Buying an automatic coffee machine is always a step towards improving the quality of your morning ritual, but the initial setup often raises questions for beginners. Model Krups EA810870 (often found in the Evidence or Essential series) is a reliable ceramic burr machine that requires proper initial start-up for long service life. Unlike simple horn devices, it is critical to follow the sequence of actions when first turned on so that the self-cleaning system works correctly.
This manual was created on the basis of the technical manual and the experience of service centers, so here you will find not only basic, but also hidden nuances of maintenance. Many users encounter errors precisely because they ignore water requirements or incorrect grind calibration. We'll walk you through every step, from unpacking to complex diagnostics, to ensure your coffee is always perfect.
The first thing you need to do before connecting to the network is to make sure that the water tank is clean and filled with fresh liquid. Never turn it on device with an empty tank, as this can lead to airing of the pump and its failure. After filling the tank and installing the drip tray, you can proceed to the first start, which the machine will carry out in automatic circuit washing mode.
Initial launch and basic setup
Primary activation process Krups EA810870 takes about 10-15 minutes and does not require user intervention other than filling the containers. When switched on for the first time, the display will light up and the brewing unit will begin a rinse cycle, which is normal operation. At this time, the system calibrates the pressure and checks the tightness of the connections, so it is absolutely impossible to interrupt the process.
After automatic rinsing is completed, you need to adjust the drink preparation parameters according to your preferences. The machine offers you to select the water hardness, which directly affects the frequency of required decalcification in the future. If you use bottled soft water, select the appropriate level so that the device does not require descaling too often.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use distilled water to operate the coffee machine. Water hardness sensors may incorrectly read readings, which will lead to the need for decalcification being ignored and eventual breakdown of the heating element.
To adjust the coffee strength and serving size, use the rotary switch or buttons on the control panel, depending on the specific interface modification. Ceramic mill, installed in this model, is quieter than metal, but requires pre-filling the hopper with grains before the first grinding. If you start cooking without grains, the mechanism may run idle, which is undesirable for millstones.
It is also important to immediately set the desired brewing temperature, since by default it may be medium. For lovers of rich espresso, it is worth increasing the heating level, which is especially important when preparing drinks in preheated cups. All changes are saved in the device’s memory even after it is turned off.
Adjusting the degree of grinding and working with grain
The quality of coffee extraction depends 80% on the correct size of the grinding fraction. In the model Krups EA810870 adjustment is carried out by a special wheel located directly in the grain hopper. You can change the settings only when the mill is running, that is, during grinding, so as not to damage the teeth of the millstones.
If the coffee flows out too quickly and has a light crema, this is a signal that the grind is too coarse. In this case, you need to turn the knob towards a decreasing value (usually indicated by numbers or snowflake/sun symbols). And vice versa, if the stream barely drips or stops, and the drink is bitter, the fraction needs to be made larger.
- 🔹 Fine grind: increases the contact time between water and coffee, making the drink stronger and richer, but increases the risk of clogging.
- 🔹 Coarse grind: speeds up the flow, making the coffee more watery and sour, but protects the pump.
- 🔹 Medium grind: optimal balance for most medium roast Arabica beans.
The use of beans with added flavors or oils is strictly prohibited for this model. Sticky grains can get stuck in the hopper or stick to the millstones, which will lead to jamming of the mechanism and costly repairs. Buy only dry beans without visible oil coating.
If you change coffee beans, let the machine dry for 2-3 cups to completely flush out any remaining beans from the coffee tract.
The bean hopper capacity is usually about 260 grams, which is enough for about 30-40 cups depending on the strength settings. Monitor the grain level indicator on the display to prevent the engine from running without load. Regular addition of fresh grain ensures stable pressure in the cooking chamber.
Daily maintenance and hygiene
To preserve the taste of the drink and the longevity of the device, regular cleaning is a must. Krups EA810870 is equipped with a removable brewing unit, which must be removed and washed with running water without using detergents. The frequency of this procedure depends on the intensity of use, but it is recommended to do it at least once a week.
The drip tray and cappuccino maker also require daily rinsing. Remaining milk in the cappuccino maker tube can quickly sour and become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which will ruin the taste of your next cappuccino. Clean the steam system immediately after using the milk frothing function.
| Component | Cleaning frequency | Means | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing unit | Once a week | Warm water | Washing under the tap |
| Drip tray | Daily | Detergent | Washing in the dishwasher |
| Cappuccinatore tube | After each use | Water | Steam purging |
| Grain hopper | Once a month | Dry cloth | Wiping without water |
⚠️ Attention: Never wash the brewing unit in the dishwasher or use abrasive sponges. This can damage the silicone seals and Teflon coating, leading to leaks.
The outer casing of the device should be wiped with a damp soft cloth. To remove limescale from chrome elements, you can use special polishing agents for stainless steel, if the model has such elements. Avoid getting moisture into the rear panel vents.
Decalcification procedure (descaling)
Scale is the main enemy of any coffee machine, as it reduces the thermal conductivity of the heater and can block narrow water supply channels. Krups EA810870 itself signals the need for a decalcification procedure, the corresponding indicator lights up. Ignoring this signal will result in reduced performance and possible overheating.
To carry out the procedure, you must use a special liquid descaling agent recommended by the manufacturer. Vinegar or citric acid can damage internal rubber seals and plastic parts of the hydraulic system, so their use is not recommended by experienced craftsmen.
☑️ Decalcification checklist
The process takes about 30 minutes and consists of several cycles of supplying the solution and clean water. During pauses between cycles, allow the solution to work within the system without turning off the machine. This allows you to effectively dissolve deposits even in hard-to-reach places in the boiler.
Once the program is completed, the machine will automatically go into standby mode. If the scale indicator remains on, the cycle may have been interrupted or the concentration of the product was insufficient. In this case, the procedure must be repeated, strictly following the instructions on the packaging of the product.
The use of water filters (if provided by the model) can increase the interval between decalcifications to 2-3 months.
Error diagnosis and fault codes
Modern coffee machines are equipped with a self-diagnosis system that displays error codes on the display when problems occur. Understanding these codes allows you to quickly fix the problem without calling a technician. Most often, errors are related to pressure, temperature or mechanical obstacles.
For example, a flashing light often indicates that descaling is required or that the brewing unit is not installed correctly. If the machine makes loud noises and does not dispense water, the piercing needle may be clogged or there may be air in the system.
- 🔴 Heating error: often solved by turning the water filter back on or replacing it.
- 🔴 Brewing unit error: requires removal, washing and reinstallation until it clicks.
- 🔴 Water supply problem: checking the water level and condition of the intake tube.
In some cases, you may need to reset the system to factory settings. To do this, you usually need to hold down a certain combination of buttons when turning it on, but it is better to look for the exact sequence in the service manual for a specific revision of the board. Reset settings helps eliminate software failures when the logic of the device is disrupted.
What to do if the machine beeps and does not work?
Most often the problem is due to incorrect installation of the brewing unit. Remove it, turn the red levers to a horizontal position, rinse and insert it back until you hear a characteristic click, then return the levers down.
Expert tips for extending service life
To Krups EA810870
has been delighting you with delicious coffee for many years, it is important to follow not only the operating rules, but also general recommendations for caring for the equipment. Regular use of oil and grease deposit cleaning tablets (degrite) helps keep the brewing unit clean and prevents rancid flavors.Do not leave water in the tank over the weekend or during long periods of inactivity. Stagnant water loses its taste and can contribute to the formation of biofilm on the walls of the tank. It is better to drain the leftovers and add a fresh portion before each use.
If you plan not to use the coffee machine for more than two weeks, it is recommended to carry out a full cleaning procedure and leave the brewing unit dry outside the device. This will prevent the rubber seals from drying out and mold from forming inside the mechanisms.
How often should the brewing unit be lubricated?
Factory lubricant is designed for the entire service life, but with very intensive use (more than 50 cups per day), it is recommended to contact the service once a year for preventive lubrication with food-grade silicone. You can lubricate the seals yourself only with special products approved for contact with food.
Can I use ground coffee in the Krups EA810870?
Yes, most models in this series have a compartment for ground coffee (Pre-ground coffee). Use a special scoop (usually 1 scoop = 1 cup) and pour the coffee directly into the shaft without turning on the machine at this point. Do not use the grind function when using ground coffee.
Why isn't the coffee hot?
There may be several reasons: cold cups, incorrect temperature settings, scale on the heater, or a faulty temperature sensor. Try warming the cups, increasing the menu temperature and decalcifying. If it doesn’t help, diagnostics of the heating element is required.
What does the flashing red light mean?
Depending on the model, this may indicate that the tray is overfilled, decalcification is required, or the brewing unit has failed. Check the tray, remove and insert the brewing unit, and make sure the bean hopper lid is closed.