10 Common Coffee Machine Problems and How to Fix Them

☕ 10 Common Coffee Machine Problems and How to Fix Them

Investing in a coffee machine—whether it’s a bean-to-cup, espresso machine, or filter brewer—is a great way to elevate your daily cup. But like any appliance, machines can develop issues over time. The good news? Many of these can be solved at home.

In this guide, we’ll cover common coffee machine problems and show you how to fix your espresso machine or home brewer without needing to call in the pros.
Learn how to extend your machine’s life, improve your brew, and save money with these coffee machine troubleshooting tips.

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⚠️ Problem 1: Machine Won’t Turn On

🔍 Possible Causes

• Power supply issues

• Faulty switch or wiring

• Tripped internal safety fuse

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Check the plug, socket, and fuse

• Ensure the water tank is correctly seated (some machines won’t operate if not detected)

• If the power light still doesn’t come on, it may need internal servicing

Tip: Avoid using extension cords with high-wattage machines.

☕ Problem 2: Coffee Tastes Weak or Bitter

🔍 Possible Causes

• Wrong grind size

• Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio

• Stale beans or poor water quality

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Use a burr grinder for consistent grind (too coarse = weak, too fine = bitter)

• Try a ratio of 1:16 (1g of coffee per 16g of water) for filter, or 1:2 for espresso

• Use freshly roasted beans and filtered water

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🚱 Problem 3: Water Isn’t Flowing Properly

🔍 Possible Causes

• Blocked internal pipes

• Scale build-up

• Faulty pump

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Run a descaling cycle using manufacturer-approved solution

• Check the water tank valve and tubes for blockages

• If using hard water, consider fitting a water filter

Tip: Regular descaling prevents 90% of water flow issues.

💧 Problem 4: Coffee Machine Leaks

🔍 Possible Causes

• Loose or damaged seals

• Cracked water tank

• Blocked group head

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Inspect seals and gaskets, replace if necessary

• Check for visible cracks in the tank or pipes

• Clean the brew group and check for coffee buildup

Tip: Leak underneath the machine? It could be a cracked boiler or internal pipe.

🌫️ Problem 5: Steam Wand Isn’t Working

🔍 Possible Causes

• Blocked nozzle from dried milk

• Internal limescale

• Steam valve failure

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Soak the wand in hot water and use a needle to clear the tip

• Run a steam cycle with descaler

• Lubricate the steam valve if your machine manual recommends it

Pro tip: Always purge your steam wand after every use to avoid build-up.

🔊 Problem 6: Machine Makes Loud Noises

🔍 Possible Causes

• Dry pump or grinder jam

• Internal blockage

• Worn-out parts

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Ensure the water tank is full and seated correctly

• Clean or replace burrs if grinder sounds strained

• If it’s a knocking or buzzing, it might be a pump issue needing professional help

🐢 Problem 7: Slow Brewing Time

🔍 Possible Causes

• Scale accumulation

• Clogged group head

• Low water pressure

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Run a full descaling cycle

• Backflush your espresso machine with cleaning tablets

• Clean or replace your water filter

Tip: A descaling schedule every 4–6 weeks can keep your flow smooth and brewing fast.

🥛 Problem 8: Milk Frother Issues

🔍 Possible Causes

• Blocked frother tip

• Cold or incorrect milk

• Weak steam pressure

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Use fresh, cold milk with higher fat content

• Clean the frother and tip regularly

• Ensure boiler reaches full temperature before steaming

Bonus: For bean-to-cup users, regularly clean the milk circuit using the machine’s auto-clean function.

❗ Problem 9: Error Messages

🔍 Common Errors

• "Add Water" even when full

• "Clean Required"

• "Check Brew Group"

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Re-seat the water tank or brew unit

• Run cleaning or descaling cycles when prompted

• Consult your machine manual for error code meanings

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🥶 Problem 10: Coffee Is Too Cold

🔍 Possible Causes

• Low brew temperature settings

• Insufficient machine warm-up time

• Worn-out heating element

🛠️ How to Fix It

• Set temperature to high (if your machine allows)

• Preheat your cup before brewing

• If coffee is still cold, the thermoblock or boiler may need repair

Tip: Most machines take 10–15 minutes to fully heat up, but some longer—patience pays off.

✅ Conclusion: When to DIY vs Call a Professional

Not every issue requires a technician. Most coffee machine troubleshooting can be done at home with regular cleaning, descaling, and careful attention. However, if your machine still won’t work after basic fixes, or you see electrical faults or leaking from inside the unit—it’s time to call in an expert.

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