Hamilton Beach 2-way FlexBrew Coffee Maker
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following
- 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. 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 cord, plug, or coffee maker in water or other liquid.
- Unplug from outlet when either the coffee maker or clock 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 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. Call the provided customer service number for information on examination, repair, or adjustment.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
Parts and Features
- BEFORE FIRST USE: Wash all removable parts in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Brew one cycle with water on each side and discard water.
How to Brew a Single-Serve Pack
WARNING Burn Hazard
If overflow occurs, unplug and allow coffee maker to cool. To avoid hot coffee overflowing:
- Fill reservoir with cup or travel mug of water into which the coffee will be brewed.
- Fully insert cup or travel mug on drip tray.
- Do not lift lid during the brewing process.
- If brew process is stopped early, the water must be drained from the unit. Place a large mug on drip tray/cup rest. Press the BREW NOW I/ 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 lid also is sharp. Use caution when handling.
NOTES:
- Use only cold water in reservoir. Do not use hot water.
- Do not reheat coffee in the machine.
- Do not use creamer or nondairy creamer in 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 added.
- Press the BREW NOW I/ button again to STOP brewing midcycle. Remaining water must be removed. See warning statement above.
- If the brew indicator light flashes three times, the lid is not closed. Lower lid until it clicks to lock. Press BREW NOW I/ button.
- Do not brew coffee without a removable needle holder locked into place.
- Plug into outlet. Press the single-serve ( ) button.
- Lift the lid latch until the lid clicks into place.
- Insert the funnel in the opening. Place gray removable single-serve pack holder in funnel, aligning handle with funnel handle.
- Place a pack into the single-serve pack holder. Do not remove foil.
- Close lid and snap in place to pierce single-serve pack.
- Lift single-serve water reservoir lid.
- Fill cup or travel mug into which the coffee will be brewed and add water to the water reservoir. 10 oz. (296 ml) of water is the MAX amount for singleserve
packs. - Close lid. Press the BREW STRENGTH button to select regular or bold.
- Use the cup rest for a cup or mug and remove the cup rest for a travel mug.
- Press the BREW NOW I/ button to start brewing. The brew indicator light will light up to show that the coffee maker is brewing. The coffee maker will shut off automatically when brewing is complete.
- Press BREW NOW I/ button to turn off. Unplug.
- Funnel and single-serve pack holder should be rinsed after every use
How to Brew Single-Serve Ground Coffee
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 in the brew basket.
- Coffee maker brews all the water added.
- If finer ground coffee is used, coffee will continue to drip after the light has gone off.
- Press the BREW NOW I/ button again to STOP brewing midcycle. The remaining water must be removed. See the warning statement above.
- If brew indicator light flashes three times, the lid is not closed. Lower lid until it clicks to lock. Press the BREW NOW I/ button.
- Do not brew coffee without a brown removable brew basket and funnel in place.
- If you have sediment from the coffee, add a #1 paper cone coffee filter to the brown removable brew basket.
- Do not brew coffee without removable needle holder locked into place
- Plug into outlet.
- Lift lid latch until lid clicks into place.
- Insert funnel in opening. Open brew basket lid; then place brown removable brew basket on counter top.
- Add ground coffee to brown removable brew basket (3 tablespoons [44 ml]) maximum.
- Close brew basket lid. Place brew basket in funnel, aligning handle with funnel handle.
- Close lid and snap in place to latch lid closed.
- Lift water reservoir lid.
- Fill cup or travel mug (14 oz/ 414 ml MAX) into which the coffee will be brewed and add water to the water reservoir.
- Close water reservoir lid.
- Use cup rest for a cup/mug OR remove cup rest for a travel mug.
- Press BREW NOW I/ button to start brewing. The brew indicator light will light up to show that coffee maker is brewing. The coffee maker will shut off automatically when brewing is complete.
- Press the BREW NOW I/ button to turn off. Unplug.
- The funnel and brew basket should be rinsed after every use.
How to Brew a Carafe
WARNING Burn Hazard
If filter basket overflow occurs, unplug coffee maker and allow coffee in filter basket to cool before removing filter basket. To avoid hot coffee overflowing:
- When using decaffeinated coffee, do not exceed the coffee manufacturer’s recommended serving amount. Use only the carafe supplied with your unit or its exact replacement.
- Plug into outlet.
- Press the carafe ( ) button.
- Lift the lid. Remove the carafe brew basket.
- Place a paper coffee filter in the carafe brew basket. For each cup of coffee being made, place one level tablespoon (15 ml) of grounds into paper filter.
- Place carafe brew basket back into carafe brew basket holder.
- Fill carafe with up to 12 cups of cold water and pour into the carafe water reservoir.
- Close lid.
- Place carafe, with carafe lid attached, on warming plate.
- Press BREW STRENGTH button to change strength to BOLD.
- Press BREW NOW I/ button to start brewing. The brew indicator light will light up to show that the coffee maker is on.
- Press BREW NOW I/ button to turn off. Unplug.
- Carafe brew basket holder and carafe should be rinsed after every use.
- AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF: The Automatic Shutoff feature shuts off the coffeemaker two hours after brew cycle begins.
- NOTE: The unit will only brew on one side at a time
Tips for Best-Tasting Coffee
- All coffees are made from either arabica beans or robusta beans, or some combination of both. Arabica beans are slightly more expensive, but tend to produce better-tasting coffee.
- Ground coffee will become stale much faster than whole beans. If buying preground coffee, choose a package with the latest expiration date or a smaller quantity.
- If grinding whole beans, set your coffee grinder on a fine/medium grind. This will yield the best-tasting grounds. Try to use freshly ground coffee within about a week of grinding.
- Using a water filter, filtered water, or bottled water will yield better-tasting coffee than tap water.
- Use approximately 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of grounds for each cup of coffee being made. To avoid overflow, use slightly less grounds (3/4 tablespoon [11.3 ml]) when brewing decaf or flavored coffees. Also, be aware that using coffee that is ground too finely may also cause the filter basket to overflow.
- Make sure your coffee maker is clean. See “Care and Cleaning” section.
Programming – For Carafe Side Only
NOTE: The unit will only brew on one side at a time. Single-serve side cannot be used while Carafe side is programmed.
- Time must be set before coffee maker can be programmed. Press and pulse SET TIME button for correct hour in AM or PM. Wait 3 seconds. Pulse or hold to set minutes.
- To program, press and hold PROG button. Start Time is visible in display and 19:99 flashes as default.
- While continuing to hold PROG button, pulse SET TIME button to set desired brewing hour in AM or PM. Wait 3 seconds; minutes will flash. Pulse to set minutes. Release PROG button. Press and release PROG button again to activate automatic brew. PROG light will illuminate.
- TIP: To check the start time, press and hold the PROG button. The time you set will be displayed and can be changed by repeating the steps above. Press PROG button to reactivate automatic brew and the light will illuminate
Care and Cleaning
General Cleaning
- Unplug and allow to cool.
- Hand wash all removable parts in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry or wash in TOP RACK only of the dishwasher. DO NOT use the “SANI” setting when washing in the dishwasher. “SANI” cycle temperatures could damage your product.
- Wipe outside of coffee maker with a soft damp cloth.
Clogged Needle
- Unplug and allow to cool.
- Remove the gray removable needle holder in the lid by turning the arrow from the locked icon ( ) to the unlocked icon ().
- Bend a small paper clip. Insert the tip of the 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 unlock icon () and turn to the right to lock.
Routine Cleaning
All coffee makers should be cleaned at least once a month (once a week for areas with hard water).
To Clean Carafe Side:
- Plug into outlet.
- Press the carafe ( ) button.
- Pour 1 pint (2 cups/473 ml) of plain white vinegar into the carafe water reservoir. Place carafe underneath to catch the vinegar.
- Press the BREW NOW I/ button once. After 30 seconds, press the BREW NOW I/ button again to stop the brewing and allow the vinegar to clean. After 30 minutes, press BREW NOW I/button and allow it to finish the brew cycle. When brew cycle is finished, empty carafe and rinse. Run 2 to 3 cycles of cold tap
water. The carafe side is cleaned and ready to brew coffee.
To Clean Single-Serve Side
- Plug into outlet.
- Press the single-serve ( ) button.
- Pour 1 cup (273 ml) of plain white vinegar into the single-serve water reservoir. Place a 14-oz. (414-ml) or larger cup or travel mug underneath to catch the vinegar.
- Press BREW NOW I/ button once. When solution starts dispensing, press BREW NOW I/ button again to stop brewing and allow vinegar to clean. After 30 minutes, press BREW NOW I/ button and allow it to finish brew cycle. When brew cycle is finished, empty cup and rinse. Run 2 to 3 cycles of cold tap water.
The unit is cleaned and ready to brew coffee. - Unplug.
Troubleshooting – Single-Serve Side
The coffee maker will not brew/coffee not dispensing
- The piercing needle may be clogged. Always remove the gray removable needle holder. Clean piercing needle in the lid of the coffee maker as shown on page 9.
- Mineral deposits have formed. Clean 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 the coffee packs.
- Poor coffee quality and freshness.
- Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water).
Coffee sediment in the cup
- Try a more coarsely ground coffee or add a #1 paper cone coffee filter to a single-serve brew basket. Make sure the hinged lid is closed on the removable single-serve brew basket.
Water on a counter under unit
- Overfilled water reservoir. Do not add more than 14 ounces (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.
Control Panel Notifications:
- CLEAN: Coffee maker needs to be cleaned. See page 9.
- CLOSE LID: Coffee maker lid is not closed properly. Push lid down to lock into place.
- CLEAN: Coffee maker needs to be cleaned. See page 9.
- NEEDLE: Needle is clogged. Always remove the gray removable needle holder and follow “Clogged Needle” on page 9.
- H2O FIL: Not enough water. Add water to water reservoir.
Coffee overflows from brew basket
- Use removable brew basket with lid for ground coffee.
- Use a lesser amount of ground coffee. 3 tablespoons (44 ml) is the maximum amount of grounds to brew.
- When using whole bean coffee, a standard automatic drip coffee grind will yield best results. Be careful not to overgrind, since very finely ground coffee can cause overflow.
- Black seal around the needle in the removable needle holder is missing. Carefully place seal around needle and push until in place.
Coffee overflows from travel mug or regular 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 ounces (414 ml) of water. There may also be additional water in the system that is causing the overflow. Remove brew basket or single-serve pack holder. Press and hold the BREW NOW I/ button to remove any remaining water.
Water remaining in the reservoir
- Added too much or too little water. Place cup or travel mug on drip tray. Remove single-serve pack and replace brew basket. Repeat brewing cycle. Press and hold the BREW NOW I/ button to remove any remaining water.
Coffee single-serve pack bursts
- There is variability in the single-serve pack manufacturing process which causes some types of single-serve packs to be weaker at the seams so the foil seal fails. Try a different brand.
Auto-start feature does not work with the Single-Serve side
- The auto-start feature is not designed to work with the Single-Serve side. Program mode is for the Carafe side only.
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 repair or replacement of this product or any component found to be defective, at our option; however, you are responsible for all costs associated with returning the product to us and our returning a product or component under this warranty to you. If the product or component is no longer available, we will replace 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 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 preceding limitations may not apply to you. To make a warranty claim, do not return this appliance to the store. Please call 1.800.851.8900 in the U.S. or 1.800.267.2826 in Canada or visit hamiltonbeach.com in the U.S. or hamiltonbeach.ca in Canada. For faster service, locate the model, type, and series numbers on your appliance.
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Hamilton Beach 2-way FlexBrew Coffee Maker-FAQs
Why does my Hamilton Beach coffee maker overflow?
Overflow can happen if you use too much coffee grounds or if the brew basket and carafe aren’t properly seated. Ensure the brew basket and carafe are aligned correctly and use the right amount of coffee grounds (about one tablespoon per cup of water).
Does the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew need filters?
While paper filters (size #1) aren’t required, they help with easy cleanup. You can use them to catch coffee grounds and prevent sediment buildup.
Why does my Hamilton Beach coffee maker take so long to brew?
A clogged screen in the brew tank can slow down brewing. Clean the mesh screen with an old toothbrush and rinse away any buildup to restore normal brewing speed.
What happens if you add too much water to coffee?
Using too much water can make the coffee taste thin and watery. To brew the perfect cup, follow the correct coffee-to-water ratio: about 1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 6 ounces of water.
Does the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew shut off automatically?
Yes, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew has an automatic shut-off feature for safety and convenience.
What is the coffee-to-water ratio for Hamilton Beach coffee maker?
Use 1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 6 ounces of water. This ratio can be adjusted based on your strength preference.
How can I increase my coffee brew time?
You can adjust the brew time by changing the coffee-to-water ratio, adjusting the grind size, or manually altering the flow rate for more contact time between water and coffee grounds.
How do I clean the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew?
To clean, mix 3/4 cup white vinegar and 3/4 cup water in the reservoir. Run a brew cycle to clean, then unplug the machine and let the vinegar solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
What does “bold” mean on a coffee maker?
The “bold” setting slows the water flow, allowing it to steep longer in the coffee grounds, resulting in stronger coffee.
What is the ratio for auto drip coffee?
For auto drip coffee, use a 1:16 ratio—1 ounce of coffee for every 16 ounces of water. If you don’t have a scale, use about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. Adjust to your strength preference.