Espresso machine won't heat up

Symptoms

• Power light on but water stays lukewarm
• Steam wand won't produce steam
• Longer than usual heat-up time
• Machine shuts off shortly after turning on

Likely causes

• CommonMineral scale coating the heating element or boilerScale insulates the heating element, making it far less efficient.
• PossibleThermostat or thermal fuse trippedA safety cutoff can trip if the machine overheated or ran without water.
• PossibleHeating element failureElements can burn out after years of regular use.
• PossibleLow or no water in the reservoirSome machines won't heat if they detect no water, as a safety feature.
• Less commonFaulty power switch or control boardElectronic failures are less common but possible with age.

What to do

1. Confirm the reservoir has enough water and is seated correctly.
2. Descale the machine using a manufacturer-approved descaler, especially if it hasn't been done recently or you have hard water.
3. Let the machine run its normal heat-up cycle fully before assuming it's not heating; some models take a few minutes.
4. Check for any reset button or fault light on the machine that may indicate a tripped safety cutoff.
5. Unplug for several minutes and plug back in to see if a temporary fault clears.
6. If it still won't heat after descaling and a power cycle, the heating element or thermostat has likely failed and needs a technician or replacement machine.

Tools and parts

When to call a pro

If descaling and a power cycle don't restore heating, have an appliance repair technician check the heating element and thermostat, since these involve electrical components.

Safety