But for your espresso maker to serve you well, you will need to take good care of it by fixing any issues and maintaining it regularly. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you remedy any problems it may have.
How to use a Saeco espresso machine
So you just got a new Saeco, and you need to set it to before use. Not to worry, here are the steps need to get your espresso machine up and running. And to program your personal preferences for your perfect cup of coffee. These steps apply fully automatic to Exprelia, Incanto, Intelia, Intuit, GranBaristo, Minuto, Synthia, Xelsis, Xsmall, and PicoBaristo Saeco machines.
Fill the water tank and coffee bean hopper
Remove the water tank and fill it with fresh water up to the ‘Max’ level indication. Then fill the coffee bean hopper with espresso beans of your choice. Use pure coffee beans to prevent imparting a permanent flavour to the machine.
Turn your espresso machine on
Plugin the espresso machine into the electric outlet. The plug is located on the back of your espresso machine. Then turn the main switch to ‘I’ (if located on the machine).
Place a cup and press the standby button.
Place a cup under the hot water spout/steam wand to collect water dispensed during priming. Then press the ‘Standby’ button to turn on your Saeco espresso machine.
Prime the water circuit
The espresso machine display will show the circuit priming icon at this point. Select ‘OK’ to start the priming process. Then, the espresso machine will begin dispensing water. For more information, refer to the user manual.
Prepare, install and activate the AquaClean filter
Saeco espresso machines compatible with the AquaClean filter will show the text ‘Install or Activate AquaClean Filter?’. Shake the AquaClean filter for 5-seconds and immerse it upside down in a jug with cold water and wait until no air bubbles come out. Then place the filter into the water tank and start the installation. After a correct installation, the ‘AquaClean 100%’ icon will be visible in the display.
Then adjust the machine to your preference
Adjust the grind settings using the knob inside the bean container. You can choose a fine grind for a full-bodied espresso or a coarse grind for a lighter coffee flavour. To adjust the coffee strength, use the ‘Memo’ function to program the amount of beans used to brew your coffee depending on the cup size. Press and hold the button you want to adjust until the display shows the ‘Memo’ icon. Your machine will enter the programming phase and start to brew the selected coffee. Stop the process by pressing the ‘OK’ button or the button you are programming. Steps may vary depending on your espresso machine model.
What does it mean to prime an espresso machine?
Priming an espresso machine is prepping it before you start using it. This is because the espresso machine has no water right off the bat, and the heating element may get damaged if you turn it on due to overheating. The priming is also necessary if the machine is not used for a while or after steaming milk.
How do you prime a Saeco espresso machine?
Follow these steps to prime your Saeco espresso machine;
Fill your espresso machine’s water reservoir with cold water. And plug the machine, then turn it on.Ensure the intake hoses are submerged into the water reservoir and their tips are close to the bottom. And make sure that there are no kinks or blockages in the hoses.Then turn the steam knob, so it is open. Finally, place an empty container under the steam wand to collect any liquid from your espresso machine during the priming process.Turn on the espresso machine and set it to the “coffee/brew” setting or the hot water setting, depending on the model of your espresso machine.Close the steam valve once the water starts to flow out. Once water flows out of the brew head, turn off the coffee/brew switch or the hot water switch.Continue to run about a cup of water through the boiler to flush the system thoroughly. This is especially important before the first use.
Note: If you use your espresso machine to make hot chocolate or tea, you may need to prime your machine often. Additionally, if no water is pulled through the steam wand after 30 seconds, turn off your espresso machine immediately. Then check for blockages in the hoses, and wait ten minutes. Then repeat the steps above.
How do I reset my Saeco espresso machine?
The reset procedure may vary depending on the model of the espresso machine;
To reset a Saeco Intelia coffee maker, press the Aroma button until Water Filter ON/OFF/RESET is displayed. Then Select RESET and confirm with the Aroma button. Then press the ON/OFF button to exit the menu.To reset the Saeco Minuto, press the Menu button on the right side of the switch panel. Then select the “factory settings”, which is indicated by a factory icon. Finally, select “Yes” to start the Reset.
Refer to your Saeco espresso machine user manual for the exact instructions for your specific model.
How to maintain a Saeco espresso machine?
Regular maintenance of your electronics not only keeps them clean it also helps to prolong their lifespan. For example, by ensuring the espresso machine is not busted by coffee grounds or coffee drips.
Weekly Maintenance
Disconnect the brew unit.Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use no soap or solvents.Air dries the brew unit before re-inserting it into the machine.Wipe away any excess grinds from the area beneath the brew unit.
Quarterly or 500 cups maintenance:
Rinse the brew unit thoroughly under running warm water.Locate a tub that is large enough to accommodate the brew unit. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons Puro Powder, followed by enough warm water to soak the brew unit.Soak the brew unit for 1–2 hours.Rinse the brew unit under warm water and brush away any remaining lubricant and coffee grinds.Allow time for the brew unit to dry.
How long will my Saeco espresso machine last?
An espresso machine can last between five and 15 years on average. This, of course, depends on how you maintain it. And how frequently you use it. An adequately maintained coffee maker will outlast a frequently used and rarely maintained espresso machine.
Saeco espresso machine not pumping water
If there is no water being drawn from the water tank of your Philips/Saeco espresso machine, chances are there is air is trapped in the machine, and it is blocking the water supply. Here are the possible causes and solutions.
The water tank is not fully inserted
Check to see if the water tank is placed correctly in the espresso machine. For example, if your espresso machine has a water tank on the front, ensure that the water tank is pushed fully to the back to make sure it is well inserted. And if your espresso machine has a water tank on top of the machine, ensure that the area under the water tank is free from dirt, particles or coffee beans.
The hot water spout is clogged (machines with a Panarello/Classic Milk Frother)
Remove the outer part of the Panarello/classic milk frother and check if the spout is clogged with limescale. If there is a build-up of limescale, use some descaling solution to remove it. How to remove the trapped air Follow the steps below to remove trapped air for your espresso machine:
Switch OFF the machineEmpty the water tank and remove the AquaClean (or any other water filter) water filterFill the water tank with water and place it back in positionSwitch the machine back ON. When the machine is heated up, select hot water and dispense 2-3 cups of hot water
If you use an AquaClean water filter, follow these extra steps to make sure the filter is prepared and correct installed for use:
Shake the AquaClean water filter for 5 secondsHold the filter upside down in a container/bowl with water until no more air bubbles come outPlace back the filter into the water tank and fill the water tank with waterRestart the machine and switch it off and back onSelect hot water and dispense 2-3 cups of hot water
Note: Replace the filter if you have been using the AquaClean water filter for more than three months as it might be clogged. If these solutions do not solve the issue, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Saeco coffee machine no power
If your espresso machine is not turning on, the causes could be one of the two listed below. Follow the steps below to find the issue and remedy it;
The main switch on the back is not set to ON
Check to see if the ON/OFF switch located at the back of the machine is turned on.
The power cord is not well connected
Then check to see if the power cord is inserted correctly into the machine and the power outlet. If this is still not working, try another power outlet. If these solutions do not solve the issue, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
How to clean my Saeco brewing unit
Ideally, you should clean your expresso immediately after use, especially if you use milk. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance of the machine and prevents taste adulteration. Follow the steps below to clean your Saeco espresso machine;Cleaning the brew group
Weekly cleaning: Rinse the machine’s brew group using lukewarm water Monthly cleaning: Use the Coffee oil remover tablets CA6704 to remove oil from the filter on the brew group
Lubricating the brew group It is essential to lubricate the brew group regularly so that the mechanical parts in your espresso machine continue to move smoothly. Therefore, ensure you lubricate the brew group every two months.
Apply a thin layer of grease on the piston of the brew groupApply a thin layer of grease around the shaft located on the bottom of the brew groupApply a thin layer of grease to the rails on both sides.
Cleaning the drip tray, coffee grounds container and water tank
Drip tray: Empty it daily or as soon as the red indicator pops up through the trayCoffee grounds container: Clean it weekly and empty the coffee grounds container when prompted by the machineWater tank: Clean and rinse it weekly under tap water
Cleaning LatteGo Rinse the LatteGo under tap water or clean the two parts in the dishwasher after each use. Cleaning the classic milk frother
Daily clean: Remove the external part of the classic milk frother and rinse it with water. Make sure you also clean the tiny hole. If it looks clogged, enter a needle in it to unclog it.Monthly clean: Use Philips milk circuit cleaner (CA6705) to prevent the milk circuit from clogging.For the classic milk frother with a knob, make sure to remove the knob when cleaning under the tap and dry the parts before assembly.
Cleaning the internal cappuccinatore
Daily: Perform the ‘HYGIESTEAM’ program in the cleaning menu.Weekly: Remove and disassemble the internal cappuccinatore.Rinse all parts under the tap with some washing-up liquid.Monthly: Perform the ‘DEEP MILK CLEAN’ procedure in the cleaning menu and use the Philips (CA6705) milk circuit cleaner.
Cleaning the milk carafe
After each use: Most machines show a cleaning icon for a while on display after brewing.Place an empty cup under the milk spout and follow the instructions on display.Daily: Rinse the tube and the top part of the milk carafe with lukewarm water.Weekly: Disassemble the milk carafe and clean all parts in lukewarm water.Monthly: Use Philips milk circuit cleaner (CA6705) to prevent the milk circuit from clogging.
How to descale a Saeco brewing unit
Descaling your Saeco espresso machine ensures that you always get great tasting coffee. You should descale your espresso machine when the Calc/Clean light starts flashing. Only use the Philips Descaling solution CA6700. The descaling instructions may differ depending on the Saeco espresso machine model. For more accurate step-by-step instructions, refer to the user manual or visit the Saeco Coffee Care webpage. Note: The descaling process can take up to 30 minutes to complete. And the process cannot be interrupted once it has started.
Descaling Philips Espresso 4300 and 5400 Series
Touch the “clean” icon on the user interface and select “Descaling” in the menu.Follow the instructions on the screen.If attached, remove LatteGo or the milk frother.Remove the drip tray and the coffee grounds container, empty them and put them back into place.Remove the water tank and empty it. Then remove the AquaClean water filter.Pour the whole bottle of Philips descaler into the water tank and fill it with water up to the Calc / Clean indication. Then place it back into the machine.Place a large container (1.5 l) under the coffee dispensing spout and the water spout.Press the start/stop button to start the descaling procedure. The descaling procedure lasts for approximately 30 minutes and consists of a descaling cycle and a rinsing cycle.Wait until the machine stops dispensing water. Then, refill the water tank when the message appears on display. The descaling procedure is finished when the machine stops dispensing water.Install and activate a new AquaClean water filter in the water tank.When the descaling procedure is finished, the machine reminds you to install the new AquaClean filter. Using the AquaClean filter reduces the need for descaling.
Descaling Philips 1200/2200/3200 series
Empty the drip tray and reinsert itIf present, remove the classic milk frother or LatteGo from the machineIf an AquaClean filter is present, remove it from the water tankEmpty the water tank and pour the entire bottle of Philips descaler solution into it. Add water to the descaling solution in the water tank to the Calc / Clean indication and place it back.Place a large container or bowl (1.5 L) under the coffee and water spoutSwitch ON the machinePress and hold the Calc / Clean icon for 3 seconds and then press the start/stop button to start the descaling procedureDuring the descaling cycle, the Calc / Clean light will flash to show that descaling is in progressThe machine will start dispensing small amounts of water through the coffee and hot water spout 10. Let the machine dispense the descaling solution until the water tank is empty. The empty water tank light icon will light upRemove the bowlRemove the water tank and give it a rinse with fresh waterFill up the water tank with fresh water up to the Calc / Clean indicator and place it back into the machinePlace the emptied bowl back under the coffee and water spout and continue with the rinsing procedure below.
Rinsing procedure:
Press the start/stop button to start the rinsing cycle. This process will take about 3 minutesDuring this process, the lights on the control panel will turn on and off to indicate that the rinsing cycle is in progressOnce the machine stops dispensing water, the descaling process is completeThe machine will heat up automaticallyWhen the lights in the drink icons light up continuously, the machine is ready for use againThe AquaClean light will flash for a while to remind you to install a new AquaClean water filterInstall and activate a new AquaClean water filter in the water tank
Descaling Philips 4000 and 3100 series
Select ‘Start Calc Clean’ from the menuPress the Cappuccino button to select the descaling procedureThe machine reminds you to insert the water-filled milk carafe and pull out the milk carafe dispenser to the right.The descaler symbol appears on display.Pour the entire bottle of Philips descaling solution into the water tank.Fill the water tank up to the calc clean level.Place the water tank back into the machine.Place a bowl underneath the milk frother and coffee spoutPress the cappuccino button to start the descaling cycle.The display will show the descaling progress. You can pause the descaling cycle by pressing the Espresso button. Then, press the cappuccino button to resume the descaling procedure.
Rinsing procedure:
After finishing, rinse the water tank and fill it with fresh water up to the maximum level and place it backThe start rinsing symbol appears on display.Fill the milk carafe with water up to the minimum level and place it backPull out the milk carafe dispenser to the right.Put the bowl back.Press the cappuccino button to start the rinsing cycle.The rinsing cycle is finished when the ‘Calc Clean OK’ symbol appears on display. Next, press the cappuccino button to exit the descaling procedure.
Note: If the water tank symbol appears on the display instead of the ‘Calc Clean OK’ symbol, refill the water tank up to maximum level and perform another rinsing cycle.
How to use the Philips/Saeco Coffee Oil remover tablets
A buildup of oil from coffee beans will alter the taste of your coffee and give it a rancid taste depending on the amount of oil deposits in the espresso machine. You can use the Philips/Saeco Coffee oil remover tablets (CA6704). The tablets can be bought from the Philips online store. Note: You cannot use the Coffee oil remover tablets to descale your espresso machine.
Instructions for espresso machines with pre-ground coffee function
Switch ON the machineFill the water tank with tap water to the max indication and place a cup under the coffee spoutPut one coffee oil remover tablet in the pre-ground coffee compartmentSelect the pre-ground coffee functionSelect coffee and start brewing. When half a cup of water has been brewed, unplug the machineLet the coffee oil remover solution act for at least 15 minutes. Then, insert the mains plug back into a wall socket and switch on the machine. The machine will start heating up and perform an automatic rinse.Open the service door and remove the brew group.Rinse the brew group thoroughly under the tap waterPlace the brew group back into the machine and put a cup under the coffee spoutSelect the pre-ground coffee function again and do not add any pre-ground coffeeSelect coffee and start brewing. The machine will dispense some water. Repeat this step twice.
Instructions for espresso machines without pre-ground coffee function
Open the service door and remove the brew groupPut one coffee oil remover tablet in a cup and fill the cup with 150 ml hot water. Wait until the tablet is completely dissolvedUse the coffee oil remover solution to clean the filter of the brew group. Then, use a soft sponge or brush to clean the filter.After cleaning, let the solution act for 15 minutesAfter 15 minutes, rinse the brew group thoroughly under the tap with waterPlace back the brew group into the machine.
Instructions for espresso machines with Clean menu buttons
Switch ON the machine.Tap the “Clean” icon and use the up and down arrows to select “Brew group clean”.Tap “OK” and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Saeco coffee machine warning lights and their meaning
Saeco espresso machines use a Warning/Exclamation light to tell you when something is wrong with the machine. The light can be steady on, blinking, or is lighted in combination with other lights. All the combinations have different meanings and solutions. Here are the different warning lights you can expect to see on your Saeco espresso machine and what they mean; The on/off button (green) flashes slowly. Meaning: The machine is warming up. The orange service indicator light lights up continuously. Meaning: Your machine needs to be descaled. Solution: Descale the machine. The orange service indicator light flashes slowly. Meaning: The water tank is empty Solution:
Fill the water tank with fresh water up to the MAX indication, make sure there is no capsule in the machine.Press the yellow Lungo button.The internal water circuit is now filled with water, and the service indicator light goes out
All lights light up continuously. Meaning: The machine is ready for use. The WARNING LIGHT lights up continuously, and the ON/OFF button light is out Meaning: The coffee grounds container is full or emptied while the machine was switched OFF. Solution: Empty the coffee grounds container while the machine is ON. Make sure that the warning light flashes before you reinsert the coffee grounds container. The WARNING flashes slowly Meaning: The brewing unit is not correctly inserted, the coffee grounds container is not inserted, the service door is open, or the control dial is not in the correct position. Solution: Ensure the brewing unit, and coffee grounds container are inserted correctly, the service door is closed, and the control dial is in the correct position. If you cannot take out the brewing unit or place it back, switch the machine off and back on again. The WARNING and ON/OFF button lights light up continuously Meaning: The coffee bean container is empty. Solution: Refill the coffee bean container ALL 4 lights on the machine are flashing simultaneously Identify which of the four lights started to flicker and try the corresponding solutions below; All lights switch on directly after the machine has been switched on Meaning: the espresso machine is clogged. Solution:
Switch OFF the machine.Remove the water tank and remove any coffee beans located on the bottom of the water tank compartment.Check if the steam wand is clogged. Remove scale/dirt of the steam wand with a needleSwitch the machine back ON and dispense 2-3 cups of hot water.
All lights switch on during brewing Meaning: The brew group need to be cleaned. Solution:
Switch the machine OFF.Clean and grease the brew groupChange the grind setting to a courser grind setting (higher number)
All lights switch on directly after or during descaling** Meaning: Parts of limescale are blocking the system. Solution: Switch off the machine for one hour. If the message disappears, descale another time the machine
Should I leave my Saeco espresso machine on all the time?
It’s best to turn a machine off when not in use. This saves you money over time and reduces the wear and tear of the espresso machine. When you turn off the machine after use, the heating and cooling are gradual enough to cause issues.
Why did my Saeco espresso machine explode?
Espresso machines are pretty much a pressure system with a steam boiler and a pressure relief valve. An espresso machine requires 130 PSI to produce steam with enough pressure to make a cup of espresso. If the machine has a malfunctioning steam boiler, it may produce excessive pressurized steam. Additionally, a faulty pressure relief valve might not let the steam escape to release the built-up pressure. The excess pressure will ultimately cause the espresso machine to explode.
How to prevent espresso machines from exploding
Service your espresso machine every three months using these steps:Replace group gaskets.Replace shower screensTest group flow rates, temperature, and all switches.Test group head and boiler water qualityService your espresso machine annually using these steps:Replace your pressure safety valve and the Portafilter baskets.Replace the waste pipe (if needed) and sight glass.Replace the capacitor on the pump motor and before solenoids.Replace or servicing your non-return valve.Check for steam or water leaks.
Other Saeco Problems and their fixes
Saeco Vienna plus sup 018M
Saeco V’spresso
Saeco Nina, Aroma, Armonia, Via Veneto, Via Venezia, ABC
All Saeco error codes, their meaning and how to fix them
If your Saeco espresso machine runs into an error, a red display will appear with an icon image. There will also be a code number, such as 01, 03, 04, 05, 11, 14 or 19. Below are the different error codes you can expect;
Error Code 01: Coffee grinder cannot work properly
When the E01 code appears, it indicates that the coffee grinder cannot function properly because of a blocked coffee funnel with ground coffee. Follow the steps below to clean the funnel:
Switch the machine OFF and wait until it is completely off and does not make any more noises (this takes about 15-20 seconds)Remove the brew groupOpen the lid of the pre-ground coffee funnel and place the spoon handle into the funnel. If there is no pre-ground coffee funnel, insert the spoon handle into the coffee funnel from below.Move the handle up and down until the clogged ground coffee falls. Some force may be required.Remove all fallen ground coffee with a vacuum cleanerThen put the vacuum cleaner on the outlet of the coffee funnel and cover the pre-ground coffee funnel with your hand. Or visa versa put the vacuum cleaner on the top and cover the bottom.Place back the brew group, switch the machine back ON and brew espresso.After brewing, check if the funnel is still free from ground coffee. If not, repeat the unblocking procedure.
Note: To prevent the coffee funnel from getting blocked, do not pour/spill any water into the coffee bean container and clean the coffee funnel weekly.
Error Code 03: Brew group is dirty
When the E03 code appears, the brew group contains too much dirt and cannot work well. Rinse the brew group to solve the issue.
Switch OFF the machine and wait until it is completely off and does not make any more noises (this takes about 15-20 seconds).Open the service door and remove the brew group by pressing the “PUSH” button to the right side, hold it, and pull it towards you.Rinse the brew group thoroughly with lukewarm water and let it air-dry before placing it back.
Error Code 04: Brew group is not well inserted
When the E04 code appears, the brew group is not in place. Open the service door of the machine and push the brew group into place. When it is well in place, you will hear a click.
Error Code 05: Air is trapped in the water circuit
To release the air from the machine, follow the steps below:
Switch OFF the machineEmpty the water tank and remove the AquaClean or any other water filterFill the water tank with water and place it back in positionSwitch the machine back ON. When the machine is heated up, select hot water and dispense 2-3 cups of hot water
If you use an AquaClean water filter, follow these extra steps to make sure the filter is prepared and correct installed for use:
Shake the AquaClean water filter for 5 secondsHold the filter upside down in a container/bowl with water until no more air bubbles come outPlace back the filter into the water tank and fill the water tank with waterRestart the machine and switch it off and back onSelect hot water and dispense 2-3 cups of hot water
Error Code 14: The Machine is overheated
When error code 14 appears, it indicates that the espresso machine is overheated. To fix this, switch the machine OFF and leave it for 30 minutes until it cools down.
Error Code 11 or 19: Machine needs to adjust to room temperature
When error code 11 or 19 appears, allow some time for the machine to adjust from transport/outdoor temperature to room temperature. This mostly happens during the winter period. Especially when it is cold, and the outdoor temperatures are around zero degrees. Check this too: Breville Espresso Machine How-to & Troubleshooting Guide Please switch OFF the machine and wait at least 30 minutes, then switch it on again. Note: If your espresso machine shows any other error codes not mentioned above or the errors are not resolved, contact Phillips customer care center for further assistance as your espresso machine needs immediate attention.
