Hamilton Beach coffee maker troubleshooting: Hamilton Beach is not working, not brewing

Is your Hamilton coffee maker not functioning as directed? No need to replace it: there is every chance that you will be able to fix it on your own.

Most repairs to coffee makers are really easy to perform even if you have never tried troubleshooting household appliances. All you need is a couple of basic tools and expert explanations on what to do. That’s why we have published the troubleshooting tips below. Following them, you will be able to bring the machine back to life and problems fixes.
Learn how to descale or clean Hamilton Beach coffee maker.

There are quite a number of modifications of Hamilton Beach coffee machines. However, If you know how to use had one such machine, you won’t have problems with another one, because they are very similar in functionality. It takes a timy boit of time and effort to identify the cause of the problem and troubleshoot it.

The most likely issues are:

The machine is not getting water
The needle is faulty or damaged
There is a percolator issue
The machine is not brewing
It is not dispensing well

Step 1

Check the dispenser for leaks. If there is a leak, clean the dispenser and dispensing mechanism, because this may be due to coffee grounds sticking between its parts. Check the water filter and remove it. Fill the water reservoir with vinegar, start the coffee maker and let it run for about 20 seconds. Turn it off and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Then run it for another 20 seconds and stop it. Dispense your cups. Rinse out the reservoir using warm and clean water. Fill the reservoir with water and run a few more cycles to get rid of any unhealthy foreign stuff.

Step 2

If your coffee does not taste well, most likely, the filter needs to be replaced. Akso, you can try bottled water or change the amount of it. Try different options and see which one has a better result.

Step 3

If your machine has stopped brewing, check the reservoir to ensure there is water in it. If there is not, the machine won’t work until you fill the reservoir with water.

Step 4

If the basket overflows, there may be too much coffee grounds in the machine. When pouring in grounds, be very careful and stop pouring it once the level reaches the fill line.

Step 5

Check the filter to ensure it fits in the basket. Please, be sure that only one filter has been inserted in the coffee basket.

Blinking light

The water reservoir is empty.

Please, check the reservoir to ensure there is at least some water in it. If there is no water or too little of it, the unit is not ggoing to work.

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49965A coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEM	PROBABLE CAUSE/SOLUTION
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffee maker needs cleaning.
	• Coffee ground too coarse or too fine. Select automatic drip grind.
	• Poor coffee quality and freshness.
	• Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water).
Coffee maker will not brew.	• The piercing needle may be clogged.
Coffee overflows from brew basket.	• Use removable brew basket holder for ground coffee. 3 tablespoons (44 ml) is the maximum amount of grounds to brew.
	• Use a lesser amount of ground coffee.
	• 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 in this unit.
Coffee overflows from mug or travel mug.	• To prevent coffee overflowing from a mug/travel mug, choose the correct cup size.
FIL H20 on display.	• Water reservoir is not in place. No water in the water reservoir. Fill water reservoir to MAX fill line and start the brewing process.
NEEDLE on display.	• Clean the Piercing Needle
No clock display.	• Started brew cycle without first setting clock. Press 0 button to display and set the clock.
Coffee not dispensing.	• Piercing needle is clogged with coffee grounds. Turn unit off; unplug. Allow unit to cool completely. To remove any built-up coffee grounds, insert end of bent paper clip into eye and up into piercing needle.
Failed foil seal.	• There is variability in the single-serve pack manufacturing process which causes some types of single-serve packs to be weaker at the seams. Brew using a different brand of single-serve packs.
PURGE on display.	• Place travel mug on cup rest. Press (ON/OFF) button.

Hamilton Beach BrewStation coffee maker troubleshooting

POTENTIAL PROBLEM	PROBABLE CAUSE
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	• Coffee ground other than automatic drip.
	• Coffee-to-water ratio unbalanced.
	• Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water to make coffee).
Coffee not brewing/ unit will not turn on.	• Water reservoir is empty.
	• Unit is unplugged.
	• Power outage.
	• Power surge. Unplug then plug the unit back in.
	• Clock model requires pressing Auto ON/OFF button twice. Light should glow.
	• Clock blinking in program mode. Press PROG once then press ON/OFF until indicator light glows.
	• Clock model requires reset after power outage.
Coffee brews slowly.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	• Excessive amounts of coffee.
	• Coffee ground too finely (not automatic drip grind).
	• More than one paper filter in basket.
	• Poor quality paper filter.
Leaks from dispenser.	• Coffee grounds trapped in coffee tank dispensing mechanism under ring in coffee tank.

Hamilton Beach BrewStation 48463 coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEM	PROBABLE CAUSE
Coffee leaks from dispenser.	• Coffee grounds trapped in coffee tank dispensing mechanism under seal in coffee tank.
CLEAN appears in display.	• This is a reminder to clean coffeemaker.
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	• Coffee ground too coarsely or too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind.
	• Coffee-to-water ratio unbalanced. Adjust for personal preference.
	• Poor water quality. Use water filter or bottled water to make coffee.
Coffee not brewing or stops brewing/unit will not turn on.	• Mineral deposits have built up.
	• Water reservoir is empty.
	• Unit is unplugged.
	• Power outage or power surge. If surge, unplug; then plug back in.
Coffee brews slowly.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning. Clean at least every 30 days to maintain proper performance.
	• Coffeemaker is in the 1-4 CUPS or BOLD modes. Press Brew Mode button until no lights appear.
Coffee overflows basket.	• Excessive amounts of coffee grounds.
	• Coffee ground too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind.
	• More than one paper filter in filter basket. Poor quality paper filter or wrong size paper filter.
Unit beeps continuously/ will not brew and/or POUR WATER appears in display.	• No water in reservoir. Transfer water from coffee tank to reservoir.
Coffee is cold when dispensed.	• Selected Keep Warm Hours have elapsed and coffeemaker has automatically shut off. Brew new cycle.

Hamilton Beach 40714 coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEM	Things TO CHECK
Espresso temperature is too low	• Make sure that the Temperature/Ready light is off
	• Pre-warm the filter holder by running hot water through it
	• Pre-warm cup by rinsing with hot water or using cup warming tray
	• Use coffee grounds that are at room temperature
Espresso flow is too slow	• Make sure the water reservoir is not empty
	• Do not tamp grounds too firmly
Espresso runs out of the side or top of the filter holder	• Make sure that the filter holder is fitted into the espresso maker properly
	• Clean coffee grounds off the edge of the filter before inserting the filter holder into espresso maker
	• Clean the brew head, filter, and filter holder
Espresso will not flow out	• Is the water reservoir empty?
	• Is the water reservoir properly fitted into position?
	• Make sure that the coffee grounds are not overpacked in the filter
	• Is filter holder properly fitted into the espresso maker?
	• Clean the filter, filter holder, and brew head
Machine is very noisy when operating	• Is the water reservoir empty?
	• Is the water reservoir properly fitted into position?
	• Is the filter holder properly fitted into position?
Espresso flavor is too weak	• Always use fresh espresso ground coffee
	• Tamp the ground coffee down firmly
	• The longer the brew time, the weaker the espresso (1 serving = 1 to 1 Vi ounces)
	• Be sure there is sufficient ground coffee in the filter
	• Coffee grounds are too coarse
	• Try a different brand or roast of coffee
Espresso flavor is too strong or bitter	• Ensure steam button is OFF. If the steam button was left on, the water may have been too hot. Rotate steam control dial counterclockwise to release steam into a frothing cup or pitcher and allow appliance to cool.
	• Too much espresso ground was used
	• Grounds were too fine
	• Brew longer before pressing espresso button to OFF
	• Try different a different brand or roast of coffee
	• Use the Hamilton Beach Custom Grind™ coffee grinder
Difficult to froth milk	• Always use fresh, cold milk (skim milk is recommended)
	• Use a cold, stainless steel cup
	• Clean the frothing nozzle
	• Move the cup slightly up and down while frothing
	• Make sure that the Steam button is depressed and that the Temperature/Ready light is off

Hamilton Beach 45237 coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEM	PROBABLE CAUSE
Filter basket overflows or coffee brews slowly.	• Excessive amounts of coffee.
	• Coffee ground too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind.
	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	If using a paper filter: • Coffee grounds between paper filter and filter basket.
	• Paper filter not open and in proper position.
	• Rinse filter basket before inserting paper filter so the edges will remain pressed against the sides of the basket.
	• Poor-quality paper filter.
Coffee leaks onto base.	•Thermal travel mugs not properly seated in position indicators on base.
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	• Coffee ground too coarsely or too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind.
	• Coffee-to-water ratio unbalanced. Adjust for personal preference.
	• Poor coffee quality and freshness.
	• Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water).
Coffee sediment in cup.	• Use a high-quality, basket-style paper filter instead of optional permanent coffee filter.
Coffee not brewing or unit will not turn on.	• Water reservoir is empty.
	• Unit is unplugged.
	• Power outage.
	• Power surge. Unplug; then plug the unit back in.
	• Clock requires reset after power outage.
Longer than normal brew time.	• Mineral deposits can build up in the pump of your coffeemaker. Periodic cleaning of the inside of the unit is recommended. More frequent cleaning may be necessary, depending on the hardness of your water.
	• 1-4 CUP mode was selected for a full pot.

Hamilton Beach 49980 coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEM	PROBABLE CAUSE
Weak coffee.	• Not enough ground coffee used. If using pods, make sure the pod(s) are centered in the pod basket and/or Scoop'" brew basket and use two pods for stronger coffee.
Coffee overflows from brew basket, travel mug, or regular mug.	• Excessive amount of water in single-serve reservoir. Use travel mug or mug into which coffee will be brewed to fill reservoir. Use slightly less grounds when brewing decaffeinated or flavored coffees. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind.
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	• Coffee ground too coarsely or too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind.
	• Poor coffee quality and freshness.
	• Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water).
Brew basket overflows or coffee brews slowly.	• Excessive amounts of ground coffee.
	• Decaffeinated and/or coffee ground too finely can cause overflow. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind and use slightly less grounds.
	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	If using a paper filter: • Coffee grounds between paper filter and brew basket.
	• Paper filter not open and in proper position.
	• Rinse brew basket before inserting paper filter so the edges will remain pressed against the sides of the basket.
	• Poor-quality paper filter.
Coffee leaks onto base.	• Carafe removed from keep-hot plate for more than 20 seconds during the brewing cycle.
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning.
	• Coffee ground too coarsely or too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind.
	• Coffee-to-water ratio unbalanced. Adjust for personal preference.
	• Poor coffee quality and freshness.
	• Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water).
Coffee sediment in cup.	• Use a high-quality, basket-style paper filter instead of optional permanent coffee filter.
Coffee not brewing or unit will not turn on.	• Carafe not positioned on keep-hot plate.
	• Water reservoir is empty.
	• Unit is unplugged.
	• Power outage.
	• Power surge. Unplug; then plug the unit back in.
	• Clock requires reset after power outage.
Longer than normal brew time.	• Mineral deposits can build up in the pump of your coffeemaker. Periodic cleaning of the inside of the unit is recommended. More frequent cleaning may be necessary, depending on the hardness of your water.

Hamilton Beach Single-Serve Coffeemaker troubleshooting

PROBLEM	PROBABLE CAUSE/SOLUTION
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning. • Coffee ground too coarsely or too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind. • Poor coffee quality and freshness. • Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water).
Water on counter under unit.	• Overfilled water reservoir. Also check cup used to fill reservoir. Some mugs/cups do not pour cleanly and can dribble water down the side of the cup and onto counter.
Coffeemaker will not brew.	• Make sure you have allowed for the 2 minutes of cool-down time. • Check for water in water reservoir. If there is no water in the reservoir and the brew button is pushed, the unit will not brew.
Coffee overflows from brew basket.	• Use removable holder for ground coffee. • Use a lesser amount of ground coffee. • 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 in this unit.
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 10 ounces (296 ml) of water.
Water remaining in reservoir.	• Added too much water. Remove single-serve pack and replace brew basket. Repeat brewing cycle.
Noise or steam at the end of brew cycle.	• Reduce amount of water in reservoir. • Brew a different type of single-serve pack.
Coffee not dispensing.	• Piercing nozzle is clogged with coffee grounds. Turn unit off; unplug. Allow unit to cool completely. To remove any built-up coffee grounds, insert end of bent paper clip into eye of piercing nozzle.
Water reservoir fills too slowly.	• Unit hasn't cooled down. Allow 2 minutes between brewing cycles. • Try filling water reservoir before pushing down brew basket handle to pierce single-serve pack. Start brewing cycle.
Failed foil seal.	• There is variability in the single-serve pack manufacturing process which causes some types of single-serve packs to be weaker at the seams. Let cool 2 minutes between brewing, use less water, or try a different brand.

Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single-Serve Coffeemaker troubleshooting

PROBLEM	PROBABLE CAUSE
Coffee tastes bad.	• Coffeemaker needs cleaning. • Coffee ground too coarsely or too finely. Set coffee grinder to automatic drip grind. • Poor coffee quality and freshness. • Poor water quality (use filtered or bottled water)
Water on counter under unit.	• Overfilled water reservoir. Also check cup used to fill reservoir. Some mugs/cups do not pour cleanly and can dribble water down the side of the cup and onto counter.
Coffeemaker will not brew and LED light is blinking	• Add water. If there is no water in the water reservoir and a brew button is pushed, the unit will not brew.
Weak coffee.	First, try brewing using the (cup simbol) setting. If coffee is still too weak, adjust water/coffee ratio by using slightly less water and/or more grounds. Be careful to not exceed the MAX line for grounds.
Coffee overflows from brew basket.	• Use a lesser amount of ground coffee. Use the setting (cup simbol) for flavored, finely ground, premium brand ground coffees, and decaf coffees. 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 in this unit.
Coffee overflows from mug or travel mug.	• To prevent coffee overflowing from a mug/travel mug, ensure the SAME cup into which coffee will be brewed is also used to fill the water reservoir.