Bottle Warmer SCF358

Philips Avent Bottle Warmer SCF358

The Philips Avent Bottle Warmer SCF358 is designed to warm and defrost milk and baby food using a controlled water-heating system. It can be used with Philips Avent feeding bottles, most common branded feeding bottles, and suitable baby food containers.

The bottle warmer has milk volume settings, a separate baby food warming setting, and a keep warm/defrost function. A built-in sensor adjusts the heating pattern during keep warm and defrost operation. The progress indicator shows when warming is taking place and when milk is ready for feeding.

The appliance is designed to warm milk gently without bringing the water inside the warmer to boiling temperature. Milk warming settings cover volumes from 30 ml (1 oz) to 330 ml (11 oz), while the defrost function supports frozen milk volumes from 30 ml (1 oz) to 180 ml (6 oz).

For normal milk warming, the bottle must be placed inside the warmer before water is added. Fresh drinking water at room temperature is then added to the milk level, and the setting is selected according to the amount of milk.

Parts and Components

The Philips Avent SCF358 has a front control knob, a progress indicator, and a heating compartment for feeding bottles or baby food containers.

The power cord can be stored in the compartment underneath the base. The production date code is also located in this compartment.

Control Panel, Settings, and Indicators

Milk Volume Settings

The milk volume setting is used for warming milk that is refrigerated or at room temperature.

The control knob has the following marked volume settings:

The setting should be selected according to the amount of milk inside the bottle, not the bottle’s total capacity.

For example, when warming 210 ml (7 oz) of milk, the 210 ml setting is used, even if the bottle itself is larger.

The time required for warming depends on the milk volume, the starting temperature of the milk and water, and the material of the feeding bottle.

Baby Food Warming Setting

The baby food setting is identified by the food bowl symbol on the control knob.

This setting is used to warm baby food placed in a suitable jar or container.

Because baby food can vary in thickness and consistency, the bottle warmer cannot determine the exact warming time for every food.

The food should be stirred and its temperature checked during warming.

Keep Warm/Defrost Setting

The keep warm/defrost setting is identified by the snowflake-style symbol.

The built-in sensor adjusts the heating pattern according to the contents.

This setting can be used to:

• Gradually warm milk that is already warm.
• Keep milk at its warmed temperature.
• Defrost frozen milk and then warm it.
• Defrost frozen baby food before switching to the baby food warming setting.
• Warm suitable milk storage bags.

Frozen milk volumes from 30 ml (1 oz) to 180 ml (6 oz) can be defrosted using this setting.

Progress Indicator Light Meanings

Important: If a setting needs to be changed after starting the bottle warmer, the appliance must first be switched off. The new setting can then be selected before switching it on again.

Changing the setting while the bottle warmer has already been operating for 20 seconds or longer causes it to switch automatically to keep warm mode.

Technical Specifications

Electrical safety: The electrical rating above is printed in the Mexican-market information in the document. Before connecting the warmer, the voltage marked underneath the actual appliance must be checked against the local electrical supply.

Philips states that this appliance meets the applicable standards and regulations relating to electromagnetic field exposure.

Important Safety Instructions

The Philips Avent SCF358 is an electrical heating appliance. The following precautions must be followed to reduce the risk of electric shock, burns, injury, and product damage.

Electrical Safety

• Only use the bottle warmer indoors.
• Connect the appliance to a properly grounded wall outlet.
• Confirm that the voltage marked underneath the appliance matches the local supply voltage.
• Do not immerse the appliance, power cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
• Keep water away from the power plug.
• Keep the power cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not allow the power cord to hang over a table or countertop edge.
• Store excess power cord in the base compartment.
• Do not use the appliance if its cord, plug, or body is damaged.
• Disconnect the appliance from the electrical outlet when it is not being used and before cleaning.

If an extension cord is necessary, it must be a grounded extension cord rated at least 13 amperes. Its electrical rating must be at least as great as the appliance’s rating.

The extension cord must be positioned so children cannot pull it and people cannot accidentally trip over it.

A damaged power cord must be replaced by Philips, an authorized Philips service center, or similarly qualified personnel.

Hot Water and Burn Prevention

• Do not preheat the bottle warmer.
• Always put a fully assembled feeding bottle with its cap into the warmer before adding water.
• Add the required amount of water before switching the appliance on.
• Never move the appliance while it contains hot water.
• Handle bottles and food containers carefully because the surrounding water can become hot.
• Accessible surfaces may become hot during operation and remain hot afterward.
• The heating element retains heat after use.
• Allow the appliance to cool before cleaning or handling parts.

Warning: Hot water inside the bottle warmer can cause serious burns.

Particular care is required when removing a small feeding bottle because the user’s fingers may come close to the hot water.

Child and Feeding Safety

Children must not play with the bottle warmer. Close supervision is required when the appliance is operated by or near children.

People with reduced physical, sensory, or mental abilities, or limited experience, may use the appliance only when they have received appropriate supervision or safe-use instructions and understand the associated hazards.

Before feeding:

• Always check the milk or food temperature.
• Gently swirl the feeding bottle and place a few drops of milk on the inside of the wrist to check its temperature.
• Stir baby food and taste it to confirm that it is not too hot.
• Remove the bottle or food container when the required temperature has been reached.
• Do not leave the power cord within a child’s reach.

Milk that has been warmed and subsequently cooled must not be reheated because bacterial growth may begin.

Food should not be heated for an unnecessarily long period.

Safe Operation and Servicing

The appliance is intended for household use.

It must not be placed on or near a hot gas stove, electric cooker, or heated oven.

Only accessories recommended by the manufacturer should be used.

The appliance must not be opened, modified, or repaired by the user. Repairs and other servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.

Before First Use and Setup

Before operating the bottle warmer, the appliance and feeding container must be prepared correctly.

1. Place the bottle warmer indoors, away from heated cooking appliances.
2. Check that the appliance, power cord, and plug are not damaged.
3. Check the electrical rating underneath the unit against the local power supply.
4. Prepare the feeding bottle with the required amount of milk and fit its cap.
5. Place the fully assembled bottle inside the warmer.
6. Add fresh drinking water at room temperature to the same level as the milk inside the bottle.
7. For larger milk volumes, such as 210 ml (7 oz), fill the warmer to approximately 1 cm below its upper edge.
8. Connect the power cord to a grounded wall outlet.
9. Select the appropriate warming setting.

The bottle warmer must contain the required water before it is switched on.

Warm or hot water must not be used for the initial filling.

Operating Instructions

How to Warm Milk in a Feeding Bottle

The milk volume settings are intended for milk stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator.

1. Place the bottle inside the warmer. The bottle should already be assembled with its cap fitted.
2. Add fresh room-temperature drinking water. Fill the warmer to the level of the milk inside the bottle. For a large milk volume, stop approximately 1 cm below the top edge of the warmer.
3. Choose the correct milk volume. Turn the control knob to the setting that matches the amount of milk.
4. Start warming. Press the on/off button.
5. Watch the progress indicator. The indicator flashes gradually as the milk warms.
6. Wait for the steady indicator. When the entire progress indicator remains illuminated, the milk is ready for feeding. The warmer automatically changes to keep warm mode.
7. Check the milk temperature. Switch off the appliance, remove the bottle carefully, gently swirl it, and place a few drops on the inside of the wrist before feeding.

If warmer milk is desired, the bottle can remain in the warmer for further warming after the progress indicator becomes fully illuminated. Its temperature must still be checked before feeding.

The warmer switches off automatically after approximately 60 minutes. This period includes the initial warming time.

Recommended Settings for Different Bottle Materials

Silicone bottles take longer to transfer sufficient heat to the milk. The additional 3–4 minutes specified above applies after the entire progress indicator is illuminated.

How to Warm Milk in a Storage Bag

Milk storage bags transfer heat differently from feeding bottles.

Before warming, check the instructions supplied with the milk bag to confirm that it can be heated in a bottle warmer.

1. Place the suitable milk storage bag inside the warmer.
2. Add fresh drinking water to the level of the milk inside the bag.
3. If the milk volume is large, stop adding water approximately 1 cm below the top of the warmer.
4. Select the keep warm/defrost setting.
5. Press the on/off button to begin warming.
6. The progress indicator flashes while warming continues.
7. When the entire indicator stays illuminated, the milk is ready for a temperature check and the appliance changes to keep warm mode.
8. Switch off the warmer, remove the milk bag carefully, and check the milk temperature before feeding.

The appliance automatically switches off after approximately 60 minutes, including warming time.

The keep warm/defrost setting is important because milk bag material transfers heat quickly.

How to Warm Baby Food

The baby food warming setting is used for food placed in suitable jars or containers.

1. Place the baby food jar or container inside the bottle warmer.
2. Add drinking water to the level of the food inside the container.
3. For larger quantities, such as 210 ml (7 oz), fill to approximately 1 cm below the upper edge.
4. Turn the control knob to the baby food warming symbol.
5. Press the on/off button.
6. The progress indicator flashes while the food warms.
7. Stir the food regularly while the container remains inside the warmer.
8. Check the food temperature during warming.
9. When the progress indicator becomes fully illuminated, continue warming if necessary while stirring and checking the temperature.
10. Once the food is ready, switch off the appliance and carefully remove the container.

Important: A fully illuminated progress indicator does not necessarily mean that baby food has reached the required temperature.

Different food consistencies affect warming time, and the warmer cannot accurately calculate the required duration for every food.

Care must be taken to avoid burning fingers while holding a warm jar or container during stirring.

The appliance switches off automatically after approximately 60 minutes, including warming time.

How to Check Baby Food Before Feeding

1. Press the on/off button to switch off the bottle warmer.
2. Carefully remove the food container or jar.
3. Gently stir the food to distribute the heat.
4. Taste the food to make sure that it is not too hot.
5. Serve only when the food is at a safe feeding temperature.

How to Keep Milk Warm

The keep warm/defrost setting can maintain the temperature of milk that is already warm.

The built-in sensor gradually warms the milk and adjusts the heating pattern.

1. Place the assembled feeding bottle inside the bottle warmer.
2. Add fresh drinking water at room temperature to the same level as the milk.
3. For larger milk volumes, fill to approximately 1 cm below the top edge.
4. Select the keep warm/defrost setting.
5. Press the on/off button.
6. The progress indicator flashes as the milk warms.
7. When the indicator becomes fully illuminated and steady, the appliance maintains the milk at its warmed temperature.
8. Remove the bottle and check the milk temperature before feeding.

The appliance switches off after approximately 60 minutes, including the warming period.

The time required to reach the warmed temperature depends on the amount of milk and its starting temperature.

Milk should be fed after warming and must not be reheated after it has cooled.

How to Defrost Frozen Milk

The Philips Avent SCF358 can defrost frozen milk volumes from 30 ml (1 oz) to 180 ml (6 oz).

The defrost setting gradually changes frozen milk into liquid and then warms it.

1. Place the bottle containing frozen milk inside the warmer.
2. Add fresh room-temperature drinking water to the level of the milk.
3. If required for a larger volume, fill to approximately 1 cm below the top of the warmer.
4. Select the keep warm/defrost setting.
5. Press the on/off button.
6. The progress indicator flashes while defrosting and warming take place.
7. Once the entire indicator becomes steadily illuminated, allow further warming if necessary, as described in the instructions.
8. Check the milk temperature before feeding.

Frozen milk does not always defrost and warm at a fixed rate.

The manual gives an example of approximately 45 minutes to defrost and warm 60 ml (2 oz) of frozen milk.

The actual time may vary depending on the amount of milk and the bottle or container material.

The appliance automatically switches off after approximately 60 minutes, including defrosting and warming time.

How to Defrost Frozen Baby Food

Frozen baby food must first be defrosted using the keep warm/defrost setting. Once defrosted, the baby food warming setting is used to heat the food.

Step 1: Defrost the Baby Food

1. Place the container of frozen baby food inside the warmer.
2. Fill the warmer with fresh drinking water to the level of the food.
3. For larger food volumes, stop filling approximately 1 cm below the upper edge.
4. Select the keep warm/defrost setting.
5. Press the on/off button.
6. The progress indicator flashes during defrosting.
7. Begin stirring the baby food once it starts to defrost.
8. Continue checking the food as it defrosts.

Care must be taken when holding and stirring the food container because it may become hot.

As an example, defrosting 180 ml (6 oz) of frozen baby food takes approximately 60 minutes.

This time can vary with food volume and container material.

The warmer switches off automatically after approximately 60 minutes.

Step 2: Warm the Defrosted Baby Food

After defrosting:

1. Make sure the bottle warmer is switched off.
2. Turn the control knob to the baby food warming setting.
3. Press the on/off button to begin warming.
4. The progress indicator flashes while the food heats.
5. Stir the food during warming.
6. Check its temperature regularly.
7. Once the food reaches a suitable serving temperature, switch off the warmer.
8. Remove the container carefully and check the food again before feeding.

Important: The appliance must be switched off before changing from defrost mode to baby food warming mode. Otherwise, the baby food setting may not activate.

The food warming cycle also ends with automatic switch-off after approximately 60 minutes, including its warming time.

How to Use the Bottle Warmer Again

The appliance needs to cool before another bottle or baby food container can be warmed.

1. Switch off the warmer after the first warming cycle.
2. Allow the appliance to cool.
3. To speed up cooling, replace the water with fresh cold water, handling any hot water carefully.
4. Place the next bottle or container inside the warmer.
5. Add the correct amount of fresh room-temperature water for the new warming cycle.
6. Select the appropriate setting and switch on the warmer.

The progress indicator should gradually flash again to show that warming has started.

If the progress indicator stays fully illuminated without flashing when the appliance is switched on, the warmer is still too hot.

Switch it off and allow it to cool further before trying again.

Cleaning and Maintenance

How to Clean the Bottle Warmer

The bottle warmer should be emptied after each use. Cleaning must only be performed after the appliance has been unplugged and allowed to cool.

1. Switch off the bottle warmer.
2. Disconnect the plug from the wall outlet.
3. Allow the appliance to cool completely.
4. Carefully empty the water from the heating compartment.
5. Pour the water out from the side of the warmer rather than from the front or back.
6. Wipe the appliance using a moist cloth.
7. If baby food was warmed, check the bottom of the compartment and remove any spilled food.

Pouring water sideways helps prevent water from reaching the control knob or power connection.

Do not use:

• Abrasive cleaning products.
• Antibacterial cleaning agents.
• Chemical solvents.
• Sharp cleaning tools.

The appliance, power cord, and plug must never be immersed in water or other liquids.

How to Descale the Philips Avent SCF358

Mineral deposits can accumulate inside the bottle warmer during regular use.

Philips recommends descaling the appliance every four weeks to maintain efficient operation and prevent damage.

Descaling with White Vinegar

The recommended mixture is:

Follow these steps:

1. Prepare a mixture containing 60 ml of white vinegar and 120 ml of cold water.
2. Pour the mixture into the bottle warmer.
3. Switch on the appliance.
4. Select the milk warming setting for volumes below 180 ml (6 oz).
5. Allow the appliance to operate for 10 minutes.
6. Leave the solution inside the warmer until the mineral deposits have dissolved.
7. Switch off and unplug the appliance, and allow it to cool before emptying.
8. Empty the solution carefully.
9. Thoroughly clean the interior using a moist cloth.
10. If mineral deposits remain, repeat the descaling procedure.

A citric acid-based descaler can also be used.

Other types of descaling products must not be used.

Regular descaling helps maintain the appliance’s heating performance.

Cord Storage

The bottle warmer has a cord storage compartment in its base.

When the appliance is no longer being used, it should be switched off and disconnected from the electrical outlet.

After cooling and emptying the remaining water, the excess power cord can be stored in the base compartment.

The production date code, marked in YYWW format, is located in the same compartment.

Disposal and Recycling

The Philips Avent SCF358 contains materials and components that can be recycled or reused.

For disposal and recycling information, contact local waste management facilities or visit Philips Recycling.

Troubleshooting Guide

The following troubleshooting instructions cover common operating problems with the Philips Avent SCF358 bottle warmer.

Progress Indicator Flashes Rapidly and Switches Off

Rapid flashing followed by automatic switch-off can occur when the bottle warmer detects unsuitable water conditions or activates its boil-dry protection.

To prepare the appliance for another warming cycle:

1. Press the on/off button to switch off the warmer.
2. Disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
3. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
4. Add fresh drinking water at room temperature.
5. Fill to the level of the milk, or approximately 1 cm below the top for a large volume.
6. Restart the warmer with the appropriate setting.

The appliance automatically switches off if it is operated without water or with insufficient water.

Milk Is Too Hot

If the milk becomes hotter than intended, check the selected volume setting and the amount of water.

The setting must match the quantity of milk inside the bottle rather than the bottle’s maximum capacity.

If a milk storage bag is used, the keep warm/defrost setting must be selected instead of a standard milk volume setting.

Too much water in the warmer can also contribute to overheating.

Milk temperature must always be checked before feeding.

Milk Is Not Warm Enough

Milk that remains cold after a warming cycle may be caused by insufficient water, the wrong setting, or using a silicone feeding bottle.

For normal milk warming:

1. Put the bottle in the warmer before starting.
2. Add fresh room-temperature water to the correct level.
3. Select the setting according to the amount of milk.
4. Press the on/off button.
5. Wait for the progress indicator to become fully illuminated.

When using a silicone bottle, keep it in the warmer for another 3–4 minutes after the entire indicator lights up.

Warm water must not be used as the starting water.

Heating Time Changes Between Uses

The same quantity of milk may require different warming times depending on:

• Whether the milk starts at room temperature or refrigerator temperature.
• The starting temperature of the water.
• The type of feeding bottle.
• The quantity of milk.

If the water is already warm or hot, the appliance’s sensor changes the heating pattern to prevent milk overheating. This can increase the warming time.

For more consistent operation, each cycle should begin with sufficient fresh room-temperature water.

When to Contact Philips Support

If the appliance continues to malfunction after the applicable troubleshooting steps have been followed, Philips Consumer Care should be contacted.

The user must not open or attempt to repair the appliance.

Repairs and servicing beyond the owner instructions should be performed by an authorized service representative.

Warranty Information

Full Two-Year Warranty

Philips North America LLC provides a two-year warranty for new Philips products covered by model SCF358.

The warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

Under the stated warranty terms, Philips agrees to repair or replace a defective covered product without charge.

Warranty Exclusions and Limitations

The warranty excludes damage caused by circumstances such as:

• Accidents.
• Misuse or abuse.
• Failure to provide reasonable care.
• Attachments not supplied with the product.
• Loss of parts.

The printed warranty also contains an exclusion concerning batteries other than those specified.

The warranty disclaims responsibility for certain special, incidental, or consequential damages, subject to applicable law.

Rights and exclusions may differ by state or jurisdiction.

How to Request Warranty Service

Warranty assistance is available through Philips support.

The warranty instructions recommend that returned products be shipped using insured mail with insurance prepaid.

Damage occurring during shipment is not covered by the stated warranty.

The applicable warranty terms should be reviewed when arranging service.

Customer Support Information

For product assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty service, Philips provides the following contact details.

Only Philips or authorized service personnel should carry out repairs requiring professional servicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Philips Avent SCF358 warm bottles from other brands?

Yes. The Philips Avent SCF358 is designed for Philips Avent feeding bottles and most common branded feeding bottles. The manual provides warming instructions for plastic, glass, and silicone bottles.

How much water should be added to the Philips Avent bottle warmer?

Fresh drinking water at room temperature should be added to the same level as the milk inside the bottle. For a large milk volume, the water should reach approximately 1 cm below the top of the bottle warmer.

Which setting should be used for milk storage bags?

The keep warm/defrost setting should be used for milk storage bags. Before use, the milk bag’s own instructions must confirm that it is suitable for heating in a bottle warmer.

Can the Philips Avent SCF358 defrost frozen breast milk?

The SCF358 can defrost frozen milk in volumes from 30 ml (1 oz) to 180 ml (6 oz). The keep warm/defrost setting changes frozen milk to liquid and then warms it. The manual gives approximately 45 minutes as an example for 60 ml (2 oz) of frozen milk.

How long does the Philips Avent bottle warmer keep milk warm?

The bottle warmer automatically switches off after approximately 60 minutes, including the initial warming time. Once milk reaches the warmed stage, the appliance switches to keep warm mode. Milk that has subsequently cooled must not be reheated.

Why is the Philips Avent SCF358 progress indicator flashing rapidly?

Rapid flashing followed by switch-off may indicate that the water is too hot or too cold, or that the boil-dry protection has activated. The warmer should be switched off, unplugged, allowed to cool, and refilled with sufficient fresh room-temperature water before restarting.

Why does milk remain cold after the warming indicator lights up?

Possible causes include an incorrect milk volume setting, insufficient water, unsuitable starting water temperature, or the use of a silicone bottle. Silicone bottles require an additional 3–4 minutes in the warmer after the entire indicator lights up.

How often should the Philips Avent SCF358 be descaled?

Philips recommends descaling every four weeks. The prescribed method uses 60 ml (2 oz) of white vinegar mixed with 120 ml (4 oz) of cold water, operated on a milk warming setting below 180 ml (6 oz) for 10 minutes, followed by the remaining cleaning steps.