Symptom
Cause
Corrections
Espresso only brews out
in drops.
Coffee grounds are too fine
or packed down too firmly.
Machine is blocked by
calcium deposits.
Do not tamp coffee
grounds so firmly. Use a
coarser grind of coffee.
Decalcify the appliance.
See chapter 11.
No crema.
Coffee is old or too dry.
Coffee is not tamped firmly
enough. Water pushes
through the coffee too fast.
Coffee too coarse.
Coffee blend not suited to
espresso coffee.
Use fresh coffee that is
ground right before
brewing.
Tamp coffee grounds more
firmly. Use a finer grind.
Use a finer grind.
Change brand/roast of
coffee. We recommend a
medium to dark roast of
high quality Arabica beans
such as the Capresso
brand.
Acid (vinegar) taste in
espresso coffee.
Did not fully rinse the
system after decalcifying.
The coffee is not fresh or of
high quality.
See chapter 11 for detailed
instructions on rinsing the
system after decalcifying.
Grind fresh whole bean
coffee right before brewing.
After opening store whole
beans in a dark, air-tight
container to maintain its
freshness. Use beans
within 1 week.
Espresso not hot enough. Pre-warm cups and
system.
Pre-warm cups with hot
water or on the cup
warming tray. Purge brew
head and portafilter
immediately before
brewing. Dry portafilter
and sieve before filling with
grinds. See chapter 4.
Symptom
Cause
Corrections
Uneven cup filling.
Outlet in sieve or portafilter
blocked.
Uneven dosing or tamping
of ground coffee into sieve.
Remove sieve from
portafilter. Clean with stiff
brush. Clean portafilter.
Evenly distribute the finely
ground coffee into the
sieve and tamp firmly and
evenly.
Loud pump noise/no
water from brew head.
No water in water tank.
Air blockage in pump.
Water tank is not in the
correct position.
Fill water tank with fresh,
cold water.
Coffee/Steam button
should be illuminated white
for steam/froth function.
Place small frothing pitcher
under frothing wand and
turn selector dial to steam.
After a few seconds a
steady stream of water
should emerge from the
frothing wand. Allow a few
ounces of water to flow out
of the frothing wand then
turn the selector dial back
to the center position ( ).
Adjust the water tank so it
is in the right position. See
chapter 3, a.
Water tank drips/leaks
when removed.
The base valve on the
bottom of the water tank
may be stuck.
Use finger to push valve
back into place while
holding the water tank over
a sink.
