Question: Anyone know about coffee machines?

(Posted by: BigSis on 2008-09-11 20:28:09)

How long should a coffee machine last? I've had a Saeco coffee machine for the last 5 years and it keeps breaking and saying I need to fill the water tank when it is already full. I've taken it to be fixed twice and it works for a few days and then breaks again. I can't afford to keep taking it to the guy to fix it as it costs me quite a lot in cabs each time, plus the cost of the repair, so I'm looking for anyone who's got some tips or info on how I could fix it myself. The guy who fixes it reckons it's the electronics which are faulty. It wasn't cheap - it was around $900, so I don't want to throw it away and get a new one.......I'm not that rich!!

Posted by: Bart on 2008-09-11, 21:18:44

These people don't have a clue as to what you have. I also own a Seaco Espresso Machine you have to keep it clean. I would fill the water tank with vinegar/ water and let it site overnight. it uses a led and a sensor to check water level when it doesn't see the light it thinks the water is empty. but if you use it a lot 5 years is a pretty long time. it might be time to replace it. you might also do with out it for a while and try sending it to Saeco they may rebuild it for cheap did the guy who fixed it tell you what was wrong may be a new water tank would fix the problem. but I would defenetly ask someone at saeco-usa.com/

Posted by: Luvmuh4horses on 2008-09-11, 20:34:22

Coffee machines are not very expensive. If this one is giving you so much trouble, I would throw it away and buy a new one!

Posted by: George O on 2008-09-11, 20:37:38

We usually make about 5 pots a day. We average about 3.5 years per pot. We always keep at least one new pot as a replacement. Some times two, if the price is right. We think it less expensive to buy new than fool with taking one to the repair shop. Besides not have a pot for a week or so.

Posted by: chilly bean on 2008-09-11, 20:41:04

I would get rid of the old one. Out with the old and in with the new applies here. They really have great sales on coffee machines with lots of neat features. Check them out. I did when my old one gave me trouble. I am glad I did.

Posted by: mel on 2008-09-11, 21:09:07

Where I work we go through a machine about every 6 months. Yea, we get the 25 dollar ones and rinse them with vinegar every now and then, but a carafe breaks and is impossible to replace, or the warming plate goes bad, or it does not turn off after one hour. there's always something.

Posted by: matthias_coleman on 2008-09-12, 01:13:27

I would first suggest trying to clean it out. Using vinegar, dissolved baking soda, or even CLR (or Lime-away) can help clear out scale and lime you have acquired over the years. After cleaning it out, check the company's website or call technical services and see if there may be another possibility. Otherwise, you may have to look into replacing some electronics, which you would want to do with company technical support.