A:AnswerYes. Coffee basket comes out.
Hot plate is hot for more than two hours. Don't know exactly since we usually empty the coffee pot in the first hour and a half.
Just open the pod side and pull the holder out with two fingers.
A:AnswerMake sure you are punching the k-cup down until u hear it click into the k-cup reservoir - I've heard of people just placing it in the reservoir and just closing the lid and it sprays all over...you have to push it down when you insert in and then push the lid down
A:AnswerCheck to make sure that the water reservoir is placed correctly...all three cup size lights should light up if its placed in correctly. I've put it in and had it crooked and they didnt go on