What’s there not to love about coffee? It wakes you up, keeps you awake, and makes your mornings wonderful.
If you have a coffee maker, you’d understand how important it is to have it functioning at all times.
There is probably nothing as annoying as a broken coffee maker when you desperately need some coffee.
So what are the necessary steps you need to take to ensure that this never happens? And what are the steps to take when this actually happens?
Here are 5 quick tips that will help you in troubleshooting your KitchenAid coffee maker. These tips can also be applied to other brands.
1. Clean, Clean, Clean
The first step and perhaps the most important one people tend to skip is the most basic: keeping the machine clean.
Most of the problems that arise with coffee makers and other kitchen appliances, in general, are because of dirt.
Dirt and grime can quickly accumulate inside appliances and this leads to greater complications.
A good offense is the best defense.
Detachable parts of your coffee maker should be regularly cleaned with soap and water in order to avoid more complex problems caused by residue getting into unwanted places.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and keeping your machine clean is a good step in the right direction.
In fact, most problems arise because they aren’t cleaned regularly.
Cleaning now and then saves both you and your coffee maker from loads of trouble.
2. Fixing A Coffee Maker That Won’t Heat
A lot of coffee makers come down with a chronic case of “won’t brew/heat” at one point in their lives.
It can be really frustrating and some people just give up and buy another one.
However, with a screwdriver and some cleaning equipment, you can increase the lifespan of your precious machine.
How to Deal With This Problem
When it happens, it is likely that the tube that supplies water to the heating equipment has been obstructed.
Just remove the screws beneath the coffee maker, and you’ll see the heating element attached to the heating plate.
The tubes that supply water are attached to the end of the heating element. The heating element is usually shaped like a horseshoe and has 2 tubes attached to its ends.
When coffee machines don’t heat, the most likely culprit is that either or both of the tubes supplying water to the heating element have problems.
Either the valve is faulty or the tube is dirty, either way, you need to take care of the problem if you don’t want to spend money on a new machine.
Remove the tubes and thoroughly clean with water and soap and reattach them to the heating element.
Before doing this, test if the tubes are working. It has a valve that regulates flow.
Blow air through one end, and check if it comes out the other hole. Blow air through another end and check if comes out from the other end as well.
If you’ve done your job well, air should go through one end and come out the other, while not doing the same for the other end. After this, attach the tube back, fix all the screws, and close up the coffee maker.
It should be as good as new!
Here’s a video that shows you just this:
3. Use Vinegar
Most people use mainly soapy water to clean. However, water may not be as effective as vinegar. This is because vinegar is acidic.
This makes it quite effective against lime buildups that are very common in tubes and filters.
It also works as a disinfectant and helps remove rust and calcium buildup quicker than conventional cleaners.
It is also useful for getting rid of troublesome stains that just won’t go away.
If you want your coffeemaker to look shiny, neat, and in remarkable working condition, you shouldn’t hesitate to use vinegar to clean it.
4. Dealing With Error Codes
Some models that have an LED display may display error codes.
These codes may mean different things, and they vary with different models.
Here’s a list of these models models and what their error codes may mean.
Error Codes, What They Mean, and How to Clear Them
KCM5
Err1 – This error code is usually shown when the coffeemaker is in a cold condition— perhaps out in the cold or near an outside wall.
This code may also show when the water is ice cold. This can be cleared by moving the coffeemaker to a warmer place or using warmer water.
Err2 – electrical component difficulties.
This error code cannot be cleared. You might have to get a new one or take it to a repair shop.
Err4 – stuck button.
This can be cleared by releasing all the buttons.
KCM111
Err1 – stuck or jammed button.
It can be cleared by unjamming it or plugging the machine into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
KCM1402
Err2 – If a brewing cycle doesn’t complete within 15 minutes, this error code may be displayed.
This indicates an issue with the heater.
KCM0802
4 – This code may be displayed when there is no water in the water tank.
Clearing this is relatively easy as you just need to add water to the tank.
For any other error code, you only need to press the brew button to reset it.
KCM1202
Er1– jammed or stuck button.
Unplugging the machine and pressing each button several times should clear the code.
5. Clogged Tubes
Half of the problems that you’ll face with your coffeemaker are a result of clogged tubes.
This is a quite common issue and fairly easy to solve too!
However, this isn’t always the reason that water isn’t flowing properly.
It could also be a broken thermostat or timer. In this case, you may have to consider getting a new one if the one you’re using isn’t terribly expensive.
If that isn’t the problem, you should consider checking the pump valve to check whether it is broken or stuck.
Unfortunately, the aforementioned aren’t the only reasons why your coffeemaker can get clogged. This can also be by a broken heater.
However, most times, this problem can be solved by checking the tubes and filters and making sure that they aren’t blocked. If they are, this is probably because of calcium build-up. This can be properly cleared with CRL or Vinegar and water, depending entirely on you.
Video: How to Fix a KitchenAid Coffee Maker
This guide applies to the following models:
- KES0503
- 5KES0503
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Coffeemaker Go Bad?
Anything made up of parts, electric and/or mechanical can go bad, and it is actually inevitable that at some point you’d be faced with the question of fixing your coffeemaker or replacing it.
So yes, a coffeemaker can go bad. This is unavoidable.
However, you can save yourself some money by learning how to troubleshoot it.
Why Is My Coffeemaker Not Brewing?
In most cases, this has to do with the heating element. However, they are some practical steps that must be taken in order to find the actual culprit.
First, you must make sure the coffeemaker is properly plugged into a power outlet.
You should also examine your circuit breaker to ensure that it is in commission.
Make sure that there is water in the water tank – there can be no brewing without water.
If you’ve done all this and your coffeemaker isn’t brewing, it means there is a problem with the heating element.
How Do I Fix My Coffeemaker?
Coffeemakers have issues and have different ways of fixing them. However, there is one certified way of preventing problems with your coffeemaker – regular cleaning.
By cleaning your coffeemaker regularly, the chances of having issues with the machine are drastically reduced. Below, though, there are tips that can guide you in case you do have to fix it.
How Do You Fix A Coffeemaker That Won’t Heat
If your coffeemaker won’t heat, you’re facing a serious problem. When this happens, a lot of people throw away theirs and simply get a new one.
With a little luck and expertise, this problem can be easily solved.
In most times, it doesn’t heat because of a problem with the heating element.
You have 2 options in this case.
- either attempt to fix it yourself
- contact a repairman
If you do attempt to fix it yourself, the most likely problem is that the tube that supplies water to the heater is blocked.
The general way to solve this problem is by clearing the tube of obstruction and making sure that it functions properly.
You Can Repair Your Coffeemaker Yourself
Having a broken coffeemaker can be one of the most agonizing things you might have to endure in the kitchen.
It’s annoying and can force you to spend money that you don’t have.
You don’t have to be a handyman to repair your coffeemaker.
If you follow my guide, you should be able to solve most problems faced when using your coffeemaker, KitchenAid and others.
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Did your KitchenAid coffeemaker ever break down? Write your issues in the comments below.
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I have a KitchenAid nespresso. Only use genuine pods. Coffee is now brewing weak. Any advice
The needle may be clogged. Check and clean it with a toothpick or something similar. If this doesn’t work, try descaling.
I have a Kitchen Aid Coffee maker and the Clean Light won’t go off, no matter how many times I clean it. I can’t turn it off in the settings either. Any fix ???? Everything else works fine except the “keep it warm” won’t stay on after brewing is complete.
One reason for the clean light not turning off is an interrupted cleaning cycle (i.e. the power went out mid-cleaning). In this case, unplug the machine and leave it for a couple of hours (preferably overnight). Plug it back in and check again. If the issue persists, clean it again without interruptions.
I don’t know your model and how (or if) you tried turning it off in the settings but some models actually have this feature (one example is kcm112 where you reset this light by holding MODE and the arrow buttons for a few seconds).
Hi Mario. I have a kitchenaid nespresso machine for about 6 years or so now. It’s always worked perfectly until recently where it won’t complete a full cycle regardless of which cycle it’s on. It works fine without a capsule in the machine. I have descaled and it actually seems to have gotten worse where you have to repeatedly press the button to get a full cup. Thanks!
Hi Liam, the most likely reasons are:
1. Carefully examine the cradle with a flashlight and clean it thoroughly with a toothbrush and maybe a needle.
2. Brew a few consecutive cycles without a capsule to remove any potential air bubbles in the system
3. Try other capsules
Hope this helps.
I have a KitchenAid KCM111OB that appears to have died. When plugged in, the Brew light is on, but the display is completely dark. No beeps, nothing flashing, no heat, …nothing. It was less than 2 years old when it stopped working. Any ideas?
Thank you.
I’d say the main circuit board has died. In this case, replacement is the most economical option. You can try unplugging the machine, holding the ON button for a few seconds, and plugging it back but I doubt this will make any difference.
Hi Mario
I have a kitchenaid KCM1120B that works once perfectly, but if I want to make coffee again a few minutos later, it just starts the cycle by sounding a start tone but after a few minutes it sounds three times as it finished making coffee.
Then I have to wait until the next day to make coffee again.
I have already done several cleanings with vinegar but there is no difference
Regards
Robert
Hi Robert,
I suspect either a clogged hose or pump or a damaged component. Another reason could be an air bubble trapped inside.
I suggest you try to remove any air bubbles first.
Hope this helps
Mario
My 12 cup KitchenAid KCM1208DG is leaking from the reservoir how can I fix it please?
Check if the reservoir is seated properly. If it is, check the reservoir and the machine for any cracks. If both look okay, then a hose, seal, or both inside the machine might have cracked.
Other reasons include:
I have a KCM1402ER0 that has stopped working – not heating or pumping when brew button is pushed. Is getting power and water reservoir is full. Have tried running a clean cycle to descale and still nothing. Popped off the bottom and disconnected hoses – cleaned and made sure valves still functioning. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Check the fuzes. One is probably broken.
Hey Mario, I just moved with my Kitchenaid kpcm100pm0, and now it won’t use up all the water in the reservoir. If I put 6 cups in, it’ll make one extremely strong pot that’s like only 3 cups, and there appears to be standing water remaining in the reservoir in the back. This model has been discontinued for ages, but has been going strong for years, and I was hoping to troubleshoot and repair it. Any idea what’s up?
I’m assuming you didn’t wrongfully select fewer cups than the amount of water in the reservoir.
When was the last time you cleaned it? There could be old coffee grinds blocking the chute.
Another reason could be scale buildup. After a while, there could be too much scale in the machine and the pump simply can’t pump the last few cups. In this case, descaling should solve this.
Hi,my nespresso kitchenaid coffee machine won’t stop running water after brewing a cup until I switch off at the mains
The valve is not closing properly. Either there’s an obstruction or a solenoid/relay or something similar died. I suggest you descale the machine and see if there’s a difference.
My coffeemaker is brewing great but the warming plate has stopped heating. Is there a way to repair this?
You’ll most likely have to replace it.
Hi Mario,trying to de-scale my KitchenAid artisan Nespresso machine. Have followed instructions: turn the knob to the left until it is on the furthest left marker and hold for six seconds until it flashes; then turn the knob to the right until it’s on the furthest right marker and press start. What happens then is the light returns to the far left marker and stops flashing and machine does not enter de-scaling mode. Any suggestions on how to resolve this? Thanks, Bryan.
Hi Bryan,
Instead of the furthest right, go the first right like here (page 16, step 4).
Hope this helps, Mario
Our Kitchenaide KCM 1204OB coffee maker started leaking from the top. Water leaks out around the disc where the water comes out thru 8 holes. Not happy. Only had less than 2 years.
Either the seals are worn or a pipe broke or both. You need to check inside the machine. A bit of caution, doing so will void your warranty (if you still have it, of course).
KitchenAid Artisan stuck on descaling mode can you help thanks Tony
Try holding the button for about 30 seconds to exit descaling mode. If this doesn’t work. Unplug it, push the on button for a few seconds, and plug it in.
Hi there! I have a Kitchenaid Espresso Maker Proline Series. My problem is, despite I push Start button for espresso or rotate the steam button, just make a repetidly noise and does not comes liquid. This problem occurs 70 to 80% times I tried to make a coffee. Can you help me? I have not Kitchenaid service where I live.
There could be air in the system. See this guide or this one on how to fix this.
Hi. My Kitchenaid Artisan Nespresso is leaking at the back behind the cup/pour when I make coffee, so I am only get 2/3rds of a cup and the drip tray is constantly filling up. I have descaled, cleaned with vinegar and stuck a paperclip up the pour nozzle, but all without success. Are there seals or something else I can check – I love my machine and it has been brilliant for the 4 years I have had it.
Check the hoses inside. There’s a chance at least one of them split.
My KitchenAid thermal coffeemaker Model KCM223CU0 is leaking about halfway through the brew cycle. The coffee doesn’t go into the pot – it just pours over the lid and down the side of the pot, grounds too. The basket was full of water so maybe it has backed up and just flowing down the outside of the filter. It’s like the coffee isn’t able to flow into the pot after it is about half full. Any suggestions? I really like this coffeemaker. Could there be a problem with the lid?
It’s not the lid. The most likely culprits are either a clog or a split hose. Try descaling the machine first. If the problem persists, check for anything that might look clogged with a bright flashlight. Another option is to take it apart and check if any of the hoses have split but I advise against this if your coffee maker is under warranty or if you have never done this.
Model KCM 1204 turns off and beeps after 1 min. Took off bottom cover to unclog but how do I remove the red valve? Or could it be another issue?
This usually means that there’s limescale in the machine. Try descaling it before taking it apart.
MY KitchenAide Drip Coffee Maker is leaving a brown, dust-like residue when I open the top after brewing. It is around the edges of the brew basket and gold-tone filter. I recently cleaned my machine with vinegar as directed in my manual and inserted a new water filter in the water tank. What is causing this as this is a new occurrence?
Do you clean the machine regularly? If no, the residue is probably leftover coffee residue. Clean it again to see if the issue persists.
If it’s been a while since you last cleaned it, I suggest running multiple cleaning cycles.
You have been very helpful with repairing our 4 year old Kitchen Aid Coffee Maker:KCM1204. It would not brew so I pushed all the buttons several times and filled the carafe with white vinegar and water. It is now cleaning (brewing)!! We almost thought it was a throw away. We have hard water here at our home, so perhaps it will need cleaning more often than when the light comes on for cleaning! Thank You!
My brand new KitchenAid espresso machine is acting strange. It worked for a couple of weeks, but now will blow the fuse when I turn the machine on. The plug used is for only that machine (nothing else is used on that circuit) and the fuse is more than strong enough to accommodate the machine. Could there be a loose wire inside, or a problem with the plug or ???
There’s a wiring problem with the machine, the sockets in your home are fine. You have a warranty, use it – request a new one.
Our KitchenAid 1208DG suddenly stopped yesterday mid brew. It won’t run through a cycle at all for us to try to descale it. We always descale when the light comes on but our water looks very hard lately. I have taken off the bottom and cleaned one of the tubes going from reservoir to heating element. I checked the valve and it seems to still be working properly. When I turn it on and run it no water pumps into the machine but I can hear it clicking inside like it’s trying to warm up. Any ideas?
I’m afraid the pump died. The clicking you hear is probably the relay – it’s trying to turn on the pump but it can’t.
My KCM1202 coffee maker LED display is so dim I can barely read. Is there a fix for this problem? Thank You
Unfortunately it very difficult to fix this as the display and the circuit that’s on are soldered in many, many places. This video shows just this (the model is not the same, but the issue is). I’ve also checked the internet hoping to find a replacement display, but I couldn’t find one. So, unfortunately, if you’re not tech-savvy and don’t know how to use a soldering iron, then your options are a new coffee maker or take it to a professional.
Thanks Mario, yes that is a depressing video to watch. Gives no hope of a home remedy. Hope Kitchen Aid fixed this manufacturer defect somewhere along the line. To bad because it is a nice unit otherwise. Considering the cost I will probably shop a different vendors product for next purchase. Thanks again for checking into this. Jim Otto
I have owned a KCM1202 for 6 years. My issue is the Display is so very dim, it has become illegible. Surely this product should have a longer service life. Is there any way to change the bulb etc? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.
The display is LED, so you can’t just change a bulb and be done. Unfortunately it very difficult to fix this as the display and the circuit that’s on are soldered in many, many places. This video shows just this (the model is not the same, but the issue is). I’ve also checked the internet hoping to find a replacement display, but I couldn’t find one. So, unfortunately, if you’re not tech-savvy and don’t know how to use a soldering iron, then your options are a new coffee maker or take it to a professional.
My kitchenaid coffee machine leaks
Check the seals in they’re broken or cracked.
Hi, I have a kitchenaid kcm0802 when I press brew it flashes all things up definitely water in the tank, thank you
Check if everything is seated properly, including the water tank and the filter basket.
I washed my kcm1402ero in the dish washer. It does not work. I want to fix it. Bought a continuity tester.
You washed the whole coffee maker in the dishwasher?
I have a Kitchen Aid KCM1208, purchased from Walmart earlier this year. Of late my off/on button on the front button slips either is
slips back in or cocks. My husband discovered that is broken. This is a design problem, will my warrantee cover it?
Of course. How did your husband discover this? Did he take the machine apart?
Hi I bought recently a kitchenaid coffee maker model KCM0802. It’s about couple days that it flashes clean I unplugged it and even pushed menu buttons and +button together, but it doesn’t stop flashing.
The other thing, coffee is not warm after brewing.
Hi Fara, you should wait for the flashing to stop. It takes a while but it will go away eventually. Unplugging interrupts the cleaning cycle and that’s why it keeps flashing clean even after plugging it back. The other thing, your coffee is not warm because the heater is not working. Is the machine new? Do you have the receipt?
Hello, my KitchenAir KCM1204 stopped brewing yesterday. It does the three beep after 1 minute of being on either brew or clean/brew cycle. I thought I could get to the water intake by removing the bottom, and now I can see where the pump tubes are routed around the heating element. Is it possible to get to either the tubes or where the water enters the tubes? I do have very scaly water and although I clean it regularly (about once a month) I’m sure there is buildup in there. This machine is about six years and has worked great until yesterday. Thank you!
Hi Jes, yes, you can. But there are much easier ways to remove buildup than taking apart the machine. If possible, descale it with vinegar before taking it apart even further.
I have a KitchenAid KCM1202OB coffee maker. Our problem is the clean light is on constantly and thus won’t brew. I cleaned the charcoal filter and it still reads “clean”.
How do I reset it?
Did you unplug the machine after cleaning it? You should leave the machine plugged in after cleaning because if you interrupt the cleaning cycle, you’ll have to repeat it. If this is not the case, try this:
1. Hold MODE and the + button for about 5 seconds
2. After the coffeemaker chimes 2 times, release the buttons
Mine has done the same, says clean, won’t bre or heat, tubes are clear…
I cannot turn my espresso machine off
Some machines like the KCM1202OB shut down automatically after 2 hours. You’ll have to either wait or unplug it.
Today, Kitchen Aid coffee maker KCM1402ER decided to stay hot. Unplugged it; plugged it, got hot. Suggestion?
Did it get hot immediately after plugging it in or after turning it on?
My kitchenaid coffee maker handle won’t lift to insert a pos. what should I do please.
Pull the lever really hard. It will eventually get unstuck.
Hi sorry might be wrong bit but with my • Kitchenaid 5KES2102BER Artisan Espresso the water is coming out not through the coffee part but back into reservoir through a “drain hole” I think, please can you help?
•
Some coffee grinds have clogged the hot water spout. A simple fix: clean it with a paper clip or jet of compressed air.
My single cup kitchenaide coffee maker power button is not working. I unplugged it for 15 minutes I changed different wall sockets it still will not work. How do I fix it or replace it.
Hi Brenda, If it’s under warranty, claim it. If not, check the cord for any cuts or other damages. If you have a spare one, try that as well. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to open your coffee maker and check the on/off button, switches, fuse, and thermostat. In most cases, the mechanism inside the on/off switch broke or the fuse has burned.
My coffe maker is not pumping I tried sucking water using a pump it’s still not sucking. Is it possible to fix a pump of a coffe maker
Check the pump hose. Some coffee machines have valves inside them and often they get stuck.