Understanding and Troubleshooting Coffee Machines: A Comprehensive Guide
In addition to skillful coffee making, a fully functioning coffee machine is essential for making the perfect cup of coffee. However, like humans, a coffee maker's longevity depends on the user's careful maintenance. In this article, we will focus on the common problems encountered by users when using coffee machines, and provide practical solutions to ensure the efficient operation of coffee machines.
1. Why Does My Coffee Maker Have A Blinking Light?
When you switch on the coffee machine and press the start button, two indicator lights start flashing to show that the coffee machine is heating up. During the preheating phase, the coffee maker brings the internal temperature to the optimum temperature for brewing coffee. When the four indicator lights come on, the preheating process is complete and the coffee maker is ready for operation.
If, on the contrary, the decalcifying light is flashing, the coffee maker has not been adequately cleaned before use and must be decalcified before use. Over time, dirt builds up inside the machine, inevitably affecting its performance and potential lifespan. Maintaining internal cleanliness is the first step in ensuring the efficient operation of a coffee machine.
Solution:For scientific and rational descaling, a special descaling solution can be used to completely dissolve the dirt and then rinse the machine with clean water.
2. Why Is My Grinder Not Working (Bad Coffee Taste)?
The grinder is the main component of a coffee machine. If it is not working properly, it is the first cause of bad coffee taste. So what can we do to prevent this?
(1) Pre-cleaning: before using the grinder, remove the cleaning brush under the drip plate.
(2) Disassembly: Turn off the coffee maker and unlock the bean container by turning it counterclockwise. Empty the hopper and clean the bottom of the hopper with a cleaning brush.
(3) Grinding the remaining grants: Replace the hopper and press the "Grind" button to grind the remaining grains inside.
(4) Deep cleaning: Turn the machine off again and open the hopper. Turn the grinder counterclockwise and clean it thoroughly with a straw cleaning brush. Clean the internal grinding unit with the cleaning brush.
(5)Cleaning the channels: Remove any blockages by passing a straw cleaning brush from top to bottom through the dust dosing channels.
(6) Assembly: Turn the grinder clockwise to assemble and press the grind button to remove any debris.
3. Why Is My Coffee Not Hot?
If your freshly brewed coffee is not hot enough, it may be due to incorrectly heated additives. Here's how you can make sure your coffee is hot:
(1) Preheat the additives: Before you brew the coffee, place an unfiltered funnel and run it through hot water. This way the funnel is heated.
(2) Heat the cup: heat the cup with hot water. Alternatively, place the cup on the top cover of the machine to keep it warm.
NOTE: Coffee that is ground too finely is more likely to clog the channels and should be cleaned more frequently. If necessary, set a coarser grind.
4. Why Does My Coffee Look Wrong?
Extraction problems can affect the appearance and taste of coffee:
1. Over-extraction:
(1) Symptoms: slow flow, dark brown coffee, strong flavor, and less oil.
(2) Causes: Too finely ground beans, too much coffee powder, or too much pressure.
(3) Solutions: use fresh, dark coffee beans. Set a coarser grind, reduce the amount of coffee powder (0.5 ounces per cup, 0.6 ounces per double cup) or press the powder lightly. You can also switch to a single-wall filter to reduce pressure.
(2)Insufficient extraction:
(1) Symptoms: fast flow, light coffee, bland taste and thin oil.
(2) Causes: Beans ground too coarsely, insufficient coffee powder, or insufficient pressure.
(3) Solutions: set a finer grind, add more coffee powder, or press the powder more. Switching to a double-wall filter can also help increase pressure.
5. Why is vapor not stable?
When you turn the side knob on the steam icon, the steam function starts to heat up. This process removes the water residues inside. The steam function is ready for use when the steam comes out stable.
Tip: Make sure the steam wand is clean and free of obstructions. Clean regularly with a clean cloth after use to maintain optimal performance.
6. Why Is There Steam In The Water Tray And Water In The Water Tray?
When the steam function is used, the internal system reduces the pressure across the water tray. This is a normal phenomenon that can lead to the accumulation of water in the tray. To avoid overfilling, remember to clean the water tray in time.
Solution: Empty the water tray regularly and make sure it is properly positioned to collect excess water.
7. How Can I Prolong The Life Of My Machine?
Proper maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of your home coffee machine. Here are Some Suggestions:
(1) Cleaning after brewing: after brewing coffee, run hot water through the machine to avoid clogging the brewing head.
(2) After frothing milk, wipe the frothing rod with a clean cloth and leave some steam to avoid clogging.
(3) Regular descaling: follow the descaling schedule recommended in the machine's user manual to keep the machine in optimal condition.
Conclusion
A well-maintained coffee maker not only produces better tasting coffee but also lasts longer. By understanding the most common problems and following the troubleshooting and maintenance tips in this article, you can keep your best coffee maker running at its best. Happy coffee brewing!
