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Coffee Machine Troubleshooting

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Nothing disrupts your morning routine quite like a coffee machine that won’t brew. If your coffee machine has a power problem, makes strange noises, or leaks, coffee machine troubleshooting can save you time, money, and a trip to the repair shop. This guide covers the most common coffee maker problems, step-by-step solutions, and when it’s time to call a technician.

Looking for the right machine? Explore our Complete Coffee Machine Guide for top-rated models and buying tips.

Most Common Coffee Machine Problems

Coffee Machine Brewing

From coffee machines not brewing to leaking drip trays and low brewing temperature, most issues can be traced to a few key causes. Let’s take a look at the problems users face most often — and how to fix them.

1. Coffee Machine Not Brewing

When your coffee maker won’t brew, the problem could be electrical or internal.

Common causes:

  • Clogged brew group or filter basket
  • Faulty power switch or loose plug
  • Overfilled water tank or jammed bean hopper

Quick fix:

Unplug and replug your machine, clean out the brew basket, and check for blockages in the water line. If you’re using a pod system like Nespresso Essenza Mini or Keurig K-Classic, descale the system to clear mineral buildup.

2. Coffee Machine Leaking

Coffee Machine Leaking

If your coffee machine leaks water during brewing, the issue is usually with the gasket, drip tray, or water tank seal.

Quick fix:

  • Remove the reservoir, rinse, and dry the seal area.
  • Make sure the group head and brew group are firmly attached.
  • Avoid overfilling the machine — it affects the flow rate and causes internal overflow.

Machines like Hamilton Beach and Sunbeam often feature added safety features to prevent overheating when leaks occur.

3. Coffee Maker Not Heating

When your coffee maker doesn’t heat, the thermostat or heating element may be at fault.

Quick fix:

  • Allow the unit to cool, then reset the thermal switch.
  • Clean the brew group and shower head.
  • Avoid brewing with room-temperature water for faster recovery.

Quick Fixes You Can Try Now

Coffee Maker

Sometimes, a simple reset or cleaning cycle is all your machine needs. Here’s how to fix your coffee maker quickly — without calling a technician.

How to Fix My Coffee Maker

Before you panic, check these steps:

  • Ensure your coffee maker is plugged into a working outlet.
  • Reinsert all removable parts correctly (especially in automatic coffee makers).
  • Clean filters, remove old coffee grounds, and refill with fresh whole beans or ground coffee.
  • Run one full cycle with just water to test the flow rate.

How to Reset a Coffee Maker

Most modern machines — especially De’Longhi, Breville, and Jura — allow a simple reset sequence:

  • Turn off and unplug the machine.
  • Hold the main power button for 10–15 seconds.
  • Plug back in and restart.

Resetting restores factory settings, clearing sensor glitches and error codes.

Descaling & Limescale: Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Descaling & Limescale

Mineral buildup from hard water can slow the brewing process, alter temperature settings, and even damage internal components. Regular descaling is crucial for maintaining a flavorful espresso.

How to Descale a Coffee Machine

  • Mix descaling solution with water (or use vinegar for home machines).
  • Fill the water tank and run a half brew cycle.
  • Let the solution sit for 20 minutes to dissolve limescale.
  • Run two full rinse cycles to remove residue.

How to Tell if My Keurig Needs Descaling

Keurig and Nespresso machines have a descale light that turns on when the water flow slows or drips unevenly.

Other signs:

  • Lower temperatures while brewing
  • Weaker-tasting coffee
  • Machine makes a “hissing” sound

Espresso Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Café Issues

Espresso Troubleshooting

If you own an espresso machine, a little extra care is needed. These systems are more complex and sensitive to grind, pressure, and temperature variations.

Espresso Machine Troubleshooting Basics

If your espresso isn’t pouring correctly or tastes off:

  • Check for group head leaks or loose portafilters.
  • Adjust grind size — too fine restricts brew group flow.
  • Clean group head screens and backflush daily.

How to Backflush an Espresso Machine

  • Insert the blind filter into your portafilter.
  • Add a small amount of espresso cleaning powder.
  • Lock it into the group head and run a short brew cycle.
  • Repeat several times, then rinse thoroughly.

Regular backflushing prevents oil buildup, ensuring a flavorful espresso with every shot.

When to Call a Technician

Call a Technician

Even with good maintenance, some problems require professional attention.

Coffee Maker Repair and Servicing

You may need coffee machine repair if:

  • The unit won’t heat despite resets.
  • You notice burning smells or smoke.
  • Water leaks persist even after gasket replacement.

Hotels, cafés, and restaurants often use Bloomfield, Andis, or Hamilton Beach machines, which require specialized service.

FAQs: Coffee Machine Troubleshooting Questions

These FAQ-style long-tail questions are optimized for featured snippets and People Also Ask visibility.

Coffee Machine Troubleshooting

Q1. Why Is My Coffee Maker Not Brewing?

Your coffee maker might have clogged filters or scale buildup. Clean your machine and run a descaling cycle to restore normal brew flow.

Q2. How Do I Fix My Coffee Maker That Won’t Turn On?

Check your outlet, cord, and internal fuse. Always lock the brew group and bean hopper on your Breville or De’Longhi; the machine won’t operate unless they’re secure.

Q3. How Often Should I Descale My Coffee Machine?

Descale monthly if you live in a hard water area, or every 2–3 months otherwise. Always use an approved coffee maker descaling solution.

Q4. Why Does My Coffee Taste Bitter or Burnt?

This can result from high brew temperature, dirty group heads, or over-extracted espresso shots. Clean your equipment and adjust temperature settings for balance.

Q5. Can I Use Vinegar to Clean My Coffee Machine?

Yes, but avoid using vinegar on commercial espresso machines — it can corrode metal parts. Use a certified descaling agent for brands like Jura, Nespresso, or Keurig.

Coffee Machine Troubleshooting

Conclusion: Coffee Machine Troubleshooting

A little coffee machine troubleshooting goes a long way. Coffee machine troubleshooting, including descaling, resetting, and fixing minor issues, helps extend your machine’s life and keeps your coffee flavorful every day.

Not sure which machine best suits your daily routine? Compare espresso machines and drip coffee makers to make an informed choice before your next upgrade.