Buying an espresso coffee machine is a significant financial investment that should be carefully evaluated. Above all, it’s an investment in the flavour and quality of the extract, which must ensure long-term effectiveness.
For this reason, before making a final decision, it’s always a good idea to find out more about the materials used, read reviews from previous customers, and figure out if and how problems with the coffee machine can arise.
Furthermore, a buyer must know how much a coffee machine will cost to repair in order to estimate the cost of replacement in the event of damage.
A brand-new machine is a functional item to have at home or in your facility, allowing you to enjoy an excellent espresso every day.
Unfortunately, certain coffee machines are more susceptible to damage than others, and maintenance costs can quickly add up.
Long-term ignition or a lack of water in the boiler are two of the most prevalent causes of coffee machine failure. However, if the machine is not used frequently, several issues may arise.
To avoid dissatisfying and costly difficulties, please inquire about the manufacture of the various components and any protection measures, such as the automatic shutdown or the warning light that alerts you to top off the tank with water.
In this article, we’ll go through the issues that customers have with their coffee machines after they’ve been purchased, as well as the things to look out for in order to get a coffee machine that works well and lasts long.
What are the most common issues with coffee machines once they’ve been purchased?
When you have a professional coffee machine at home, you want the taste and efficiency to be consistent in every cup. Regrettably, this is not always the case.
Some machines begin to malfunction right away, while others gradually deteriorate in performance. To avoid this, it is vital to conduct extensive research on coffee machine manufacturers, production materials, and user complaints.
Let’s look at the most common issues that people who own a low-quality coffee machine complain about.
The red light isn’t turning on anymore.
Imagine getting out of bed, hoping for a good cup of coffee, going to switch on the machine, and… what if the light did not turn on?
It’s frequently a problem with the connector when the red light stops working. Although it is not a complicated procedure in and of itself, it is nevertheless a problem that requires the attention of a trained specialist. This leads in a waste of time, coffee machine repair charges, and days of waiting for the machine to work again.
Consider that this type of failure can happen right after buying some models.
The plastic cover has a kink in it.
Among the most frequently problems with the coffee machine are those due to prolonged switching on.
In truth, most espresso machines for home are not built to withstand heat or intense use and can only be used for a short period of time to prepare a few cups.
The plastic parts are the ones that take the majority of the heat damage.
The deformation of the level cover is an example of failure. It must be replaced if it is damaged, which costs between 5 and 20 euros, not including service.
The heat damaged the cap
The wooden or plastic cap is subject to a similar controversy. When the coffee machine is left on for too long, the heat can cause fractures in the wooden cap, which will quickly widen.
Plastic caps also run the same risk and can even melt into the metal part they are in contact with.
Depending on the defect, a new cap must be purchased, the pieces that have clung to the threaded section must be removed, and the machine must be reassembled.
Furthermore, because spare parts on the market usually match the originals, it is not possible to choose a more durable material than the one already in use.
Lack of water has led to a variety of problems.
Leaving the machine on without checking the water level might result in some of the worst coffee machine problems.
It is possible to preserve the resistance in machines that have a thermostat, but machines that do not have one can suffer catastrophic damages.
First and foremost, the plastic components, such as the level cover and tray, are damaged. Any form of technical intervention is complicated since the level cover blends and is absorbed into the elements to which it is connected. It’s possible that the bowl will deform and need to be replaced.
The sub-base may also melt and be completely destroyed.
When the resistance cracks, however, the most devastating failure occurs. In fact, due to the split resistance, the machine cannot be operated in any way without the assistance of an expert, and the repair is rather costly.
Some components corroded during storage.
We return to the material’s relevance once more. Always consider the prices and maintenance procedures of the coffee machine in mind when choosing your equipment.
Metal parts in coffee machines are more resistant and durable, but only if quality is chosen.
Some metals rust or corrode when they come into touch with water or are exposed to dampness. Rust can cause genuine holes, making the coffee machine useless in the long term.
This problem is common among those who store their machines in moist areas or do not fully dry them.
Deposits of limestone have formed.
To maintain maximum performance, most professional coffee machines require repeated descaling cycles. Dirt and limescale deposits might accumulate due to infrequent use or a lack of attention during routine cleaning.
Limescale builds up inside pipes until they become clogged. The most serious failure could be the pressure switch: if the tube becomes obstructed, the pressure switch would cease working, making the coffee machine useless.
Deposits may accumulate inside the boiler depending on the model, affecting the aroma of the espresso.
Water does not enter the brewing group
If you know how a lever coffee machine works, you’ll notice that each component has a specific purpose for which it must have the appropriate qualities. Instead of brass, the Teflon piston can loosen from the rod, stopping the water from finishing its passage through the brewing group.
Furthermore, with a plastic piston, fracture is inevitable. Teflon, in fact, tends to wear out over time until it entirely cracks.
Why don’t you have these problems with Pontevecchio lever machines
Pontevecchio lever coffee machines are the result of extensive technical research, both in terms of design and material selection. Our company has always valued quality and only sells products that are built to last.
Each Pontevecchio coffee machine is made of high-quality materials, such as steel sheet and brass, to ensure long-term performance. Wear and moisture do not cause encrustations or rust to occur on these metals.
The piston is made of brass, so it will not loosen over time and will fit snugly against the rod.
We’ve come up with two strategies to avoid failures due to a lack of water: First, if the water level in the boiler drops below the minimum level, a red-light illuminates; second, if the water level is not refilled, the heating element turns off.
The power supply is automatically suspended once the appropriate temperature for espresso preparation is achieved, preventing energy waste and damage to the external and internal components.
In terms of the plastic materials used for the lever and brew group handles, we chose only high-quality components that would respond well to heat and washing.
Choose Pontevecchio models if you want your coffee to have an exceptional flavour and, more importantly, if you want your coffee machine to last a lifetime. You’ll save time and money by avoiding downtime and maintenance, and you’ll be able to enjoy a different espresso every day.