Why do coffee machines break and how can I fix my coffee maker? It is really pretty simple but it can be pretty frustrating to have to deal with a broken coffee pot or a slow brewing coffee maker. Many people depend on their morning coffee to start the day out right, so while you may not want to be fixing your coffee machine first thing in the morning, it is probably better than going without coffee.
Here are a couple common problems with your coffee machine and what you can do to fix it, if there is hope, because sometimes there is no hope.
You are going to like this one. The most common problem with coffee machines is that in your stupor you forget to plug them in and you think it is broken. Now I am not saying you are stupid I am just saying it can happen to the best of us. It is also possible that your power cord simply goes bad at which point it is usually easier to replace the coffee machine than it is to replace the power cord.
Next problem would be the one way valve for the hot water drip could be obstructed or calcified. You can either unclog it with a toothpick or other implement or run vinegar through the coffee pot. This will remove any calcification, just remember to run a couple pots of water through the coffee maker before using it for coffee again.
If the heating element fails you are out of luck. It is time to get refund, call the warranty people or get a new coffee machine. This fix is not really worth your time. You may have to make a detour on the way to work if you are greeted by this problem first thing in the morning.
Another simple problem that can often seem like an insurmountable obstacle first thing in the morning is that of the timer or alarm. Many people believe that figuring out how to set their VCR meant that all household programing was in bounds, but failed to realize that misseting the coffee maker has serious consequences. Mess up the time and you are in trouble.
A very frustrating problem that has no fix is a broke carafe. This can be a catastrophe and the sad part is that it usually means buying a new coffee maker because it is nearly impossible to find anther carafe that fits just right. This can be avoided with a metal carafe or a self contained carafe with a spigot.
Breaking coffee machines can get the day started on a bad foot so it is good to have plan in place such as a second coffee machine or a favorite coffee stop on the way to work. Always be prepared and always be ready, coffee pots can go out without waring, and this may be a signal that it is time to upgrade to an espresso machine.
The vast majority of people in the developed world share their mornings with a coffee machine, if the are lucky they share it with an espresso machine but have you ever actually wondered how your coffee goes in as water and comes out as coffee? It takes place in a matter of minutes and it has such a huge impact.
There are lots of options when it comes to buying a coffee maker but most of us use a plain old drip coffee maker. It may not be glitzy and glamourous but it gets the job done. And it is actually a pretty simple device. When you get down to it there really isn’t much to making a pot of coffee. And to tell you a secret it has more to do with the grind than it does the coffee maker.
There are three basic components to a coffee pot. First is the water reservoir that you pour the coffee into. At the bottom of the reservoir there is a tube that carries the water into the drip. There are different drip configurations but the name pretty much gives away the idea of what the drip does.
The water is heated in the reservoir causing it to go up the tube and into the drip where it drips over the coffee. The hot water and coffee ground combine in the basket and because of the oil in the coffee grounds and the fine grind the water cannot freely run through the filter.
The water and the coffee grounds mingle together while the fluid works its way through the coffee filter. Filters are usually paper but can also be a reusable mesh, often copper or plastic.
Once the coffee goes through the filter it ends up in the pot where it is kept warm by the heating element on the bottom of the coffee pot. This is the same heating element that originally heated the water causing it to go up the tube into the drip, so you know it is hot. You have probably seem what happens when you leave a coffee pot on all day. You end up with a crusty mess at the bottom of the coffee pot or a broke carafe.
So as you can see a coffee pot is a relatively simple invention that serves us very well. Of course there are fancier options on the market, like espresso machines or french presses, but for most of us a regular old coffee machine is fine.
Here are a couple of tips that will allow you to get the most out of your espresso machine whether you are using it for home or commercial use.
- After any cleaning cycle or the replacement of any parts or filters you should pull a test shot to make sure that everything went as expected. This will also clear out any excess cleaner that you failed to remove.
- When you clean the basket you should wipe it dry before using it again. Your basket should be totally dry before you add a dose. This ensures that you will be able to achieve the right level of tamping and will not trap any water in the system.
- You should never use dish detergent on any part of the machine that comes in contact the coffee grounds or with the finished product. It is very difficult to get all of the detergent residue off of an espresso machine or anything else for that matter and the detergent will quickly break down the oils in the coffee and degrade the quality of the espresso.
- It is a good idea to also apply this same logic to your coffee cups and disinfect them with hot water instead of dish detergent.
- It is a good idea to flush the espresso machine between each use. Getting in the habit of doing this will greatly reduce the time that you have to spend doing monthly or annual clean ups of your espresso machine. Each flush will help you reduce build up and rancid coffee leftovers.
- This may not make a whole lot of sense but the less the machine is used the more it will have to be cleaned. Or stated another way, it will have to be cleaned more frequently because the process of using the machine actually provides some cleaning. Consider that a car that sits to long will probably need some TLC before it is ready for the road. Same for an espresso machine.
- You should remove the portafilter at least once a week and soak in a coffee detergent solution.
- If you are ever in doubt as to the cleanliness of your espresso machine pull a water shot and see what consistency the water come out. If it is discolored or has a coffee odor your machine needs additional cleaning.
An espresso machine can last for many years if treated properly but if you do not take care of you machine it will not live up to its full potential. You are subjecting your machine to high pressures, extreme heat, oil, and acidic substance, and a gritty substance. In an industrial application this would be considered a high risk activity. Keep your espresso machine clean and you will be pleased with your investment.
