What can cause breakdowns?
The range of reasons that cause breakdowns of this type of home appliances include:
- sloppy service,
- incorrect operation,
- introduction of unacceptable types of raw materials,
- incorrect settings.
In most cases, equipment repair may be required due to improper use of Saeco equipment. From time to time, breakdowns are caused by the use of coffee beans of specific types that absolutely cannot be used in these models. In addition, malfunction of the coffee machine can be caused by incorrect settings of the characteristics. The photo clearly shows what happens to the unit in this situation.
Since Saeko coffee machines belong to the category of rather demanding devices, it is normal to trust their repair to highly qualified experts. But a number of defects can be removed without the help of others. Such failures include:
- removing plaque that has formed,
- the need to clean the cappuccino maker,
- restoration of the lighting fixture on the switch,
- elimination of excessive noise levels during operation of the unit.
What problems can be removed without the help of others?
For example, you can remove limescale from the parts of a Saeco coffee machine with your own hands. To do this, it is enough to use a special video as an annotation. Elimination of the difficulty is accompanied by the introduction of special pills and liquids. You can also use other compounds that help remove residual oils from the internal structure of the unit.
You can clean the cappuccino maker without the help of others. To do this, special means should be used. The photo shows more effective compositions for carrying out this type of work.
It is also very important for owners of such household devices to take into account that there is no need to repair a Saeko coffee machine if diagnostics are carried out in a timely manner. It is also worth using only clean water during the manufacturing process of the product. Don't ignore the annotation. Following the line nuances will help avoid the appearance of defects.
There is nothing more pleasant and invigorating than a cup of aromatic coffee. Especially with modern coffee machines that prepare a divine drink at the touch of a button. However, this is technology, and it can break. Leaks often begin to worry, especially from under the horn. You can fix this problem yourself. You just need to determine the cause of the breakdown and order suitable spare parts for household appliances at https://fix-hub.com.ua/catalog/zapchasti-dlya-kofemashin-i-kofevarok/.
Leaking at the horn is the main problem with coffee makers.
Despite the brand, build quality and price category of the coffee machine, leakage from under the coffee horn is one of the most common problems. The reason is extremely simple - the O-ring at the junction with the spout loses its tightness. The part is located in a very extreme zone with temperature changes and abrasive contaminants. That's why the problem is so common. Moreover, leaks can be divided into two main groups:
- without damage to the O-ring;
- with rupture or damage to the O-ring.
If the pulp and other contaminants have formed a small path for leakage, then you just need to disassemble and clean this area well. However, if the ring is deformed, torn or torn, replacement is necessary. It is also recommended to change the seal every three years; due to temperature changes, the ring becomes oak and begins to leak water.
Fixing a leak yourself
The damage is not serious and can be fixed by yourself. The main thing is not to rush and record each stage of work so as not to forget the assembly order or individual elements. The difficulty may vary depending on the type of coffee machine. Usually no special tools or pullers are required, a simple screwdriver is enough.
It is best to follow this procedure:
- Unscrew the horn filter. Sometimes the cause of a short-term leak lies precisely in the stagnation of fluid due to a blockage.
- It would be useful to photograph the position of the remaining elements. This will help with assembly, especially if the procedure is being performed for the first time.
- Remove or snap out the horn itself. This procedure is described in the coffee machine user manual.
- Carefully pry and remove the O-ring with a thin screwdriver. Assess its condition, elasticity, integrity.
- Clean the joint area from any dirt, cake, or grains of coffee.
- Install the O-ring and reassemble in reverse order.
This procedure is the simplest and is suitable for repairing any coffee machine. It minimizes the risk of losing something or forgetting in what position everything should be installed.
More common difficulties
The user can repair the switch with his own hands if it is no longer working. From time to time, all you need to do is check that the Saeko coffee machine is properly connected to the network. The photo clearly shows how the connection should look like in the standard.
Another obvious malfunction is the inability to pour a drink. To eliminate the problem, from time to time it is enough just to check that the capsule is installed correctly in the device. The lid in the brewing compartment area must be tightly closed, and the container created for water must be 100% filled with liquid. If the pump is very noisy, it is recommended to check the correct position of the water container. In this case, the container must also be filled. From time to time you have to clean the components of the Saeco coffee machine from the accumulated scale. How to do this work can be seen in the photo.
Self-repair of the unit from the manufacturer Saeco can be done when:
- the coffee comes out lukewarm
- water is leaking from the device,
- The mechanics don't work.
How to remove crashes?
If the drink prepared in the Saeco coffee machine is not hot, you should first warm up the cup. During this manipulation, it is recommended to check whether scale has formed. In the photo you can see how this procedure is performed. You can also repair the device yourself if a water leak occurs. The device, manufactured by the Saeco brand, accumulates water from time to time in the compartment, which is designed for already used capsules. In this situation, you will need to find out whether the capsule is installed correctly in the coffee machine. If the leak is not eliminated in this way, there is no need to experiment anymore. It’s normal to contact a service center that specializes in repairing Saeco coffee machines. Experts advise avoiding the temptation to open the body of the equipment on your own. Such a decision could result in irreparable consequences for the owner of the device. Disassembling a unit manufactured by Saeco requires certain skills and experience. Otherwise, the equipment may be irreparably damaged and broken.
Do-it-yourself repair of Saeco coffee machines.
Do-it-yourself repair of Saeco coffee machines is therefore difficult because the body is non-separable. The lid is removed from above, the master unscrews a bunch of screws... the insides of the languid unit are pulled upward. The procedure is tedious, experienced repairmen help with a screwdriver, the creators simply make it clear: the action is not easy. The review will first consider the principle of operation, the features of Saeco Vienna coffee machines, then the procedure for disassembling the units, and finally we will say a few words about the internal structure. After reading the first two sections, the 3rd is not useful, the mechanics and electronic parts are devoid of complications.
Reduced pressure from the horn/extraneous noise in coffee makers
Cause:
- trash in a mesh in a cone;
- clogged carob filter;
- using coffee grinds that are too coarse;
- malfunction of the internal pump mechanism.
How to fix the problem yourself?
Increase the grind size if you find coffee dust in the container with coffee beans during disassembly.
Wash the filter in the horn using special care products for Bosch coffee makers. Also, carefully remove any existing debris with a regular toothpick, but do not leave scratches in which the ground coffee may later become trapped.
If the problem is a faulty pump, then it is better to replace it at a service center!
Operating principle of Saeco Vienna coffee machines
Saeco will always help you find faults using error codes. There are not enough electrical components that cannot be replaced. You rewind the windings of the motors, the magnetic shaft breaks occasionally. An ordinary housewife can clean a boiler.
The Saeco Vienna coffee machines in question can:
- Grind coffee.
- Brew ground coffee.
- Make milk foam when preparing various drinks.
Coffee dispenser (Brew), coffee grinder
The Saeco Vienna coffee machine will be able to boil ground, instant coffee. Definitely. Pour the powder into a container for grains, however, the strength of the drink may differ slightly from usual. Coffee machines create a dosage of the amount of beans/water; pouring powder inside does not mean getting the wrong drink with the highest degree of probability. The result will be different from usual. The dosing process is hushed up in the instructions. YouTube posted a mentoring video: a repairman carefully describes the functioning of the Saeco automatic coffee dispensing group, saying the following:
The coffee machine “tells” the coffee supply group: it’s time to brew, the engine sets in motion the mechanism that moves the bowl to the position on the cylinder, pushes it up, reaching the stop.
The specialist continues to say: 8 grams of ground coffee are placed inside. The video describing Vienna Plus allows you to understand: the setup and shipment of portions are carried out mechanically. The plus sign means: the dose is changed in the model, done with a special handle that turns the outer nut of the coffee grinder using a rod and gear. It is balanced by a spring, the tension is changed by a regulator. Vienna uses a similar mechanical option layout. Throw instant coffee inside - it will go through the millstones and settle in the cup. The process continues, the mass reaches a critical value, “the coffee machine tells the coffee supply group: it’s time to brew.”
By purchasing the Vienna Plus model, we get the opportunity to dose the taste using a concentration configuration. The coffee machine does not necessarily work with roasted beans. Be careful not to put greenish coffee inside, for a simple reason: the beneficial characteristics will be lost, destroyed by heat, the operation is meaningless. Will the Saeco Vienna Plus coffee machine work? Of course, yes, the millstones don’t care whether they grind or boil, even walnuts. The Saeco coffee dispenser is fully automated:
- Ground coffee is poured onto a flat bowl running inside the cylinder.
- After grinding is completed, a mechanical alarm is triggered, triggering the servo drive.
- The piston and cylinder fall to the side and begin to move along the runners towards the stop, where the brewing will take place.
- After the procedure is completed, the piston and cylinder begin to move backward, the inclined lid is activated, becoming perpendicular to the plane of movement, removes the pill, dumping the waste material into the receptacle.
The question that keeps many people awake at night is whether it is possible to use the Russians’ favorite method of brewing processed pills again. The Saeco Vienna coffee machine will master the technology! Beware of actions. The coffee grinder engines and coffee supply devices are separate. The first one simply threshes in one direction, the second one can turn the shaft in reverse.
Water tank, pump, boiler
The path of water movement is relatively simple - as those who have read a couple of reviews of the VashTekhnik portal on the topic of water heaters will think. Water is drawn from the container by a pump. According to the manufacturer, the pump is capable of producing a fabulous pressure of 15–20 atm; the compressor housing is plastic, like tubes. Instills doubts about the indescribable features, the technical justification for the strength of the structure exceeds the scope of the review.
The boiler is formed by 2 halves, fastened with bolts running around the perimeter. Looking from the heating element, the tank of the Saeco Vienna coffee machine resembles an iron. Touches a spiral rolled onto one half. The similarity is completed by a bimetallic plate that serves as a temperature sensor; the tension is changed with a special handle. To obtain steam, you need to create the presence of 127? C; for brewing, 95? C is enough. In the latter case there should not be boiling water. Associated with the quality of the resulting drink. Take note when you use instant coffee, an electric kettle with a thermostat (see Vitek).
The boiler inlet is protected by a non-return valve that blocks the reverse flow of water. The outlet is guarded by a bypass valve that releases water for brewing and producing steam. What process will take place is determined by the position of the water/steam regulator. Simply the handle switches the output of the bypass valve, supplying the required channel. The design of Saeco Vienna coffee machines is primitive:
- water is pumped by the boiler,
- the temperature reaches the appropriate value,
- the bimetallic plate is triggered, opening the contacts of the heating element, lighting the button light,
- Pressing the button will allow you to get coffee and make foam.
Self-repair of coffee machines, tips, tricks
If a coffee machine breaks down, in some cases you can, by and large, figure it out on your own; to do this, you don’t even have to be a master in related fields, let alone a specialist in coffee machines. Although, everything is relative and some malfunctions of coffee equipment cannot be dealt with without preparation. We will try to suggest in general terms what to look for when a coffee machine breaks down, possible malfunctions or simply inattention during operation, and this happens, and often. For now we will consider problems in general, which are typical for all coffee machines; in the future, if we have time and desire, we will try to develop this topic more specifically by type of mechanism, device and model, but for now the most basic thing is what to do, how to deal with it and add links to which you can quickly find what you need for repairs. We hope this will be useful to someone.
- Coffee machine won't turn on
- The cord is damaged, the socket is faulty - check the socket with a tester or connect another working electrical device to it.
- There was a power surge in the electrical network and the protection elements in the electronics unit burned out.
- The switch or microswitches are faulty, cutting off the power supply to the control board.
- The primary winding of the low-voltage electronics power transformer has burned out - replace the transformer.
- One or more elements in the electronics unit: semistores, zener diodes, diode bridges, resistors up to the central controller / processor - without knowledge, you can only aggravate the breakdown. For repairs, contact specialists.
- The thermal protection on the boiler has tripped and cut off power to the entire coffee machine - you need to check all the protection elements on the boiler / heating element
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- Coffee flows from one spout of the dispenser/holder
- Low pressure / slow coffee supply - check the pump, carry out a full technical service of the coffee machine
- The coffee machine is not installed level - level it horizontally
- The dispenser is clogged with coffee deposits - remove the dispenser and rinse with water. If the dispenser is not collapsible, replace it with a new one.
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- When the coffee machine is operating, there is a suspicious cracking/creaking sound in the brewer
- If the brewing device is removable, it must be regularly removed and washed to remove ground coffee and other deposits.
- It is advisable, but not necessary, to lubricate the rubbing parts with a thin layer of silicone grease. As for lubrication, this is one of the cases when oil can ruin porridge. Since if there is an area where there is excess lubricant, then ground coffee will stick to it and this will be something close to abrasive materials that impede the movement of the mechanism. For this reason, it is better when the charger is simply not lubricated than when it is not lubricated correctly.
- Based on the point above - inspect the brewing device, its internal guides, if they contain old grease mixed with coffee, remove this deposit in any convenient way: disassemble and clean with napkins, without disassembling with cotton swabs and other convenient means at hand. It is useless to wash with water since the lubricant is silicone, thick and is not afraid of either cold or hot water.
- Another source of cracking noise, if it is in the brewer, is the loss of elasticity, or the shape of the seal of the piston o-rings. The ring simply needs to be replaced with a similar one designed for coffee machines
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- The coffee machine grinds a little coffee / not a strong drink
- Clean the coffee grinder from old stuck coffee
- Replacing dull millstones with new ones and sharpening them is a thankless task and simply a waste of time. You will end up changing them anyway.
- Replace the auger with a more efficient one, which increases the speed at which coffee passes through the millstones. The average increase can be +20%
- Replace the millstones with more productive ones and set them correctly so that at the maximum load it does not spill from the charging chamber into the waste tray
- Waste coffee is not a tablet, falls apart into mush
- Insufficient amount of coffee, depending on the strength of the coffee, this parameter is 7-10 grams of dry coffee per cup. If the quantity is insufficient, then there is no way to compress such a small volume in the brewing chamber.
- Grind too coarse. With coarse grinding, not only will the waste fall apart, but the coffee will not be strong either. The consumption may be high but the efficiency is minimal. Set the grind to approximately the size of semolina, this will be the zero reference point and from this point you can adjust within small limits a little finer or coarser, and not only the richness of the coffee will change, but also the taste will reveal itself differently. Well, as a bonus, the waste briquette will fall out as an even and beautiful puck.
- The coffee machine requires descaling / Decalc
- Water hardness can be set in the service menu of the coffee machine. The setup procedure is described in the instructions for each coffee machine model.
- If the need for decalcification is indicated, it is advisable to carry out this procedure. The descaling process usually lasts about 50 minutes and is carried out automatically using special descaling products.
- The message about the need for decalcification can be ignored if the coffee machine does not block the coffee supply and does not beep. In this case, you must be sure that you use clean drinking water without minerals, salts and calcium. Otherwise, scale and other deposits may completely clog the boiler, in which case it will have to be replaced, and this may also negatively affect the operation of the solenoid valves.
- In coffee machines that are connected to a water supply, decalcification is carried out by removing and disassembling the boiler; usually these are professional and super-automatic coffee machines for cafes and restaurants. There are also office coffee machines with a water supply connection; usually they do not have a signal indicating the need for decalcification. Descaling in such coffee machines is carried out according to the instructions for the specific model.
- The coffee machine requires cleaning to remove coffee deposits / Clean
- In coffee machines with a built-in coffee tract cleaning system, when the CLEAN indication appears, it is necessary to start a cleaning program using special cleaning agents to remove coffee fats and deposits.
- In coffee machines that do not have a built-in cleaning system, but the dispenser (coffee supply spout) is removed, it is necessary to regularly remove it, disassemble it and wash it from coffee deposits. With regular use 1-2 times a month.
- The signal cannot be ignored! Otherwise, this will lead to the dispenser becoming clogged in the future and you will have to disassemble the coffee machine to clean it, and possibly change the dispenser.
- The finished coffee is drained into the waste coffee compartment
- Inspect the upper counter piston seal and replace it if necessary.
- Inspect the counterpiston housing for microcracks; if found, replace them
- A cream valve is usually installed on the upper counterpiston; it is necessary to inspect its body for cracks and inspect the seals (usually the cream valve is a spring with a locking element in the form of a fungus, a ball or a membrane)
- Carefully inspect the coffee pipe leading to the dispenser. Replace damaged elements.
- When preparing coffee / water does not flow from the dispenser, but into the tray
- In automatic coffee machines Jura / Bosch / Siemens / Melitta / Nivona / Rotel / Saeco - it is necessary to inspect the drain valve. The elasticity of the cuffs and a crack in the plastic elements can let water into the pan.
- In Saeco / Gaggia / Solis / Spidem / Philips automatic coffee machines, the seals on the boiler fitting may wear out or there may be a crack in the inlet fitting of the brewing unit.
- In Delonghi automatic coffee machines, inspect the seals of the upper counter-piston of the brewer, as well as the opaque part of the counter-piston for cracks.
- In automatic coffee machines Krups XP72… / EA8…. – inspect and replace, if necessary, the seals of the upper (white) counter piston of the charger, ensure the integrity of the cuff of the lower piston in the boiler, check for leaks and absence of cracks in the hydraulic press. If all else fails, the seals in the multivalve may be faulty or there may be a crack in its body.
- In capsule coffee makers, the seal in the capsule receiver is worn out or has lost elasticity / the capsule does not fit tightly. It is also possible that there is a crack in the capsule receiver housing.
- In carob coffee makers, the solenoid valve, drainage or emergency valve may not be working correctly. First of all, you can carry out decalcification; often this is not done in such coffee makers and scale can interfere with the proper operation of the valves. Removing scale can help solve the problem in half of the cases, unless, of course, the scale has damaged the working surfaces of the valves.
- When making coffee or washing, water flows onto the table
- A silicone or fluoroplastic high-pressure tube has burst - it needs to be replaced.
- A crack has appeared on one of the connecting adapters, the boiler valve or in the body of the steam/water tap. Replace with new ones and seals on them.
- If one of the seals in the hydraulic system is leaking, then you need to change all the seals in the hydraulic system and not just the one that is leaking, otherwise it will leak in different places every month. So isn't it better to change all the seals at once and forget about them for several years? To do this, we have repair kits for different coffee machines.
- If the multivalve in the coffee machine is leaking, carefully remove its cover; if cracks and broken outlets are not visible, then you need to treat the rubber seals of the ceramic valve and check the assembly. It still continues to flow - then there is a microcrack in the lid, it cannot be glued, only replacing the multivalve with a new one. BU multivalves can be used on KRUPS; it is advisable not to install a BU multivalve on all other coffee machines, perhaps the same thing will happen with it soon.
- No steam supply
- Check and clean the cappuccino maker nozzles to remove scale and dried milk.
- If the steam supply is weak, carry out the descaling process, removing scale can completely restore the normal operation of the steam generator and the entire system.
- Check the solenoid valves - those operating for steam supply, they may not open or close due to scale and other deposits interfering with the correct operation of the plunger. And also ring the electromagnetic coils to see if there is a break.
- If this system has a mechanical water and steam supply valve, make sure that it is not clogged, and if necessary, disassemble and clean it.
- Check the serviceability of the heating element on the steam boiler - if it is burnt out, replace the boiler.
- Check the proper operation of thermal fuses, thermostats or temperature sensor. It goes without saying that all contacts are reliable.
- There may be no voltage supply from the electronics unit to the heating element - tester, soldering iron in hand and go looking for the faulty element.
- The pump hums but the water does not pass through the hydraulic system
- If there is a water filter installed in the water tank of the coffee machine, remove it, this may be the problem.
- Often a coarse flow filter is installed before the pump; its body is made of transparent plastic; you need to check whether it is clean. If not, clean or replace.
- If the coffee machine has been idle for a long time, then the problem may be with the pump. The valve on the outlet fitting is stuck. Often it is enough to pry it off with an awl or a thin screwdriver and the pump starts working again.
- If the pump is turned on for a long time without water, trying to start the water supply, the cuffs on the working piston of the pump may be damaged. If the pump is dismountable, you can pick up a new ring and the pump will work; if the pump is not dismountable, replace the pump.
- Several elements of the pump may be worn out, the electric coil of the pump may be burnt out, or it will not produce the required water pressure - replace it with a new one.
- Depending on the region and water hardness, the hydraulic system may be clogged with scale, in particular the boiler. If the boiler is cast and the outlets are clean, but the blockage is somewhere deep, then most likely neither chemicals nor other cleaning will help - clean or replace the boiler.
- One of the solenoid valves may be faulty or clogged with scale. You can test the electric coils with a tester - replace faulty ones or change the valve. If the coil works, but the valve does not operate when voltage is applied, disassemble the valve, clean it and wash its elements except the electric coil in a decalcification solution.
- Check all mechanical valves in the hydraulic system, water flow sensor (flow meter), taps, rinse and clean the tubes of all contaminants, decalcify with a strong descaling solution. If water passes through the coffee machine very slowly and the problem is scale, that is, decalcification has never been done - BE CAREFUL AND CAREFUL!!! It is better to do the first decalcification manually. Prepare a decalcification solution in a full container of water, preferably not very concentrated, but as recommended by the manufacturer (1 effervescent tablet or 1 tablespoon if in powder form). Open the hot water supply tap until all the liquid has drained; do not allow long stops, maximum 1-5 seconds. Otherwise, flaking scale can clog the channels in the boiler, which can lead to the fact that nothing else will help except replacing the boiler. In case of severe blockages, in order to avoid calcium plugs in the boiler, you can repeat this express decalcification 2-4 times in a row through an open water supply tap, then turn on program cleaning in automatic mode, which lasts on average 30-50 minutes. In this way, critical scale deposits in the hydraulic system of the coffee machine can be cleaned.
Disassembling the Saeco Vienna coffee machine
Do-it-yourself repair of Saeco coffee machines begins with disassembly. The order is as follows:
- The front cover opens.
- The waste collection container and coffee dispenser are removed.
- Then the stand for mugs with a tray is stretched.
- The water container is removed from the back and the bean compartment cover is removed.
- The screws in the bean compartment are unscrewed and the assembly is removed.
- Under the water container, another self-tapping screw is turned out on the curb.
- Then the front cover opens, if you look from below, you will see a couple of screws - they unscrew.
- Behind the grain compartment, another self-tapping screw strengthens the border of the rear wall, recessed down. Unscrews if present.
- The top cover of the Saeco Vienna coffee machine is removed. The water hose is attached, undock it.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the front door.
- Now we are extracting the insides from the deepest bottom of the Saeco Vienna coffee machine. Difficult task, be careful.
The right to warranty repair of Saeco coffee machines is now lost. Be careful not to open a device with a valid free service period.
Extraneous noise/device does not work
Cause:
- the presence of an air lock;
- clogged milk frother;
- electronics failure.
How to fix the problem yourself?
If there is an air lock, the device can take in and heat water, but then not dispense coffee.
First, you should thoroughly rinse the cappuccino maker with strong pressure of hot water. If after this the device does not work, then it is better to take it to a service center to replace the electronics!
Saeco Vienna coffee machine power supply
From what has been said it is clear: inside the Saeco Vienna coffee machine there are two or three motors that need to be powered. Why did you decide to build a garden for motors? And inside there is nothing else that requires any frills: the heating element runs on 230 volts, LEDs too, the bimetallic plate does not need power at all. The rest is mechanics. Let us remind you that the buttons on Saeco Vienna coffee machines are not touch sensitive, so where should the generated current go?
The power supply resembles a switching one in appearance. Not very important for the repairman, we’ll just discuss what’s included. The transformer is powered by a power transistor that controls the high-frequency pulse generator (an ordinary small microcircuit). The input was chosen by numerous filters formed by capacitors, resistors, and chokes. The generator is powered by a rectified, stabilized diode voltage through a smoothing filter. The fuses are not in the circuit of the main transformer; they are powered by varistors if the circuit overheats. The protective element is often a low-resistance resistor that burns out when the current load is exceeded. The element immediately limits the amperage of the circuit parts. The radio element protects the circuit of the primary winding of the transformer and has nothing to do with varistors.
The frequency generator voltage supplies the base of the power transistor. High-frequency pulses are generated, passing through the transformer, filtered, and rectified as needed by Schottky diodes. The type of radioelements was chosen due to the lowest drop in the direct connection of the pn junction.
Having a description in hand, repair Saeco Vienna coffee machines and avoid complications. Also, with a certain amount of conviction, you will understand the cause of the breakdown without opening the case. The pump is working, but there is no water - the valve, faster than the bypass valve, has broken. The problems concern the electronic part: engines, power supply. The mechanics are relatively reliable; you will have to adjust the dispenser. We believe that readers will repair the Saeco Vienna coffee machine with their own hands.
How to disassemble a Saeco coffee machine?
Nowadays there is a coffee maker in virtually every home. Indeed, coffee as a drink has become very popular on all continents. The introduction of a coffee maker allows you to improve the process of making coffee (get rid of a dirty stove, dirty dishes, ensure a measured taste of the drink). But, at some point, any equipment becomes unusable. Let us remind you that modern coffee makers and coffee machines are engaged not only in making the drink, but also in grinding coffee, heating water, creating foam for the drink, etc.
The more complex the structure, the higher the possibility of its failure. Of course, if the coffee machine’s meter is broken or the boiler requires cleaning, you can completely cope with the problem without the help of others. But it is unlikely that you can replace the water pump, working group, electrical control board, etc. without the help of others. Coffee machine repair in Kyiv is offered by scientists from the service remontservis.kiev.ua.
Design and diagnostics
Before you start repairing a device, you need to determine what exactly is broken in it. This will help significantly speed up and simplify the repair process. There are two types of coffee machines:
- Espresso (with pump);
- Capsule;
- Drip.
Their main difference is the operating pressure. In drip coffee makers (Bosch, Zelmer, Vitek), hot water drips through a coffee filter, through which it passes into the cup as an aromatic drink. In espresso, a stream of boiling water is poured into the cup, passing through a coffee tablet (pressed ground natural coffee). The advantage of using espresso coffee makers Electrolux, Binatone, Braun, Philips (Philips) and many others is that they can work without a filter.
Photo - espresso
Capsule coffee machines for brewing coffee have a special container into which ground natural powder is poured. This allows you to brew a drink with or without pressure. The key difference between these functions is that professional carob coffee makers can make coffee with foam.
Photo — kapelnaya
The main problems of coffee machines and coffee makers of household and professional types:
- The water stopped flowing. Most likely, one of the water supply pipes is simply clogged;
- The coffee began to give off a strange smell or taste. In this case, it is not always necessary to independently repair coffee makers; perhaps you simply changed the coffee tablets (they come in Dolce Gusto - Dolce Gusto, Nestlé, Jacobs, etc.). Another reason could be a clogged filter or cheap material for the device. If the optimal water temperature for brewing coffee is 95 degrees, then the internal parts heat up to 125 and higher. As a result, cheap plastic may begin to melt, transferring its flavor to the drink;
- Cold coffee. The heating element stopped working;
- Incorrect water dosage (common with capsule coffee makers). The breakdown may lie either in the engine or in the timer operating circuit;
- The coffee maker does not turn on. There may be several reasons: engine failure, pump failure, problems with the power cord;
- You cannot adjust the brewing or cup filling time. Depending on the type of coffee maker, this may be a breakdown of the time relay, control circuit, motor (or one of its compartments).
It is worth noting that after the intervention, warranty repairs will no longer be provided, so if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a company service center.
Photo - schematic diagram
Self-disassembly of the coffee machine
Naturally, any coffee machine has a special design. But there are definitely common features. The process of disassembling a coffee machine using the Saeco Vienna as an example will be described below:
- open the front cover,
- dismantle the waste collection container,
- remove the mug stand together with the tray,
- We take out the water container from behind, immediately remove the lid on the compartment for coffee beans,
- in the compartment itself you will see screws - unscrew them, remove the assembly,
- Under the compartment there is another hole with a screw, remove it,
- the entire front part is removed - there are two more screws under it, remove them,
- the water supply hose is dismantled,
- the front door of the coffee machine can be unfastened (help yourself with a screwdriver),
- access to all the insides of the coffee machine is gained.
As you can see, the procedure is quite complicated. Unlike most other coffee machines, Saeco can notify the owner of the existing dilemma through an indication system.
Otherwise, you will have to find the problem without the help of others.
Is it worth risking the warranty?
Let's say the coffee machine has finished preparing the drink correctly. The owner, having “tested the waters on the Internet,” believes that the repair is quite simple and there is no need to take the equipment to a service center (well, there is no time).
But, if you open the casing of the coffee machine without the help of others, you can already forget about warranty service. If you have warranty service, it is absolutely contraindicated to make repairs without the help of others, no matter how easy it may seem.
The video shows the restoration of the main functions of the Saeco Vienna coffee machine:
Saeco coffee maker repair.
Lack of power
Cause:
- violation of the integrity of the cord,
- faulty socket,
- damage to a section of the electrical circuit.
How to fix the problem yourself?
Check that the power cord is not damaged and that there is power at the outlet.
When the door of the brewing unit is open, some models of Bosch coffee machines trigger protection.
If the above steps do not allow you to identify the malfunction, then disassemble the device body and test each section of the circuit using a multimeter.
DIY Saeco coffee maker repair
Coffee is one of my favorite drinks, and besides, I also earned a little money from this drink. I’ll explain how: there are cheap Saeco coffee makers (for example, Royal, Viena or Magic), which have a huge service life (One of my coffee makers made 16,000 without any special repairs or problems). So, I previously purchased such coffee makers and rented them out, or supplied coffee and consumables, and received funds from the portion. I have gained a little experience and decided to share with you, maybe this information will be useful.
Such coffee makers have few breakdowns, because their design is very simple and reliable.
Mostly, breakdowns occur due to improper use, unstable voltage and “hard” water.
I will name and briefly describe the breakdowns of Saeco coffee makers, and how you can solve them yourself. Briefly - therefore, I will describe a certain breakdown more carefully in new articles, where there will be a master class on disassembling Saeco coffee makers, replacing parts, repairs...
As an example, we take the most widespread and ordinary representative of Saeco Viena.
Failure: The coffee machine does not turn on. DIY repair methods.
— There is no power supply.
The power cord or plug is damaged. It is necessary to check the presence of voltage in the outlet. Solution: To do this, plug in another previously working device into the outlet, or use it as a tester. If other devices are working, then you can check the cord itself by external inspection (for mechanical damage) or when disassembling the coffee maker.
— The front door of the Saeco Viena coffee maker is not closed.
This is also a common reason. After cleaning the working unit or during transportation, there are situations when the door opens slightly and thereby turns off the power circuit. How to fix: Open and close the front door of the coffee maker. When completely closed, the door should fit snugly against the body (it is fixed with 2 magnets - on the body and the door).
— The fuse has blown due to a power surge.
This issue needs to be resolved only with a complete or partial disassembly of the coffee maker (in subsequent articles we will do all this). Fuses can be placed on the board or on the wires (depending on the model).
There are also possible breakdowns with the board (occasionally), the stabilization unit (very occasionally) or with internal wires. We will look at all these breakdowns and repairs of the Saeco coffee maker with our own hands in subsequent articles. If you have questions or additions, write to us by email, we will certainly publish their answers.
We disassemble the Saeco xsmall coffee machine from Philips.
The xsmall model is one of the most economical automatic options for brewing coffee beans. This model was purchased as a promotion for 10,500 rubles in 2011 and in 2021 was out of order. During this period of time, about 5 thousand delicious coffee was brewed without any problems or defects.
Correct implementation of Saeco xsmall
Fill only with filtered water. Tap water has many impurities, even a simple jug filter removes these impurities. You can check with the piece of paper that comes with the kit. after the filter, the piece of paper remains greenish, but if such a piece of paper is put into tap water, it will immediately turn purple, which indicates hard water.
After using filtered water for 7 years, there was no scale in the car.
Wait for the functions to complete, any machine operation takes some time, sometimes it seems like a very long time, but do not press other buttons if you have already pressed one. Do not turn the handle while coffee is brewing.
The main saeco xsmall malfunctions that can be solved without the help of others
After using the steam, the lamp flashes greenish rapidly and the buttons are not pressed, just turn the knob for hot water to the right and wait until this lamp lights up solid greenish.
The reddish right lamp is on, flashing, the tank is full of coffee grounds. It is necessary to open and close the right door. If it doesn't help. It is necessary to remove the cooker and install it. To remove it, simply press the Push button and then carefully insert it into the grooves.
If the regulator is clogged with scale, you can try to clean it without disassembling the machine. To do this, take out the cooking apparatus and unscrew the 2 bolts. and pull it down with normal force
Note that the bolts are unscrewed with a special star, but I used a regular flat-head screwdriver
To clean it, you need to insert the hexagon and turn it 45 degrees, the valve with the spring will come out. Here it is, filmed so that it’s clear what goes where
How to clean a coffee maker
All heating devices suffer from scale. Caring for a coffee maker requires special care, since plaque can not only spoil the taste of your favorite drink, but also damage the device. In addition, coffee residues eat into the work surface, so you have to use additional cleaning measures.
How to tell if your coffee maker is clogged
Daily use of a home coffee maker inevitably leads to contamination. Domestic coffee machines accumulate dirt, remnants of ground beans, sediment of salts and calcium. Coffee oils or the so-called coffee fat, which contributes to the formation of the taste of rancid beans, especially spoil the taste.
Any type of device can become clogged: capsule, drip and carob. Various tubes, bends and other small parts with a small surface area and small diameter are most susceptible to contamination. As a result, the water circulation channels become clogged, and the process slows down or stops altogether.
It is easy to determine the cleaning period for coffee makers equipped with a special indicator for the number of cups of coffee brewed. For other models that do not have any special additional options, you will have to learn to recognize signs of plaque formation inside the device:
- appearance of foreign odor;
- the taste of the drink contains foreign notes, it is not rich enough, the coffee is tasteless;
- increasing the preparation time for one cup;
- a white precipitate is visible in the liquid;
- extraneous sounds are heard from the operating device;
- the stream of flow has become thinner, the cup takes much longer to fill;
- Electricity consumption has increased.
You can get rid of limescale at home; you don’t have to take the device to a service center and pay a lot of money.
Cleaning the coffee maker with special products
Store-bought descaling cleaners are excellent at cleaning the internal ducts of your machine. You will have to spend 1000–1200 rubles on such funds. They are available in the form of tablets, concentrates or liquids. Many well-known manufacturers of household appliances produce lines of care products. With their help, you can clean the coffee maker's horn, filter and sieve without much effort.
The procedure in this case is as follows:
- Place the cleaning agent in the main reservoir and fill it with water. It is better to check the amount of liquid with the instructions.
- Next, the coffee maker switches on to the normal coffee preparation mode, and there is no need to add ground beans.
- 2-3 cups of liquid should come out; for this, the device is turned on for just a couple of minutes.
- Then you will have to completely fill the entire container with a mixture of water and cleaning liquid, and go through the entire cycle again.
- Having emptied the reservoir, the owner of the coffee maker can only run clean water through the system.
- The final stage of cleaning will require preparing several cups of coffee. The drink cannot be consumed; this batch will have to be drained.
Using available products to clean the device
To reduce the frequency of cleaning procedures, it is necessary to use filtered water or special filters in the coffee machine. Carob type coffee makers can be cleaned not only with specialized compounds. You can use home remedies that have the same effect, but are not directly intended for this work.
In fact, the main ingredient in store-bought cleaners is citric acid. Therefore, you can use improvised means for decalcification, which can be found in any kitchen in every home. The following components will help to rinse the strainer, horn, and filter of the coffee maker:
- vinegar;
- soda;
- lemon acid;
- bleach;
- cola;
- sink cleaner.
You should start with citric or acetic acid, but the main thing is not to overdo it. If the limescale has not come off, you can apply a chemical compound for a couple of minutes. The properties of Coca-Cola have been known for a long time, so this drink will also work here. After all manipulations, it is important to rinse the system thoroughly and run the coffee brewing cycle.
Tips for using carob coffee makers
Such a delicate device requires careful handling. Important rules must be followed to extend the life of the coffee maker:
- Technical ducts should be cleaned of scale at least once a year. If drink lovers use a coffee maker every day, and the water is not pre-filtered, it is better to clean it more often, once every 1-2 months.
- The cappuccino maker must also be cleaned, and often, after each cappuccino preparation. Milk residues are difficult to wash off, so this part should not be left untouched.
- If there is an auto-cleaning function, all you have to do is add a special product, and the process will proceed automatically.
- The system flushing process must not be interrupted. Before turning off the device, you need to prepare several cups of the drink, but under no circumstances drink it.
- It is prohibited to use abrasive products for cleaning; they may damage the integrity of the device parts.
Appliances used for preparing food must be kept clean at all times to avoid the formation of a thick layer of scale, dirt and the appearance of microorganisms.