Espresso machine has to warm up halfway through pulling a shot
I've had my espresso machine for a little less than a year. It's a DeLonghi EC155. It heats up fine (I assume so - a green light that means "ready" turns on, and I've followed the instructions and let it sit for 30 minutes heating before using it), but when I pull a shot, it makes the sound of the water being pushed through the grounds, but the green light turns off halfway through the process. I stop pulling the shot, wait for the light to come on, and finish pulling the shot.
Usually when I dispose of the grounds, they're very watery. Is there a way to make the machine hold heat longer, or is it a defect with the machine?
EDIT: It should also be noted that the light turning off halfway through is a relatively new occurrence. Before about a month ago the "ready" light would stay on until after I had pulled my shot.
Best Answer
Why do you stop in the middle ? Is there a drop in pressure ? does the coffee continue dripping down in the cup?
Let it finish.
I assume, if it is working like my machine, that the water is being re-heated for a next shot.
1st thing I would do is to clean the machine with a "descaler"; it should help with the water heating system and the pressure.
If that does not help, have the machine looked at.
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What do I do if my espresso shot is pulling slow?
The group head is one of the most often overlooked parts of an espresso machine, which is why a blocked group head is one of the most common causes of slow coffee dispersion. Every time you brew an espresso, the coffee leaves residue on the group head that can stop water from getting through at the right pace.Why does espresso take so long to pull?
The espresso machine is not ready for espresso until the brew group is really hot. If you don't have much time to wait in the morning, run hot water through the brew group to heat it up faster. The heating time depends on the boiler volume and is about 10 \u2013 15 minutes.Do espresso machines need to warm up?
The ideal brewing time you're looking for is between 20 \u2013 30 seconds \u2013 if you're running too long or too short, check your grind, dose and tamp, then adjust it accordingly.How To: Espresso Shots - When to Start Timing
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Answer 2
Home espresso machines in that price range are hopeless. Especially if you want to steam milk. They are not powerful enough. You've been sold a $200 lie. La Marzocco is making two home machines but are for the high end market at 20-40 times the price of your machine. Really high end. You're likely better off going the Italian home coffee way and buying a Moka Pot. Or better yet, try your local cafe.
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