Stuck senseo maker

The locks shut due to a pressure build up in the pod chamber usually caused by a blocked filter in the centre of the pod holder.

The only way to open the unit is to releive the pressure. The pressure will normally reduce over time, the duration being determined by the pressure build up, condition of pod seals and the strength of the blockage.

A quick DIY solution: (small cable tie and screwdriver required)
Un plug the unit from the mains:
Remove the water container and prise open the rear snap fit panel of the unit carefully using a screwdriver to expose the internal workings, the overflow pipe at the top of the cover must be disconnected to gain enough access to work on the unit.
.The small metal boiler in the centre of the unit is used to heat the water for the machine, if the boiler is still hot allow it to cool down sufficiently for work to commence.
The exit pipe at the top of the boiler feeds directly to the pod chamber, if you squeeze this pipe you will feel that it is under pressure. Cut the cable tie connecting the pipe to the boiler (be careful, dont cut the pipe) and remove the pipe to release the pressure, a small ammount of water will be released during the procedure. The lid should open.
Reconnect the pipe to the boiler replace the cable tie, refit the rear cover making sure to push the overflow pipe back on before you snap the cover shut.
Remove the pod holder and clear the blockage blow through the holder in the reverse direction to ensure the filter is clear.
Replace the pod holder and pour a small amount of water on to it. The water should exit through the delivery spouts if the path is clear.
JOB Done.

Stuck lid? It is caused by pressure build up (not a vacuum) when the outlet of the pod holder gets blocked. There are three plastic bolts that slide into place to lock the lid as the lever is operated. Pressure forces the lid up and increases the friction on the bolts to the point where they won't operate. Solutions 1 and 2: First disconnect Senseo from the electric supply. Solution 1 is to press down on the lid to overcome the pressure and then operate the lever to unlock. Didn't work for me. Solution 2 is to get a table knife, not sharp, no serrations but with a rounded end, not pointed. Insert under lid just to right of pod holder handle, at an upwards angle of about 20 degrees to the horizontal. Then aim for the opposite 11 o'clock position on the closed lid. With a few tries the knife blade should slide between the top of the pod holder and the rubber sealing gasket releasing the pressure. Beware hot steam/water as pressure is released - wear gloves. Open lid, unblock pod holder hole with a pin, fill and heat resevoir and then flush through without a coffee pod in place.

I had the same problem and was able to unlock in about 10 minutes as follows; 1) Place Senseo in freezer for 10 minutes 2) Remove from freezer, with palm of hand press ******* the top and release latch. Hope this helps.

I finally figured out a way to open mine.

First, unplug the device. Then lay it on its side in a large sink. Run hot tap water over the area that's sealed shut, which is roughly 1/8-inch wide gap.

Do this for a couple minutes, then, VERY gently, insert a large, wide screwdriver into the gap, and give it a very gentle twist, moving around the perimeter of the gap, and repeating the same motion. If you twist the screwdriver a bit too much, you will make visible indentations in the soft plastic -- so I cannot emphasize the word "gentle" enough.

If you are patient and persistent with this approach, eventually the seal will be broken, and then you can start the process of cleaning all the parts thoroughly.

Since then I have no problems, because I follow a more strict schedule of cleaning the unit especially after using pods that contain powdered cream. Immediately after brewing cups of this type, I put the empty aluminum pod holder in the device, close the top, and run another brew cycle as if I'm making another cup. You might be surprised how much color comes through when just making a cup of hot water, with no filter at all. I also take apart and clean the plastic parts much more often. Hasn't sealed up since.

This happened to me because I idiotically put powdered cinnamon IN the pod chamber with the pods. Never do this - there's a reason that cinnamon sticks are used in mulling cider and wine instead of the powder - when the powder gets wet it imitates a slimy, slippery cohesive mucous that can clog everything and is also kind of gross looking.

I put my machine on its side in the sink and that was enough to get it to pop open, thankfully. I gave the pod nest a thorough cleaning with a toothpick and a toothbrush and ran some water through it. Good as new - but I will NEVER do that again, that's for sure.

Your machine has been locked because there is too much pressure inside the machine. Unplug it for about 24 hours and leave it with the lever up. After that it should come open. Carefully clean out the tiny nozzles to make sure there isn't any loose coffee hanging out in there. This happens if you make your own pods. Just be grateful that it didn't explode all over your kitchen!

I had to wait it out.. literally.. it took about a week or so before it finally opened. I tried the pry it open method, I tried my steamer, I tried running water over it, but after about a week, I was telling my husband about it and ta-da.. it opened.. Lesson learned, never, ever put anything other than coffee in them...I guess the coffee I tried was too fine and caused it to lock up.

You literally just have to wait.
12-48 hours.
And I am not exaggerating.
24 hours has always worked for me. This has happened to me when I've used my own "pods" because loose grounds work their way into one of the pressure release holes. Once clogged, the machine shuts itself off and is sealed by the pressure. It will slowly release over time.
Recently, the machine exploded a Senseo pod while inside and I had to clean out the whole thing. Now I can't get the water to run through the out spouts exclusively and am in somewhat the same situation.
Time is the only solution, I think.

Yeah lift the lever that is there to open it. DUH!!