Below is a general cleaning and
troubleshooting guide for
traditional espresso machines. Super-Automatic espresso machines
are generally run through frequent cleaning cycles and require
different cleaning methods. With proper
cleaning and service, high quality commercial espresso machines should
last for many
years.
Minor problems with espresso machines can often be resolved by
cleaning and
simple troubleshooting. Refer to your manual for machine specific
instructions.
Cleaning Methods
Porta-Filter Basket | Clean daily in hot water. Common practice is to soak filter baskets in hot water and detergent overnight to dissolve deposits. | |
Group | Clean weekly. Place a teaspoon of espresso machine detergent into a porta-filter with a solid basket. Attach the porta-filter to the group. Cycle the coffee delivery switch (turn on and off a few seconds at a time) until the water drains clean. It also helps to do this cleaning daily without the detergent. Perform this operation only if your machine is equipped with a 3-way electrovalve that backflushes from the portafilter to a drip tray. | |
Steam Nozzles | Keep
clean at all times. If necessary, clear steam exit
holes with a needle. |
|
Water Softener | Regenerate monthly, or as needed depending on machine use and water type. |
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution | ||
No Power to Machine | Main switch is in unpowered position | Switch to "On" or "2" position | ||
Improper electrical connection | Have electrical connection checked | |||
Machine will not dispense coffee | Water supply tap is closed | Open water supply tap | ||
Group dispensing orifice is clogged | Call a technician | |||
Solenoid valve is clogged | Call a technician | |||
Coffee dispenses too slowly | Coffee ground too finely | Use a coarser ground coffee | ||
Group head orifice is dirty | Clean the group | |||
Group perforated disks are clogged | Clean the perforated disks | |||
The porta-filter basket is dirty | Clean the porta-filter | |||
Decrease in water supply pressure | Call a technician | |||
Coffee dispenses too quickly | Coffee
Ground too
coarsly |
User a finer ground coffee | ||
Increase in water supply pressure | Call a Technician | |||
Coffee leaks from porta-filter | Edges of porta-filter basket are damaged | Replace porta-filter basket | ||
Residue between the porta-filter and seal | Clean group | |||
Worn group head gasket | Have group head gasket replaced | |||
Water leaks from under machine | Detached, clogged, or broken drain | Check and restore drain connection | ||
Nozzles will not dispense hot water/steam | Boiler has not warmed up | Wait a few minutes | ||
Steam nozzle holes are clogged | Clean nozzle holes with a needle | |||
Boiler is full of water | Call a technician | |||
Steam nozzle dispenses water | Boiler is full of water | Run
hot water from nozzle. |