5 tips to extend the life of your coffee machine
Having a coffee machine that works for many years requires regular maintenance and appropriate care. To maintain its performance and longevity, it’s essential to follow certain practices. In this article, you’ll find five essential tips for looking after your coffee machine and keeping it in top condition.
What are the regular cleaning steps for a coffee machine?
Weekly maintenance is essential to keep your coffee machine running like new. On a monthly basis, you’ll need to plan a little more in-depth maintenance. Obviously, these timescales need to be adjusted according to how much you use your machine and how many coffees you make every day. Here are the main steps to follow:
Weekly maintenance of removable parts
Regularly remove and clean the removable parts of your machine: filter holder, water tank, grounds container and similar items. This will prevent the build-up of coffee residue and mould.
Weekly cleaning of the percolation unit
The percolation unit, which is the heart of the coffee extraction process, requires weekly cleaning to remove any coffee residue that may accumulate. This prevents unpleasant odours and ensures optimum extraction.
Monthly maintenance of the percolation unit
On full-automatic coffee machines, maintenance of the piston seals and moving mechanical parts is useful. To do this, use only food-grade grease and follow the recommendations provided by the machine manufacturer.
Monthly inspection of the grain mill
The bean grinder should be cleaned at least once a month, or more frequently if you use it intensively. This prevents coffee oils from accumulating, which could alter the taste of the coffee and clog the grinding wheels. Prefer dry cleaning, without detergent, using a suitable brush. Never force the grindstones, and if they are too worn or clogged, consider dismantling or even replacing them. Note that this last operation requires a certain level of technical skill.
The importance of scaling and how to do it
Descaling is essential. This is a crucial step in ensuring the durability and efficiency of your coffee machine. Even with the best machine in the world, if you don’t carry out this operation properly, your product won’t last. Here’s why it’s important and how to do it properly.
Why is descaling essential?
Limescale in the water causes the formation of scale and clogs up the internal components of the machine, particularly the heating system, pump and hoses. It’s your machine’s number 1 enemy.
Not only can this reduce the life and efficiency of your machine, it can also affect the taste of your coffee. Regular descaling prevents premature wear and ensures optimum performance.
How can I achieve effective descaling?
For effective descaling, follow the instructions for your machine. Use a suitable descaler, usually citric acid or white vinegar. Pour the solution into the water tank and allow it to pass through the system as if you were making coffee. Rinse several times with clean water to remove all traces of product.
Descale according to the manufacturer’s instructions or those of your machine, adapting them to your use and the hardness of the water. If in doubt, there is no contraindication to descaling early. However, make sure you use the correct product and dilutions.
Checking and maintaining the water filter
If your machine is fitted with a water filter, don’t forget to check it regularly. A dirty or clogged filter can affect the quality of the water and, consequently, the taste of the coffee.
Dans le cas où votre machine ne contient pas de filtre, sachez qu’il est possible d’ajouter des filtres éponges de ce type directement dans votre réservoir.
Common mistakes to avoid when using the machine
Bean-to-cup coffee machines, espresso machines and espresso machines with grinder are complex, high-tech appliances. You need to be familiar with and respect their conditions of use and settings. Certain mistakes can damage your coffee machine in the long term. Here are the most common ones to avoid.
Do not read the instructions carefully
Just because nobody’s doing it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it! Think of the loneliness of this little manual that nobody reads!
The operating instructions for your machine contain important information about its maintenance and use. Don’t ignore them! Suivez ses recommandations pour éviter des erreurs qui pourraient non seulement endommager votre machine, mais également passer à côté d’un bon café; impardonnable :-)
Ignore temperature and pressure settings
Faire un bon café est presque… Alchimique ! L’extraction est un art.
The wrong temperature, the wrong pressure, the wrong grind or the wrong extraction time and you end up with sock juice!
Incorrect settings can affect not only the quality of your coffee, but also the longevity of your machine. So take the time to find out what these settings are and set them correctly to avoid premature wear and tear on the components, and enjoy an excellent cup of coffee.
There are many videos on the subject, either on the manufacturer’s website or via baristas on Youtube.
Failure to observe preheating and pause times
Preheating the machine is essential to ensure optimum coffee extraction. Don’t neglect this step, and always allow the machine to stabilise before making your coffee. Also, do not leave the machine running continuously for long periods.
Recommended maintenance products and accessories
To extend the life of your coffee machine, there are a number of accessories and products to make maintenance easier.
Descaling products
There are descalers specially designed for coffee machines. These products dissolve limescale without damaging the machine’s internal components.
Is white vinegar effective for descaling?
We’re the experts, but we’re having a hard time coming up with answers. After numerous discussions with repairers and manufacturers, we’ve heard it all. White vinegar does indeed work against limescale and tartar, and it’s not a solution that can be ruled out. There is, however, one but!
- White vinegar must be household vinegar. This has a higher concentration than food vinegar.
- Use the correct dilution. The products recommended by the manufacturer indicate the correct dilution for descaling.
There are no recommendations for white vinegar. Under-dosed, your descaling won’t be effective; over-dosed, you risk damaging your machine’s hoses and seals.
In conclusion, vinegar is an economical product that can be used as a descaler, provided it is handled correctly.
Products for cleaning internal parts
Specific cleaners for internal machine parts (such as ducts and filters) ensure optimum maintenance.
Repairs
If you notice a malfunction on your machine, it’s best to call in a professional to carry out the necessary repairs before the problem gets any worse.
For an initial diagnosis, don’t hesitate to use the resources provided by our partner Spareka.
Water filtration accessories
Using a quality water filter can reduce limescale deposits and improve the taste of your coffee. Remember to replace it regularly to maintain pure water.
Accessories for cleaning the percolation unit
Cleaning kits specially designed for the percolation unit effectively remove residues and keep the unit in good condition.
Storage and protection solutions for coffee beans
A good airtight container is essential to protect your coffee beans. Proper storage preserves their freshness and prevents humidity and air from damaging their quality.
By following these tips and servicing your coffee machine often, you will enjoy many years of delicious coffee and optimum performance.
🏁 To sum up: our advice on how not to make a mistake
✔1 Regular cleaning
✔ 2 Don’t forget to descale
✔ 3 Maintain the coffee grinder
✔ 4 Use quality grains
✔ 5 Check seals and moving parts
✔ 6 (bonus) Set up the coffee machine correctly