Abstract: A beverage machine having internal and external liquid reservoirs. Liquid can be selectively be provided from either the internal or external reservoir to a brew chamber to form a beverage. The internal reservoir may be provided with liquid only from a mains water connection, and the external reservoir may receive liquid by pouring into the reservoir. A valve may be coupled to the internal and external reservoirs and selectively fluidly connect either of the reservoirs to the brew chamber. The external reservoir may be removable from the machine housing, and the valve may fluidly connect the internal reservoir to the brew chamber when the external reservoir is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting a liquid supply of a beverage machine, e.g., by permanently open orifice and/or pressure relief valve. The orifice may always vent a heater tank, even while liquid is delivered to the tank by a liquid pump and/or while the tank is pressurized by an air pump to deliver liquid from the tank. A filter may be positioned between a heater tank and orifice and/or air pump. The pressure relief valve may be positioned between the liquid pump and the inlet side of the heater tank, e.g., so relatively cool water is released by the pressure relief valve when open.