Breakdowns, repairs, coffee with an unpleasant taste or watered down are not the best way to start the day and, above all, to face this new year.
Each one is a clear demonstration that it’s time to replace the coffee machine.
Although the coffee machine is merely an accessory, its proper operation has a significant impact on the process of our days.
It is not nice to get out of bed in the morning and have to deal with limescale build-up, stagnant water behind the coffee machine, and a difficult-to-push start button.
What might we expect from the rest of the day if the morning isn’t pleasant and light?
For a breakthrough in our daily lives, we should not waste time and replace our coffee machine.
Given the enormous number of coffee machines on the market, purchasing a brand-new espresso machine can seem difficult.
You must consider your needs, your budget, and the amount of time you have available to prepare the espresso.
However, the previous experience and the type of failure suffered should not be underestimated.
It’s an investment in the quality of your days and your life, so you should think of a high-level machine.
Pontevecchio lever coffee machines are designed to withstand time and eliminate maintenance interventions.
To understand the value of our machines it is important to explain how a lever coffee machine works.
Their peculiarity lies in the operation through cylinder and piston: these features allow water to travel in just one way inside the circuit, preventing it from flowing out with the coffee residues.
This mechanism has the advantage of keeping the pipes and water in the boiler clean at all times, preventing the development of limescale and the accumulation of residues in the circuit.
This preserves the machine’s performance while preventing the production of bad smells and altering the coffee’s flavour.
When it’s time to replace the coffee machine
In both practical and financial terms, replacing an appliance is difficult. As a result, you frequently put off making a new purchase until you are forced to do so.
Household appliances that show evident signs of breakdown should not be overlooked.
It is unavoidable to replace the coffee machine when the coffee loses its flavour, or the repair expenses become too high.
However, there are numerous additional indicators that the machinery has reached its end.
Now we’ll discuss why and when it’s time to replace your coffee machine.
Watered-down coffee
A true coffee connoisseur can tell if the machine is broken by the taste of the coffee.
The first symptom that the machine is clogged with limescale and needs maintenance is a watered-down coffee. Limescale can obstruct water flow across the circuit, causing issues during the brewing phase.
In some cases, it is necessary to start a descaling cycle to let the coffee machine perform at its best. However, if you act too late, more serious damage to internal components can occur.
Damage to the resistor, pump, or electrical board necessitates technical intervention, and the associated costs are not always affordable.
The coffee brewing time is too long
When preparing a cup of coffee, the waiting becomes interminable, the machine probably has a problem during the brewing process.
The main reasons, in this case, can be three:
- the creation of limescale inside the infuser;
- a faulty pump;
- the presence of limescale inside the circuit.
Simply push a needle into the duct to allow the water to pass through if the spout is obstructed.
If the problem is caused by the pump rather than the dispenser, the coffee machine will need to be descaled or replaced.
In this case, the alarm signal is a thud followed by the release of water drops.
Limescale build-up in various points of the circuit prevents the machine from operating correctly, causing problems not only with dispensing but also putting the entire system at risk.
The espresso comes out lukewarm
Among the coffee machine’s issues, the lack of temperature regulation is one that can be attributed to a number of factors:
- faulty electronic board;
- faulty or damaged resistor;
- safety thermostat in operation;
- malfunction of the safety sensor;
- faulty regulation thermostat.
If the espresso is lukewarm or almost cold, it is necessary to get technical support in order to diagnose the problem and repair the damaged item.
Although certain faults can be fixed, these are costly components that require time and technical assistance.
When the problem is with the boiler, it is usually not worth repairing it, but it is a good idea to consider replacing the coffee machine.
The coffee machine does not turn on or does not work
The most common coffee machine faults arise when the machine is turned on, preventing it from activating.
And it is impossible to deny that this is a real trauma when you are already looking forward to the pleasure of a hot espresso.
A broken power source to an issue with the electrical outlet are all possible causes of a sudden break.
If there is no electricity, numerous inspections must be made, starting with the power cable. The issue could be caused by a faulty plug or a cable malfunction.
The thermostat can also affect the coffee machine’s ignition and proper performance.
When the thermostat stops working, some equipment goes to sleep for safety purposes, ensuring that the entire system is not damaged.
Repair is too expensive
Modern appliances are substantially less expensive than ones from a few decades ago, but their duration is significantly shorter.
An espresso machine can be purchased for less than 100 euros, but how long will it last?
When you invest little for an everyday product you run into frequent failures.
Usually, a cheap coffee machine is built with low-quality materials that, once damaged, don’t even need to be repaired.
In fact, while calculating repair expenses, it is important to consider not only the cost of spare components but also the technician’s assistance.
In many cases, the expense becomes huge, so much so that it is better to buy a new coffee machine rather than bear the repair costs.
The seals are worn
If water accumulates around the machine, the issue could be connected to the missing or worn seals.
The espresso coffee machine, in general, has a gasket under the tank that prevents water leaks.
The presence of liquid under the tank indicates that the gasket has been damaged, which could be due to wear or dirt accumulation.
The worst case is the breakage of the piece that must be replaced before reactivating the coffee machine.
Also in this case, the formation of limescale in the pipes and gaskets could also be the source of any breakdowns, cracks, or wear of the rubber components.
However, even replacement does not guarantee that the coffee machine will work at its best.
The coffee machine smells bad
When a coffee machine “stinks”, it’s highly probable that milk or coffee grounds have accumulated inside the tank or pipes.
Organic sediments might linger in the machine for a long period, generating unpleasant smells.
It’s also not ideal to sip espresso when conscious that it was produced by a stinky machine.
The problem arises if the coffee machine is not cleaned properly or with the right frequency.
The grounds, in fact, accumulate day after day in the water tank, on the spout or on the external surfaces of the coffee machine, compromising its operation.
To avoid this, the machine’s external surfaces should be cleaned each time it is used, and a descaling cycle should be run on a regular basis.
The coffee is tasteless
Grinding is one of the fundamental steps to obtain a truly tasty espresso.
The coffee grain, in fact, affects the final taste because it determines the surface of the product that must be in contact with the boiling water.
If the organoleptic features of the coffee do not come out and the drink does not have the right intensity, you are probably facing a failure in the grinding system.
Board problems are common in automatic coffee machines with an integrated coffee grinder. As a result, the degree of grinding does not match the stated criteria, resulting in a drink with less powerful fragrances.
Damaged parts
According to the model, it may be difficult to find spare parts to replace.
If the start button or levers are broken, the coffee machine cannot be started, or the parameters adjusted according to our personal preferences.
It’s simple to change the power button on a mechanical coffee machine. Repairing the most complicated or automatic models, on the other hand, is not easy.
Even for a small damage it is necessary to request the intervention of a qualified technician, with the hope of still finding suitable spare parts on the market.
The coffee machine‘s board, for example, is a component that allows you to control the machine’s whole function, including ignition, shutdown, electronic components, and electrical parts.
In case of damage, it is necessary to repair or replace it, regardless of the cost.
No steam comes out of the coffee machine
The most advanced coffee machines can also be used for the preparation of cappuccino.
Thanks to the arm supplied, in fact, steam is dispensed to froth the milk to be added to the espresso coffee.
In some cases, the steam arm fails to function, depriving the machine’s owner of the pleasure of cappuccino.
A problem in the steam dispenser can derive from various factors, the most common is the obstruction of the nozzle.
In this case it is necessary to uncork it with water and vinegar.
To prevent limescale from creating obstructions, the steam arm must be started for a few moments after using it.
This damage is obviously a major issue for cappuccino consumers, as well as those who often consume tea or herbal teas.
Why focus on a top-level coffee machine?
When some of these issues arise, it is time to replace the coffee machine.
To have a performing coffee machine that lasts over time, it is necessary to clarify the characteristics it should have.
One of the most important aspects to consider is the production materials.
Many appliances are mostly made of plastic, a material that loses its beauty over time and does not ensure optimal performance. Although it may have lower purchase costs, it requires maintenance within a few months and has a rather short life cycle.
The most durable coffee machines are made of high-quality and resistant raw materials, such as brass or stainless steel.
When purchasing it is highly recommended opting for a Made in Italy coffee machine.
Italian coffee machines are the result of a very long tradition in the preparation of espresso.
Every detail has a unique purpose: to extract a coffee with unique aromatic features.
Furthermore, even in case of breakdowns or replacements, it is easier to obtain spare parts or get assistance from a specialized technician.
The type of operation greatly affects the duration and handling of the equipment.
A fully mechanical coffee machine is safer and more reliable than electronic coffee machines. The latter, in fact, are often subject to failures and malfunctions that require expensive technical interventions.
Aesthetics play a significant role as well.
Our models are distinguished by a vintage, basic, and fundamental design that is appropriate for any setting.
Thanks to the broad range of colours available, you can indulge your creativity, making the room more elegant with the more classic shades or giving a touch of inspiration with red or white.
Choosing a top-quality machine, although it may appear more expensive when buying, guarantees durability and excellent coffee every day.
What distinguishes our lever coffee machines
Pontevecchio Srl is a company that has been producing lever coffee machines for over 20 years.
Our products are handcrafted by a skilled technical team of professionals.
Each device is a miniature artwork thanks to the meticulous assembly: each machine is handcrafted with extraordinary care and professionalism.
The materials used are brass and steel sheet, which were chosen for their long-term performance.
The coffee machine’s mechanical operation ensures a longer life. In truth, the sole electrical component is the power supply, which is required to boil the water and to allow for power interruption if the tank is empty.
Pontevecchio lever coffee machines allow you to extract a unique and tasteful espresso.
During preparation, in fact, the bartender can manage each phase thanks to the lever: from the duration of the pre-infusion to the speed of extraction.
In this way, the blend’s properties may be retained, intensifying every scent in the cup.
Another advantage of our lever coffee machines is that they do not need continuous maintenance. The movement of the cylinder and piston, in effect, eliminates the chance of toxic residues collecting inside the pipes or tank.
If it’s time to replace your coffee machine, invest in a high-quality model. For many years to come, the flavour of your days will be better.
Contact us to learn more about our models of lever coffee machines, we will be at your disposal for any information you may require.