Manual Compact Espresso Machine – Models 172022, 172024, 172025 and 172026
If your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine isn't dispensing coffee or water, the most common causes include an incorrectly fitted or empty water tank, air trapped in the water system, a blocked filter or portafilter outlet, coffee grounds that are too fine or tightly packed, or limescale build-up.
First, check whether the machine can dispense water without coffee grounds. This helps identify whether the issue is related to the water supply or a restriction in the coffee filter or portafilter.
Follow the troubleshooting steps below in order.
Step 1 – Check the Water Tank and Machine Settings
Before investigating a possible blockage, check that the machine is ready to dispense coffee.
- Ensure the water tank contains sufficient fresh water, without exceeding the MAX filling level.
- Remove and refit the water tank, making sure it is correctly seated.
- Check that the steam control dial is fully OFF.
- Press the On/Standby button to switch on the machine.
- Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons stop pulsing and remain steadily illuminated.
- Place a suitable cup beneath the brewing head and press the two-cup button.
If the buttons are still pulsing, the machine is not ready to dispense coffee.
If you've recently used the steam wand, the machine may need to cool to the correct brewing temperature before coffee dispensing becomes available.
If water or coffee is still not dispensing correctly, continue to Step 2.
Step 2 – Check Whether Water Flows Without Coffee Grounds
This test helps determine whether the problem is caused by coffee preparation or a restriction elsewhere in the machine.
- Switch off the machine and allow it to cool.
- Remove the portafilter from the brewing head.
- Empty any coffee grounds from the filter basket.
- Remove the filter basket and rinse both the basket and portafilter thoroughly.
- Refit the clean, empty filter basket and portafilter securely.
- Place a cup beneath the brewing head.
- Switch on the machine and wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons are steadily illuminated.
- Press the two-cup button to check whether water flows.
If water flows normally: The machine is able to dispense water. Continue to Step 3 to check for restrictions caused by the filter, portafilter or coffee grounds.
If little or no water flows: Continue to Step 5 to check whether the machine needs priming.
Important: Never remove the portafilter while the machine is dispensing coffee or hot water. Allow the dispensing cycle to finish and the appliance to cool before removing or cleaning components.
Step 3 – Check for Blockages in the Filter Basket and Portafilter Outlet
Coffee oils and fine coffee grounds can gradually accumulate inside the filter basket and portafilter, restricting water flow.
Even if the filter basket appears clean, the small outlet hole underneath the portafilter may still be blocked.
A blockage in this outlet can prevent coffee from dispensing even when the machine is pumping water correctly.
How to Clean the Filter Basket
- Switch off the machine, unplug it and allow it to cool completely.
- Remove the portafilter and take out the filter basket.
- Empty any remaining coffee grounds.
- Wash the filter basket thoroughly using warm water.
- Check that the filter holes are clear of trapped coffee grounds.
- Rinse thoroughly and refit the basket.
How to Clear a Blocked Portafilter Outlet
- With the portafilter removed and completely cool, inspect the small central outlet hole on its underside.
- Check for trapped coffee grounds, oils or residue.
- If the outlet is blocked, carefully use a fine needle or pin to gently dislodge the obstruction.
- Avoid applying excessive force or enlarging or damaging the outlet hole.
- Rinse the portafilter thoroughly with clean water to remove any loosened residue.
- Reassemble the filter basket and portafilter.
- Test the machine again using water only, without coffee grounds.
Important: Only use this method on the removable portafilter outlet. Never insert a needle or pin into the machine's brewing head, internal components or any part while it is hot or under pressure.
If water now dispenses normally, the restriction was likely caused by accumulated coffee residue.
If water flows without coffee but becomes restricted when coffee grounds are added, continue to Step 4.
Step 4 – Check Coffee Grind Size, Quantity and Tamping
If water flows through the machine normally without coffee grounds, but coffee dispenses very slowly or not at all, the coffee preparation may be restricting the flow.
Coffee Grind Size
Use coffee that is suitable for espresso machines.
Coffee that is ground too finely can restrict water passing through the filter, particularly when combined with excessive tamping pressure.
If the coffee only drips or does not dispense:
- Try a slightly coarser espresso grind.
- Avoid using coffee that has been ground excessively fine.
- Make sure the filter basket is clean before preparing another coffee.
Coffee Quantity
Use the correct filter basket for the drink you're preparing:
- Single-cup filter: For a single espresso.
- Double-cup filter: For a double espresso.
Do not overfill the basket or leave loose coffee grounds around the rim.
Excess coffee can prevent the portafilter from fitting correctly and restrict water flow.
Tamping Pressure
Tamp the coffee evenly to create a level surface.
Avoid pressing excessively hard, as tightly compacted coffee combined with a very fine grind may restrict the flow.
After making these adjustments, prepare another espresso.
If coffee now dispenses normally, the issue was likely related to the grind size, coffee quantity or tamping rather than a machine fault.
Step 5 – Prime the Machine if No Water Is Dispensing
If the machine makes a pumping noise but little or no water comes through, air may be trapped in the water system.
This is particularly common if the water tank has previously run empty.
Priming helps restore water flow through the machine.
How to Prime Your Espresso Machine
- Fill the water tank with fresh water and ensure it is correctly fitted.
- Ensure the steam control dial is fully OFF.
- Switch on the machine and allow it to heat until the one-cup and two-cup buttons are steadily illuminated.
- Place a suitable jug or container beneath the steam wand.
- Carefully open the steam control dial to allow water to flow through the wand.
- Allow the machine to dispense water for approximately 30 seconds, then turn the dial fully OFF.
- If water has not started flowing, repeat the process up to two more times, allowing the machine to recover between attempts.
- Once water flows steadily through the steam wand, close the steam control dial.
- Place a cup beneath the brewing head and press the two-cup button to check whether water now dispenses normally.
Do not allow the machine to continue running dry for prolonged periods. If water does not begin flowing after these attempts, stop and continue to the next troubleshooting step.
Caution: Water or steam discharged from the steam wand may be extremely hot. Keep your hands away from the outlet and avoid contact with hot liquid.
If the machine has recently run out of water, it may take more than one dispensing attempt to restore normal flow.
Step 6 – Descale the Espresso Machine
If water flow remains slow, inconsistent or restricted, limescale may have accumulated inside the water system.
Limescale can gradually restrict the internal water passages and affect both coffee dispensing and steam performance.
Your machine has an automatic descaling reminder that activates after approximately 500 operating cycles.
However, mineral build-up can occur before the reminder appears, particularly in hard-water areas.
If water is still flowing sufficiently to complete the procedure, carry out a full descale using a suitable coffee machine descaler.
Both the brewing head and steam wand must be descaled and rinsed.
Follow our complete instructions:
How to Descale Your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine
If no water can be dispensed through either the brewing head or steam wand, do not repeatedly run the pump or attempt a descaling procedure that cannot circulate the solution. Contact Customer Support after completing the other relevant checks.
Why Does My Espresso Machine Make Noise but No Coffee Comes Out?
A pumping noise indicates that the machine is attempting to move water through the system, but it does not necessarily mean water is flowing correctly.
Possible causes include:
- An empty or incorrectly fitted water tank.
- Air trapped in the water system after the tank has run dry.
- A blocked filter basket.
- Coffee residue obstructing the small portafilter outlet hole.
- Coffee grounds that are too fine or tightly compacted.
- Limescale restricting the water system.
The best way to identify the cause is to test whether the machine dispenses water without coffee grounds, then follow the appropriate steps above.
Why Does My Coffee Stop Halfway Through Dispensing?
If coffee begins dispensing but slows significantly or stops partway through, check:
- Water level: Ensure there is sufficient water in the tank.
- Filter basket: Remove any accumulated coffee residue.
- Portafilter outlet: Check the small outlet hole for blockages.
- Coffee grind: Try a slightly coarser espresso grind.
- Tamping: Avoid compacting the coffee excessively.
- Limescale: Descale the machine if water flow remains restricted.
If the machine dispenses water normally without coffee grounds, focus on the filter basket, portafilter and coffee preparation before assuming there is an internal fault.
How Can I Prevent Coffee Dispensing Problems?
To help maintain consistent coffee flow:
- Empty and clean the filter basket after every use.
- Rinse the portafilter regularly to remove coffee oils and residue.
- Check the small portafilter outlet for accumulated coffee grounds.
- Use the correct filter basket and a suitable espresso grind.
- Avoid overfilling or excessively tamping the coffee.
- Keep the water tank filled during use to prevent the pump drawing in air.
- Follow the machine's descaling reminder and carry out regular maintenance.
These steps help reduce blockages and maintain consistent coffee dispensing.
Still Not Dispensing Coffee or Water?
If you've completed the relevant troubleshooting steps and your machine still does not dispense coffee or water, further investigation may be required.
Before contacting us, please confirm:
- Whether water flows without coffee grounds.
- Whether water flows through the steam wand.
- Whether the filter basket and small portafilter outlet have been cleaned.
- Whether the machine has been primed.
- Whether descaling has been completed, if water flow permitted.
If the problem remains unresolved, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.
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 problem: Confirm whether no water comes out at all, coffee drips slowly or dispensing stops partway through.
- Water-flow test results: Confirm whether water dispenses through the brewing head and steam wand.
- Troubleshooting completed: Explain which steps you've followed and the results.
- Photographs or video: Where safe, provide a short video showing the machine's behaviour during a normal dispensing attempt.
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