Superautomatic espresso machines are incredible ways to get your favorite coffee drinks at the push of a button or two. That said, they're complex coffee appliances that need some love and care to keep pumping out those lattes and americanos. Here are 5 common superauto issues (as reported by our repair team) and ways you can fix them!
Stuck/Seizing Grinder
Superauto grinders often have carefully designed grind paths and more compact components to fit inside of the larger case. They are also difficult to access and usually can't be disassembled like a standalone grinder. This means that they are prone to oil buildup, and it's why we recommend against using beans with that oily sheen that you often see on darker roasts. While the best practice is to simply use dry beans without that sheen, we understand that oil buildup can happen.
Sometimes you can clear up oil and grounds buildup by using a small 90 degree pick or similar tool to clean out the entry and exit points of the grinder. Usually the exit chute can be accessed by opening the side panel of the machine and removing the brew unit. You can also use a product like Supergrindz periodically to help reduce oil buildup.
Coffee Isn't Dispensed
This can be caused by a number of factors, but often occurs because the pump can't generate enough pressure for brewing. One thing to try up front is removing any filtration and seeing if that helps. This can help the water flow into the pump easier. Another thing you should try is to remove the brew unit and check the o rings on it. If the rings are dry or cracked, it could result in a loss of pressure. You should be able to find guidance on where the o rings are located in your user manual, and fresh ones can usually be ordered from the manufacturer.
Too Much Lubrication
You really should only need to apply lubricant to your machine 1-3 times per year at most. By keeping lubricant in place you allow it to properly set and do its work. Many users end up washing the lubricant off of their brew units by cleaning the units under hot soapy water, thus needing to reapply. You should only clean your brew unit under cold water, and never with any soap. A simple rinse and paper towel to remove grounds will do the trick!
Stuck Brew Unit
Some users have reported that their brew units get stuck inside of the machine. This almost always occurs when the drip tray is removed or the side door is opened before the brew unit is allowed to return to its neutral position. While this can be confusing, it's actually very easy to fix. Simply close the side door, turn the machine off, then turn it on again. This will engage the motors to move the brew unit back to its neutral position.
Pre-Ground Coffee Not Functioning
This is often caused by a jam in the pass-through mechanism. If you experience this issue, you can use a tool to try to clear the jam in the pass through chute. These jams are usually caused by too much coffee in the chute, so remember to only use the included scoop for dosing your pre-ground shots!
For more details on these issues and for visual examples check out our video below!