Coffee flowing from the edges of La San Marco coffee machine

Why is the coffee flowing from the edges of my La San Marco coffee machine?

Is coffee flowing out the side of your La San Marco portafilter causing you frustration? This blog post offers valuable advice, specific to La San Marco coffee machines, to help you handle this issue and get back to enjoying your perfect espresso. Let’s dive into these top tips!

Clean the Upper Edge of the Portafilter Before Engaging It

Coffee grounds can accumulate on the upper edge of the portafilter, causing an improper seal and leading to coffee flowing out the side.

Practical Tips:

• Wipe the upper edge of the portafilter with a clean, damp cloth to remove any coffee grounds.
• Make it a habit to clean the portafilter edge every time you prepare a new espresso shot.

Ensure Portafilter Is Properly Engaged and Not Loose or on an Angle

A loose or improperly engaged portafilter can cause coffee to flow out the side.

Practical Tips:

• Make sure to insert the portafilter into the group head straight and evenly.
• Firmly engage the portafilter by turning it until it is snug, but avoid overtightening.

Clean the Seal (Operation to Be Performed When the Machine Is Cold)

A dirty seal can prevent a proper seal between the portafilter and group head, causing coffee leakage.

Practical Tips:

• Turn off and unplug the coffee machine, allowing it to cool down completely.
• Use a small brush or cloth to gently clean the seal, removing any coffee residue or oils.

Ensure Filter Basket Is Not Overfilled

An overfilled filter basket can cause uneven pressure during extraction, leading to coffee flowing out the side of the portafilter.

Practical Tips:

• Use a scale to measure the appropriate amount of coffee grounds (usually around 18-20 grams for a double shot).
• Level the coffee grounds evenly across the filter basket before tamping.

Replace the Seal

A worn or damaged seal can cause coffee to flow out the side of the portafilter.

Practical Tips:

• Inspect the seal for signs of wear, such as cracks, stiffness, or uneven surfaces.
• Replace the seal with a genuine La San Marco replacement part to ensure compatibility and performance.

Contact La San Marco Customer Support

If you’ve tried all the tips above and are still experiencing coffee flowing out the side of your portafilter, it’s time to get in touch with La San Marco customer support for further assistance.

Practical Tips:

• Reach out to La San Marco via their website or customer service phone number.
• Provide details about your specific machine model and the issue you’re experiencing.
• Follow the guidance provided by La San Marco’s customer support team.

Conclusion

By following these practical tips and solutions, you’ll be well on your way to fixing the issue of coffee flowing out the side of your La San Marco portafilter. Keep your coffee machine clean and well-maintained, and you’ll be enjoying perfect espresso shots in no time!