Hotel Chocolat THE PODSTER Guide

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
& WARRANTY
063619-V2
Coffee system
THE PODSTER
Planet-friendly packaging: we have
minimised plastic and paper use as a
deliberate act.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USING THE PODSTER. KEEP THESE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
IMPORTANT SAFE GUARDS
• THIS IS AN ATTENDED APPLIANCE. Do not leave
unattended during use, unplug after each use (risk of
re if an unattended appliance is left operating).
• This appliance must not be used by children younger than
8 years old or persons with very extensive and complex
disabilities. Children aged 8-14 years and persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience
and knowledge shall not use this appliance, unless they are
supervised and have been given instruction concerning the
use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards
involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and
user maintenance shall not be made by children unless they are
older than 8 and supervised. Keep the appliance and its cord out
of reach of children less than 8 years old.
• This appliance is intended for indoor household use only. If
the appliance is used improperly or for professional or semi-
professional purposes or if it is not used according to these
instructions the Warranty becomes invalid and Hotel Chocolat
refuses any liability for damage caused.
Electrical Safety
• Ensure that the voltage of the appliance corresponds to that of
the mains supply.
• WARNING: This appliance must be earthed.
• Unplug the appliance from the mains before cleaning or
maintaining. For details, please refer to CLEANING SECTION.
• Do not operate this appliance with a damaged cord or plug.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by Hotel
Chocolat, its service agent or a similarly qualied person in
order to avoid a hazard.
• Never touch the cable with wet hands.
• This appliance conforms to directive 2014/30/ EU regarding
electromagnetic compatibility.
• Do not pull the power supply cable over sharp edges, clamp it
or allow it to hang down. It should not be allowed to come into
contact with hot or damp surfaces.
• The use of extension cables not authorised by the manufacturer
may cause damage or accidents.
General Safety
• Do not use if dropped, cracked or damaged. Risk of re,
electric shock or injury to persons.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by
Hotel Chocolat may result in re, electric shock or injury
to persons.
• Product surface and inside is subject to residual heat after use.
• Do not touch the metal body when the appliance is in use, as
this may cause burns or scalding.
• Do not place the appliance on a polished wood surface, it could
damage the surface.
• Do not place on a metal tray or surface that may collect liquid
or other metal surface during use.
• Do not operate on an uneven surface.
• Do not place the appliance over or close to sources of heat
such as electric rings, hot ovens or open ames.
• Do not use the appliance without water as this may cause
damage to the pump.
• Do not leave the appliance in a room with a temperature below
0°C, as any water remaining in the appliance could freeze and
cause damage.
• The Podster shall not be placed in a cabinet when in use.
• Before relling the water tank, unplug the appliance from the
mains. Never remove the water tank whilst plugged in.
• Do not overll the water tank.
• Do not ll water tank whilst it is tted to the machine.
• Do not use sparkling water (with carbon dioxide).
• Never ll the tank with hot or boiling water.
• Only use the appliance with the drip tray correctly tted.
• Do not immerse in water or other liquids.
• Do not use the Podster for any purpose other than mentioned
in this instruction booklet. Otherwise, this may result in an injury
caused by misuse.
• If there is internal water leakage, do not operate the Podster
and unplug it at once in order to avoid electric hazard. Please
note, condensation under the machine is normal.
• Turn the appliance o and unplug when not in use.
• To prevent damage to the appliance do not use alkaline cleaning
agents when cleaning, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent.
• Do not use a scouring pad or abrasive cleaner on the main
body.
• Hot water hazard. Avoid direct contact with hot water. Unplug
the appliance from the mains to allow to cool before cleaning,
maintaining or moving. For details, please refer to CLEANING
SECTION.
• We recommend that the appliance is plugged into a socket
that has no other appliance connected to it. Failure to do this
may cause an overload, trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse.
Preferably the socket outlet should be protected by a residual
current device (RCD).
• Do not come into contact with the coee outlet, risk of
scalding.
• Never use a damaged or deformed pod. Water could ow
around the pod when not perforated by the blades and damage
the appliance.
• This appliance operates with Rabot Estate Coee Pods and
Nespresso®* capsules.
• Always close the lever completely and never lift it during
operation. Do not put ngers into the pod compartment or the
pod shaft. Danger of injury!
• Never put the appliance or part of it in a dishwasher.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
• In the interest of improving products, Hotel Chocolat reserves
the right to change the product specication without prior
notice. All illustrations are for representation only, your model
may vary from illustrations shown.
INSTRUCTIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not dispose of this product in the usual household
garbage at the end of its life cycle. Please hand it over
to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic appliances.
• The symbol on the product, the instruction of use or the
packaging will inform you about the methods of disposal. The
materials are recyclable as mentioned on its marking. By recycling,
material recycling or other forms of re-utilization of old appliances
you are making an important contribution to protect our
environment. Please enquire at the community administration for
the authorised disposal location.
*Nespresso® trademark is owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A

PRESS FOR
SHORT SHOT
PRESS FOR LONG SHOT
POWER
SWITCH
POD
LEVER
WATER TANK LID
POD HATCH
DRIP TRAY
COVER
NOZZLE
POD BASKET
DRIP TRAY
WATER TANK
COFFEE BUTTONS
KNOW YOUR PODSTER GETTING STARTED
Plug in the power cord at the
mains and turn on using the Power
Switch. Short shot and Long Shot
Buttons will ash slowly to indicate
machine is warming up.
The machine is warmed up once
the Short Shot and Long Shot
Buttons stop ashing. Press the
Short Shot Button and wait for the
water to dispense. Repeat 5 times.
This will rinse the internals ready
for your rst drink.
5
Insert the Drip Tray and Pod
Basket assembly into the machine.
6
Remove the Drip Tray and Pod
Basket assembly, then place a
container or large cup under the
Nozzle. Ensure the Lever is pushed
down fully.
4
Once lled, place the Water
Tank into position by aligning the
connection and pushing down
rmly. Tip: bubbles rise in the
Water Tank when it is correctly
seated.
3
Insert the Pod Basket into the Drip
Tray, then slide into the machine.
Lift the Water Tank and open the
Water Tank Lid. Carry to the tap
and ll with water. Do not overll or ll
whilst attached to the Podster. Never use your
Podster if the water is below the Min Line.
21
To achieve optimum performance from your Podster follow this procedure for FIRST USE, or if you have not used your
machine for a prolonged period.
SAFETY INSTRUCTION: Never lift the lever whilst the beverage is being dispensed. Hot beverage may cause injury and burns.
3
5x
MIN MARK

MAKING THE PERFECT COFFEE PROGRAMMABLE DOSING MEMORY
Ensure all steps from the
GETTING STARTED
section are followed. To
ensure the best taste, you
should always dispense hot
water to rinse the system
before each use.
1
Press the Short Shot button
to dispense a single shot of
coee. Press the Long Shot
Button for a regular double
shot of coee.
5
Lift the Lever fully and insert
a pod. Ensure pod is not
damaged or deformed. If so,
discard and use a new pod.
Then push the Lever down
fully.
Empty Drip Tray regularly.
After using the machine we
recommend ushing the
machine through. Ensure the
Lever is pushed down fully
and press the Short Shot
Button. Water will ush
through the machine and into
the Drip Tray.
4
9
8
Plug in the power cord
at the mains and use the
Power Switch to switch
on. Ensure Lever is down.
Short and Long Shot
Buttons will ash slowly to
indicate machine is warming
up. Lights will remain
illuminated when ready.
Lift the Lever fully, to empty
the pod into the Pod
Basket. We recommend the
Pod Basket is emptied after
10 uses.
3
7
Unplug the machine then
remove and ll the Water
Tank. Once lled, secure
back into position.
Both Buttons will illuminate
once dispense has nished.
Your beverage is now ready
to be consumed. Note: The
Buttons may ash to indicate
that the machine is warming
up ready for next use.
2
6
To achieve optimum performance from your Podster follow these steps for daily or regular use of the machine.
The Podster has an Auto-Dose feature that ensures the correct amount of drink is dispensed every time.
Ensure the machine has enough water in the Water Tank and is switched on.
NOTE - The factory setting of the machine is programmed to 35ml for the Short Shot button, 70ml for the Long Shot button.
However, this can be adjusted to suit your taste preference.
U
N
P
L
U
G
W
H
E
N
N
O
T
I
N
U
S
E
S
W
I
T
C
H
O
F
F
&
Open the Lever fully and
insert a pod. Then push
the Lever down fully. Place
a cup on the Drip Tray.
Press the Short Shot
button once and hold for
5 seconds, then release.
The machine will start
dispensing. Press the Short
Shot button again when the
desired amount is reached,
and the dispensing will stop.
Press the Long Shot button
once and hold for 5 seconds,
then release. The machine
will start dispensing. Press
the Long Shot button again
when the desired amount is
reached, and the dispensing
will stop.
The Dosing Memory has
now been programmed
to dispense your chosen
quantity of coee for
Short and/or Long Shots.
NOTE: programme will be
saved even if machine is
unplugged.
1 2
3 4
PLACE CUP
DOSING LONG SHOT COMPLETE
DOSING SHORT SHOT

DESCALING YOUR PODSTER CLEANING – AFTER EACH USE
The Buttons will quickly ash, immediately after
switching on, to indicate descaling is required.
Ensure your descaling product is suitable for
coee machines and follow descaling product
instructions carefully.
1
Ensure the Lever is pushed down and no pod
is present. Press the Short Shot Button. Water
will ush through the machine and into the Drip
Tray. Then switch o, unplug and allow to cool.
1
Ensure the Lever is pushed down fully and no
pod is present, then press the Short Shot Button
to start descaling. Your machine will dispense.
This will continue until the Water Tank is empty.
Wait 10 minutes for the Descaling Solution to
take eect.
4
Use your Podcycler to separate the ground coee
from the aluminium pod. Rinse out any remaining
ground coee from the empty pod. Stack 10
empty pods together and add to your kerbside
recycling. Dispose of the ground coee from the
Podcycler into your household composting.
4
Ensure the correct ratio of water is used to
create the Descaling Solution. Turn the machine
o, remove the Water Tank and ll with the
Descaling Solution. Remove Drip Tray and place
large container under the nozzle.
2
Remove the Drip Tray and Pod Basket assembly,
then lift the Pod Basket out of the Drip Tray.
WARNING: Drip Tray will be hot after use.
Handle with care - risk of scalding.
2
Rinse the Water Tank and ll with fresh water.
Repeat step 4 (Dispense) and ush at least two
full tanks of water through the machine to
remove any traces of the Descaling Solution.
5
Empty and rinse out Water Tank after each
session and rell with fresh water, just before you
make your next beverage.
5
Insert Water Tank. Turn on and wait for the
Buttons to stop ashing. Press both Buttons
rmly at the same time and hold for 5 seconds.
Both Buttons will now quickly ash.
3
Empty and rinse the Drip Tray in the sink to
remove any liquid that may have collected.
3
To exit the Descale Mode, press both Buttons
at the same time and hold for 5 seconds. Both
lights will go back to solid illumination. NOTE: if
the machine is turned o in Descale Mode, it will
stay in this mode when switched back on.
6
Wipe down the body and Nozzle of the capsule
machine with a damp, non abrasive cloth.
6
Hotel Chocolat recommends descaling regularly to prevent limescale build up in the machine.
Your machine has a Descale Counter which will indicate to the user that the machine requires descaling.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: PRODUCT FAILURE DUE TO THE BUILD UP OF LIMESCALE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY -
PLEASE DESCALE REGULARLY.
BEFORE CLEANING, MAKE SURE THERE IS NO POD IN THE MACHINE, FOLLOW STEP 1 AND THEN SWITCH OFF,
UNPLUG AND ALLOW TO COOL.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
IMPORTANT NOTICE: PRODUCT FAILURE DUE TO THE BUILD UP OF LIMESCALE IS NOT COVERED BY GUARANTEE -
DESCALE REGULARLY.
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
THE PODSTER DOES NOT TURN ON MY PODSTER IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE OR EXTRACTION HAS STOPPED MID USE
MY PODSTER IS LEAKING
MY COFFEE HAS NO CREMA
THE PODSTER IS NOT DISPENSING COFFEE
SOLUTION(S) SOLUTION(S)
The unit may not be properly connected to the power supply. You may have run out of water (the machine is making a noise and the
buttons are ashing).
There may be an airlock in the pipework.
There is water beneath the capsule
machine.
Little to no crema is produced.
The coee buttons illuminate without ashing, but no coee is dispensed.
You may have run out of water.
The water tank may not be seated correctly.
1. Check the plug is in the socket and the switch is turned on.
2. Check and replace the fuse if necessary. Note: in order to open the
plug, remove the label to reveal the screw.
3. The Podster may be in standby mode, which activates automatically
after 10 minutes. In this mode the coee lights turn o to conserve
energy. You can exit standby mode by pressing any button.
Turn the machine o and remove the water tank. Rell with fresh water
and then place the water tank back on the machine. Follow the getting
started instructions before dispensing.
Remove the pod and ensure that the water tank is full. Press one of the
coee buttons. Water should exit the nozzle. If it doesn’t, press again to
release the trapped air.
1. There will be a small amount of condensation forming underneath
the Podster after making numerous beverages. This is safe and does
not mean the machine is leaking.
2. Ensure that the water tank has been correctly inserted. When
relling with water, always switch o the Podster and only then
remove and rell the water tank. Otherwise, water could leak from
the appliance. If you still feel the Podster is leaking, stop, unplug
and contact Hotel Chocolat: Telephone: [phone] Email:
[e-mail]
1. Each time coee is dispensed, essential oil is deposited in the nozzle.
Follow instructions for cleaning and descaling.
2. Use Hotel Chocolat Rabot Estate Coee pods.
3. Check your pods are in date. Stale coee aects crema and taste.
1. The nozzle could be blocked. Follow the cleaning instructions. If this
does not clear the blockage refer to descaling your Podster.
2. The inserted pod could be faulty. Wait a few moments before opening
the lever, ush the machine through and then try again with another
pod.
3. Ensure that the lever is properly closed, and the pod basket is empty.
4. There could be air trapped in the pipework. Remove the pod and
ensure that the water tank is full. Press one of the coee buttons.
Water should exit the nozzle. If it doesn’t, press again to release the
trapped air.
Remove the water tank and ll with fresh water.
Position by aligning the connection and pushing down rmly.
Tip: bubbles rise in the water tank when it is correctly seated. Then push
the water tank lid down to cover the water tank.
TO REPLACE FUSE,
REMOVE SILVER LABEL
TO ACCESS SCREW.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
FACTORY SETTINGS
COFFEE BUTTONS
PODS
BUTTONS ARE FLASHING ALTERNATELY AND THE PODSTER IS NOT DISPENSING
What is the factory setting of the Podster?
Can I change the factory settings?
What happens if I repeatedly press the buttons while coee is being
dispensed?
The Water Tank is empty.
The pod does not drop automatically into the Pod Basket when I lift
the Lever.
Is the Programmable Dosing Memory deleted when the appliance is
unplugged?
Internal pipes may be blocked.
The pod cannot be inserted correctly.
The buttons ash for a long time. When is the Podster ready to use?
Faulty ow-sensor.
The factory setting of the machine is programmed to 35ml for the short
shot button and 70ml for the long shot button.
Yes. Please follow Programmable Dosing Memory instructions.
The Podster interrupts the dispensing of the coee prematurely.
Fill up the water tank & only dispense water.
1. The pod basket could be full. Please empty it.
2. Ensure that you fully lift the Lever.
No, the programming is not aected by unplugging the appliance.
Descale regularly.
The pod basket could be full. Please empty it.
It takes a little time for the Podster to achieve the optimum water
temperature (approx. 30-60 seconds). Once it does, the buttons will
illuminate and will be ready to dispense coee.
Contact Customer Services:
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
BUTTONS ARE FLASHING QUICKLY FOR 5-6 SECONDS EVERY TIME PODSTER IS TURNED ON
PUMP STOPS RUNNING DURING A DISPENSE
COFFEE BUTTONS ARE FLASHING QUICKLY EVERY TIME THE PODSTER IS TURNED ON
MY PODSTER IS VIBRATING WHEN DISPENSING
MY COFFEE IS NOT HOT ENOUGH
LEVER DOES NOT CLOSE
THE PODSTER TURNS OFF AUTOMATICALLY AFTER A PERIOD OF INACTIVITY
Machine is recommending the user to descale.
The water tank is empty.
Internal pipes may be blocked.
The Podster has entered standby mode after 10 minutes which is an EU
approval requirement.
You are in Descale Mode.
Your Podster has a powerful 19 bar pump which can cause vibrations when
it is placed incorrectly.
Internals have not been pre-heated.
Cup or mug is not pre-warmed.
The pod may not be located correctly.
Enter Descale Mode and follow the descaling instructions.
Fill up the water tank & dispense just water.
Descale regularly.
Press both coee buttons to reactivate the Podster. The buttons will ash
and the Podster will warm up, ready for use. ALWAYS SWITCH OFF &
UNPLUG AFTER USE.
Press and hold both coee buttons for 5 seconds to exit.
Unplug the device and remove the water tank. Ensure the Podster is
placed on a at, even surface. Ensure the water tank and pod basket/drip
tray are fully located.
Press a coee button ensuring no pod is inside the Podster; this will run
hot water through internal pipework.
Pre-warm your cup by dispensing hot water into it.
1. Ensure that the pod is located correctly as per the Know Your
Podster diagram.
2. Ensure the pod basket is not over lled, empty pod basket if full.

HC HINTS AND TIPS
High pressure capsule machines, such as your new Podster, require constant care and
maintenance to prolong their life.
Please remember to:
• Rinse through before rst use and after every use.
• Descale your machine on a regular basis.
For Troubleshooting steps regarding your Podster, please visit
hotelchocolat.com/podster/troubleshooting
THE PODCYCLER
Help us get zero to landll on aluminium pods using your Podcycler to remove the coee
grounds from your pods making them recyclable. Included with your Podster.
For full usage instructions, please refer to the Podcycler instructions.
Don’t forget to register your machine, to activate your 12 months parts and labour warranty
It’s completely free to join for you and your Podster.
We’ll share insider tips to get the most joy out of your Podster and reward you with treats
and benets.
1. Free welcome gift
2. Entry to the Home Barista prize draw
3. Activate your 12 months cover
Join now at hotelchocolat.com/HB
BECOME A HOTEL CHOCOLAT HOME BARISTA
IF YOU’RE NOT 100% HAPPY WITH YOUR PODSTER,
WE GUARANTEE TO IMMEDIATELY PUT IT RIGHT FOR YOU
- REFUNDING OR REPLACING AS APPROPRIATE.
Just contact our Customer Service team and we’ll be happy to help;
Telephone: [phone] (UK), 1 800 969 1649 (USA). Email: [e-mail]
OUR 100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE

Please help us to get
the world podcycling
• post your Podcycler kitchen action
View our world of coffee
hotelchocolat.com/coffee
4. To give the pods the best chance of
being recycled, stack and squash 10 or
more empty pods together.
1. Place a used pod, widest end
down, over the hole on the base
2. Place the pusher over the top
and press downwards firmly
and evenly
3. Lift the pusher and remove the
compostable gasket (applicable for Rabot
Estate Coffee pods).
The pod is empty and ready to squash
together with other empty pods,
after a light rinse
5. Recycle 100%
a) the aluminium
b) the compostable gasket
c) the used coffee grounds
The Used Coffee:
Up to 10 capsules can be pressed
before you need to empty the base
by pulling off the emptier.
Please help us to get
the world podcycling
• post your Podcycler kitchen action
View our world of coffee
hotelchocolat.com/coffee

Every so often,
you come across
an invention
that blows
your mind
“
”
A long-standing global problem could
be solved by this little press. Aluminium
pods are a great way to preserve coffee
freshness and reduce coffee waste.
But it’s now 30 years since they were
introduced and yet unbelievably about
75% of them are still being tossed into
landfill. Although aluminium is one of
the easiest earth materials to recycle,
it’s fiendishly hard when wet coffee is
stuck to it.
When Leslie Gort-Barten of Dualit,
our engineering partners, excitedly
showed me an early version of his
Podcycler, my eyes popped out of my
head. We threw all the weight of Hotel
Chocolat behind it, styling our own
version with Dualit and including it
with every Podster coffee machine
we supply. Now we’re on a mission
to get every pod-using household
to have one!
Angus Thirlwell
Co-Founder, CEO

Removes the coffee from your pods
making them recyclable
THE PODCYCLER
Planet-friendly packaging: we have
minimised plastic and paper use
as a deliberate act.