Coffee machine error codes are most often related to descaling, lack of water, brewing unit or electronics. Here you will find an overview of the most common messages from automatic coffee machines of various brands, including possible causes and solutions. Many problems can be solved by regular cleaning and descaling of the appliance.
Modern coffee machines from Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi, Neff and other common manufacturers are equipped with error messages that help quickly detect the fault and facilitate the repair of the coffee machine.
On this page you will find an overview of the most common coffee machine error codes and messages, their meanings and simple solutions. You will learn what each error means, why it occurs and how to repair your coffee machine yourself. In many cases, routine maintenance or replacing a spare part can resolve the problem without a service visit.
Coffee machines, unlike other appliances, often do not display classic error codes, but rather text messages or icons that draw attention to a specific problem and help with its quick solution.
Most frequent messages:
Fill water tank / Fill the tank
- empty or wrongly inserted tank
- check seating and top up with water
Empty drip tray / Empty the drip tray
- full or incorrectly inserted bowl
- empty and put back
Insert brewing unit / Insert the brewing unit
- unit is not correctly inserted
- remove and reinsert
Clean brewing unit / Clean the brewing unit
- coffee contamination
- clean under running water
Descale appliance / Descale the coffee machine
- scale
- start descaling
Calc’nClean / Cleaning program
- required maintenance
- run the cleaning program
The coffee maker does not flow / coffee does not flow.
The coffee maker runs, but the coffee does not flow or flows only very slowly.
Possible causes:
- clogged nozzles or outlet
- scale
- clogged tubes
Solution: • start the descaling program
- clean the nozzles
- check the water flow
The coffee maker reports descaling
Possible causes:
- calculated scale
- long-term cleaning
Solution: • perform descaling according to the instructions
- use a suitable descaling agent
The coffee maker does not heat the water. Coffee is cold or not prepared at all.
Possible causes:
- faulty heating element
- problem with thermostat
- electronics fault
Solution:
- restart the coffee maker
- if the problem persists, check the heating element
The coffee maker reports a full tank / dripper. The message is displayed even after emptying.
Possible causes:
- dirty sensor
- incorrectly inserted tank
- deposits
Solution:
- clean the tank and sensors
- check for proper seating
The coffee maker makes weak coffee. The coffee does not have sufficient taste or strength.
Possible causes:
- wrong grinding settings
- poor quality coffee
- clogged brewing system
Solution:
- adjust the coarseness of the grinding
- clean the brewing unit
- use a good quality coffee
Error codes for coffee machines – Bosch / Siemens
- Fill water tank / Top up the water - the coffee machine does not see water in the tank or it is incorrectly installed.
- Empty drip tray - empty the drip tray.
- Empty coffee grounds container - empty the coffee grounds container.
- Insert brewing unit – the brewing unit is not inserted correctly or the coffee machine does not detect it.
- Clean brewing unit – the brewing unit needs to be cleaned.
- Descale appliance – the coffee machine needs to be descaled.
- Calc’nClean – run a complete cleaning and descaling program.
- Coffee too fine – the coffee is ground too finely and the water is wrong is leaking.
- System filling – the coffee machine is filling or venting the water system.
- Heating up – the coffee machine is heating up to operating temperature.
Error 8 – a problem with the brewing unit or its drive
Error 19 – a problem with the heating or temperature system
Error 500 / 501 – an electronic or sensor error
E01 / E02 - general system error or internal communication
ERR1 / ERR2 - mechanical or electronic device error.
The most common causes of errors in Bosch and Siemens coffee machines
- Scale, dirty or stuck brewing unit
- Clogged water system
- Problem with water or temperature sensor
- Blocked grinder
- Worn brew unit drive.
Error 8 - Most often a problem with the brewing unit: stuck mechanism, dirty brew unit or drive problem. What to try: unplug the coffee machine, clean the brewing unit, remove coffee residues and reinsert the unit correctly.
Error 19 Usually related to heating: a problem with the heating element, temperature sensor or electronics. Typically: the coffee machine will remain on “Heating up" or restarts. Service is often required
Error 500 / 501 Often electronic or sensor error: board, motor or sensor communication problem. Home repair tends to be more complicated.
E01 / E02 Usually a general system error: initialization error, stuck mechanism or electronics problem. A complete restart and check of the brewing unit helps.
ERR1 / ERR2 Mechanical or electronic device error: may be related to the grinder, motor or sensors. If the error remains after a restart, service is usually appropriate.
When is it really time for service - when the error remains after a restart, the coffee maker does not finish starting, water leaks in, the grinder makes unusual noises or the device trips the circuit breaker.
Error codes for coffee machines – Electrolux
- Fill water tank / Top up the water - the coffee machine does not see water in the tank or it is incorrectly installed.
- Empty coffee grounds container - empty the coffee grounds container.
- Insert brewing unit – the brewing unit is not inserted correctly or the coffee machine does not detect it.
- Descale appliance – the coffee machine needs to be descaled.
- Coffee too fine – the coffee is ground too finely and the water is wrong is leaking.
- General alarm - general error of the device, often clogging or mechanical problem.
- Heating up – the coffee machine is heating up to operating temperature.
- E10 – a problem with the supply or flow of water
- E20 - brewing unit or internal mechanism error
- E30 - heating or temperature sensor problem
- ERR1 - mechanical grinder or brewing unit error
- ERR2 – electronic or sensor fault in the appliance.
Most common causes of errors in Electrolux coffee machines
- scale contamination,
- brewing unit jammed,
- water sensor problem,
- grinder error,
- system leak or blockage.
E10 The most common problem with water: an empty or poorly fitted tank, aerated system, weak water flow, faulty level sensor. What to try: remove and reinsert the tank, add water, run hot water / rinse, descale.
E20 Usually a drain or brew unit error: brew unit jammed, coffee system clogged, mechanism motor not in position. What to try: unplug for 10 minutes, clean the brewing unit, check coffee residues, do not use too finely ground coffee.
E30 Often related to heating: a problem with the heating element, temperature sensor, electronics. Typically: the coffee machine does not heat up, hangs on "Heating up“.
This is more like a service.
ERR1 Mostly: mechanical error of the grinder, blocked mechanism, brewing unit not in the right position. Helps: complete restart, cleaning, check if there is hardened coffee somewhere.
ERR2 Often: electronic or sensor error, motor, board communication. Home repair is worse here.
When is it really for service - When: the error remains after the restart, the start cannot be completed, water flows in, the grinder rattles, or the circuit breaker trips.
Error messages of coffee machines - DeLonghi / Krups
DeLonghi Most frequent error messages:
ERROR 1 - Problem with the temperature sensor, the coffee machine does not start or does not heat up. Solution: restart, possibly service (sensor / electronics)
ERROR 2 - Heating fault (thermoblock) coffee is cold or does not prepare. Solution: check the heating element
ERROR 5 - Problem with the pump / water flow water does not flow or flows very slowly. Solution: descaling, pump check
ERROR 8 - brew unit motor fault coffee maker makes sounds but does not work properly. Solution: brewer unit movement check
ERROR 14 – General error of the brewing unit of the coffee machine cannot be used. Solution: remove and clean the brewing unit
Frequent messages (without codes):
- Descale / Descale the coffee maker
- Grounds container full / Coffee container full
- Insert infuser / Insert the brewing unit
- Fill water tank / Fill the tank
Krups Most common errors codes:
Error 05 – Problem with the water supply, the coffee maker does not draw water. Solution: check the reservoir and the tubes
Error 06 – Blocked system / pressure, the coffee maker stops during preparation. Solution: cleaning, descaling
Error 09 – Electronics error, the coffee maker does not respond. Solution: restart, possibly service
Error 10 – Heating problem coffee is not hot enough. Solution: heating control
Frequent messages:
- Clean / Cleaning
- Descale / Descaling
- Empty tray / Empty dripper
- Add water / Add water
Error codes may differ depending on the specific model of the coffee machine, but their meaning is usually very similar.
In conclusion:
Regular maintenance, descaling and cleaning of the coffee machine significantly extends its life and ensures the quality taste of the coffee. Many faults can be solved by replacing common parts. However, if you are not sure or if it is an intervention in the electrical installation or electronic parts of the appliance, we recommend contacting a qualified service, as such repairs can be dangerous