Is your coffee machine not performing efficiently? When operating commercial machinery such as an espresso machine, several issues could arise so follow our simple guide to diagnosing and troubleshooting a faulty coffee machine.
These solutions relate to the machines we provide such as Victoria Arduino and Nuova Simonelli but are relevant to almost all other brands of coffee machine available. For further assistance with your faulty coffee machine, or perhaps a modern replacement – speak to a member of our sales team who will be happy to pair you up with an efficient coffee machine to suit your business and your budget.
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Cold coffee
Possible Cause: Machine not active at operating temperature
Solution: Ensure machine is switched to the correct position then wait 15-20 minutes for your machine’s needle to reach temperature 1.0 bar.
Possible Cause: Filter holder not hot
Solution: Lock the filter holder into position and flush with hot water for one minute. Once the coffee has been made, make sure you always leave the filter holder locked into your brewing group heads to maintain their temperature.
Top tip – Always ensure you use pre-heated cups
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Milk won’t froth
Possible Cause: Steam nozzle blocked
Solution: Remove and thoroughly clean
Possible Cause: Steam pressure is low
Solution: Check your machine’s boiler pressure needle is at 1.0 and check to see if your machine is switched to the correct position on the on/off switch
Possible Cause: Attempting to re-froth boiled milk
Solution: Throw away the contents of the milk jug, thoroughly wash it and try again with fresh milk
Top tip – always use high quality milk.
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Filter holder difficulty loading into brewing group head
Possible Cause: Too much coffee in the filter holder
Solution: Make sure you check that the correct filter basket in the filter holder. For example, if the single filter basket for one measure is in the single filter holder, and the double filter basket for two measures of coffee is in the double filter holder.
Possible Cause: Group gasket could be damaged
Solution: This could mean the gasket needs replacing. Call an expert.
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Coffee dispenses too quick
Possible Cause: Not enough coffee in the filter holder
Solution: Make sure your filter baskets are filled properly with the right amount of coffee for their purpose.
Possible Cause: Coffee in the filter holder is not tamped enough
Solution: Discard the coffee in the filter holder and refill from the grinder ensuring you compress enough.
Top tip – make sure your grinder settings are correct
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Coffee dispenses too slow
Possible Cause: Blocked brewing group head
Solution: Use a filter holder and clean thoroughly every day.
Possible Cause: Check your operating pump pressure is at the correct bar
Solution: We recommend running hot water through the brewing group head with the filter holder containing coffee then checking the needle to make sure it’s at the optimal performance level.
Possible Cause: Too much coffee in the filter holder
Solution: Make sure you’re only using enough coffee for that specific filter head. For example, when using a single filter, only use enough to coffee for a single serve.
Top tip – make sure your grinder settings are correct
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Coffee machine is leaking from the brewing group head
Possible Cause: The filter basket or group gasket is damaged
Solution: These elements are damaged need replacing immediately. Call a professional.
Top tip – These damages may be caused be a build-up of coffee. Clean the brewing group head and filters thoroughly every day.
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Coffee machine is leaking from under the drip tray
Possible Cause: The waste pipe is blocked
Solution: Safely lift off your drip tray and clean out the pipe and box. Start by wiping any coffee deposits with a warm damp cloth and then running hot water through the pipes until it runs clear.
Possible Cause: Boiler overflow
Solution: Turn off your coffee machine immediately and call a professional.
Faulty Coffee Machine’s Problem – Coffee machine is leaking from the back of the machine
Possible Cause: Boiler overflow
Solution: Turn off your coffee machine immediately and call a professional.
At Coffeaco90, we pride ourselves on first-class service and support which is why we supply you with a top of the range machine and give you comprehensive training on its use and upkeep. Additionally, we provide free call outs and spare parts if required. So next time you’ve got a faulty coffee machine, why don’t you consider renting one from us and have our expert team look after it as part of our package?
For advice on your faulty coffee machine or anything espresso machine related, call our team 0151 922 3436
