Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about coffee machine repairs, servicing, PSSR compliance, equipment, supplies, and more.

Repairs & Servicing

What brands of coffee machine do you repair?

We service and repair all major commercial and domestic espresso machine brands including La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, Gaggia, Sanremo, Rancilio, WMF, Franke, Jura, Biepi, and many more. If your brand isn't listed, get in touch — chances are we've worked on it before.

How quickly can you attend a repair?

We aim for same-day or next-day callouts for emergency breakdowns. Response times depend on your location and our current schedule, but we understand that a broken machine means lost revenue — so we always prioritise urgent callouts.

Do you offer emergency or out-of-hours repairs?

Yes, we understand that breakdowns don't always happen during office hours. We offer emergency callouts for urgent situations — especially for busy cafés, restaurants, and hotels where downtime directly impacts trade. Call us and we'll arrange the fastest response we can.

How do I book a repair?

Simply call us on 01302 856829 or use the contact form on our website. Let us know the make and model of your machine, the fault you're experiencing, and your location. We'll arrange a convenient time for an engineer visit.

What does a typical service include?

A standard service includes descaling, replacing group head gaskets, cleaning shower screens, checking and adjusting boiler pressure, inspecting seals and valves, testing safety devices, cleaning the steam wand, and a full operational check. We also advise on any parts that may need replacing soon.

PSSR & Compliance

What is a PSSR inspection?

PSSR stands for Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. It's a legal requirement in the UK for any pressure vessel — including espresso machine steam boilers — to be inspected by a competent person at regular intervals. The inspection ensures the boiler and pressure relief devices are safe to operate.

Does my coffee machine need a PSSR inspection?

If your espresso machine has a steam boiler (which most commercial machines do), then yes — it requires a Written Scheme of Examination and periodic inspections under PSSR. This applies to cafés, restaurants, hotels, and any business operating a commercial espresso machine.

How often do PSSR inspections need to happen?

The frequency depends on the Written Scheme of Examination, but typically inspections are carried out every 12 to 14 months. We can set up a schedule so you never miss an inspection and remain fully compliant.

What happens during a PSSR inspection?

During a PSSR inspection, a competent engineer examines the boiler and all pressure components, checks the pressure relief valve, inspects for corrosion or damage, tests the safety cutoff devices, and issues a written report. If any issues are found, we advise on repairs needed to bring the system into compliance.

Maintenance Contracts

What's included in a maintenance contract?

Our maintenance contracts typically include scheduled servicing visits (usually quarterly or biannually), priority response for breakdowns, discounted parts and labour, PSSR inspections where applicable, and water filter replacements. The exact package depends on your machine and usage level.

Why is preventative maintenance worth the investment?

Regular servicing catches small issues before they become costly breakdowns. It extends the life of your machine, maintains coffee quality, ensures safety compliance, and minimises unexpected downtime. Most of our contract customers find it pays for itself within the first year through avoided repair bills.

What isn't covered by a maintenance contract?

Maintenance contracts generally don't cover damage caused by misuse, accidental damage, cosmetic wear, or the cost of major component replacements like full boiler swaps (though these are discounted). We'll always be upfront about what's included and what falls outside the agreement.

Machines & Equipment

What Biepi machines do you supply?

We're proud to supply the Biepi range including the MC-E (a compact, reliable workhorse ideal for small to mid-volume cafés), the Sara, and the Alex. Biepi machines are Italian-made, known for their build quality and ease of servicing. We can help match the right model to your business size and daily cup volume.

What is the K-fee capsule system?

K-fee is a professional capsule-based coffee system designed for workplaces, hotels, and offices. It delivers consistent, high-quality drinks without the need for a trained barista. The capsules are sealed for freshness and the machines are compact, easy to maintain, and produce minimal waste. We supply both the machines and compatible capsules.

What are Merrychef speed ovens and do you supply them?

Merrychef speed ovens combine microwave, convection, and impingement cooking to prepare food in a fraction of the time of conventional ovens. They're ideal for cafés and food outlets looking to offer hot food without a full kitchen. We supply and install Merrychef ovens and can advise on the best model for your setup.

What are the most common faults with bean-to-cup machines?

Bean-to-cup machines commonly suffer from grinder blockages, brew unit jams, milk system blockages, leaking drip trays, and error codes related to sensors or water flow. Regular cleaning and descaling prevents most of these issues. We service all major bean-to-cup brands including WMF, Franke, and Jura.

Ingredients & Supplies

What coffee beans do you supply?

We supply Italian Aroma coffee beans, available in several roast profiles to suit different setups. Whether you prefer a rich, dark espresso blend for traditional machines or a smoother, medium roast for bean-to-cup, we can recommend the right blend for your equipment and customer preferences.

Do you supply tea and other hot drinks?

Yes, we supply Birchall Tea — a premium, ethically sourced range that includes English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green Tea, peppermint, and more. It's a great complement to any coffee offering and popular with hotels, offices, and cafés looking for quality tea options.

What syrups and flavourings do you offer?

We stock DaVinci and SHOTT syrups in a wide range of flavours including vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and seasonal specials. Both brands are popular in the UK hospitality trade and work brilliantly for flavoured lattes, iced drinks, and specialty beverages.

Do you sell cleaning products and descalers?

Yes, we supply professional-grade cleaning products including group head detergent, milk system cleaner, descaling solution, and water filter cartridges. Using the right cleaning products is essential for machine longevity and coffee taste — we can advise on the best products for your machine.

Finance & Leasing

Can I lease a coffee machine instead of buying outright?

Yes, leasing is a popular option — especially for new businesses or those looking to upgrade without a large upfront cost. We offer flexible lease agreements that spread the cost over an agreed period, making it easier to budget while still getting top-quality equipment.

What are the benefits of leasing vs buying?

Leasing preserves your cash flow, includes potential tax benefits (lease payments may be tax deductible as a business expense), and often comes with maintenance included. Buying outright means you own the asset from day one, which suits established businesses with available capital. We can talk through both options to find the best fit.

What finance options are available?

We work with established finance providers to offer hire purchase, finance lease, and operating lease options. Terms are flexible and tailored to your business. Get in touch for a no-obligation quote and we'll find an arrangement that works for you.

Installation & Setup

What happens during a machine installation?

Our engineers will deliver and position the machine, connect it to water and electrical supplies, set the correct boiler pressure and temperature, programme drink settings, and run a full test. We also clean and flush the system before your first pour. The whole process typically takes 1–3 hours depending on the machine and setup.

What electrical and plumbing requirements do I need?

Most commercial espresso machines require a dedicated electrical supply (typically 13A or 32A depending on the machine size) and a mains water connection with adequate pressure. We'll advise on exact requirements before installation and can recommend local tradespeople if plumbing or electrical work is needed.

Do you provide barista training after installation?

Yes, we include basic barista training with every machine installation. This covers machine operation, dialling in the grinder, milk steaming technique, daily cleaning routines, and troubleshooting common issues. We want you to get the best from your equipment from day one.

Water Filtration & Descaling

Why do water filters matter for coffee machines?

Water quality has a huge impact on both coffee taste and machine longevity. A good filter removes chlorine, sediment, and excess minerals that cause limescale buildup. Without filtration, scale accumulates inside boilers and pipes, reducing efficiency and leading to costly repairs. In hard water areas of the UK, filtration is essential.

How often should water filters be changed?

As a general rule, water filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you're in a particularly hard water area or have high usage. We can set up a filter replacement schedule as part of a maintenance contract so you never forget.

How does hard water affect my espresso machine?

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which deposit as limescale inside boilers, heating elements, and pipes. This reduces heating efficiency, restricts water flow, and can cause blockages and component failures. Many parts of England — particularly the South East and Midlands — have hard or very hard water.

How often should I descale my coffee machine?

For commercial machines, descaling is typically recommended every 3 to 6 months, depending on water hardness and usage volume. Machines with good water filtration may need descaling less often. We check scale levels during every service visit and advise on the best descaling schedule for your setup.

General / Getting Started

What equipment do I need to start a café?

At a minimum, you'll need a commercial espresso machine, a quality grinder, a water filter, knockbox, tamper, milk jugs, and cleaning supplies. We can put together a complete startup package tailored to your space, budget, and expected volume — including machine, grinder, coffee beans, and all the accessories.

How do I choose the right coffee machine for my business?

It depends on your daily cup volume, available space, budget, and whether you want traditional espresso or bean-to-cup convenience. A small café doing 50–100 cups a day has very different needs to a hotel breakfast service or a busy high street shop. We'll visit your site, assess your needs, and recommend the best fit.

Do you deliver and install nationwide?

Yes, we deliver and install coffee machines across the UK. While we're based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, our engineers regularly travel nationwide for installations, repairs, and servicing. Delivery and installation costs may vary depending on distance.

How long have you been in business?

Espresso Repair Ltd has been a family-run business since 2004. With over 20 years of experience in the coffee machine trade, we've built a reputation for honest advice, reliable service, and deep technical knowledge across all major brands.

Still have questions? Call 01302 856829 or send us a message.

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