Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker Operator's Manual
Introduction
Welcome to your new Hamilton Beach® FlexBrew® Coffee Maker. This manual provides important information regarding the operation, safety, and maintenance of your appliance. Please read it carefully before use.
Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
- Read all instructions.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the appliance in water or other liquid. ⚠️
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner. Return appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
- Scalding may occur if the lid is removed during the brewing cycles.
- The single-serve brewing side is designed for use with K-Cup® pods or ground coffee. Do not attempt to force other types of pods or capsules into the single-serve brewer.
Product Overview & Parts
Your Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker is designed for versatility, allowing you to brew a full carafe or a single serving.
Key Components:
- Water Reservoir (for carafe brewing)
- Single-Serve Water Reservoir
- Brew Basket (for ground coffee)
- Single-Serve Pod Holder / Brew Basket
- Carafe (12-cup capacity)
- Control Panel (Power, Brew Strength, Single Serve/Carafe selection)
- Warming Plate (for carafe)
- Drip Tray (adjustable for single-serve)
Diagram Description: A visual representation of the coffee maker shows the main unit with clearly marked areas for the water reservoirs, the carafe placement on the warming plate, the brew basket for ground coffee, and the separate single-serve brewing area with its adjustable drip tray.
Brewing Instructions
Brewing with Ground Coffee (Carafe)
- Fill the water reservoir for the carafe side with fresh, cold water to the desired cup level.
- Place a paper filter or the permanent filter into the brew basket.
- Add ground coffee to the filter (1 scoop per cup recommended).
- Place the carafe on the warming plate.
- Select "Carafe" on the control panel and press the brew button.
- Brew strength can be adjusted if available.
Brewing with Pods (Single-Serve)
- Fill the single-serve water reservoir with fresh, cold water.
- Place your K-Cup® pod or ground coffee in the single-serve brew basket.
- Insert the brew basket into the single-serve holder.
- Adjust the drip tray height to accommodate your mug.
- Place your mug on the drip tray.
- Select "Single Serve" on the control panel and press the brew button.
- Brew strength can be adjusted if available.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity of your coffee maker.
- Daily Cleaning: After each use and once cooled, discard used coffee grounds or pods. Wash the brew basket, carafe, and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
- Descaling: Descale your coffee maker every 1-3 months, depending on water hardness. Follow the specific descaling instructions provided in the full manual, typically involving a vinegar or descaling solution mixture. ⚙️
Troubleshooting
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Coffee is weak. | Not enough coffee grounds. | Use more coffee grounds per cup. |
Coffee maker won't turn on. | Not plugged in. / Power outage. | Ensure unit is plugged in. Check household circuit breaker. |
Water not brewing. | Water reservoir empty. / Unit needs descaling. | Fill reservoir. / Perform descaling procedure. |
Brewing is slow. | Mineral buildup (needs descaling). | Descale the coffee maker. ⚙️ |
Warranty Information
This product is covered by a limited warranty. For full details, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the Hamilton Beach website.