Portafilter ears that do not match a 58mm standard
A 58mm portafilter refers mainly to the basket diameter, not a universal ear or locking pattern. Check the group head, lug position, ear…
Troubleshooting
Help choosing and troubleshooting a home espresso machine without cafe-pro jargon getting in the way.
Accessories
Maintenance
Group gasket leaking with age
A leaking group gasket is usually an age-related seal problem, but coffee residue, an incorrectly seated gasket, or a damaged portafilter…
Scale light that will not reset
If your espresso machine’s scale light stays on after descaling, the cycle may not have registered as complete. Check the descale steps,…
Troubleshooting
Channeling visible on a bottomless portafilter
Channeling in a bottomless portafilter usually comes from uneven puck resistance, not a defective portafilter. Check the basket, grinder,…
Espresso coming out as drops: causes and fixes
Espresso that comes out only as slow drops is usually caused by a grind that is too fine, too much coffee, excessive tamping, or a blocked…
Espresso coming out too fast: causes and fixes
Espresso that gushes from the portafilter usually means the water is meeting too little resistance. Start by grinding finer, then check…
Espresso machine not heating up
An espresso machine that is not heating up may have a simple power, water, or settings problem—or a failed heating component. Use these…
Machine leaking under the drip tray
Water under an espresso machine’s drip tray is often caused by a full or poorly seated tray, a misplaced water tank, or normal drainage.…
Portafilter Not Locking In: Causes and Fixes
A portafilter that will not lock usually has an easy mechanical cause: too much coffee, a dirty basket rim, a displaced gasket, or an…
Pump sounding loud then dying
If your espresso machine pump suddenly sounds loud and then stops, stop repeated brewing attempts. The usual causes are an empty or poorly…
Steam pressure too low for microfoam
Weak steam often comes from a clogged wand tip or a machine that is not fully ready to steam. Check those first, then inspect setup and…
Steam Wand Only Sputtering Water: Causes and Fixes
A steam wand may spit water briefly while it heats or as condensed water clears. If it keeps sputtering, check the steam setting and…
Bitter shots even after a finer grind
If finer grinding made your espresso more bitter, stop adjusting the grinder for a moment. Check the coffee, shot yield, flow time, and…
Puck Sticking in the Basket: Causes and Fixes
A stuck puck is usually a cleanup annoyance, not a sign your espresso machine is broken. Check basket cleanliness and dose first, then…
Reservoir Tasting Like Plastic: Causes and Fixes
A plastic taste often comes from a new or poorly rinsed reservoir, a water filter, or water sitting in the tank. Clean and rinse the…
Sour shots from a new machine
Sour espresso usually means the coffee is under-extracted, though some beans naturally taste bright. Start by checking your beans and…