Hamilton Beach 49900 FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
- Read all instructions.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they are closely supervised and instructed concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs. Care must be taken, as 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 liquids.
- Unplug from outlet when the coffee maker is not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning the appliance.
- The coffee maker must be operated on a flat surface away from the edge of the counter to prevent accidental tipping.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged supply cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Supply cord replacement and repairs must be conducted by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard. Contact Customer Service for information on examination, repair, or adjustment as set forth in the Limited Warranty.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the table or counter or touch hot surfaces, including the stove.
- Do not place the coffee maker on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
- To disconnect the coffee maker, turn the controls off and then remove the plug from the wall outlet. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet. Never pull from the power cord.
- WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not remove the bottom cover. No user-serviceable parts are inside. Repair should be done by authorized service personnel only.
- Do not use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
- Do not place the coffee maker in a cabinet when in use.
- CAUTION! Cut Hazard: Removable single-serve pack holder contains a sharp needle. Use caution when handling.
- CAUTION! Cut Hazard: 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.
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 the plug in any way or by 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 length of the cord used on this appliance was selected to reduce the hazards of becoming tangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
If a longer cord is necessary, an approved extension cord may be used. The electrical rating of the extension cord must be equal to or greater than the rating of the appliance. Care must be taken to arrange the extension cord so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or accidentally tripped over. To avoid an electrical circuit overload, do not use another high-wattage appliance on the same circuit as this appliance.
Parts and Features
To order parts, visit: hamiltonbeach.com/parts
- Lid Latch
- Gray Removable Single-Serve Pack Holder with Handle
- Removable Brew Basket for Ground Coffee with Hinged Lid and Handle
- Removable Cup Rest with Drip Tray
- Lid
- Gray Removable Needle Holder with Black Seal
- Water Reservoir with Lid
- Water Window
- Funnel
- Control Panel
- BOLD Button
- HEATING or 595 Icon
- REG Button
- Travel Cup Rest
How to Brew a Single-Serve Pack
WARNING: Burn Hazard. If overflow occurs, unplug and allow the coffee maker to cool. To avoid hot coffee overflowing:
- Fill the reservoir with a cup or travel mug of water into which the coffee will be brewed.
- Fully insert the cup or travel mug into the cup rest.
- Do not lift the lid during the brewing process.
- If the brew process is stopped early, the water must be drained from the unit. Place a large mug on the cup rest. Press
- BOLD or REG button. Failure to drain the unit can cause the next cup brewed to overflow.
- CAUTION: Cut Hazard. Removable single-serve pack holder has a sharp needle. The piercing needle on the underside of the lid is also sharp. Use caution when handling.
NOTES:
- Use only cold water in the Reservoir. Do not use hot water.
- Do not reheat coffee in the machine.
- Do not use creamer or nondairy creamer in the Reservoir.
- After brewing hot cocoa single-serve packs, brew a water-only cycle without a single-serve pack to avoid the possibility of clogging the piercing needle.
- Coffee Maker brews all the water in the Water Reservoir while brewing.
- Press the BOLD or REG Button again to STOP brewing mid-cycle. The remaining water must be removed. See warning statement above.
- If the BOLD or REG Button flashes three times, the Lid is not closed. Lower Lid until it clicks into place. Press the BOLD or REG Button.
- Do not brew coffee without the Removable Needle Holder locked into place.
- Plug into the outlet.
- Lift Lid Latch until Lid clicks into place.
- Place the Gray Removable Single-Serve Pack Holder with Handle into the Funnel.
- Place a pack into the Single-Serve Pack Holder. Do not remove foil.
- Close the Lid and snap it in place to pierce the single-serve pack.
- Lift the Water Reservoir Lid.
- Fill the cup or travel mug into which coffee will be brewed and add water to the Water Reservoir. 10 oz. (296 mL) of water is maximum recommended amount for the best flavor with a single-serve pack.
- Close Lid.
- Use Cup Rest for a cup or mug, and remove Cup Rest for a travel mug.
- Press the BOLD or REG Button to start brewing. The HEATING or
icon will light up to show that the Coffee Maker is heating water. The Coffee Maker will shut off automatically when brewing is complete.
- Unplug.
- Single-Serve Pack Holder should be rinsed after every use.
How to Brew Single-Serve Ground Coffee
WARNING: Burn Hazard. If overflow occurs, unplug and allow the coffee maker to cool. To avoid hot coffee overflowing:
- Fill the reservoir with a cup or a travel mug of water into which coffee will be brewed.
- Fully insert the cup or travel mug into the cup rest.
- Remove the single-serve pack holder before adding coffee grounds to the brew basket.
- To avoid overflow, keep ground coffee below the MAX fill line.
- Do not lift the lid during the brewing process.
- If the brew process is stopped early, the water must be drained from the unit. Place a large mug on the cup rest. Press the BOLD or REG button. Failure to drain the unit can cause the next cup brewed to overflow.
- CAUTION: Cut Hazard. The piercing needle on the underside of the lid is sharp. Use caution when handling.
NOTES:
- Use only cold water in the Reservoir. Do not use hot water.
- Do not reheat coffee in the machine.
- Do not use creamer or nondairy creamer in the Reservoir.
- Do not use hot cocoa powder or mix it in the Brew Basket.
- Coffee Maker brews all the water in the Water Reservoir while brewing.
- If finer ground coffee is used, the coffee will continue to drip after the light has gone off.
- Press the BOLD or REG Button again to STOP brewing mid-cycle. The remaining water must be removed. See note above.
- If the BOLD or REG Button flashes three times, the Lid is not closed. Lower Lid until it clicks into place. Press the BOLD or REG Button.
- Do not brew coffee without the Removable Brew Basket with Lid closed in place.
- If you have sediment from coffee, add a #1 paper cone coffee filter to the Removable Brew Basket.
- Do not brew coffee without the Removable Needle Holder locked into place.
- Plug into the outlet.
- Lift Lid Latch until Lid clicks into place.
- Open Brew Basket Lid; then place Removable Brew Basket on the countertop.
- Add ground coffee to the Removable Brew Basket (3 tablespoons [15 g]) maximum.
- Close Brew Basket Lid. Place the Brew Basket in the Funnel.
- Close the Lid and snap it in place to latch the Lid closed.
- Lift the Water Reservoir Lid.
- Fill the cup or travel mug into which coffee will be brewed and add water to the water Reservoir. 14 oz. (414 mL) of water is maximum amount for ground coffee is.
- Close the Water Reservoir Lid.
- Use Cup Rest for a cup/mug, or remove Cup Rest for a travel mug.
- Press the BOLD or REG button to start brewing. The HEATING or
icon will light up to show that the Coffee Maker is heating water. The Coffee Maker will shut off automatically when brewing is complete.
- Unplug.
- Brew Basket should be rinsed after every use.
Care and Cleaning
WARNING: Shock Hazard. Do not immerse the cord, plug, or coffee maker in any liquid. CAUTION: Cut Hazard. Removable single-serve pack holder has a sharp needle. The piercing needle on the underside of the lid is also sharp. Use caution when handling.
General Cleaning
All coffee makers should be cleaned at least once a month (once a week for areas with hard water).
- Unplug and allow to cool.
- Hand wash all removable parts in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry or wash in the TOP RACK of the dishwasher. DO NOT use the “SANI” setting when washing in the dishwasher. “SANI” cycle temperatures could damage your product.
- Wipe the outside of the Coffee Maker with a soft, damp cloth.
Routine Cleaning
- Plug into the outlet.
- Pour 3/4 cup (177 mL) of plain white vinegar and 3/4 cup (177 mL) of cold water into the Reservoir.
- Place a 14-oz. (414-mL) or larger cup or travel mug underneath to catch water/vinegar solution. Press the BOLD or REG Button once. After 30 seconds, press the BOLD or REG Button again to stop brewing and allow vinegar to clean. After 30 minutes, press the BOLD or REG Button and allow it to finish the brew cycle. When the brew cycle is finished, empty the cup and rinse. Run 2 to 3 cycles of cold tap water. The Coffee Maker is cleaned and ready to brew coffee.
- Unplug.
Clogged Needle
- Unplug and allow to cool.
- Remove the Gray Removable Needle Holder in the Lid by turning the arrow from the lock icon
to the unlock icon.
- Bend a small paper clip. Insert the tip of a paper clip through the hole of the piercing needle and up into the shaft of the piercing needle to ensure grounds have been removed.
- To replace the Gray Removable Needle Holder, insert the tab between the lock icon
and the unlock icon
and turn to the right to lock.
TroubleshootingThe
Coffee Maker will not brew/coffee is not dispensing.
- The piercing needle may be clogged. Remove the Gray Removable Needle Holder. Clean the piercing needle in the Lid of the Coffee Maker as shown on page 7.
- Mineral deposits have formed. Clean the Coffee Maker following the directions in the Care and Cleaning section.
- Too little water. Need 6 oz. (177 mL) or more.
Coffee tastes bad.
- Too much water was added, or too much or too little ground coffee was added. Change the amount of water to coffee grounds or use less water with coffee packs.
- Poor coffee quality and freshness.
- Soft water causes poor coffee extraction, leading to poor-tasting coffee. Use filtered, spring, or bottled water if your water is soft.
Coffee sediment in cup.
- Try a more coarsely ground coffee or add a #1 paper cone coffee filter to the Brew Basket. Make sure the Hinged Lid is closed on the Removable Brew Basket.
Coffee overflows from Brew Basket.
- Use Removable Brew Basket with Lid for ground coffee.
- Use a lesser amount of ground coffee. 3 tablespoons (15 g) is the maximum amount of grounds to brew. Do not fill grounds above the MAX fill line.
- When using whole bean coffee, a standard automatic drip coffee grind will yield the best results. Be careful not to overgrind, since very finely ground coffee can cause overflow.
- The black seal around the needle in the Removable Needle Holder is missing. Carefully place the seal around the needle and push until in place.
- Do not use soft water. Use filtered, spring, or bottled water.
Water on counter under unit.
- Overfilled Water Reservoir. Do not add more than 14 oz. (414 mL) of water. Some mugs/cups do not pour cleanly and can dribble water down the side of the cup and onto the counter.
Coffee overflows from mug or travel mug.
- To prevent coffee overflowing from a mug/travel mug, use the same mug/travel mug to brew into that was used to fill the Water Reservoir. Do not add more than 14 oz. (414 mL) of water. There may also be additional water in the system that is causing overflow. Remove Brew Basket or Single-Serve Pack Holder. Press and hold the BOLD or REG Button to remove any remaining water.
Water remaining in Reservoir.
- Added too much or too little water. Place a cup or travel mug on the Cup Rest. Remove the single-serve pack and replace the Brew Basket. Repeat brewing cycle. Press and hold the BOLD or REG Button to remove any remaining water.
Coffee single-serve packs bursts.
- There is variability in the single-serve pack manufacturing process, which causes some types of single-serve packs to be weaker at seams, so the foil seal fails. Try a different brand.
- If you are using softened water or live in an area where your tap water is naturally soft, this can cause single-serve pack issues and filter basket overflows. Use filtered, spring, or bottled water.
BOLD or REG Button flashes:
- 2 times: The Coffee Maker needs to be cleaned. See page 7.
- 3 times: The Coffee Maker Lid is not closed properly. Push the Lid down to lock into place.
- 7 times: The Coffee Maker needs to be cleaned. See page 7.
- 8 times: The Needle is clogged. Remove the Gray Removable Needle Holder and follow the “Clogged Needle” instructions on page 7.
- 9 times: Not enough water. Add water to the Water Reservoir.
Limited Warranty
This warranty applies to products purchased and used in the U.S. and Canada. This 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 a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase in Canada and one (1) year from the date of original purchase in the U.S. During this period, your exclusive remedy is replacement of this product or any component found to be defective, at our option; however, you are responsible for all costs associated with our returning a product or component under this warranty to you. If the product or component is unavailable, we will replace it with a similar one of equal or greater value.
This warranty does not cover glass, filters, wear from normal use, use not in conformity with the printed directions, or damage to the product resulting from accident, alteration, abuse, or misuse. This warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser or gift recipient. Keep the original sales receipt, as proof of purchase is required to make a warranty claim. This warranty is void if the product is used for anything other than single-family household use or subjected to any voltage and waveform other than as specified on the rating label (e.g., 120 V~60 Hz).
We exclude all claims for special, incidental, and consequential damages caused by breach of express or implied warranty. All liability is limited to the amount of the purchase price. Every implied warranty, including any statutory warranty or condition of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, is disclaimed except to the extent prohibited by law, in which case such warranty or condition is limited to the duration of this written warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights that vary depending on where you live. Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on implied warranties or special, incidental, or consequential damages, so the foregoing limitations may not apply to you.
To make a warranty claim, do not return this appliance to the store. Please write Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc., Customer Service Department, 4421 Waterfront Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060, or visit hamiltonbeach.com/customer-service in the U.S. or hamiltonbeach.ca/customer-service in Canada. For faster service, locate the model, type, and series numbers on your appliance.
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Hamilton Beach 49900 FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker-FAQS.
How long does it take to brew coffee?
A single cup typically brews in about 90 seconds with pods or ground coffee.
Can I use K-Cup® pods in the FlexBrew?
Yes. The machine is compatible with K-Cup® pods and ground coffee.
How much coffee should I add when using grounds?
Use 1 scoop of ground coffee per cup of water. The scoop is included with the machine.
Why is the FlexBrew light blinking?
Blinks 2 times: The coffee maker needs cleaning.
Blinks 3 times: The lid is not closed properly—press it down until it locks.
How do I clean the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew?
After each use: Rinse the basket and pod holder.
Regularly: Run a vinegar and water cycle to descale the machine and clean the needle.
How do I get hot water from the FlexBrew?
Simply fill the reservoir with water and run a brew cycle without coffee or a pod.
How much power does the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew use?
It uses between 550–1200 watts while brewing, and automatically powers down after use.
Why is water not pumping through my FlexBrew?
Mineral deposits may be blocking the pump. Try reseating the reservoir, cleaning the inlet, and running a vinegar descaling cycle.