Regular maintenance of a coffee machine is not just a gourmet whim, but a necessity that extends the life of expensive equipment. Brewing unit is the heart of any automatic espresso machine, and it is the one that most often requires the owner’s attention. Over time, the factory lubricant dries out, is washed out, or simply loses its properties, which leads to increased friction, noise, and even jamming of the mechanism.
If you notice that your DeLonghi, Philips or Krups starts to get louder or the brewing process is taking longer, it's most likely time for maintenance. Ignoring this procedure can lead to costly repairs, since the plastic drive gears cannot withstand overloads. In this article we will look at how to properly carry out the lubrication procedure so that your device will serve for years.
Before starting any work, it is important to understand that the use of edible oils is strictly prohibited, as they oxidize, turn bitter and become toxic. For coffee machines, special compounds based on silicone or Teflon (PTFE) are used, which are inert, tasteless and can withstand high temperatures. Let's figure out how to prepare the equipment for this important stage.
Preparing for maintenance and choosing a lubricant
The first step in the maintenance process is the correct selection of consumables. The market offers many options, but not all of them are equally effective. The key parameters here are heat resistance and food safety. The lubricant must retain its properties at temperatures up to 200°C and not be washed off with water during the first flushing cycle.
Most often, products based on polyalphaolefins (PAO) with the addition of Teflon (PTFE) are used to maintain brewing modules. Such compounds provide gliding comparable to sliding on ice and do not destroy rubber seals. It is important to distinguish them from cleaning sprays, which, on the contrary, aggressively remove any grease films.
You will need a minimum set of tools for the procedure to be successful and without damage:
- 🧴 Specialized lubricant for coffee machines (food grade, heat resistant).
- 🧽 Soft rags without lint or microfiber.
- 🚿 Warm water for rinsing parts.
- 🧤 Disposable gloves (for hygiene).
You shouldn’t skimp on lubricants by buying cheap analogues in hardware stores. The chemical composition of such products may be incompatible with food, making the coffee undrinkable. High-quality lubricant is usually sold in small tubes of 20-50 grams, which are enough for several years of use.
Make sure the coffee machine is turned off and completely cooled down. The brewing unit is accessed differently for different models: in some it is removed through the service door, in others through the used coffee compartment. Read the instructions for your model Saeco or Jurato understand the specifics of access.
Removing the brewing unit
The process of removing the brewing unit (infuser) requires care. The mechanism is located inside the housing under spring pressure, so sudden movements can lead to breakage of the plastic clips. First, open the service door and remove the pulp container and drip tray.
Once you have reached the mechanism, inspect it carefully. Manufacturers often install locking elements or latches that must be unlocked before removal. For example, for a number of models Philips you need to press two side buttons at the same time, and DeLonghi - pull the special lever.
When removing, hold the unit with both hands, supporting it from below. Do not pull on moving parts or springs. If the mechanism does not work, do not use force - check that all latches are pressed out. There may be coffee residues inside the cabinet, so place a towel or napkin on the table.
Once removed, you will see a complex mechanism with pistons, rods and gears. These are the parts that experience the most friction. Visually assess the condition of the old lubricant: if it has turned black, dried out or turned into an abrasive mess, cleaning and new lubricant are simply necessary.
Cleaning the mechanism before lubrication
Applying new lubricant on top of the old one is a gross mistake that will ruin all your efforts. The old composition already contains particles of coffee dust, scale and plastic wear products. Mixing new and old lubricant will worsen sliding and accelerate wear of rubbing pairs.
Rinse the brewing unit under running warm water. Do not use hot water to avoid deforming the plastic elements, and certainly do not pour water under high pressure directly into the locations of the electronic sensors if they are not protected. The main task is to wash away the coffee oils and the remains of the old lubricant.
For hard-to-reach places, you can use a soft brush. Movements should be soft, without strong pressure. Pay special attention to the guide rods and piston o-rings. This is where plaque most often forms, preventing free movement.
After water procedures, the mechanism must be thoroughly dried. Leave it in the air for 15-20 minutes or gently pat dry with paper towels. Moisture should not remain in the areas where the lubricant is applied, as water can disrupt the adhesion of the lubricant.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Lubrication technology
The most important stage is applying the new composition. It is important to maintain a balance here: excess lubrication is just as harmful as its lack. During operation of the mechanism, excess composition will be squeezed out, dirtying the internal parts of the coffee machine and potentially getting into the cup of drink, forming a greasy film on the surface of the espresso.
Apply a thin, barely noticeable layer of lubricant to all moving parts. (focus) pay attention to:
- 🔩 Guide rods of the side walls.
- ⚙️ The teeth of the drive gears (if they are open).
- 🔘 Piston O-rings.
- 🔄 Rotation axes of moving elements.
Use a cotton swab or clean gloved finger to distribute the mixture. Rub the lubricant evenly over the surface. The mechanism should become slippery to the touch, but not “greasy”. If, when squeezing the mechanism with your fingers, lubricant comes out in droplets, its amount should be reduced by wiping the parts with a napkin.
Don't forget to lubricate the rubber seals. This will prevent them from drying out and cracking, and will also ensure that the brew chamber is sealed while brewing coffee under pressure. The silicone base of the lubricant is ideal for rubber, maintaining its elasticity.
Apply lubricant only to rubbing surfaces. Contact of the composition with electrical contacts or sensors may cause electronic malfunctions.
Assembly and operation check
After lubrication, reassemble the mechanism in reverse order. Make sure all springs and retainers are in place. When installing the brewing unit back into the coffee machine body, do not use excessive force. The mechanism should enter smoothly, with a slight click of the locking lock.
If the unit does not fit, remove it and check for proper assembly. Often the problem lies in an incorrectly installed side wall or a forgotten fastener. Forced installation may break the plastic mounting tabs.
After installing the unit, close the service door. Now you need to perform several cycles of flushing the system. This is standard procedure for all coffee machines after servicing. It is needed in order to remove residual lubricant that could accidentally enter the hydraulic system and warm up the mechanism.
Start the rinsing program or simply prepare 2-3 cups of hot water (without coffee). It is better to pour out the first portions. Listen carefully to the operation of the motor: the sound should become quieter and smoother, squeaks and extraneous noises that may have disturbed you earlier will disappear.
Maintenance intervals and compatibility table
How often should the brewing unit be lubricated? The answer depends on how much you use the coffee machine and the quality of the water. On average, manufacturers recommend performing this procedure once every 6-12 months or after preparing 3000-5000 cups. If you use the device in the office, the interval should be reduced to 3-4 months.
It is important to consider the type of lubricant used. Different formulations have different resistance to leaching. Below is a table to help you navigate the types of lubricants and their characteristics.
| Lubricant type | Base | Resistance to washout | Replacement interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Polydimethylsiloxane | Average | 6 months |
| Teflon (PTFE) | Synthetic oil + PTFE | High | 12 months |
| Food grade lithium | Lithium soap | Low | 3-4 months |
| Graphite (special) | Graphite + food base | High | 12+ months |
If you notice that after lubrication the machine begins to work worse, perhaps the wrong type of composition was chosen or the application technology was violated. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated, after completely removing the applied layer.
Common mistakes and precautions
When servicing coffee machines on their own, users often make mistakes that can negate the entire effect or even damage the equipment. One of the most common is the use of inappropriate substances. Vaseline, vegetable oil, grease or graphite grease from a hardware store are absolutely not suitable for food equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Using technical grease or graphite lubricant for cars will spoil the taste of coffee and can cause poisoning. In addition, these substances can destroy the rubber seals of the brewing unit.
Another mistake is using too much lubricant. Users often think that “you can’t spoil porridge with oil,” but this is not true due to the mechanics of coffee machines. The excess is squeezed into the brewing zone, ending up in the drink. Coffee with floating greasy spots is not the best result of service.
It is also worth remembering the safety of the electrical part. Although the brewing unit is removable, there is always a risk of water or moisture getting on the contacts inside the case if not carefully washed or assembled. Before starting work, make sure that the machine is unplugged.
⚠️ Attention: Never disassemble the brewing unit itself into individual screws unless you have experience. Assembly of this unit requires special gauges and spring pressure settings. Disassembly will lead to a violation of the geometry and poor quality brewing.
Following these simple rules will allow you to avoid common pitfalls and prolong the life of your coffee buddy. Regular care is the key to delicious coffee every morning.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use edible olive or sunflower oil?
Absolutely not. Vegetable oils oxidize over time, thicken and turn into a sticky substance that clogs the mechanism. In addition, they tend to go rancid, which will hopelessly ruin the taste of coffee. Use only specialized synthetic lubricants.
How do you know when it’s time to lubricate the brewing unit?
The main symptom is the appearance of extraneous sounds: creaking, grinding, humming when the pump or motor is running. This is also indicated by difficult movement of the piston (if it can be checked manually) or an increase in the preparation time of a shot of espresso.
Do I need to lubricate my coffee machine if it is new?
New coffee machines already have factory lubricant, which is designed for a long service life (usually 1-2 years). Additional lubrication is not required in the first year of operation and may even disrupt the operation of the mechanism if the factory layer is removed.
What is the difference between coffee machine lubricant and printer lubricant?
Printer lubricants often contain components that are not intended for contact with food and high temperatures (up to 90-95°C in the system). Lubricant for coffee machines must be inert, odorless and tasteless, and safe in case of accidental contact with a drink.
What to do if after lubricating the coffee becomes tasteless?
Most likely, an excess amount of lubricant has entered the hydraulic system. It is necessary to run 5-10 rinsing cycles through the system with hot water without coffee. If the taste persists, a poor quality or inappropriate formulation may have been used and the unit will need to be disassembled and cleaned again.