Why Does My Morphy Richards Espresso Taste Weak or Watery?

Manual Compact Espresso Machine – Models 172022, 172024, 172025 and 172026

If your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine produces weak, thin or watery espresso, the cause is usually related to the coffee grind, amount of coffee used, tamping technique or the volume of water dispensed.

Start by checking that you're using finely ground espresso coffee, the correct filter basket and the appropriate amount of water for your drink. These factors directly affect coffee strength and flavour and do not necessarily indicate a fault with the appliance.

Follow the steps below to improve your espresso.

Step 1 – Check Your Coffee Grind Size

The size of the coffee grounds affects how quickly water passes through the coffee and how much flavour is extracted.

If the grind is too coarse, water can pass through too quickly, resulting in weak or watery espresso.

How to Improve Your Coffee Grind

1. Use coffee specifically ground for espresso machines.
2. If grinding your own beans, select a fine espresso grind.
3. If the coffee tastes weak and flows too quickly, try a slightly finer grind.
4. Make small adjustments and test the coffee again.

Important: Avoid grinding the coffee excessively fine. Coffee that is too fine can restrict water flow, particularly when combined with excessive tamping.

If the coffee only drips or stops dispensing, see our Espresso Machine Not Dispensing Coffee or Water – Troubleshooting Guide.

Step 2 – Use the Correct Filter Basket and Coffee Quantity

Your espresso machine includes two filter baskets:

• Single-cup filter: For preparing a single espresso.
• Double-cup filter: For preparing a double espresso.

Using too little coffee in either filter can result in a weaker drink.

How to Fill the Filter Correctly

1. Select the appropriate filter basket.
2. Place it securely inside the filter holder.
3. Fill the basket with fine espresso-ground coffee to just below the top rim.
4. Distribute the coffee evenly.
5. Compact the grounds using the supplied tamp spoon.
6. Remove any loose coffee grounds from the rim before fitting the filter holder.

Do not overfill the filter basket. Excess coffee can affect how securely the filter holder fits and may restrict water flow.

The manufacturer's instructions recommend filling the basket to just below its rim before tamping.

Step 3 – Check Your Tamping Technique

Tamping means pressing the ground coffee down inside the filter basket before brewing.

If the grounds are too loosely packed or unevenly distributed, water may pass through too quickly, producing weak espresso.

How to Tamp Your Coffee Correctly

1. Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the filter basket.
2. Use the flat end of the supplied tamp spoon.
3. Press the coffee down firmly and evenly.
4. Check that the surface is reasonably level.
5. Avoid excessive pressure.

The aim is to create an even, compact bed of coffee without restricting water flow.

If your espresso is weak, review both the grind size and tamping technique rather than simply pressing harder.

Step 4 – Check How Much Water Your Machine Is Dispensing

Using too much water for the amount of ground coffee can dilute the espresso and make it taste weaker.

Your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine has separate one-cup and two-cup dispensing programmes.

The manufacturer's standard coffee dispensing volumes are approximately:

• One-cup programme: 40ml
• Two-cup programme: 80ml

These are approximate programmed volumes, not guaranteed final quantities in every cup.

The machine also allows you to customise the amount of coffee dispensed.

If the programmed volume has previously been increased, your espresso may taste weaker because more water is passing through the same amount of coffee.

How to Change the Coffee Dispensing Volume

You can adjust the one-cup or two-cup programme to suit your preferred coffee strength.

1. Fill the water tank and prepare the coffee in the appropriate filter basket.
2. Secure the filter holder in the brewing head.
3. Switch on the machine and wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons illuminate steadily.
4. Press and hold the one-cup button for three seconds, then release it.
5. The one-cup and power buttons will remain illuminated.
6. Press the one-cup button again to begin dispensing coffee.
7. When the desired amount has been dispensed, press the one-cup button again to stop.
8. The machine will beep to confirm the new dispensing volume has been saved.

The same procedure can be followed using the two-cup button to adjust the double-cup programme.

Adjustable Coffee Volumes

For a stronger, more concentrated espresso, try selecting a smaller dispensing volume within the permitted range.

The new setting will be stored for future use until you change it again.

Step 5 – Allow the Machine to Reach Brewing Temperature

The temperature of the water can affect coffee extraction and flavour.

Before brewing:

1. Ensure the steam control dial is fully OFF.
2. Switch on the espresso machine.
3. Wait while the one-cup and two-cup buttons pulse.
4. Begin brewing only when both buttons remain steadily illuminated.

If you've recently used the steam wand, the machine may need to cool before it can prepare another espresso.

The one-cup and two-cup buttons will illuminate steadily when the machine is ready to brew.

Optional: Preheat Your Cup and Filter Holder

The manufacturer's manual recommends preheating the machine for a hotter espresso and to help enhance coffee flavour.

To preheat:

1. Fill the water tank with fresh water.
2. Fit an empty filter basket into the filter holder and secure it in the brewing head.
3. Switch on the machine and wait until the coffee buttons illuminate steadily.
4. Place your espresso cup beneath the brewing head.
5. Press the one-cup or two-cup button to dispense hot water.
6. Carefully empty the hot water from the cup.
7. Allow the filter holder to cool sufficiently before handling it, then prepare your coffee as normal.

This helps warm the cup and filter holder before extraction.

Caution: The dispensed water and filter holder may be very hot. Take care to avoid burns or scalding.

Step 6 – Check the Freshness of Your Coffee

The type and freshness of coffee can also affect the flavour of your espresso.

For better results:

• Use coffee suitable for espresso preparation.
• Consider freshly ground coffee beans.
• Store coffee in a sealed, airtight container.
• Avoid exposing coffee to excessive heat, moisture or air.
• Try a different coffee blend or roast if the flavour remains too mild for your preference.

Coffee strength and flavour are influenced by the beans themselves, as well as the machine's settings.

If your machine dispenses water normally and you've adjusted the grind, coffee quantity and dispensing volume, the remaining difference may simply be down to your preferred coffee taste.

Step 7 – Descale the Machine if Brewing Performance Has Changed

If your espresso has become noticeably weaker over time and you've also noticed changes in water flow or brewing performance, limescale may be contributing to the problem.

Possible signs include:

• Slower or inconsistent water dispensing.
• Reduced water flow through the brewing head.
• Changes in coffee temperature or extraction performance.

Your machine has an automatic descaling reminder that activates after approximately 500 operating cycles.

If descaling is due, or you suspect mineral build-up, follow the complete procedure:

How to Descale Your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine

Descaling is a maintenance procedure. It will not correct weak coffee caused by an unsuitable grind, insufficient coffee grounds or an excessively large dispensing volume.

Why Is My Espresso Still Weak Even After Adjusting the Settings?

If your espresso still tastes weaker than expected, check the following:

• Coffee grind: Is it fine enough for espresso?
• Coffee quantity: Is the correct filter basket filled to just below the rim?
• Tamping: Are the grounds evenly compacted?
• Dispensing volume: Is the machine using more water than you prefer?
• Coffee freshness: Are the beans or grounds fresh and suitable for espresso?
• Water flow: Is the machine dispensing normally without unusual restrictions?
• Maintenance: Has descaling been completed if required?

If the machine is dispensing correctly and the coffee is simply not strong enough for your taste, try adjusting the coffee blend, grind size or dispensing volume.

A preference for stronger coffee does not, by itself, indicate a fault with the espresso machine.

Still Need Help?

If you've followed the guidance above and believe your espresso machine is not operating correctly, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.

To help us assess the issue, please provide:

• Model number: 172022, 172024, 172025 or 172026.
• Serial number: Located on the rating label
• Proof of purchase: Showing the product, retailer and purchase date.
• Description of the issue: Explain whether the coffee is simply weaker than preferred or whether the machine's performance has changed.
• Coffee preparation details: Confirm the type of coffee, grind size, filter basket and approximate amount used.
• Dispensing settings: Confirm whether you're using the one-cup or two-cup programme and whether the volume has been customised.
• Troubleshooting completed: Explain which adjustments you've tried and whether they improved the result.
• Video: Where safe, provide a short video showing the machine dispensing coffee so we can assess the extraction.

Our team will review the information and advise on the next steps.

Please do not return your appliance unless instructed to do so.

User Manual

Download the Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine User Manual – CM172022MUK Rev3