Podster FAQs | Podster Questions
Top Questions
1. Why The Podster?
As well as creating top-quality espresso, The Podster’s contemporary and sleek design makes it the perfect addition to any kitchen. Attention to detail gives it that extra edge — take, for instance, the engraved pod loader. Soft-touch buttons make it a dream to use, and a matte charcoal finish gives it that real je ne sais quoi.
What’s more, The Podster comes paired with a free Podcycler, so you can easily recycle your used coffee pods. However, you enjoy your coffee, make sure it’s cafe-worthy and environmentally conscious with The Podster. Here at Hotel Chocolat, we passionately believe that great coffee doesn’t have to be complicated.
GET TO KNOW YOUR PODSTER:
GETTING STARTED
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.
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 fill with water. Do not overfill or fill whilst attached to the Podster. Never use your Podster if the water is below the Min Line.
Once filled, place the Water Tank into position by aligning the connection and pushing down firmly. Tip: bubbles rise in the Water Tank when it is correctly seated.
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.
Plug in the power cord at the mains and turn on using the Power Switch. Short shot and Long Shot Buttons will flash slowly to indicate machine is warming up.
The machine is warmed up once the Short Shot and Long Shot Buttons stop flashing. Press the Short Shot Button and wait for the water to dispense. Repeat 5 times. This will rinse the internals ready for your first drink.
Insert the Drip Tray and Pod Basket assembly into the machine.
2. How do you make a barista-grade drink with a machine like this?
To achieve optimum performance from your Podster follow these steps for daily or regular use of the machine.
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.
Once filled, place the Water Tank into position by aligning the connection and pushing down firmly. Tip: bubbles rise in the Water Tank when it is correctly seated.
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 flash slowly to indicate machine is warming up. Lights will remain illuminated when ready.
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.
Press the Short Shot button to dispense a single shot of coffee. Press the Long Shot Button for a regular double shot of coffee.
Both Buttons will illuminate once dispense has finished. Your beverage is now ready to be consumed. Note: The Buttons may flash to indicate that the machine is warming up ready for next use.
Lift the Lever fully, to empty the pod into the Pod Basket. We recommend the Pod Basket is emptied after 10 uses.
After using the machine we recommend flushing the machine through. Ensure the Lever is pushed down fully and press the Short Shot Button. Water will flush through the machine and into the Drip Tray.
Empty Drip Tray regularly.
3. How much coffee is produced?
The default settings are 35ml for an espresso and 70ml for a long shot.
4. How long does it take?
It takes 13-28 seconds to extract from a compatible pod in an espresso size.
5. Can the dosing be adjusted?
Yes. You will be able to adjust your extraction amount of your Lungo shot to approximately 100ml.
1. Hold either button down until the extraction begins.
2. Release the button
3. Once the desired amount has been reached pressed the button again once.
4. This is now your programmed amount for the button pressed.
Please note, as with all capsules, the extraction amount is predetermined by the pod itself and so is generally used for larger espresso type coffees or shorter americanos. We find in our cafes this is topped up using hot water to create a longer drink, depending on how you enjoy your coffee.
Please also bear in mind that The Podster has been designed specially to create short shots, such as Espressos and Lungos, rather than Americanos.
Click here for a quick Podster troubleshooting video to help you and we suggest watching this first. If your problems persist, then please do get in touch via help@hotelchocolat.com or Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com so that we can help you.
6. What Pods can be used?
The Podster is a versatile machine, which uses any regular size pod. The Podster is compatible with Original Nespresso compatible coffee capsules or maybe you’ll prefer to choose a new favourite from brands such as Lavazza, L’Or and many other high street retailers.
7. What size cup can I use?
To create the perfect espresso, we suggest our Petit Pod Cup. If you prefer an Americano, or milky coffee we recommend our Pod Cups, or our stunning range of Mugs, all found here. Mugs with a height of 100mm can fit comfortably under the nozzle.
8. Can I froth milk using The Podster?
No. The Podster is to extract the coffee shot only. You can pair this with our amazing Velvetiser though to create barista-grade Lattes, Cappuccinos, Macchiatos, Flat Whites and Chocolate Lattes.
9. Do I have to descale The Podster?
Yes, you will have to, how often will depend on the hardness of the water in your area.
Click here for a quick Podster troubleshooting video to help you and we suggest watching this first. If your problems persist, then please do get in touch via help@hotelchocolat.com or Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com so that we can help you.
DESCALING YOUR PODSTER
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.
The Buttons will quickly flash, immediately after switching on, to indicate descaling is required. Ensure your descaling product is suitable for coffee machines and follow descaling product instructions carefully.
Ensure the correct ratio of water is used to create the Descaling Solution. Turn the machine off, remove the Water Tank and fill with the Descaling Solution. Remove Drip Tray and place large container under the nozzle.
Insert Water Tank. Turn on and wait for the Buttons to stop flashing. Press both Buttons firmly at the same time and hold for 5 seconds. Both Buttons will now quickly flash.
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 effect.
Rinse the Water Tank and fill with fresh water. Repeat step 4 (Dispense) and flush at least two full tanks of water through the machine to remove any traces of the Descaling Solution.
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 off in Descale Mode, it will stay in this mode when switched back on.
10. Can I use my Pod Cups in the dishwasher?
We recommend that you give your Pod Cups a wash before the first use. Your Pod Cups are safe to use in a dishwasher.
Troubleshooting
1. My Coffee is not hot enough for me.
A simple tip for a warmer drink is to fill your cup with hot water and empty it just before extracting your coffee. The Podster has been calibrated to serve at the best temperature for flavour, which is around 70 degrees Centigrade. Adding cold milk to your coffee will undoubtedly cool your beverage down quickly. If you enjoy a milky coffee, we recommend using our Velvetiser alongside your Podster to create a beautiful, hot latte or cappuccino at home.
2. The lights are flashing on The Podster.
The filter plate could have become blocked with coffee residue causing the varying extraction volumes and leakage into the pod basket. This occurs when devices are used often and much loved, regardless of the frequency of descaling or could be the result of a split coffee pod, for example.
1. Unplug The Podster and clear any debris from the filter plate and brew chamber, which you can see below. This is located inside the machine where we insert the Pods.
2. Using a small brush, such as a toothbrush, gently clean the area so it's free of built-up residue.
3. Close the lever and press button to dispense water to clean any remaining debris. Please descale your device as normal following our Podster Manual using a reputable descaling solution (see Point 9 above descaling your Podster)
4. Once completed, ensure both buttons are pressed at the same time for a full 5 seconds. This should take the Podster back into Coffee mode.
Click here for a quick Podster troubleshooting video to help you and we suggest watching this first. If your problems persist, then please do get in touch via help@hotelchocolat.com or Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com so that we can help you.
3. I think there is an issue with the power.
1. Check the plug is in the socket and the switch is turned on.
2. The Podster may be in standby mode, which activates automatically after 10 minutes. In this mode the coffee lights turn off to conserve energy. You can exit standby mode by pressing any button and this will allow your device to wake up.
3. Check and replace the fuse if necessary. Note: to open the plug, remove the label to reveal the screw. Please only do this if you feel comfortable to do so.
4. The device could be in descale mode. Please hold both buttons for 5 seconds and this should bring the Podster back to service mode.
5. The filter plate could be blocked and causing the machine to rest. Please unplug machine and clear any debris from the filter plate and brew chamber. This is located inside the machine where we insert the Pods and using a small brush, such as a toothbrush, gently clean the area so it's free of built-up residue. Then close the lever and press button to dispense water to clean any remaining debris.
If you are still experiencing issues, please see no 5.
4. How do I return it?
We hope you’ll be delighted with your Podster and won’t want to part with it! However, we also understand that you may not want to keep your Podster, or something has gone wrong.
If your machine isn’t working as you expect it to, please read through all of our trouble-shooting tips before contacting us; we’re confident you’ll find a solution here that will help get you back up and running again quickly.
If you still wish to return your Podster or can’t get your machine to work, email us on Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com and we’ll guide you through what to do next. Remember, we ask that you complete the trouble-shooting guide first if your machine isn’t working, and confirm to us that you have done so.
You are of course welcome to return your Podster to any of our UK stores, bringing along your proof of purchase. If you are returning an online order for a refund, our colleagues will take your details and notify us to release your refund quickly. You can find a full list of our Hotel Chocolat locations here. Please note, we have now sold out of the Podster in our UK stores and an exchange will not be possible.
If you have already spoken to our team and been advised to responsibly dispose of a faulty Podster, you can do this for free at your local recycling centre. Please do not put it in your general household waste.
5. Got a technical issue?
Please email or call us at 03444 932323 or Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com as there may be something we can help you with. If necessary, we will then send you a return label and form to use. You can also return The Podster to a Hotel Chocolat store. Depending on why you are returning your Podster, we can either send you a replacement or issue you with a refund or a Gift Card (depending on the purchase). If you purchased this from a third party and would like a refund you will need to contact them directly.
6. The extraction is a slow flow/not at all.
We’ve carefully crafted our pods to be compatible with our coffee. We’ve extensively tested their performance; however, it is worth noting that you will see a slower extraction time with a Hotel Chocolat pod, versus other brands on the market.
This is intentional, and through research, we discovered that by increasing the pressure within the pod, and slowing down the extraction process, we could intensify the flavour, giving a much fuller profile. Ideally the coffee extraction time should be anywhere between 18 – 25 seconds per pod, but this is only a guide, and will vary between machines. We would prefer that you focus instead on the result and achieving that consistently great taste.
1. It could be that the extraction nozzle could be blocked. For this, please follow the cleaning instructions found in your manual. If this does not clear the blockage, please descale your Podster to ensure all pipes and mechanics are flushed through correctly.
2. The inserted pod itself could be faulty. Please wait a few moments before opening the lever, flush the machine through and then try again with another pod.
3. Ensure that the lever is properly closed, and the pod basket is empty as our sensors will block any action should the basket be full.
4. There could be air trapped in the pipework. Remove the pod and ensure that the water tank is full of clean water. Press one of the coffee buttons. Water should exit the nozzle. If it doesn’t, press an extraction shot button again to release the trapped air. Remove the water tank and refill with fresh water. Position by aligning the connection and pushing down firmly. A handy tip to note is that the bubbles rise in the water tank when it is correctly seated. Then push the water tank lid down to cover the water tank.
5. Sometimes, we find the filter plate could have become blocked with coffee residue causing a slow extraction. This occurs when devices are used often and much loved, regardless of the frequency of descaling or could be the result of a split coffee pod, for example.
6. Please unplug machine and clear any debris from the filter plate and brew chamber. This is located inside the machine where we insert the Pods and using a small brush, such as a toothbrush, gently clean the area so it's free of built-up residue. Then close the lever and press button to dispense water to clean any remaining debris.
7. Your Podster may still be in 'descale mode' rather than 'coffee mode'. Please ensure you have held both buttons down at the same time for 5 full seconds to ensure your device is ready to start creating the perfect coffees once more.
Click here for a quick Podster troubleshooting video to help you and we suggest watching this first. If your problems persist, then please do get in touch via help@hotelchocolat.com or Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com so that we can help you.
7. The Podster is leaking.
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. There could be water underneath the Pods itself. Please switch off the device and ensure there is no water in the brew chamber.
3. Ensure that the water tank has been correctly inserted. When refilling with water, always switch off the Podster and only then remove and refill the water tank. Otherwise, water could leak from the appliance.
4. The Filter Plate could be blocked and so please unplug machine and clear any debris from the filter plate and brew chamber, which you can see below. This is located inside the machine where we insert the Pods and using a small brush, such as a toothbrush, gently clean the area so it's free of built-up residue. Then close the lever and press button to dispense water to clean any remaining debris.
Click here for a quick Podster troubleshooting video to help you and we suggest watching this first. If your problems persist, then please do get in touch via help@hotelchocolat.com or Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com so that we can help you.
8. There is little/no crema on my coffee.
1. Each time coffee is dispensed, essential oil is deposited in the nozzle and will create a build-up of residue over time. Please follow instructions for cleaning and descaling regularly. This timeframe for this will vary depending on your quality of water as well as how often you use your device.
2. Although our Podster is compatible with many other pods, for the best quality of coffee, we recommend using our Hotel Chocolat Rabot Estate Coffee pods. These have been especially tailored to suit the mechanics of our device.
3. Check your pods are in date. Stale coffee will affect the crema produced as well as the taste of the coffee itself.
4. Using the same pod for an additional cycle will not produce crema a second time. This is due to the pod being compacted carefully.
5. Please check the Podster Filter Plate is cleaned and free from any build up. This is the area where the pod is inserted, and any residue here will prevent sufficient crème from being produced.
6. If you enjoy a milky, frothier coffee, I recommend using our Velvetiser alongside your Podster to create a beautiful, hot latte or cappuccino at home.
9. What happens if I have lost/a damaged component?
Do not worry we have got your covered! Just email or call us at 03444 932323 or Homebarista@hotelchocolat.com and we can help with any part you might need. Maybe you moved house and left the Water Tank behind, maybe the Drip Tray broke, could the rubber feet has become dislodged on the base, or perhaps your beloved pooch used the Pod Basket or Podcycler as a chew toy.
Facts & Figures
1. Can I use other Pods with The Podster?
You can use pods designed to fit the Nespresso Original coffee machine. However, for the best barista-grade coffee, we recommend using our especially tailored capsules which you can find here: https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/shop/coffee/pods/
2. How much pressure is produced?
19 Bar Pump to produce your delicious coffee.
4. How big is The Podster?
L 35.10 x W 15.90 x H 23.60 cm.
The water tank holds 800ml of water and the Pod Basket can hold 10 used pods.
5. Can I send The Podster overseas?
The Podster is specifically designed for us at Hotel Chocolat for UK voltage only and international use of the device will void your warranty with us.
6. What are the wattage and voltage?
1140-1365W
This auto-switches off after 10 minutes of inactivity.
7. How long is the guarantee?
Your full parts and labour guarantee lasts for 1 year from purchase. If you haven’t already, please register The Podster so you don’t miss out here.