A nice cup of coffee from your coffee machine is one of the best ways to start your day, but it can be frustrating when your coffee machine needs a repair or are on the verge of doing so. If your coffee machine is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it yourself.
Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow:
Coffee machines, alike any other piece of equipment, can suffer from a variety of problems due to the wear and tear of constant use or misuse. Just like you would take your car in for a regular service, it is important to give your coffee machine regular TLC to ensure that it continues to produce the best possible coffee.
A coffee machine that is not functioning properly can produce coffee that is less flavourful or not even suitable to drink. Here are some good tell-tale signs that your coffee machine needs a service:
- The coffee’s flavour is weak or watery.
- The coffee is bitter or sour.
- The coffee is not hot enough.
- The coffee machine is leaking.
- The coffee maker is making strange noises.
If you notice any of these problems, having your coffee machine serviced by a qualified technician is important. By taking care of your coffee machine, you can ensure that it will last for many years and continue to produce delicious coffee.
Why should I service my Coffee Machine?
Besides what was mentioned above there is another more silent killer to be wary of, and that is Limescale, the chalky residue that forms inside water-dependent machines, which can silently damage them. You're probably already aware that limescale is composed of calcium carbonate and is left behind by hard water.
Speaking scientifically though, hard water contains a higher concentration of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
When hard water evaporates, it deposits calcium carbonate, resulting in limescale buildup on surfaces. Unfortunately, limescale can accumulate quickly and has a tendency to adhere to itself, making it easier to remove if addressed promptly.
Beyond being unsightly, limescale can corrode or harm the protective layer on metal surfaces, leading to rust and gradual deterioration of vital coffee machine components without your knowledge.
Water Impurities and their effects on Coffee Machines
Water is essential for making coffee, but not all water is created equal. The quality of your water can have a significant impact on the taste of your coffee, as well as the lifespan of your coffee machine.
Common water impurities that can affect coffee machines include:
- Hard water: Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up inside your coffee machine and cause a number of problems, including:
- As mentioned above, Limescale can build up: Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit that can form on the heating elements of your coffee machine. This can reduce the efficiency of your machine and make it difficult to clean.
- Corrosion: Hard water can also corrode the metal parts of your coffee machine. This can lead to leaks and other damage.
- Improper brewing: Hard water can affect the taste of your coffee, making it bitter or sour.
- Chlorine: Chlorine is a disinfectant that is often added to tap water. While chlorine can kill harmful bacteria, it can also give your coffee a bad taste.
- Organic matter: Organic matter, such as dirt and sediment, can also be found in tap water. This matter can clog the filters of your coffee machine and make it difficult to clean.
How to Improve the Quality of Your Coffee with a Water Filter
A water filter can also help to remove impurities from your water, which can improve the taste of your coffee and extend the lifespan of your coffee machine.
There are many different types of water filters available, so it is important to choose one that is right for your needs. Some factors to consider include:
- The type of water impurities you want to remove
- The size and type of coffee machine that you have
- Your budget
Once you have chosen a water filter, it is important to install it properly and follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.
How to Maintain Your Coffee Machine
Now some of these coffee machine maintenance steps may well depend on the type of coffee machine that you have at your disposal but they work as a solid general-purpose guide nevertheless:
- Thoroughly clean the coffee brewing unit: Perform a full cleaning of the coffee brewing unit, ensuring all components are free from residue and grime. This helps maintain the quality and taste of your coffee.
- Check steam pressure: Verify the steam pressure to ensure it is within the appropriate range for producing frothed milk and hot water.
- Clean and sanitize the water tank: Regularly clean and sanitize the water tank to prevent the buildup of bacteria or impurities that could affect the taste of your coffee.
- Clean all internal metal contact points: Clean the internal metal contact points, including the group head and filter baskets, to remove any coffee oils or grounds that may impact the extraction process.
- Check grinder settings: Inspect and adjust the grinder settings to ensure consistent and optimal grind size, which greatly influences the taste and extraction of the coffee.
- Complete clean of the machine's exterior: Clean the exterior surfaces of the machine, removing any dust, stains, or fingerprints to maintain its appearance and hygiene.
- Clean grounds tray and drip tray: Regularly clean the grounds tray and drip tray with hot water and detergent to remove coffee residue and prevent unpleasant odours.
- Check the operation of buttons and functions: Test all buttons and functions of the machine to ensure they are working correctly and responding appropriately.
- Descaling the coffee machine when required: Perform descaling procedures as needed to remove limescale buildup inside the machine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate descaling solution and frequency.
- Software update: If applicable, check for software updates provided by the manufacturer and perform updates to ensure your machine benefits from the latest features and improvements.
- Checking coffee recipes and recalibration: Review and verify the coffee recipes programmed into the machine, making any necessary adjustments to maintain the desired flavour and strength. Recalibrate the machine if required to ensure precise brewing parameters.
Coffee Machine Servicing
At Servicesphere with our extensive experience as suppliers and experts in commercial coffee machines, we have encountered a wide range of issues that coffee machine owners may face. We make it our business to be knowledgeable about every machine in the market, including those we don't stock.
Therefore, even if you haven't purchased your machine from us, we can offer you one of the most comprehensive service plans available.
We take pride in providing a coffee machine service that is not only thorough but also affordable.
Our goal is to offer a comprehensive service plan that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
For our regular customers, we offer discounts on our comprehensive service. However, even if you are not a regular customer, our service remains highly affordable, ensuring that you receive excellent value for your investment.
Book your Coffee Machine service here.
