Krups is a coffee machine manufacturer with a long history, manufacturing precision and industrial scales from 1846 until 1951 when it took its first steps in manufacturing household appliances. In 1991, it signed its successful agreement with Nestlé to manufacture Nespresso coffee machines and Dolce Gusto coffee machines 15 years later (2006).
As if all this were not enough, it has also produced its models of classic espresso machines and bean-to-cup coffee machines along the way. In addition to coffee machines, it also manufactures its coffee grinders and milk frothers, all of which are of excellent quality.
If we look back, we see coffee machines on the market that are up to 30 years old and millions of units sold worldwide. So it is normal that there are queries about issues of Krups coffee machines because even if they are of high quality, there is always wear and tear on its components, and you probably don’t have the user manual near you anymore.
My Krups coffee machine does not stop flashing
Many users are suddenly surprised to find their Krups coffee machine with the espresso and lungo buttons flashing non-stop. You can unplug the coffee machine, but it keeps flashing when you plug it in again. What does this flashing mean? Don’t worry; it’s not a malfunction. It’s a descaling warning.
To eliminate it, descale your coffee machine whenever this descaling warning appears. This last point is very important, as some coffee machines have “descaling mode”, and even if you descale it correctly, the notice will not disappear if you do not do it when the coffee machine warns you.
If you have already descaled the machine, but the lights are still flashing, you should press the espresso and lungo buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds; then, the lights will go out. But remember that the continuous flashing of both buttons means that the machine has entered “descaling mode” and that you must descale it at that precise moment (and not leave it for later or when it is convenient for you).
“Clean” light on the Krups bean to cup coffee machine
In the previous section, we have dealt with a problem that mainly affects Krups capsule machines, but there is a similar issue with the flashing lights that happen in automatic machines, also called bean to cup.
As you can see in the following video, in these Krups EA models, the light does not flash in the same way as it did in the capsule machines, but the “clean” light flashes next to the power light. It is a very fast flashing with a stop between flashes, and it keeps flashing even when you try to turn the machine off.
The machine will not brew coffee or perform any other operation apart from descaling in this situation. It may seem a bit drastic, but it is a safety measure that the coffee machine has to prevent you from using it and worsening its condition.
The way to solve this is to carry out a descaling process like the one shown in the following video. It is also advisable to take advantage of this time to carry out a general cleaning of other components to extend the useful life of the coffee maker.
My Krups coffee machine is stuck
There are many reasons why a coffee machine can become clogged. In fact, “unstuck” or “descale” a coffee machine can have different meanings depending on the machine we are talking about. Still, they can also be synonymous if the coffee machine is stuck in descaling mode.
In the case of Krups capsule coffee machines, if it is stuck, it usually means that the coffee pod holder is a vacuum, and you cannot lift it out or lift it. If this is the case, try these two techniques:
- Wait about an hour to see if the capsule is no longer under pressure and the vacuum effect is naturally removed.
- Or, start the coffee machine and let the water flow through (as if you were making a coffee, but without putting in a new capsule) to achieve the same goal.
On the other hand, if we talk about clogged Krups espresso or bean-to-cup coffee machines, the most common cause is that they have been poorly cleaned or maintained, and residue has formed inside the coffee machine, hindering the normal flow of water.
These problems can usually be solved by performing a complete cleaning and descaling cycle (although it is always best to anticipate and keep your coffee maker’s maintenance up to date).
How to reset a Krups coffee machine
The process of resetting a Krups coffee machine refers exclusively to models manufactured for the Nespresso brand (Dolce Gusto models do not have this reset function). More specifically, it relates to resetting the coffee size settings (espresso and lungo) to factory defaults.
Why might you need to reset your Krups coffee machine? Many of these machines only come with two preset coffee sizes, and each user is different. You may prefer ristrettos if you have bought special capsules for them or like your coffee brewed with more water. You may also find that the amount of coffee your coffee machine brews has decreased over time.
It can also happen that you or a third party has pressed the buttons without knowing, and now the coffees are not the same as they used to be; in this case, it is good to return to the factory settings (usually quite balanced).
To reset your Krups coffee machine, turn it off by pressing both buttons simultaneously, then turn it on by pressing the lungo button for 5 seconds; when the buttons flash three times, it will be reset.
Krups coffee machine leaks water from the base
We already know that when a coffee machine leaks water, the problem can be located in two areas of the coffee maker: either by dripping from the top, in the head and capsule holder, or from the bottom, somewhere in the base of the coffee maker.
When a Krups coffee maker leaks water from the base, the problem is usually caused by loose, worn or broken pipes or gaskets.
When this happens, the solution is cumbersome, and many users have no choice but to take their coffee machine to a service centre. Others may have fun disassembling it and checking the components that may leak water. Check the internal pipes or hoses, tank, and heating element.
If, on the other hand, your Krups coffee machine is leaking from the top, the reason for the fault is quite different. See the following section:
Krups coffee machine leaks water from the top
When it comes to Krups coffee pod machines that leak water from the top, there is a common denominator: poor cleaning. If not cleaned regularly, coffee residues and grounds harden and dry out, forming sediments that eventually block the water flow.
Depending on the design of each coffee machine, these obstructions can lead to different issues: the water does not come out, the coffee machine does not get hot, or, as in this case, the water ends up coming out of a different place from where it was intended.
In this video, we can see it perfectly. It is of a Nespresso Citiz by Krups:
No water comes out of my Krups coffee machine
This is a more delicate question, which may have to do with an actual fault. Just in case, before going any further, we advise you to check that the water tank is properly connected and fitted into the machine. Sometimes it seems to be correctly fitted, but in reality, it has not “clicked” into place, and therefore the boiler does not receive water even if the machine is switched on.
Once this check has been carried out if your Krups coffee machine does not dispense water, there could be several things going on:
1- There may be a blockage in the water circuit caused by sediment and limescale. It is recommended to descale the machine first, but if this is not possible, you should disassemble the coffee machine and check all the pipes with your hands.
2- There may be an airlock related to the problem we saw above of the stuck coffee machine. There is too much air in the internal water pipes; you need to get them out somehow. This can be done by dismantling the brewer and disconnecting the pipes, as shown in the picture below:
Another alternative would be to use the “airbag” method, which makes that air come out of the pipes. This is explained in this video:
3- Finally, in the strangest case, it could be a failure in the pressure pump. If this is the case, you should note down the characteristics of the pump and buy a pump with similar features.
How to repair the button on a Krups coffee pod machine
Krups capsule coffee machines, whatever brand they are, tend to last for many years at home, and the switches eventually break down through sheer wear and tear. This is not a serious problem, nor is it difficult to solve, but it does prevent us from using it correctly.
There are different Krups models, and the disassembly instructions may differ from one model to another. We can’t give a detailed and individual explanation for each machine, but with this video, you can certainly get an idea:
Can a Krups coffee machine be cleaned with vinegar?
Vinegar has traditionally been used for cleaning and descaling domestic appliances… especially those related to the food or beverage process (such as coffee machines), because it is an edible ingredient and does not leave chemical residues.
However, today the industry has come a long way, and dozens of totally safe descaling liquids are more effective and leave less residue than vinegar. You can always clean your Krups coffee machine with vinegar, but for the little money they cost, we always recommend using the official products recommended by the manufacturers.
In this article, we talk more in-depth: Is vinegar good for descaling coffee machines?
