Noisy coffee machine: causes and fixes
Author: AMT SerwisUpdated:
Is your coffee machine running loudly? Find out what might be causing it and how to fix excessive noise from an automatic coffee machine yourself.
The automatic coffee machine is an increasingly common sight in homes and offices. It is a convenient, easy-to-use appliance that quickly turns freshly ground beans into a delicious coffee with a taste and aroma to match. At the same time, for all its advantages, it has to be said that an automatic coffee machine is a fairly noisy piece of equipment.
Why is a coffee machine loud?
An automatic coffee machine works under pressure, and most models also have a built-in grinder that breaks up the beans. Individual models differ in many respects, noise level included, but it would be unrealistic to expect any automatic coffee machine to run in complete silence.
So how do you tell that a machine is not working properly? The answer is fairly simple: when the noise is unnaturally loud, and the machine is running louder than it usually does. At that point it is worth working out what is behind it — and the causes vary. Some are mundane problems you can solve yourself at home; others are faults that call for a professional repair workshop. Below we describe the most common causes of a noisy coffee machine and how to deal with them.
A dirty coffee machine
If a coffee machine is not cleaned and descaled regularly, sooner or later various deposits will start restricting the flow through it. The usual culprit is limescale. But residue from ground coffee and dried-on milk also get in the way and can block the lines effectively. The machine may then run unnaturally loudly, and its performance will suffer too.
In that case a thorough clean is needed, descaling included. If the machine is heavily soiled, it is worth having the job done for you. A workshop that specialises in coffee machine repairs can clean and service the appliance under workshop conditions using specialist cleaning agents.
If you are looking for guidance on what maintenance is needed to keep a machine in good technical condition, we recommend reading:
Cleaning an automatic coffee machine — what to remember
A badly fitted water filter
Worrying noises can also come from an incorrectly fitted water filter. If it is not screwed in or pushed home fully, it can vibrate while the appliance is running. Bear in mind that the way the water filter is fitted differs between coffee machine models. You will find exact instructions in your appliance's manual.
A failing pump
A loud machine may point to a damaged water pump. In this case, besides the humming, you will usually also notice weak steam output caused by reduced pressure. The way to fix a faulty water pump is to replace it. If you are not the handy type and have no experience with repairs like these, the safest route is a workshop, which will first confirm that the pump really is the cause and then fit a new one.
A worn-out grinder
The built-in grinder is one of the biggest advantages of these appliances. It lets you brew from freshly ground beans, so the taste and aroma of your morning coffee are that much better. However — and this surprises some owners — the grinder in an automatic coffee machine is a consumable part, whether it is ceramic or steel. Like any part of that kind, it wears naturally. If the machine has been used hard and for a long time, the burrs will be worn down and the grinder will run excessively loudly. In that case the only solution is a new grinder.
The situations described above are the most common causes of a noisy coffee machine. Remember, though, that an automatic machine is a fairly complex appliance — so if you are not sure yours is working correctly, or the way it runs gives you doubts, get in touch with our workshop and talk to technicians who will know how to put an automatic coffee machine right. Remember too that at AMT Serwis you can request a free repair cost estimate.