Troubleshooting

If your setup is not behaving as expected, start with the checks below. Many espresso issues come from grind size, dose, water flow, cleaning, heat-up time, or puck preparation. If the issue looks electrical, unsafe, unusual, or keeps returning, stop using the product and contact Espressimo support with your order number, product name, and a short video.

Start with the issue you can see

Machine not powering on or not pumping water

Check power, water tank seating, heat-up, and safe-use warnings first.

Shot running too fast, too slow, sour, or bitter

Start with grind size, dose, tamp, yield, and bean freshness.

Grinder blocked, jammed, or dosing inconsistently

Stop the grinder, unplug it, and check dry-cleaning steps before using it again.

Milk not steaming or texturing well

Check heat-up, steam wand purge, milk temperature, and wand cleanliness.

Common machine issues

Why isn't my espresso machine turning on?

Check that the power cable is firmly connected, the wall outlet is switched on, and the machine power button is engaged. If available, try another outlet. If there is any burning smell, visible damage, repeated tripping, unusual sound, or still no response, stop using the machine and contact support.

Why is no water coming out of the group head?

Make sure the water tank is filled correctly and seated properly. Check that the machine has had enough time to heat up, then run a plain water flush and recheck the tank position. If the machine is powered on and still does not deliver water after these checks, contact support.

Why is my espresso shot running too fast?

This usually means the coffee is too coarse, the dose is too low, or the puck is not being tamped evenly. Try a finer grind, check your dose, and tamp level and firmly. Small grinder adjustments usually make a big difference.

Why is my espresso shot running too slowly?

This usually means the grind is too fine, the basket is overdosed, or the puck is too tightly packed. Try a slightly coarser grind and check that you are not overfilling the basket.

Why does my coffee taste sour?

Sour shots are often under-extracted. Try a finer grind, a slightly longer extraction, or make sure the machine is fully heated before brewing.

Why does my coffee taste bitter?

Bitter shots are often over-extracted. Try a slightly coarser grind, a shorter extraction, or reduce the dose if needed.

Why does the machine send water into the drip tray?

Some water entering the drip tray can be normal during operation or pressure release. If the amount seems excessive or unusual, first check normal workflow and the basket and portafilter are seated properly. If leaking continues outside expected use, contact support.

Why does the steam performance feel weak?

Make sure the machine is fully heated and ready for steaming before opening the steam wand. Purge briefly before steaming milk, then check that the steam wand is clean and not blocked by dried milk. If steam remains weak after full heat-up, purging, and cleaning, contact support.

Common grinder issues

Why isn’t the grinder starting?

Check that the grinder is plugged in and powered on. Confirm the hopper and removable parts are fitted correctly. If the grinder still does not start, stop using it and contact support.

Why is the grinder running but no grounds are coming out?

This can happen if beans are not feeding properly or if the burr area is blocked. Turn the grinder off, unplug it, and inspect for stale coffee buildup or a jam. Clean only with dry tools such as a brush. Do not put water inside the grinder, and do not keep forcing the motor if grounds are not coming out.

Why is my grind too coarse or too fine?

Adjust the grind size gradually and test again. Small changes can have a large effect, especially for espresso. Fine adjustment often takes a few test shots to dial in.

Why is my grinder dosing inconsistently?

Check bean freshness, grind setting, and whether old coffee residue is affecting flow. Timed grinding is useful for consistency, but dose can still vary if beans, grind size, or retention change. Clean the grinder regularly and retest.

Why is there coffee retention or mess around the dosing area?

A small amount of retention can be normal, but buildup should be kept under control with regular dry cleaning. The G9010C also highlights cleaner dosing and anti-static design, but it should still be maintained routinely. Use a brush or dry cleaning tools only. Do not use water inside the grinder.

Why does the grinder seem blocked or jammed?

Turn the grinder off and unplug it before checking for obstruction. Very fine settings, stuck beans, or built-up coffee grounds can cause blockages. Clean the burr area carefully using dry tools only. Do not force the motor repeatedly. The G9010C guidance also recommends avoiding excessive continuous use and keeping the grinder dry during cleaning.

Brewing and milk troubleshooting

Why is there little or no crema?

Fresh coffee matters a lot. Check bean freshness first, then review grind size, dose, and extraction speed. Older beans often produce less crema even when the machine is working normally.

Why does the espresso look uneven or spray during extraction?

This is usually caused by uneven puck preparation or channeling. Distribute the grounds more evenly, tamp level, and check that the grind is appropriate for espresso.

Why am I not getting the result I expected from my first few shots?

That is normal. Espresso machines and grinders usually need a short dialing-in process. Grind size, dose, yield, and bean freshness all affect the result. Start with small changes and test one variable at a time.

Why is my milk not texturing properly?

Use cold milk and start steaming only when the machine is ready. Purge the steam wand first, then keep the tip positioned correctly as air is introduced. If milk texture still feels inconsistent, check wand cleanliness and allow the machine enough heat-up time. A clean milk pitcher also helps keep texture consistent, but this is secondary to heat-up, technique, and wand cleaning.

Do I need to clean the machine and grinder regularly?

Yes. Regular cleaning helps maintain consistency, workflow, and long-term performance. Keep baskets, steam wand, and drip area clean, and clean the grinder with dry tools only. The grinder documentation specifically warns against pouring water or cleaning solution into the grinder.

Still need help?

If you've checked setup, grind size, dose, cleaning, and workflow and the issue continues, contact support. You do not need to diagnose everything yourself. If the issue feels unsafe, confusing, or persistent, Espressimo will help you work out the next step.

Before contacting us, please include:
- Your order number.
- Product model.
- A short description of what changed.
- A photo or short video of the issue.
- What you have already checked: water tank, power, grind size, dose, cleaning, basket, portafilter, hopper, or steam wand.
- Whether the issue happens every time or only sometimes.

Contact Us