5 Common Commercial Espresso Machine Issues & Fixes
Last updated on March 13th, 2025 at 04:31 pm
Ever had an espresso machine act up right when you needed it most?
I’m not a coffee shop owner myself. I’m more of a home barista who loves experimenting with different techniques and gear.
But after spending hours chatting with my café-owner friends, I’ve heard all the horror stories. For instance, machines not heating up, steam wands refusing to work, and the dreaded low-pressure shot that ruins a perfect espresso.
The fact is: even the best commercial machines run into problems, and when they do, it can throw an entire coffee shop into chaos.
If you’ve ever struggled with common commercial espresso machine issues, this guide is for you.
I’ll go over the five most frequent problems baristas and café owners face, what causes them, and how to fix them quickly so you can keep your coffee flowing without a hitch. So let’s start brewing!
Common Commercial Espresso Machine Issues Summary
This table provides a quick reference guide for troubleshooting and resolving issues. If you want to learn more details, keep reading the rest.
| 1 – Espresso Machine Not Heating Properly | – Faulty thermostat or heating element – Limescale buildup in the boiler – Power supply issues | – Ensure the machine is plugged in and the breaker isn’t tripped – Descale regularly to prevent mineral buildup – Contact a technician if the heating element needs replacement |
| 2 – Low or No Pressure During Extraction | – Clogged group head or portafilter – Worn-out or faulty pump – Incorrect grind size or tamping technique | – Backflush and clean the machine to remove residue – Ensure the portafilter basket is clean and unblocked – Replace the pump if it’s failing |
| 3 – Steam Wand Not Producing Steam | – Blocked steam wand due to milk residue – Faulty steam valve or boiler issue – Not enough pressure in the boiler | – Purge and clean the steam wand after every use – Soak the wand in a milk cleaner solution to remove buildup – Consult a technician if the steam valve needs replacement |
| 4 – Espresso Tastes Bitter or Burnt | – Over-extraction due to high temperature or pressure – Stale coffee beans or improper grind size – Dirty group head affecting flavor | – Adjust brewing temperature (ideal range: 195-205°F) – Use fresh beans and dial in the correct grind size – Clean the group head, portafilter, and shower screen daily |
| 5 – Water Leaks from the Machine | – Worn-out gaskets or seals – Loose or broken internal pipes – Improperly fitted portafilter | – Replace worn gaskets and seals regularly – Tighten loose connections or call a technician for internal leaks – Ensure the portafilter is locked in place before brewing |
5 Common Commercial Espresso Machine Problems & Fixes
Even the best commercial espresso machines run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones and keep your café running smoothly.
1 – Espresso Machine Not Heating Properly
Nothing throws off a busy morning rush like an espresso machine that won’t heat properly. So what can you do:
Possible Causes:
Several things can cause your espresso machine to stop heating properly:
- Faulty thermostat or heating element – In high-use environments, thermostats and heating elements can wear out over time. If either fails, the boiler won’t maintain the correct temperature for brewing or steaming.
- Limescale buildup in the boiler – If your café doesn’t use a proper water filtration system, mineral deposits from hard water can clog up the boiler, reducing its ability to heat efficiently. Over time, this can lead to overheating, inconsistent temperature, or even complete failure.
- Power supply issues – Many commercial machines run on 220V power. So a tripped circuit breaker or a loose electrical connection could prevent the machine from reaching the proper heating level. Always check the power supply before assuming the worst.
Fixes:
Before calling for a costly service repair, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check the power connection – Ensure the machine is plugged into the correct power source and that no breakers have been tripped. Some machines have internal fuses that may need to be reset.
- Descale the machine regularly – In high-volume coffee shops, boiler descaling should be done every few weeks, especially if you don’t have a filtration system. Using a commercial descaling solution like Urnex Dezcal or a professional descaling service can help prevent long-term damage.
- Inspect the heating element and thermostat – If your machine isn’t heating at all or fluctuates in temperature, the heating element or thermostat may need to be replaced. In this situation, you shouldn’t fix it yourself. Instead, contact a certified espresso machine technician for a full inspection.
Preventative Maintenance Tip:
To avoid unexpected breakdowns, schedule routine maintenance for your machine every 3-6 months.
Usually, manufacturers offer service plans that include boiler inspections, thermostat checks, and descaling treatments. Doing this will keep your machine running smoothly.
2 – Low or No Pressure During Extraction
If your commercial espresso machine isn’t building up the right pressure, it’s time to troubleshoot before your morning rush turns into a disaster.
Possible Causes:
Usually, a drop in pressure comes down to one of these common problems:
- Clogged group head or portafilter – Over time, coffee oils and fine grounds build up in the group head, restricting water flow and causing inconsistent extraction. If your machine hasn’t been cleaned properly, this could be the issue.
- Worn-out or faulty pump – The pump is what drives the water through the coffee puck at the right pressure (typically 9 bars). If the pump is worn out or failing, the machine won’t generate enough force to extract espresso correctly.
- Incorrect grind size or tamping technique – If the grind is too coarse, water flows through too fast, creating weak espresso. If it’s too fine or tamped too hard, the pressure might not build up properly, causing channeling or barely any flow at all.
Fixes:
Before assuming the worst (or calling an expensive technician), try these quick fixes:
- Clean and backflush the machine – If you haven’t backflushed your machine recently, stop everything and do it now. I suggest running a backflushing cycle with a commercial espresso cleaner like Urnex Cafiza to remove built-up coffee oils and debris from the group head. Also, check if the shower screen needs cleaning or replacing.
- Inspect the portafilter basket – A clogged or dirty portafilter can restrict water flow. For this reason, remove the basket, rinse it thoroughly, and check for leftover coffee residue blocking the holes. Sometimes, simply using a pin to unclog the basket can solve the issue.
- Check your grind size and tamping – If shots are pulling too fast, adjust to a finer grind and make sure the tamp is firm. Around 30 pounds of pressure is the sweet spot. If shots are pulling too slow or not at all, try a slightly coarser grind and lighten up on the tamp.
- Test the pump – If all else fails and pressure is still low, the pump may be failing. The reason is pumps wear out over time, especially in high-volume coffee shops. If you notice a change in pump noise or fluctuating pressure, it’s best to call a professional to inspect and replace the pump if needed.
Preventative Maintenance Tip:
To avoid pressure issues in the future, backflush the machine daily, use a proper cleaning detergent weekly, and monitor your pump’s performance.
A failing pump usually gives subtle warning signs before it fully goes out, such as weak pressure, inconsistent extractions, or sputtering noises.
3 – Steam Wand Not Producing Steam
A steam wand that isn’t working properly can throw off service, mess with drink consistency, and leave baristas scrambling for a solution. Luckily, this issue is usually easy to fix if you know what to look for.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked steam wand due to milk residue – One of the most common problems is dried-up milk clogging the steam tip. If the wand isn’t purged and wiped down after each use, leftover milk residue can harden and block steam from flowing.
- Faulty steam valve or boiler issue – If the wand isn’t clogged, the issue might be deeper in the system. A faulty steam valve could restrict steam flow, or a failing boiler might not generate enough steam pressure.
- Not enough pressure in the boiler – If the machine is heating but not producing strong steam, the boiler pressure might be too low. This can happen if the machine hasn’t fully heated up, the pressure settings are off, or there’s an internal component failure.
Fixes:
- Purge and clean the steam wand after every use – This should be a non-negotiable habit in any coffee shop. After every milk-based drink, purge the wand by letting steam blast out for a second or two. Then, wipe it down with a damp cloth to prevent milk from drying inside.
- Soak the wand in a milk cleaner solution – If the tip is clogged, remove it and soak it in a specialized milk cleaner like Urnex Rinza. You can also use a steam wand cleaning brush to clear out any hardened milk inside.
- Check boiler pressure and steam valve function – If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, check your machine’s pressure gauge. Most commercial espresso machines operate between 1.0 – 1.5 bars of pressure for steaming. If it’s too low, let the machine fully heat up or call a technician to inspect the boiler or steam valve.
Preventative Maintenance Tip:
At the end of each day, make it part of your closing routine to soak the steam tip, run a deep cleaning cycle, and inspect the wand for residue buildup.
4 – Espresso Tastes Bitter or Burnt
There’s nothing worse than serving a shot of espresso that tastes like burnt toast or has that lingering and unpleasant bitterness. Usually, bitter or burnt espresso is a sign that something is off in the brewing process. However, the good news is it’s fixable once you know what to look for.
Possible Causes:
- Over-extraction due to high temperature or pressure – If your espresso is brewing too slowly, too hot, or at too high of a pressure, it can pull too much from the coffee grounds. This gives you a harsh and overly bitter taste.
- Stale coffee beans or improper grind size – Old beans lose their natural oils and flavors, which can make espresso taste dull and burnt. A grind that’s too fine can also slow down extraction, making the shot over-extract and develop a bitter aftertaste.
- Dirty group head affecting flavor – Coffee oils build up quickly in commercial espresso machines, especially in high-volume cafés. If the group head, portafilter, or shower screen isn’t cleaned daily, those leftover oils can make even the best coffee beans taste rancid.
Fixes:
- Check and adjust the brewing temperature – Espresso should be brewed between 195-205°F. If your machine runs too hot, lower the temperature settings slightly. If it’s an automatic machine, consult the manual to adjust the temperature properly.
- Use fresh, high-quality beans and ensure the grind size is correct – Always buy freshly roasted beans and store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness. If shots are pulling too slowly and tasting bitter, adjust to a slightly coarser grind to speed up the flow.
- Clean the group head, portafilter, and shower screen daily – After every shift, run a backflush cycle with a cleaner like Urnex Cafiza to remove old coffee oils. Also, soak the portafilter and shower screen in hot water with espresso machine detergent to prevent buildup that can ruin flavor.
Preventative Maintenance Tip:
If espresso has a consistently burnt or bitter taste, make it a habit to test your shots daily before service. This avoids having customers complaining about your shop’s coffee.
5 – Water Leaks from the Machine
A leak might start as an occasional drip. However, if left unchecked, it can turn into a full-blown flood that disrupts service and leads to expensive repairs.
Plus, water leaks not only waste water (and money) but can also damage internal components. So catching them early is key.
Possible Causes:
- Worn-out gaskets or seals – Over time, the rubber gaskets inside the machine degrade because of the heat and pressure. This leads to small leaks around the group head, steam wand, or water reservoir. If the leaks get worse after heavy use, it’s a sign that these parts need replacing.
- Loose or broken pipes inside the machine – Internal pipes can loosen because of vibration or wear. This causes leaks under the machine or around the back panel. Often this issue starts small but can escalate quickly if not addressed.
- Improperly fitted portafilter – If the portafilter isn’t locked in tightly or the gasket inside the group head is worn out, water can leak around the edges instead of flowing through the coffee puck.
Fixes:
- Check and replace worn gaskets or seals regularly – The group head gasket is one of an espresso machine’s most commonly worn-out parts. If you notice water dripping around the portafilter, inspect the gasket and swap it out if it looks cracked or compressed. Depending on usage, most commercial machines need a new group gasket every 6-12 months.
- Tighten any loose connections or call a technician for internal leaks – If the leak seems to be coming from inside the machine, turn it off immediately and check for any loose pipes. If you’re not comfortable opening up the machine, call a professional. Also internal leaks can lead to bigger (and pricier) problems.
- Ensure the portafilter is locked in place before brewing – Sometimes, a simple misalignment is the issue. For this reason, make sure the portafilter is securely in place before starting a shot. If it still leaks, check the portafilter basket and group head gasket to see if they need replacing.
Here’s my recommendation:
To keep your espresso machine leak-free, inspect gaskets monthly, tighten fittings when needed, and replace parts before they fail. Usually, small leaks are warning signs of bigger issues.
For this reason, fixing them early can save you time, stress, and repair costs down the line. Plus, no barista wants to deal with puddles of water while pulling shots. Well, let’s say it’s just bad for business!
Last Thoughts
Have you ever faced any annoying espresso machine problems in your café? Or maybe you have a go-to fix that’s saved you from a total meltdown during the morning rush?
Drop your experiences or tips in the comments! Your insight could help another coffee shop owner keep their machine in top shape. So let’s help each other and with that voilà!
