Gaggia Achille Repair Service Tips

Gaggia Achille coffee machine

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Guide to troubleshoot your Gaggia Achille Coffee Machine

Electricity related issues

Not turning on: Cable and cable fuse

It is really rare for the fuse to go, but can happen in case of a shorted component.
Check the fuse in the plug. Make sure the plug is properly connected into the connector slot.

Safety thermostat

The problem is mostly casued by the safety thermostat.
Unplug the machine, remove the bottom cover and press the small button between the two connections on the thermostat.

Main switch

A relatively rare cause is a faulty main switch.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Not heating up: Unfortunately all possible causes need the attention of a professional.

Thermostat or pressure switch

Some thermostats need to be reactivated after a possible overheating of the machine, while they can also go in case of an extreme overheating issue. The pressure switch can also be readjusted to a certain extent, but it can also be faulty.

Heating element

On some occasions the heating element is the cause of the heating problem.
Tripping the RCD: Unfortunately all possible causes need the attention of a professional.

Thermostat or pressure switch

Ocasionally the thermostat or the pressure switch can be fauly and cause the shorting in the machine.

Heating element

The most common cause is a damaged heating element. This mainly happens after using the machine whithout refilling the boiler. In these cases the heating element gets above water level and overheats, and if You pour cold water onto it, it will simply burst open.
Burnt smell: Unfortunately all possible causes need the attention of a professional.

Thermostat

The main suspect in case of burnt smell is the safety thermostat.

Water related issues

Leaking: From the side of the coffee holder

This mainly occurs if the brew group is dirty or the group gasket is worn out.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.
Replace the group gasket.

From the connections

In case the connections start leaking, it is best not to use the machine, to avoid scalding Yourself.

From inside

If You notice a leak from the inside of the machine, then You must unplug the machine straight away.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Low pressure: Coffee only

If You experience low water pressure when making coffee, then it is probably a sign of the lack of maintenance.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.
Clean the filter basket.

Water and coffee

In case You experience low pressure from both the steam wand and the brew group, then the most likely cause is limescale in the boiler and pipes.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
No water / coffee through the machine: No water

In most cases this symptom is simply caused by a low water level.
Fill the boiler with water.
IN CASE YOU HAVE USED ALL WATER FROM THE BOILER, WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN BEFORE YOU POUR COLD WATER OVER THE HOT HEATING ELEMENT!!!

Water working, but no coffee

In case You get water through the steam wand, but not through the brew group, then either the shower disc or a pipe is blocked.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Not steaming: Frother blocked

You need to keep in mind, that all frothers need to be cleaned straight away after use, otherwise milk residue will build up and block the frother.
Clean the frother attachment and steam wand.

Pressure switch

If the machine is not producing steam or the pressure is not enough, then the pressure switch might be faulty.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.

Brew group related issues

Brew group blocked: Shower disc

If You don't regularly clean or flush the brew group of Your machine, then the shower disc can get blocked.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Brew group leaking: Worn out group gasket

If You're experiencing water leaking on the side of the filter holder, then the group gasket is most likely worn out or damaged.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.
Replace the group gasket.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Can't dismantle the brew group: Can't resolve

If You can't dismantle the brew group, then You probably don't clean it frequently enough and the screws got stuck because of limescale and coffee residue that built up over time.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.

End product related issues

Coffee dripping: The filter basket is clogged up

The basket might be blocked.
Clean the filter basket.

The ground coffee is too fine

If the ground coffee You use is too fine or You have tamped the coffee too hard, then You might not be able to press water through the puck.
If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind coarser, or if You don't have one, then buy coarser ground coffee.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Coffee is running through and comes out weak: The filter basket is damaged

Even a normal filter basket can wear out, although only after numerous years, or in case You cleaned the basket with a pin, You might have widened its holes, which results in faster coffee flow and weak coffee.
Replace the part if deemed necessary.

The ground coffee is too coarse

If the ground coffee You use is too coarse, then even a tamper won't help You get a healthy coffee flow.
If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind finer, or if You don't have one, then buy finer ground coffee.

The coffee is burnt

You need to be wary of attaching the coffee holder with coffee too soon to the machine. If You leave it on for long, then the coffee will get burnt and will ruin the flow the tase, everything.
Attach the coffee holder with coffee only after the machine has reached the operating temperature. If You wish to preheat the coffee holder, then attach it only without coffee.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Coffee temperature: Too high

The most common cause for a temperature rise might be a faulty pressure switch, but these machines are unstable in terms of temperature management.
Descale the machine.

Lukewarm

Oddly enough in most cases this issue is not related to the machine at all. It is rather related to the cold coffee holder and mug or cup the user brews the coffee into.
Pre-heat the cup and the coffee holder before brewing coffee. The coffee holder can be preheated by attaching it to the machine without coffee while the machine is heating. You can also let hot water through it before putting coffee into it.

Cold

In case the machine is completely cold, then the most likely cause is the thermostat or the pressure switch or a faulty heating element.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Coffee consistence: Weak

The strength of the coffee is influenced by the coffee blend, the ground coffee fineness and quantity, the temperature and the pressure. A weak coffee might be the result of stale beans or too high arabica percentage, coarse ground coffee, low ground coffee quantity, low temperature, or a combination of these.
If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind finer, or if You don't have one, then buy finer ground coffee.
Try a different coffee blend.

Strong, sour

The strength of the coffee is influenced by the coffee blend, the ground coffee fineness and quantity, the temperature and the pressure. A strong coffee might be the result of high robusta percentage, fine ground coffee, high ground coffee quantity, high temperature, or a combination of these.
If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind coarser, or if You don't have one, then buy coarser ground coffee.
Try a different coffee blend.

There is no crema on top

In this category of manual machines the theme crema will be somewhat simplified because of the low number of factors the user can influence. Basically there are four factors that have the most influence on the crema in a correctly operating machine. These are the coffee beans, the grinding fineness, the ground coffee quantity and the pressure. The higher robusta percentage, the finer the ground coffee and the higher the coffee quantity is, the thicker the crema will turn out to be. The pressure is an unstable factor, but should be around 9 bars.
If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind finer, or if You don't have one, then buy finer ground coffee.
Try a different coffee blend.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.
Milk froth consistence: Milk warms up but is not froted

If You have steam pressure, but the milk is not frothed, then the problem can only be with the frother device or Your process of frothing. The most common problem is that the frother is not perfectly clean.
Clean the frother attachment and steam wand.
Descale the machine.

In case You can't or don't want to resolve the problem with the tips above, then the machine needs the attention of a professional.

Gaggia Achille Repair Service Tips

Guide to troubleshoot your Gaggia Achille Coffee Machine

Electricity related issues

Cable and cable fuse

It is really rare for the fuse to go, but can happen in case of a shorted component.Check the fuse in the plug. Make sure the plug is properly connected into the connector slot.

Safety thermostat

The problem is mostly casued by the safety thermostat.Unplug the machine, remove the bottom cover and press the small button between the two connections on the thermostat.

Main switch

A relatively rare cause is a faulty main switch.

Thermostat or pressure switch

Some thermostats need to be reactivated after a possible overheating of the machine, while they can also go in case of an extreme overheating issue. The pressure switch can also be readjusted to a certain extent, but it can also be faulty.

Heating element

On some occasions the heating element is the cause of the heating problem.

Thermostat or pressure switch

Ocasionally the thermostat or the pressure switch can be fauly and cause the shorting in the machine.

Heating element

The most common cause is a damaged heating element. This mainly happens after using the machine whithout refilling the boiler. In these cases the heating element gets above water level and overheats, and if You pour cold water onto it, it will simply burst open.

Thermostat

The main suspect in case of burnt smell is the safety thermostat.

Water related issues

From the side of the coffee holder

This mainly occurs if the brew group is dirty or the group gasket is worn out.Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.Replace the group gasket.

From the connections

In case the connections start leaking, it is best not to use the machine, to avoid scalding Yourself.

From inside

If You notice a leak from the inside of the machine, then You must unplug the machine straight away.

Coffee only

If You experience low water pressure when making coffee, then it is probably a sign of the lack of maintenance.Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.Clean the filter basket.

Water and coffee

In case You experience low pressure from both the steam wand and the brew group, then the most likely cause is limescale in the boiler and pipes.

No water

In most cases this symptom is simply caused by a low water level.Fill the boiler with water. IN CASE YOU HAVE USED ALL WATER FROM THE BOILER, WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN BEFORE YOU POUR COLD WATER OVER THE HOT HEATING ELEMENT!!!

Water working, but no coffee

In case You get water through the steam wand, but not through the brew group, then either the shower disc or a pipe is blocked.Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.

Frother blocked

You need to keep in mind, that all frothers need to be cleaned straight away after use, otherwise milk residue will build up and block the frother.Clean the frother attachment and steam wand.

Pressure switch

If the machine is not producing steam or the pressure is not enough, then the pressure switch might be faulty.

Brew group related issues

Shower disc

If You don't regularly clean or flush the brew group of Your machine, then the shower disc can get blocked.Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.

Worn out group gasket

If You're experiencing water leaking on the side of the filter holder, then the group gasket is most likely worn out or damaged.Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.Replace the group gasket.

Can't resolve

If You can't dismantle the brew group, then You probably don't clean it frequently enough and the screws got stuck because of limescale and coffee residue that built up over time.

End product related issues

The filter basket is clogged up

The basket might be blocked.Clean the filter basket.

The ground coffee is too fine

If the ground coffee You use is too fine or You have tamped the coffee too hard, then You might not be able to press water through the puck.If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind coarser, or if You don't have one, then buy coarser ground coffee.

The filter basket is damaged

Even a normal filter basket can wear out, although only after numerous years, or in case You cleaned the basket with a pin, You might have widened its holes, which results in faster coffee flow and weak coffee.Replace the part if deemed necessary.

The ground coffee is too coarse

If the ground coffee You use is too coarse, then even a tamper won't help You get a healthy coffee flow.If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind finer, or if You don't have one, then buy finer ground coffee.

The coffee is burnt

Too high

The most common cause for a temperature rise might be a faulty pressure switch, but these machines are unstable in terms of temperature management.Descale the machine.

Lukewarm

Cold

In case the machine is completely cold, then the most likely cause is the thermostat or the pressure switch or a faulty heating element.

Weak

Strong, sour

There is no crema on top

Milk warms up but is not froted

If You have steam pressure, but the milk is not frothed, then the problem can only be with the frother device or Your process of frothing. The most common problem is that the frother is not perfectly clean.Clean the frother attachment and steam wand.Descale the machine.

It is really rare for the fuse to go, but can happen in case of a shorted component.
Check the fuse in the plug. Make sure the plug is properly connected into the connector slot.

The problem is mostly casued by the safety thermostat.
Unplug the machine, remove the bottom cover and press the small button between the two connections on the thermostat.

This mainly occurs if the brew group is dirty or the group gasket is worn out.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.
Replace the group gasket.

If You experience low water pressure when making coffee, then it is probably a sign of the lack of maintenance.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.
Clean the filter basket.

In most cases this symptom is simply caused by a low water level.
Fill the boiler with water.
IN CASE YOU HAVE USED ALL WATER FROM THE BOILER, WAIT TILL IT COOLS DOWN BEFORE YOU POUR COLD WATER OVER THE HOT HEATING ELEMENT!!!

In case You get water through the steam wand, but not through the brew group, then either the shower disc or a pipe is blocked.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.

You need to keep in mind, that all frothers need to be cleaned straight away after use, otherwise milk residue will build up and block the frother.
Clean the frother attachment and steam wand.

If You don't regularly clean or flush the brew group of Your machine, then the shower disc can get blocked.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.

If You're experiencing water leaking on the side of the filter holder, then the group gasket is most likely worn out or damaged.
Dismantle and clean the brew group thoroughly.
Replace the group gasket.

The basket might be blocked.
Clean the filter basket.

If the ground coffee You use is too fine or You have tamped the coffee too hard, then You might not be able to press water through the puck.
If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind coarser, or if You don't have one, then buy coarser ground coffee.

Even a normal filter basket can wear out, although only after numerous years, or in case You cleaned the basket with a pin, You might have widened its holes, which results in faster coffee flow and weak coffee.
Replace the part if deemed necessary.

If the ground coffee You use is too coarse, then even a tamper won't help You get a healthy coffee flow.
If You have a grinder, then readjust it to grind finer, or if You don't have one, then buy finer ground coffee.

The most common cause for a temperature rise might be a faulty pressure switch, but these machines are unstable in terms of temperature management.
Descale the machine.

If You have steam pressure, but the milk is not frothed, then the problem can only be with the frother device or Your process of frothing. The most common problem is that the frother is not perfectly clean.
Clean the frother attachment and steam wand.
Descale the machine.