Manual Compact Espresso Machine – Models 172022, 172024, 172025 and 172026
If your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine is flashing, pulsing or beeping, this does not necessarily indicate a fault.
The machine uses its indicator lights and audible signals to communicate different operating conditions, including heating, steam preparation and when descaling is required.
The meaning depends on which buttons are flashing and when it happens. Use the guide below to identify the correct action.
All the Lights Flash Five Times When I Switch the Machine On
This is the automatic descaling reminder.
After approximately 500 operating cycles, all the control-panel lights will flash five times when the machine is switched on.
This indicates that the appliance is due for descaling. It does not mean the machine has detected a specific fault.
You can continue using the machine normally after the five flashes, but you should complete the descaling procedure to maintain performance.
How Do I Clear the Descaling Reminder?
- Complete the full descaling procedure using a suitable descaling solution.
- Rinse the machine thoroughly with clean water as instructed.
- Once descaling is complete, press and hold the one-cup, two-cup and steam buttons simultaneously for three seconds.
- This cancels the descaling reminder.
Important: The button combination cancels the reminder; it does not perform the descaling process. Always complete the cleaning and rinsing procedure before resetting it.
Follow our complete instructions:
How to Descale Your Morphy Richards Espresso Machine
All the Buttons Keep Flashing When I Switch the Machine On
Check whether the steam control dial has been left open.
If the machine is switched on while the steam control dial is open, all the buttons will flash as a warning.
To resolve this:
- Locate the steam control dial on the side of the machine.
- Turn the dial fully to the OFF position.
- Check whether the warning stops and the machine returns to its normal heating sequence.
- Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons illuminate steadily before preparing coffee.
This is a normal operating warning and does not necessarily indicate a fault.
How to tell the difference: The descaling reminder consists of five flashes when switching on. A warning associated with the open steam dial occurs when the machine is switched on with that dial open.
The One-Cup and Two-Cup Buttons Are Pulsing
This normally means the machine is heating or cooling to the correct coffee-making temperature.
When you switch on your espresso machine, the one-cup and two-cup buttons pulse while the appliance heats up.
Once both buttons illuminate steadily, the machine is ready to dispense coffee.
If you've recently used the steam wand, the buttons may pulse again while the appliance cools to the correct brewing temperature.
To continue:
- Make sure the steam control dial is OFF.
- Allow the machine to reach the correct brewing temperature.
- Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons illuminate steadily.
- Prepare your coffee as normal.
The one-cup and two-cup buttons will not operate for coffee dispensing until they are steadily illuminated.
The Steam Button Is Pulsing
This means the machine is heating to the temperature required for steam.
When you press the steam button, it pulses while the appliance prepares to produce steam.
To use the steam wand:
- Press the steam button.
- Wait until the steam button stops pulsing.
- Place the steam wand into your milk jug.
- Slowly turn the steam control dial to release steam.
- When finished, turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
- Press the steam button again to exit steam mode.
The steam wand and escaping steam can become extremely hot. Always take care to avoid scalding.
For further guidance, see:
Steam Wand Not Working – Manual Compact Espresso Machine
My Espresso Machine Beeps Once After Making Coffee
A single beep at the end of coffee dispensing is normal.
The machine beeps once when the selected one-cup or two-cup dispensing programme finishes.
A beep may also occur when saving a customised coffee dispensing volume.
These are normal operating signals and do not indicate a fault.
Why Are the Lights Off After I've Left the Machine Unused?
Your Manual Compact Espresso Machine has an automatic standby function.
Approximately 30 minutes after brewing coffee, the appliance enters standby mode.
To reactivate it:
- Press the On/Standby button once.
- The one-cup and two-cup buttons will pulse while the machine heats.
- Wait until both buttons illuminate steadily before dispensing coffee.
This is normal operation.
If the machine has no power and does not respond to the On/Standby button, follow our guide:
Espresso Machine Not Turning On – What to Check
What If the Lights Continue Flashing?
If the indicator lights do not behave as described above, first identify exactly which buttons are flashing.
Check that:
- The steam control dial is fully OFF when starting the machine or preparing coffee.
- The one-cup and two-cup buttons have been allowed to finish pulsing before dispensing coffee.
- The steam button has finished pulsing before attempting to froth milk.
- The descaling procedure has been completed and the reminder reset if all lights flash five times at start-up.
If the machine continues displaying an unexpected flashing pattern after these checks, further investigation may be required.
Still Need Help?
If the flashing lights or beeping continue and do not match the normal operating indications described above, 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.
- Flashing pattern: Which buttons flash, how many times and whether the machine also beeps.
- When it happens: For example, immediately after switching on, during heating, after making coffee or when using the steam wand.
- Troubleshooting completed: Confirm which steps you've followed and the results.
- Short video: Where safe, show the control panel and the flashing pattern from the moment the machine is switched on.
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 Manual Compact Espresso Machine User Manual – CM172022MUK Rev3