Few things can match the feeling of a great cup of coffee first thing in the morning. The combination of great flavor and a real kick in the pants to start your day really can’t be beat. That’s why you want the best home espresso machine that’s up to the task. You wake up, head to the kitchen, and automatically turn on your coffee maker. With your eyes still closed, you head to the bathroom for a quick wash, hoping to have your coffee ready when you leave. Poor me! He finds the jug empty, and his machine doesn’t seem surprisingly quiet.
Happens. Even the most expensive appliance can reach its limit. Your coffee or espresso machine may have come to an end. Wait! Don’t throw it away yet. You can still salvage your wonderful coffee maker by following these simple steps on how to fix a broken coffee pot and espresso machine.
How to repair broken coffee pots
Whether you have an inexpensive coffee maker or an expensive one, coffee makers are easy to repair. They have a fundamentally simple design consisting of a few essential components.
A simple drip coffee maker has several electronic components that work to heat the water and deliver it to the ground coffee. It also has a mechanism to keep the jug containing the coffee warm.
Repairing a broken coffee maker involves isolating a problematic component, including the power switch, fuse, heating element, thermostat, and heating element.
You may want to watch this video to help you repair any drip coffee pot.
Step 1. Prepare your coffee maker
Always start the repair process by unplugging your appliance. Empty the water tank. You don’t want water dripping on the electrical components of your unit. Also, remove the coffee basket and filter.
Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to remove the casing or base of the machine. You may need a special screwdriver for this step, depending on your drive.
Step 2. Check the power switch
Set your multimeter to ohms and place the test leads together or close to each other. Check the reading on your tester because you will use this information as a reference.
Turn on the power switch of your coffee maker and place the test probes on the terminals. The reading should be similar to your reference value. If not, you may have a broken ON/OFF switch. Coffee maker power switches can cost you anywhere from a dollar to five dollars.
If you want a more accurate test of any power switch, you can watch this helpful video.
Step 3. Check the fuse
Fuses can fail much faster than other electrical components. Using the same method described above, you can also check the continuity of the circuit.
If the reading is not close to the reference value, you may have a blown brewer fuse. You can buy a fuse for around three cents to three dollars.
Step 4. Check the Thermostat
Locate your coffee maker’s thermostat and check its electrical connection. A failed thermostat requires replacement that can cost anywhere from $3 to $10, depending on the brand.
You must purchase a thermostat with the same voltage and amperage ratings as the faulty thermostat. For example, if the faulty unit is rated for 120 volts and 16 amps, you should get a 120V 16A coffee maker thermostat.
Step 5. Check the heating element
Perform the same test on the heating element of the coffee maker. If it is defective, mark the different components of the heating element and the cables with masking tape. Remove the defective heating element and replace it with a new unit. Reconnect the various cables and components.
Step 6. Check the heating element
Your coffee maker has a warming plate that accommodates the coffee carafe. You can test your heating element using the method we outlined above, and replace the component if it’s faulty.
Step 7. Reassemble your coffee maker
Once you fix your coffee maker, you can put it back together by securing the base or casing. It would be best to test all components before reassembling.
How to repair a broken espresso machine
A manual espresso machine is much easier to repair because there are no complicated mechanical parts. You deliver the pressure by pressing a lever.
On the other hand, automatic espresso machines have complicated components and circuitry that can be a challenge for even a seasoned DIYer. Still, you can make some quick repairs to a broken espresso machine.
Step 1. Check if the water runs through the machine
The heated air from the boiler can put pressure on the machine’s pump to create a vapor lock.
To repair, turn off your espresso machine for about 30 minutes. Refill the machine with fresh, cold, filtered water. Turn on the appliance, activate the steam wand and let the water run for two minutes.
Activate brew mode and backwash your unit for two minutes, while holding the steam wand in the ON position. Turn off brew mode and let the water run through the steam wand again for another two minutes. Turn off your machine.
Step 2. Check for steam on the steam wand
Make sure that the steam indicator indicates at least 1 bar. If so, your machine may have a different problem. If the pressure gauge reads ‘0’, you may want to reset it and see if it resolves the issue.
Clean the tip of the steam wand with a suitable tool to remove any obstruction. It should give you enough steam for your milk-based coffee drinks.
Step 3. Check if your espresso has crema
A rich crema differentiates a fantastic espresso from a mediocre caffeinated drink. If you don’t see this delicious layer on your espresso, there must be a problem.
Understand that the quality of the crema is a function of the coffee beans. Coffee grounds that are too thick or burnt coffee beans do not produce a velvety crema. The temperature of the water can also affect cream production, with the ideal temperature being 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also check the brew pressure of your machine. Ideally, you want a shot of espresso within 20 to 30 seconds. Pulling faster or longer can result in a poor quality cream. It also tells you that the machine has a brew pressure problem.
If performing the vapor lock treatment does not resolve the issue, you may need to take your espresso machine to a service center.
Conclusion
Most coffee makers and espresso machines have simple designs. Only complex superautomatics require a more professional repair. If not, following the simple steps on how to fix a broken coffee maker and espresso machine should save you the hassle of buying a new unit or hiring a professional to do it for you.
Categories: How to
Source: vtt.edu.vn