Manual Compact Espresso Machine – Models 172022, 172024, 172025 and 172026
If your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine is not producing steam, is dispensing water instead of steam, or has weak steam pressure, first check that the steam function has fully heated, the water tank contains sufficient water and the steam nozzle is clean.
The steam button must stop pulsing and remain steadily illuminated before you use the steam wand. If steam is still not produced, the machine may need priming or the nozzle may be blocked by dried milk residue.
Follow the troubleshooting steps below to identify and resolve the problem.
Step 1 – Check That the Machine Is Ready to Produce Steam
The machine must reach the correct steam temperature before frothing milk.
- Fill the water tank with fresh water, without exceeding the MAX line.
- Ensure the water tank is correctly fitted.
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
- Press the On/Standby button to switch on the machine.
- Press the Steam button.
- The Steam button will pulse while the machine heats to steam temperature.
- Wait until the Steam button stops pulsing and remains steadily illuminated.
- Place a suitable heat-resistant jug beneath the steam wand.
- Slowly turn the steam control dial until steam is released.
If the Steam button is still pulsing, wait until the machine has finished heating before attempting to froth milk.
If steam is now being produced normally, the machine is operating as expected.
If there is little or no steam, continue to Step 2.
Step 2 – Check the Steam Control Dial
The steam control dial regulates the flow from the steam wand.
If the dial is closed, steam will not be released even when the machine has reached steam temperature.
- Check that the Steam button is steadily illuminated.
- Position a suitable jug beneath the steam wand.
- Slowly turn the steam control dial anticlockwise to release steam.
- Adjust the dial as necessary to achieve the desired steam flow.
- Turn the dial fully OFF when finished.
Some initial water droplets or spluttering may occur as moisture is expelled from the steam wand.
If the machine is producing water but not steam continuously, return the dial to OFF and check that the Steam button has fully heated before trying again.
Caution: Steam and hot water can cause serious burns. Keep hands away from the nozzle and never direct steam towards yourself or another person.
Step 3 – Clean the Steam Nozzle and Remove Milk Blockages
Milk residue can accumulate inside the removable steam nozzle and restrict or prevent steam flow.
This is particularly likely if the steam wand has not been cleaned immediately after frothing milk.
Even if the outside of the wand appears clean, the nozzle opening or air holes may still contain dried milk residue.
How to Clean a Blocked Steam Nozzle
- Switch off the espresso machine and unplug it from the mains supply.
- Allow the steam wand and nozzle to cool completely.
- Carefully remove the steam wand nozzle or sleeve.
- Rinse the removable nozzle thoroughly under warm running water to loosen and remove milk residue.
- Inspect the nozzle opening and air holes for any remaining blockages.
- If necessary, carefully use a small pin to clear any blocked nozzle openings or air holes.
- Avoid applying excessive force or damaging the openings.
- Wipe the exposed steam wand with a clean, damp cloth.
- Refit the nozzle securely.
- Test the steam function again once the machine has reheated.
Important: Only use the pin-cleaning method on the steam nozzle openings described above. Never insert a pin into the machine's internal components or attempt cleaning while the wand is hot or pressurised.
The manufacturer's user manual specifically recommends using a small pin to clear blockages in the steam nozzle and air holes.
If steam flow has returned to normal, the issue was likely caused by accumulated milk residue.
If steam is still not being produced, continue to Step 4.
Step 4 – Prime the Machine if the Water Tank Has Run Dry
If the water tank has previously run empty, air may have entered the water system.
This can result in pumping noises, intermittent water flow or difficulty producing steam.
Priming helps restore the flow of water through the machine.
How to Prime Your Espresso Machine
- Fill the water tank with fresh water up to the MAX line and refit it securely.
- Ensure the steam control dial is fully OFF.
- Switch on the espresso machine.
- Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons stop pulsing and remain steadily illuminated.
- Place the steam wand inside a suitable heat-resistant jug or container.
- Slowly turn the steam control dial until water begins dispensing.
- Keep the dial open for at least 30 seconds, then turn it fully OFF.
- Empty the container carefully.
- Repeat the process two more times.
- Once priming is complete, ensure the steam control dial is OFF.
- Press the Steam button and wait until it remains steadily illuminated.
- Carefully open the steam control dial to check whether steam is now produced.
Important: During priming, hot water may pulse through the steam wand and some steam may also be released. This is expected.
If the machine is making a pumping noise but no water is flowing, do not continue running the pump dry for prolonged periods.
If water flow has returned but steam is still weak, continue to Step 5.
Step 5 – Descale the Machine if Steam Pressure Is Weak
Limescale can accumulate inside the machine's water system and restrict water flow, potentially affecting steam performance.
If the steam wand has been cleaned and the machine is heating correctly but steam output remains weak, descaling may help.
Signs of possible limescale build-up include:
- Reduced steam pressure.
- Inconsistent steam output.
- Slower water flow through the brewing head.
- Reduced hot-water dispensing performance.
Your espresso machine has an automatic descaling reminder that activates after approximately 500 operating cycles.
When the reminder is due, all the indicator lights flash five times when the machine is switched on.
The reminder does not mean the machine is faulty, and it does not prevent normal operation.
To descale the machine, follow the complete instructions:
How to Descale Your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine
The descaling procedure must include both the brewing head and steam wand, followed by clean-water rinsing.
If no water can be dispensed through either outlet, do not repeatedly run the pump or attempt to descale a system that cannot circulate water. Contact Customer Support after completing the other relevant checks.
Why Is My Steam Wand Dispensing Water Instead of Steam?
The steam wand can dispense both hot water and steam, depending on the machine's operating mode and temperature.
If water comes out instead of steam:
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
- Press the Steam button.
- Wait until the Steam button stops pulsing and remains steadily illuminated.
- Place a suitable jug beneath the wand.
- Slowly open the steam control dial.
- Allow any initial moisture to clear and check whether steam begins flowing.
If the machine continues dispensing water without producing steam, check the nozzle for blockages and complete the priming procedure if the water tank has previously run dry.
Do not confuse normal hot-water dispensing with a steam function fault. The wand is also designed to dispense hot water when required.
Why Does My Steam Wand Make Noise but Produce No Steam?
If you can hear the machine operating but no steam comes out, possible causes include:
- The machine has not yet reached steam temperature.
- The steam control dial is closed.
- The water tank is empty or incorrectly fitted.
- Air has entered the system after the water tank ran dry.
- Dried milk residue is blocking the steam nozzle.
- Limescale is restricting water flow.
Start by confirming that the Steam button is steadily illuminated, then check and clean the nozzle.
If the machine has recently run out of water, complete the priming procedure in Step 4.
If there is still no steam after these checks, further investigation may be required.
Why Won't My Espresso Machine Return to Coffee Mode After Steaming?
After using the steam function, the machine may be too hot to prepare espresso immediately.
This is normal because steaming milk requires a higher temperature than brewing coffee.
How to Return to Coffee Mode
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
- Press the Steam button to exit steam mode.
- The one-cup and two-cup buttons may begin pulsing while the machine cools.
- Wait until both coffee buttons remain steadily illuminated.
- The machine is now ready to prepare another espresso.
The coffee buttons will not operate until the machine has returned to the correct brewing temperature.
How to Cool the Machine More Quickly
If you want to prepare another coffee sooner:
- Place a suitable heat-resistant jug beneath the steam wand.
- Carefully turn the steam control dial to allow water to pass through the system.
- Allow the water flow to help reduce the internal temperature.
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
- Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons illuminate steadily.
This cooling procedure is described in the manufacturer's user manual.
If all the control-panel buttons flash when the machine is switched on, check that the steam control dial is fully OFF.
For further guidance, see:
Why Is My Morphy Richards Espresso Machine Flashing or Beeping?
Why Is My Steam Wand Working but Not Frothing Milk Properly?
If the wand produces a steady flow of steam but the milk does not froth as expected, the issue may be related to milk temperature, quantity or wand positioning rather than a steam function fault.
For best results:
- Use approximately 100–200ml of chilled milk.
- Use a suitable milk-frothing jug.
- Position the steam wand approximately 10mm below the milk surface.
- Adjust the steam control dial gradually to achieve the desired frothing action.
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF before removing the wand from the milk.
For complete instructions on preparing frothy milk, see:
How to Froth Milk with Your Morphy Richards Espresso Machine
How to Prevent Steam Wand Blockages
The steam wand should be cleaned after every use to prevent dried milk residue from accumulating inside the nozzle.
After Every Use
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF before removing the wand from the milk.
- Place the steam wand into a suitable empty jug or mug.
- Briefly operate the steam function to purge any remaining milk from the wand.
- Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
- Switch off the appliance and allow the wand to cool completely.
- Remove the steam nozzle or sleeve.
- Rinse the removable nozzle under warm running water.
- Wipe the steam wand with a clean, damp cloth.
- Refit the nozzle once clean.
If milk residue is blocking the nozzle or air holes, carefully use a small pin to clear the obstruction as described in Step 3.
Important: Never attempt to remove or clean the steam nozzle while it is hot. Do not immerse the espresso machine in water or place its accessories in a dishwasher.
Regular cleaning helps maintain steam performance and reduces the risk of blockages caused by dried milk.
Still Need Help?
If your steam wand is still not functioning after completing the relevant troubleshooting steps, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.
To help us assess the issue, please provide:
- Model number: 172022, 172024, 172025 or 172026.
- Serial number: If available.
- Proof of purchase: Showing the product, retailer and purchase date.
- Description of the problem: Confirm whether there is no steam, weak steam pressure, water instead of steam or difficulty frothing milk.
- Steam button behaviour: Confirm whether the Steam button stops pulsing and remains illuminated.
- Water-flow results: Confirm whether hot water dispenses through the steam wand and whether coffee dispenses normally.
- Troubleshooting completed: Confirm whether the nozzle has been cleaned, the machine has been primed and descaling has been completed where possible.
- Video: Where safe, provide a short video showing the machine's indicator lights and the steam wand's behaviour during a normal operating 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