows pressing a cup size button.]
9. The selected cup size button illuminates during brewing. Lights fade in and out during heating and stay illuminated when ready. [Illustration shows illuminated buttons indicating brewing.]
10. Before removing the cup, lift the Espresso Lid to empty any remaining liquid from the pod and expel the used pod into the Used Pod Container. [Illustration shows lifting the lid to expel the used pod.]
11. The unit stays preheated for 30 minutes. To power off, press the power switch to OFF (O). [Illustration shows turning the power switch off.]
12. Unplug the appliance. [Illustration shows unplugging the appliance.]

How to Brew a Single-Serve Pod

⚠️ WARNING Burn Hazard: Do not lift the lid during brewing. Fully insert cup or travel mug on drip tray. If overflow occurs, unplug and allow the coffee maker to cool.

⚠️ CAUTION Cut Hazard: The removable single-serve pod holder and the piercing needle on the underside of the lid are sharp. Use caution when handling.

Notes: Before first use, prepare the water reservoir as described previously. If the FlexBrew Lid is opened or a button is pressed to end the brew cycle early, discard the contents and pod, then press a cup size button to restart. Use only cold water. Do not reheat coffee or add creamer/nondairy creamer to the reservoir. After brewing hot cocoa pods, run a water-only cycle to prevent clogging the needle. Press any cup size to stop the brew cycle. Ensure the needle holder arrow icon is aligned with the lock icon inside the FlexBrew Lid before brewing.

1. Fill Removable Water Reservoir with water up to 56 oz. (1656 mL). Do not exceed MAX fill line. [Illustration shows filling the water reservoir.]
2. Place a cup on the Cup Rest with Drip Tray. If using a travel mug, remove the Cup Rest with Drip Tray. [Illustration shows placing a cup on the drip tray.]
3. Plug into outlet. [Illustration shows plugging in the appliance.]
4. Press the Power Switch to ON (I). Lights will fade in and out during preheating; they stay on when ready. [Illustration shows pressing the power switch.]
5. Lift the FlexBrew Lid. [Illustration shows lifting the FlexBrew lid.]
6. Place the Gray Removable Single-Serve Pod Holder in the Funnel. [Illustration shows placing the pod holder into the funnel.]
7. Place a pod into the Single-Serve Pod Holder. Do not remove the foil. [Illustration shows placing a pod into the holder.]
8. Close the FlexBrew Lid until fully latched. [Illustration shows closing the FlexBrew lid.]
9. Press the desired cup size button (8 oz or 10 oz). After one minute of inactivity, the unit enters standby mode. Press any button to wake it. For a stronger cup, press the BOLD button. [Illustration shows pressing a cup size button.]
10. The selected cup size button illuminates during brewing. Lights fade in and out during heating and stay illuminated when ready. [Illustration shows illuminated buttons indicating brewing.]
11. Open the FlexBrew Lid and discard the used pod. Rinse the pod holder after each use. [Illustration shows opening the lid and discarding the pod.]
12. The unit stays preheated for 30 minutes. To power off, press the power switch to OFF (O). [Illustration shows turning the power switch off.]
13. Unplug the appliance. [Illustration shows unplugging the appliance.]

How to Brew Single-Serve Ground Coffee

⚠️ WARNING Burn Hazard: Do not lift the lid during brewing. To avoid overflow, keep ground coffee below the MAX fill line. Fully insert cup or travel mug on drip tray. If overflow occurs, unplug and allow the coffee maker to cool.

⚠️ CAUTION Cut Hazard: The piercing needle on the underside of the lid is sharp. Use caution when handling.

Notes: Before first use, prepare the water reservoir as described previously. If the FlexBrew Lid is opened or a button is pressed to end the brew cycle early, discard contents and pod, then press a cup size button to restart. Use only cold water. Do not reheat coffee or add creamer/nondairy creamer to the reservoir. Do not use hot cocoa powder or mix in the brew basket. If using finer ground coffee, dripping may continue after the light goes off. Press any cup size to stop the brew cycle. Do not brew without the Brown Removable Brew Basket in place. If coffee has sediment, add a #1 paper cone coffee filter to the brew basket. Ensure the needle holder arrow icon is aligned with the lock icon inside the FlexBrew Lid before brewing.

1. Fill Removable Water Reservoir with water up to 56 oz. (1656 mL). Do not exceed MAX fill line. [Illustration shows filling the water reservoir.]
2. Plug into outlet. [Illustration shows plugging in the appliance.]
3. Press the Power Switch to ON (I). Lights will fade in and out during preheating; they stay on when ready. [Illustration shows pressing the power switch.]
4. Lift the FlexBrew Lid. [Illustration shows lifting the FlexBrew lid.]
5. Remove the Brew Basket from the Cup Rest with Drip Tray. Open the Brew Basket Lid, then place the Brown Removable Brew Basket on the counter. [Illustration shows removing and opening the brew basket.]
6. Add ground coffee to the Brown Removable Brew Basket. Do not exceed the maximum quantity of 3 tablespoons (15 g). [Illustration shows adding ground coffee to the brew basket.]
7. Close the Brew Basket Lid. Place the Brew Basket in the Funnel. [Illustration shows closing the brew basket lid and placing it in the funnel.]
8. Close the FlexBrew Lid until fully latched. [Illustration shows closing the FlexBrew lid.]
9. Place a cup on the Cup Rest with Drip Tray. If using a travel mug, remove the Cup Rest with Drip Tray. [Illustration shows placing a cup on the drip tray.]
10. Press the desired cup size button (8 oz, 10 oz, or 14 oz). After one minute of inactivity, the unit enters standby mode. Press any button to wake it. For a stronger cup, press the BOLD button. [Illustration shows pressing a cup size button.]
11. The selected cup size button illuminates during brewing. Lights fade in and out during heating and stay illuminated when ready. [Illustration shows illuminated buttons indicating brewing.]
12. Open the FlexBrew Lid and discard used grounds. Rinse the brew basket after each use. [Illustration shows discarding used coffee grounds.]
13. The unit stays preheated for 30 minutes. To power off, press the power switch to OFF (O). [Illustration shows turning the power switch off.]
14. Unplug the appliance. [Illustration shows unplugging the appliance.]

Care and Cleaning

⚠️ WARNING! Electrical Shock Hazard: Do not immerse the cord, plug, or coffee maker in any liquid.

⚠️ WARNING! Burn Hazard: Failure to allow the coffee maker to cool may cause hot water or coffee to spray from the piercing needle. Use caution when cleaning.

Routine Cleaning

Clean all coffee makers at least once a month (or weekly in hard water areas).

1. Fill the Removable Water Reservoir with 1/2 cup (118 mL) of white vinegar, then fill with cold water to the 24 oz. (710 mL) mark.
2. Lift the Espresso Lid to expel the used espresso pod. Empty the Used Pod Container and replace it on the base. Close the Espresso Lid.
3. Place a 5 oz. (148 mL) or larger cup on the Espresso side Cup Rest.
4. Plug into the outlet.
5. Press the Power Switch to ON (I). Never lift the Espresso Lid or FlexBrew Lid during brewing cycles.
6. Brew one Large Espresso cycle (5 oz./148 mL) without an espresso pod.
7. Ensure the Used Pod Container is in place, then lift the Espresso Lid. Hot water will be expelled into the container. Empty the water from the container.
8. Lift the FlexBrew Lid and dispose of any used pods or ground coffee. Close the FlexBrew Lid.
9. Place a 16 oz. (473 mL) cup on the FlexBrew side Cup Rest.
10. Brew one 14 oz. (414 mL) cycle without a pod or grounds.
11. Empty any remaining liquid from the Removable Water Reservoir. Fill with cold water to the 24 oz. (710 mL) mark.
12. Repeat steps 2-10. Empty any remaining liquid from the Removable Water Reservoir. The coffee maker is now clean.

General Cleaning

1. Unplug and allow to cool.
2. Hand wash all removable parts in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry, or wash on the top rack of a dishwasher. Do not use the “SANI” setting, as high temperatures can damage the product.
3. Wipe the exterior of the coffee maker with a soft, damp cloth.

Clogged Needle

1. Unplug and allow to cool.
2. Remove the gray removable needle holder from the lid by turning counterclockwise from the lock icon ( ) to the unlock icon ( ). [Illustration shows removing the needle holder.]
3. Bend a small paper clip. Insert the tip of the paper clip through the piercing needle hole and up into the needle shaft to ensure grounds are removed. [Illustration shows using a paper clip to clear the needle.]
4. To replace the gray removable needle holder, insert the tab between the lock icon ( ) and unlock icon ( ) and turn clockwise to lock. [Illustration shows replacing the needle holder.]

Troubleshooting – Espresso Side

• No power: Ensure the plug is correctly inserted and the power switch is ON (I). If lights are off, the unit may be in power-saving mode; press any cup size button to wake it.
• All cup lights fading slowly: The unit is preheating. Lights will stay on when ready.
• Espresso not dispensing: The pod may be faulty; try a new one. If all lights flash quickly, the water reservoir is empty; fill with clean cold water. If the unit is preheating, lights will fade slowly; they will stay on when ready.
• Water at bottom of machine: Ensure the water reservoir is correctly placed. Ensure the used pod container is installed before opening the espresso lid.
• Pod cannot be placed into pod holder: Check if the used pod container is full and needs emptying. The espresso lid may not have opened correctly; try lifting it again.
• Pod cannot drop into used pod container: The used pod container is full and needs emptying. The espresso lid may not have opened correctly; try lifting it again.
• Slight hiss after dispensing: This is normal.
• Espresso drips after brewing: Some dripping from the dispenser at the end of brewing is normal. Keep the cup on the cup rest until dripping stops and the lid is opened.
• All Cup Lights Flashing Quickly: Ensure the red plug was removed from under the water reservoir before first use. The water reservoir may be empty or not securely in place; fill it to the MAX line and place it securely on the base. If lights still flash quickly after adding water, press the desired cup selection button multiple times to prime the pump if the reservoir ran dry. The coffee maker may need descaling (see Care and Cleaning, page 8). The espresso lid may not be closed; close it.

Troubleshooting – Single-Serve Side

• Coffee Maker will not brew/coffee not dispensing: The piercing needle may be clogged (refer to Clogged Needle section, page 8). Mineral deposits may have formed; clean the coffee maker per instructions. Ensure at least 15 oz. (444 mL) of water is present. If the selected cup button flashes three times, the lid is not closed; lower it until it clicks and press the brew button.
• All cup lights fading slowly: The unit is preheating. Lights will stay on when ready.
• Coffee tastes bad: Too much or too little water/coffee grounds may have been used; adjust the ratio. Coffee quality or freshness may be poor. Soft water can lead to poor extraction and taste; use filtered, spring, or bottled water.
• Coffee sediment in cup: Try a coarser grind or add a #1 paper cone coffee filter to the brew basket. Ensure the brew basket's hinged lid is closed.
• Water on counter under unit: The water reservoir may be overfilled; do not add more than 56 oz. (1656 mL). Ensure the water reservoir is correctly placed.
• Coffee overflows from brew basket: Use the brew basket with lid for ground coffee. Use less ground coffee (max 3 tablespoons/15 g). For whole beans, use a standard drip coffee grind; avoid overgrinding. Ensure the black seal around the needle in the removable needle holder is present and properly seated. Do not use soft water; use filtered, spring, or bottled water.
• Coffee overflows from travel mug or regular mug: Empty the mug after manually stopping the brew cycle, then press a cup size button to start a new cycle.
• Coffee single-serve pod bursts: Softened water or naturally soft tap water can cause issues. Use filtered, spring, or bottled water. Variability in pod manufacturing can lead to weaker seams; try a different brand.
• All Cup Lights Flashing Quickly: Ensure the red plug was removed from under the water reservoir before first use. The water reservoir may be empty or not securely in place; fill it to the MAX line and place it securely on the base. If lights still flash quickly after adding water, press the desired cup selection button multiple times to prime the pump if the reservoir ran dry. The coffee maker may need descaling (see Care and Cleaning, page 8). The FlexBrew lid may not be closed; close it.

Limited Warranty

This warranty applies to products purchased and used in the U.S. and Canada. It is the only express warranty for this product and is in lieu of any other warranty or condition. This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for five (5) years from the original purchase date in Canada and one (1) year from the original purchase date in the U.S. Your exclusive remedy is replacement of the product or defective component at the manufacturer's discretion. You are responsible for return shipping costs. If the product or component is unavailable, it will be replaced with a similar item of equal or greater value.

This warranty does not cover glass, filters, normal wear, use not in conformity with printed directions, or damage from accident, alteration, abuse, or misuse. It extends only to the original consumer purchaser or gift recipient. Keep your sales receipt as proof of purchase. The warranty is void if the product is used for other than single-family household use or subjected to voltage/waveform other than specified on the rating label (e.g., 120 V ~ 60 Hz).

The manufacturer excludes claims for special, incidental, and consequential damages. Liability is limited to the purchase price. Implied warranties, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are disclaimed except to the extent prohibited by law, in which case they are limited to the duration of this written warranty. This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by location.

To make a warranty claim, do not return the appliance to the store. Contact Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc., Customer Service Department, 4421 Waterfront Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060, or visit hamiltonbeach.com/customer-service (U.S.) or hamiltonbeach.ca/customer-service (Canada). For faster service, locate your appliance's model, type, and series numbers.