Troubleshooting - 30-Piece Pro Coffee Machine

This is usually an alignment issue. The bean hopper needs to be mounted in a specific way - if the markings aren't lined up correctly, it won't sit properly and the grinder won't function.

Step 1 - Align the hopper rings

Look at the bottom of the bean hopper. There are two rings with line markings - these must be aligned with each other before placing the hopper on the machine.

Step 2 - Position the hopper on the grinder

Place the bean hopper onto the grinder so that the "OPEN LOCK" symbol and the line markings sit directly above the ▲GRIND SIZE marking on the machine.

Step 3 - Lock it into the grind range

Turn the bean hopper clockwise past the small notch until the ▲GRIND SIZE marking falls within the 1-15 number range on the hopper. You should feel it click into place.

If the hopper still won't sit flush or the arrows aren't lining up, double-check that the two rings at the base are properly aligned (Step 1) before re-seating it. This is the most commonly missed step.

If the grinder is jammed, making unusual noises, or not producing grounds, it likely needs cleaning. Coffee oils and fine particles build up in the burrs and chute over time and can cause blockages.

Step 1 - Switch off and unplug the machine

Always disconnect from power before working on the grinder.

Step 2 - Remove the bean hopper

Lift the bean hopper off the machine and empty any remaining beans. Clean the hopper lid with water and mild detergent, rinse, and dry thoroughly.

Step 3 - Remove and clean the top burr

Rotate the top burr clockwise to unlock it, then carefully lift it out. Use the grinder brush (included with your machine) to remove any debris and built-up coffee residue.

Step 4 - Clean the lower burr

With the top burr removed, use the grinder brush to clean the lower burr inside the machine. You can use a thin stick or the brush end to dislodge any grounds stuck between the blades.

Step 5 - Clear the grinder chute

Use the other end of the grinder brush to poke through and clear any blockage in the chute where the grounds drop into the portafilter.

Step 6 - Reassemble

Replace the top burr (rotate counter-clockwise to lock), reseat the bean hopper (follow the alignment steps above), and run a short test grind.

Important: We recommend cleaning the burr grinder at least once a week if you're using it daily. Coffee oils go rancid over time and affect both the grinder's performance and the taste of your espresso.

A few things to check:

The grinder button isn't being engaged

The grinder activates when the portafilter handle is tilted downwards, pressing the edge of the filter basket against the grinder button underneath the chute. Make sure you're pushing the portafilter firmly enough to engage the button - the grinder will only run while this button is held down. Alternatively, you can set the grind time via the LCD (press MENU four times to reach the GRIND icon) and press START/STOP.

The chute is blocked

Coffee grounds can compact in the chute between the grinder and the portafilter. Switch off and unplug the machine, then use the grinder brush to clear the chute from above.

The bean hopper isn't locked past the notch

If the hopper wasn't turned far enough clockwise during mounting, the grinder won't activate. The ▲GRIND SIZE marking should sit within the 1-15 range. See the alignment steps above.

Check you're in the right mode

The machine needs to be set to STEAM mode before the wand will work. Press the MENU button three times - the STEAM icon should appear on the LCD screen. Wait for the icon to stop flashing (about 10 seconds of preheating). Once it's solid, the wand is ready.

Check the water level

The machine can't produce steam without water. If the water tank is empty or too low, the LCD will display a NO WATER warning and the START/STOP button light will flash blue. Refill the tank and try again.

Milk residue builds up inside the steam wand quickly, especially if it isn't cleaned after every use. If steam is coming through but is noticeably weaker than normal, or nothing is coming through at all, the nozzle is likely blocked.

Step 1 - Clear the nozzle

Find the steam wand cleaning pin - it's stored inside the drip tray slot. Use the pin to poke through the small hole at the bottom of the steam nozzle and clear the blockage.

Step 2 - Flush the wand

Hold a container under the steam wand. Set the machine to HOT WATER mode (press MENU twice) and run hot water through the wand for 30 seconds to rinse out any dissolved residue.

Step 3 - Prevent future blockages

After every use, wipe the outside of the steam wand with a damp cloth and run a short burst of steam to clear any milk from inside the wand. This takes 5 seconds and will prevent most clogging issues.

The machine won't operate without water in the tank. The blue indicator light on the START/STOP button will flash and the LCD will show a NO WATER warning.

Fill the water tank with fresh water (do not exceed the MAX line) and reseat it in the machine. The warning should clear and the machine will be ready to use.

Do not pour milk or any other liquid into the water tank - use water only.

The grind is too coarse

If your espresso runs through quickly and looks pale and watery, the grind size is probably too coarse. Rotate the bean hopper clockwise to move to a finer grind setting (lower number on the 1-15 scale).

The coffee isn't tamped firmly enough

After grinding, distribute the grounds evenly in the portafilter and press down firmly with the tamper. The goal is a level, evenly compressed puck. If the tamp is too light, water rushes through too fast and the espresso will taste weak.

The portafilter isn't locked in properly

Make sure the portafilter lugs are aligned with the brew head slots and twist counter-clockwise until the handle lines up with the LOCK TIGHT marking. If it's loose, water will bypass the coffee puck.

The coffee is stale

Freshly roasted, freshly ground beans make the biggest difference to espresso quality. If you're using pre-ground coffee or beans that have been open for a while, this is often the issue. Store beans in an airtight container away from heat and light.

If your machine displays an error code on the LCD, here's what it means and what to do:

E0 - Thermistor short circuit

The temperature sensor has malfunctioned. Switch the machine off, unplug it, and wait 5 minutes before plugging back in and restarting. If E0 appears again, contact us - the machine will need to be assessed.

E1 - On/Off button defect

The power button isn't registering properly. Try a firm, clean press. If the error persists, contact us.

E2 - Menu button defect

The MENU button isn't responding correctly. Try restarting the machine. If the error persists, contact us.

E3 - Clean button defect

The CLEAN button isn't responding correctly. Try restarting the machine. If the error persists, contact us.

E4 - Size button defect

The SIZE button isn't responding correctly. Try restarting the machine. If the error persists, contact us.

E5 - Cups button defect

The CUPS button isn't responding correctly. Try restarting the machine. If the error persists, contact us.

E6 - Start/Stop button defect

The START/STOP button isn't responding correctly. Try restarting the machine. If the error persists, contact us.

E7 - Pre-heat function defect

The machine's pre-heating system has malfunctioned. Switch off, unplug, wait 5 minutes, and restart. If E7 reappears, contact us.

For all error codes: if a restart doesn't clear the issue, please email cs@espresso-works.com with your error code and order number, and we'll help you resolve it.