Espresso Machine: Coffee is too Strong or too Weak
If your espresso machine is making coffee that is too strong or too weak, we recommend checking the grinder, flowmeter, filter, seals, and thermal block. Try diagnosing the issue yourself, instead of paying for an expensive service or replacing the machine. Chances are the fix is much easier than you think. Refer to your owner's manual for advice tailored to your model.
O-Rings
If you check your filter and it is not clogged, but coffee is still coming out too strong from your espresso machine, check the seal, also known as a gasket or O-ring. If the seal is worn out it can begin leaking, bypassing the basket and causing a drop in pressure. It is advised to change the seal around every six months or less, depending on how much you use your machine. It will be harder to replace the longer it’s left in, so it is best to replace it when it’s beginning to fail. Remove the old gasket surrounding the filter, using a pick and push it out from the corners. Make sure to clean the area and add a thin layer of lubricant before installing the new seal.
If you check your filter and it is not clogged, but coffee is still coming out too strong from your espresso machine, check the seal, also known as a gasket or O-ring. If the seal is worn out it can begin leaking, bypassing the basket and causing a drop in pressure. It is advised to change the seal around every six months or less, depending on how much you use your machine. It will be harder to replace the longer it’s left in, so it is best to replace it when it’s beginning to fail. Remove the old gasket surrounding the filter, using a pick and push it out from the corners. Make sure to clean the area and add a thin layer of lubricant before installing the new seal.
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Blocks
The thermal block works to heat up the water for brewing or steam in your espresso machine. It does this by taking water from the reservoir and heating it. The thermal block allows the espresso machine to heat up quickly. If it is clogged, your coffee can come out too strong due to a lack of water. In this case, the thermal block will need to be replaced.
The thermal block works to heat up the water for brewing or steam in your espresso machine. It does this by taking water from the reservoir and heating it. The thermal block allows the espresso machine to heat up quickly. If it is clogged, your coffee can come out too strong due to a lack of water. In this case, the thermal block will need to be replaced.
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Coffee Filters
If the coffee from your espresso machine is coming out too strong and there is not enough water, check the filter to see if it is clogged. Even if your filter is partially clogged, it will still allow some coffee to go through, which can result in your coffee being too strong. To clean the filter, simply remove it from the machine and let water run through it. Make sure to consistently check on your filter to prevent a buildup of small particles.
If the coffee from your espresso machine is coming out too strong and there is not enough water, check the filter to see if it is clogged. Even if your filter is partially clogged, it will still allow some coffee to go through, which can result in your coffee being too strong. To clean the filter, simply remove it from the machine and let water run through it. Make sure to consistently check on your filter to prevent a buildup of small particles.
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