If your steam wand is not producing steam, dispensing only water, or not frothing milk correctly, this guide will help you resolve the issue.
Most steam issues are caused by heating, priming, or cleaning requirements rather than a machine fault.
No Steam Coming From the Steam Wand
If the steam wand is not producing steam:
1️⃣ Ensure the Machine Has Fully Reached Steam Temperature
Press the Steam Button (4).
The light will pulse while heating.
Wait until the light stops pulsing and stays illuminated.
Steam will not dispense until the machine reaches full temperature.
2️⃣ Open the Steam Control Dial Fully
Slowly turn the Steam Control Dial (6) anti-clockwise.
Steam may pulse or splutter briefly before becoming steady — this is normal.
If the dial is only partially open, pressure may not release correctly.
3️⃣ Check If the Machine Is Cooling Down
If you have just brewed coffee:
The machine may still be regulating temperature.
Wait until the one cup and two cup buttons illuminate solidly.
You can speed up cooling by:
Placing a receptacle under the steam wand
Turning the steam dial ON briefly to run water through
Steam Wand Only Dispensing Water
If water comes out but no steam:
This is usually due to one of the following:
The steam function has not fully heated
The system needs priming
The machine requires descaling
The water tank recently ran dry
Important: Prime the Machine (Especially After First Use or Refilling)
If the water tank has run empty or the machine is new, it must be primed.
To prime:
Wait until one cup and two cup buttons illuminate solidly.
Place the steam wand into a jug or mug.
Slowly turn the steam control dial ON.
Allow water to dispense for at least 30 seconds.
Turn the dial OFF.
Repeat this process two more times.
Failure to prime can result in pump noise but no steam production.
Low Steam Pressure or Weak Frothing
If steam is weak or milk is not frothing:
✔ Check for Blockages
Milk residue is the most common cause of reduced steam pressure.
Allow the steam wand to cool.
Remove the steam nozzle (14).
Rinse under warm running water.
Use a small pin to clear air holes.
Reattach and test again.
✔ Use Cold Milk
For best results:
Use 100–200ml chilled milk.
Position the steam wand approximately 10mm below the milk surface.
Steam Wand Makes Noise But No Steam
This is typically caused by:
Air in the system (requires priming)
Partial blockage
Steam dial not fully open
Follow the priming and cleaning steps above.
All Lights Flash 5 Times When Machine Is Turned On
This indicates the machine requires descaling.
After approximately 500 cycles, the machine will remind you to descale.
To descale:
Fill tank with descaling solution (as per manufacturer instructions).
Run the two cup cycle multiple times.
Dispense through the steam wand until empty.
Repeat using clean water.
Hold the one cup, two cup and steam buttons together for 3 seconds to reset the reminder.
Regular descaling improves steam pressure and performance.
After Each Use – Preventing Steam Wand Blockages
To maintain proper steam performance:
✔ Turn steam dial OFF before removing from milk
✔ Wipe steam wand immediately with damp cloth
✔ Purge steam for 5–10 seconds after use
✔ Remove and rinse nozzle once cooled
✔ Do not allow milk to dry inside the wand
Blockages caused by dried milk are not a manufacturing fault and can prevent steam production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the steam wand splutter?
This is normal during pressure build-up. Allow a few seconds for steady steam flow.
Why did my steam stop suddenly?
Check:
Water tank level
Steam dial position
Whether the machine is cooling
Why won’t the machine switch back to coffee mode?
Ensure:
Steam dial is OFF
The one cup and two cup buttons are pulsing (cooling phase)
Wait until buttons illuminate solidly
Still Having Issues?
If you have followed all steps above and the steam wand is still not functioning correctly, please contact our Customer Support team with:
Product name
Model number (172022/172024/172025/172026/)
Serial number
Brief description of the issue
Confirmation that priming and cleaning steps have been completed
This helps us resolve your enquiry quickly.