Espresso Machine Maintenance 101: Keep Your Shots Tasting Great

There’s nothing like pulling a rich, velvety shot of espresso at home. But even the best espresso machine can’t work its magic without a little TLC. Proper maintenance keeps your coffee tasting fresh, prevents costly repairs, and extends your machine’s life.

Whether you own a semi-automatic machine or a super-automatic machine, here’s exactly how to keep it running at its best, plus tips to prevent breakdowns before they happen.

Key Tips to Prevent Breakdowns

Before diving into cleaning routines, a few simple habits can save you headaches down the road:

• Use good water: Mineral buildup is the #1 cause of espresso machine issues. Use filtered or espresso machine specific water to reduce scale and protect internal parts. Avoid hard, distilled/non-mineralized, and bottled/spring water when possible.

• Avoid oily beans: Dark, oily beans can clog grinders and brew groups faster. Stick to medium or light roasts for smoother operation and easier cleaning.

• Don’t let coffee grounds sit: Old grounds and oils turn rancid and can gum up your machine. Empty portafilters and knock boxes promptly.

• Keep the grinder clean: Regularly brush out burrs and chutes to prevent clogs and motor strain.

• Follow manufacturer instructions: Always use recommended cleaning agents and descaling solutions to avoid damaging your machine.

For Semi-Automatic Machines

Semi-automatic espresso machines give you hands-on control over grinding, dosing, and tamping, but they also need a little more hands-on cleaning.

Daily:

• Purge and wipe the steam wand before and after each use to prevent milk build-up.

• Empty and rinse the portafilter and basket right after brewing to remove oils and grounds.

• Flush water through the group head to keep it clear of residue.

• Empty and rinse the drip tray.

Weekly:

• Backflush with water (if your machine has a three-way solenoid valve) to push out coffee oils from the group head.

• Soak portafilter baskets, shower screens, and steam wand tips in cleaning solution, then rinse thoroughly.

Every 3 Months-1 year:

• Descale with a manufacturer-approved descaling solution to remove mineral deposits, more often if you have hard water.

• Backflush with espresso machine cleaner (like Cafiza) to deep clean the internal components.

For Super-Automatic Machines

Super-automatics grind, dose, tamp, brew, and steam milk at the touch of a button, but their convenience means they have more internal parts that need attention.

Daily:

• Rinse the milk system after every use (most machines have an auto-clean cycle).

• Empty and rinse the drip tray, and grinds bin.

• Wipe the exterior and keep the grinder hopper sealed to maintain bean freshness.

Weekly:

• Remove and rinse the brew group (for machines with a removable brew unit).

• Run a milk system cleaner if you steam milk regularly.

• Wash the drip tray, and grinds bin.

Every 3-6 Months:

• Descale according to your machine’s prompts or more often if your water is hard.

• Change the water filter to reduce scale buildup and improve taste.

• Lubricate the brew group if the manufacturer recommends it.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re crafting espresso by hand or letting a machine do the work for you, regular maintenance combined with good habits is the secret to consistent, delicious coffee, and a long-lasting machine.

With a few minutes of care each day and the right cleaning products, your espresso machine will reward you with better flavour and fewer breakdowns.

Need cleaning supplies, descalers, or replacement parts? ECS Coffee carries everything from Cafiza and milk cleaners to OEM gaskets and water filters for brands like Breville, DeLonghi, and more. Stop by in-store or shop online for expert advice and everything you need to keep brewing your best.