Skip to main content
English (United States)
Menu

Espresso Machine Not Dispensing Coffee

  • Updated

If your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine (172022/172024/172025/172026) is not dispensing coffee or water, follow the guidance below before contacting Customer Support.

Most dispensing issues are caused by water tank issues, portafilter placement, grind size, tamping, priming, or limescale, rather than a product fault.

 

1️⃣ Check the Water Tank

Symptoms

  • No water or coffee dispensed

  • Pump noise without flow

Solution

  1. Ensure the water tank (8) is filled to the MAX line.

  2. Confirm the tank is correctly seated on the machine.

  3. If the tank ran dry, prime the machine:

    • Place the steam wand in a jug or mug

    • Turn the steam control dial ON for 30 seconds

    • Repeat two more times

Priming ensures air is cleared and the pump can dispense water properly.

 

2️⃣ Check the Portafilter

Symptoms

  • Machine beeps but no coffee

  • Coffee drips slowly or unevenly

Solution

  1. Ensure the filter holder (19) is locked firmly into the brewing head (10) at a right angle.

  2. Make sure the correct filter is used:

    • Single cup filter (17) for one shot

    • Double cup filter (18) for two shots

  3. Remove and clean the filter basket (17/18) if blocked.

 

3️⃣ Check Coffee Grounds and Tamping

Symptoms

  • Slow coffee flow

  • Coffee stops mid-pour

Solution

  1. Use fine espresso coffee only.

  2. Do not overfill the filter; leave slightly below the top rim.

  3. Tamp firmly but not excessively. Over-tamping can prevent water flow.

  4. If coffee is too fine or clumped, adjust grind size slightly coarser.

 

4️⃣ Preheat the Machine

  • If the one cup and two cup buttons (2/3) are still pulsing, the machine is not fully heated.

  • Wait until the buttons illuminate solidly before brewing.

  • For faster preheating, you can preheat the filter holder and cups with hot water.

Brewing before full heat can result in no coffee or weak espresso.

 

5️⃣ Descale the Machine

  • If coffee flow remains slow after checking the above, your machine may need descaling.

  • Follow the step-by-step descaling process to remove limescale from the boiler and pipes.

  • Always rinse thoroughly after descaling and reset the reminder.

Regular descaling maintains proper water flow and prevents blocked coffee paths.

 

6️⃣ Additional Preventive Tips

  • Use filtered or soft water to reduce limescale buildup.

  • Empty and clean filter holder and drip tray after each use.

  • Clean the steam wand to prevent blockages affecting water pressure.

  • Avoid leaving the filter holder attached when the machine is idle for long periods.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: My espresso machine makes noise but no coffee comes out. Why?
A: Check the water tank, priming, and portafilter placement. Noise without flow usually indicates air in the system or the tank isn’t seated correctly.

Q: Coffee stops mid-pour. What should I do?
A: Ensure the correct grind size, proper tamping, and that the machine is fully preheated. Also check the filter basket for blockages.

Q: Can I brew immediately after descaling?
A: Yes, as long as the machine has been thoroughly rinsed and the descale reminder has been reset.

Q: How can I prevent coffee from flowing slowly in the future?
A: Preheat the machine, clean the filter and steam wand regularly, use filtered water, and descale every 2–3 months in hard water areas.

Related articles