For quick answers about the SENSEO® coffee machine system, please review the questions and answers below.

SENSEO® Coffee Machine Questions and Answers

SENSEO® Coffee Pods



What is the difference between the SENSEO® Coffee Machine and an espresso machine?

SENSEO® Coffee Machine is not like an espresso machine. It is a coffee pod system that makes a sensational cup of coffee with a rich frothy layer on top every time. It's coffee that feels as good as it tastes.

 

How long does it take to prepare one cup of coffee?

Once the machine is ready, it takes less than a minute to prepare a cup of coffee. Before the first cycle, the coffee machine will heat the water for approximately 90 seconds.

 

What colors does the SENSEO® Coffee Machine come in?

The SENSEO® Coffee Machine is available in four colors: Black, White, Blue, and Red.

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Can tea be prepared in the SENSEO® Coffee Machine?

Yes, although tea preparation requires a different pod holder.  These pod holders are included with the Supreme and Deluxe machines and will be available for purchase soon at senseostore.com.

 

Will the coffee machine turn off automatically?

Yes, if the machine is not in use for an hour, it will turn off automatically. However, we would encourage you to unplug the Coffee Machine from the electrical outlet if it will not be used for an extended time.

 

What type of warranty does Philips offer for the coffee machine?

Philips offers a 2-year warranty from date of purchase with an original sales receipt, and agrees to repair or replace the Coffee Machine without charge. Excluded are the cord, coffee pods, accessories, and damage resulting from misuse or abuse.

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Can the coffee machine parts be cleaned in the dishwasher?

Yes, parts that are removable are dishwasher safe. This includes: the coffee outflow unit, pod holders, cup tray, drip tray, and the water reservoir.

 

What is the difference between the SENSEO® Coffee Machine and a traditional coffee machine?

The Philips SENSEO® coffee machine's patented brewing system uses perfectly balanced proportions of coffee and water. Mild pressure and a special spray head produce an optimally balanced coffee filtering process. It’s a unique coffee machine that makes a superior tasting, gourmet cup of fresh coffee.

 

Can I use other coffee pod brands in my SENSEO® Coffee Machine?

No. While we recognize that other manufacturers pods may fit in the SENSEO® Coffee Machine, the coffee blends are different and will not result in the same premium quality, and consistency on a cup-by-cup basis. Philips and Sara Lee have been working for ten years to perfect this sensational cup of coffee.

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Which is the most popular color of the SENSEO® Coffee Machine?

The black is the most popular to date in Europe.

 

Why does the indicator light continue to blink slowly, after the initial heating cycle of 90 seconds?

You may have skipped the first step to flush the appliance with water. The boiler must be filled with water before the brew cycle begins. Or, you may be using the SENSEO® Coffee Machine at higher altitudes above 6800 ft. above sea level.

 

Why does the water continue to boil and the indicator light blink slowly?

When you use the SENSEO® coffee pod system at higher altitudes, 6800 ft. (+) above sea level, the water in the machine will boil sooner than the machine requires for brewing. The coffee machine will produce more steam and less coffee per cup under these conditions.

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Why is the indicator light blinking rapidly?

When there is not enough water in the reservoir to make a cup of coffee, the indicator light will blink rapidly to indicate that the reservoir needs to be refilled. Or, the appliance is in a room where the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The appliance will not function properly at these lower temperatures.

 

What happens if the water runs out while I am brewing an 8oz cup?

Simply add more water to the reservoir. Once the water has filled the boiler, the brewing cycle will resume.

 

Why is the lever stuck in a locked position causing the lid not to open?

The pod holder is probably blocked, and may require cleaning. A vacuum may have temporarily formed under the lid. Turn the machine off, pull the lever up as far it will go and wait 24 hours before opening. Use a soft brush or a toothpick to remove the coffee grounds trapped in the coffee pod holder. If the problem persists, contact Customer Care at: SENSEO.US@Philips.com

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Why is there only half a cup of coffee during the first brew cycle?

You may have skipped the first step to flush the appliance with water. The boiler must be filled with water before the brew cycle begins.

 

How often should I clean or "descale" the coffeemachine for mineral buildup in the boiler?

It's time to clean or "descale" the appliance when you notice that the brewing process takes longer than usual. If the machine is used twice daily on average, we recommend descaling once every three months. See directions for use for "descaling" process.

 

Why does the lid seem hard to close?

The pod may not be positioned properly. Put the pod in the pod holder with the flat SENSEO® side facing up, and check whether the coffee is evenly distributed by pressing the pod down firmly before you close the lid. When you want to make two cups of coffee at the same time or one larger cup, be sure to use two pods in the 2-pod holder.

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Why is my coffee too weak, or too strong?

Check that you have used the correct number of pods in the appropriate pod holder for the number cups selected.

 

My coffee is not hot. Why?

When you first turn on the coffee machine, we suggest that you run a one-cup brew cycle with an empty pod holder in place. This will ensure that the boiler is heated to proper brewing conditions and that you will have a hot cup of coffee. Another suggestion is to rinse the cup or mug with hot water a couple of times.

 

Can I reuse a coffee pod to make a second cup of coffee?

We do not recommend this. The second cup of coffee will be rather weak. Also make sure the lid is closed properly, and do not press the 2-cup button if you want to brew only one cup.

 

How to contact the Customer Care Center?

To contact the Customer Care Center for fulfillment of manufacturers’ warranty - Toll free # 866-473-6736 = 8664SENSEO

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