Rank: Master
Rating: 91%, 52 votes
It sounds like you have a pour over model and the problem is the tank isn't full. Turn the machine off (or unplug it). Put a pot on the warmer like you are going to brew coffee. Pour clean cold water into the top until it starts coming out the sprayhead (above where the coffee grounds go). Now plug it in and turn on. Let it heat up then you can brew.
The way your machine works is that there is always about 2-1/2 pots of water in the tank. The water you pour in to make coffee is actually pushing the hot water in the tank out. So, if you don't fill the tank before using it, you may be hurting the heating element since it isn't totally submerged in water.