How to Repair an Espresso Machine
The heavenly smell of brewing espresso can sometimes be overpowered by the unpleasant sound of the espresso machine hissing its hints of an impending breakdown. Home espresso machines have become a common luxury, though the price to have them repaired can cost more than the machine itself. Often, preventative maintenance can stave off an outrageous repair bill, as can some basic troubleshooting when problems arise. By trying a few simple steps first, you can avoid searching out a repairman or a knowledgeable barista for advice. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Check Power Supply
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Unplug the espresso maker before any testing the wires going to the machine. Check the outlet the machine is plugged into by plugging in another appliance. If the appliance works, this could mean a fuse has blown in your espresso maker; if the appliance doesn't work, the espresso machine could've blown a fuse in your home's electrical box which needs to be reset.
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Consult the manufacturer's instructions if replacing a fuse, making sure the machine is unplugged before proceeding. Find the thermal fuse, which looks like a piece of glass near the boiler, and test it with a voltage meter to determine if it needs replacing.
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Inspect the machine for any exposed or frayed wiring, particularly on the power cord. Power cords for espresso machines can be expensive, though other electrical cords found at any hardware store could do the trick. Take the cord with you to the hardware store and ask the staff to find one of similar make and capacity.
Clean the Machine
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Clean an espresso machine at least once a month, particularly if it shuts down while making espresso before the brewing cycle is complete. Shutting down before the espresso is done can be attributed to buildup of hard water residue.
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Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water or a descaling product recommended for the machine. Turn on the machine for about a half hour and then empty the reservoir. Clean the reservoir with a mild detergent followed by a thorough rinsing.
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Add cool water into the espresso machine. Run the machine through at least two cycles or more, until the vinegar is gone. Consult the manufacturer's instructions if using a descaling product.
Troubleshoot the Machine
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Toss out old grinds to prevent them from mixing with new ones, which compromises the espresso's intended flavor. Brush the grinds from the grinder or run the grinder for a brief moment to clear them from the chute before beginning the next cycle.
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Stop irregular pours by drying the basket before dosing. Check the screen to see if it's clogged or if the water jet is clean; if not, descale or clean the machine as described earlier.
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Adjust the grinder by consulting the manufacturer's instructions. Adjusting the grinder can correct the problems of pours which are either too fast or too slow. Poor pump pressure or coffee being ground too finely can also cause slow pours.
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Prime the pump by placing water in the reservoir if it's making loud noises. Check to see if the coffee is ground too coarsely--this also contributes to a noisy machine.
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References
- Photo Credit espresso image by iMAGINE from Fotolia.com
