A well-maintained coffee machine is the backbone of daily operations for café and restaurant owners. So how do you determine when your machine needs servicing? Should you base it on the number of coffees produced or do other factors, such as coffee type and water quality, play a role?
The Bravo Coffee Repairs Team break it down so you can keep brewing for many years to come.
Should You Base Servicing On Volume?
Tracking the number of coffees your machine produces is a good way to determine service frequency.
- On average, a commercial espresso machine should be serviced after making 20,000 to 25,000 shots.
- High-volume cafes making 300–500 cups per day should schedule professional maintenance every 3–6 months.
However, this guideline varies depending on the machine type. Super-automatic machines, like those from Saeco, Gaggia and Necta, require more frequent attention due to internal moving parts.
- Saeco: Service every 3–4 months or after 10,000–15,000 shots
- Gaggia: Service every 4–6 months or after 15,000–20,000 shots
- Necta: Service every 2–4 months or after 8,000–12,000 shots (for high-volume commercial models)
Does Coffee Type Affect Servicing Intervals?
Yes, the type of coffee used impacts how often a machine needs servicing.
- Oily, dark-roasted beans leave more residue in the grinder and brewing unit, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
- Flavoured coffees with syrups can also cause quicker buildup inside the machine, leading to clogged filters and valves.
Using high-quality, medium-roast beans and regularly purging the machine can help reduce maintenance frequency.
Which Parts Need Replacing And When?
Regular maintenance includes replacing certain parts to keep the machine working efficiently. Here’s a rough timeline based on usage:
- Group Head Seals & Shower Screens: Every 6 months
- Grinder Burrs: Every 300–600 kg of coffee
- Water Filters: Every 3–6 months, depending on water quality
- Steam Wand Gaskets: Every 6–12 months
- Pump & Solenoid Valves: Every 12–24 months, or as needed
Failing to replace worn-out parts can lead to inconsistent extraction, leaks and reduced machine lifespan.
Does Water Hardness Impact Maintenance?
Water quality is one of the biggest factors affecting servicing intervals. Hard water leads to faster scale buildup, clogging internal pipes and boilers. Limescale buildup can reduce a machine’s efficiency by 30% and significantly shorten its lifespan.
To prevent scale-related damage, use filtered or softened water and descale the machine regularly.
Does Coffee Bean Type Affect Grinder Servicing?
Yes, the beans you use affect how often your grinder needs servicing.
- Darker roasts with more oil cause burrs to wear out faster.
- Using low-moisture, high-density beans (like many speciality light roasts) reduces buildup and extends burr lifespan.
- Cleaning the grinder weekly can help maintain consistency and efficiency.
How Long Can You Expect Your Machine To Last?
With proper maintenance, you can expect the following lifespans:
- Gaggia: 7–10 years
- Saeco: 5–8 years
- Necta: 10–15 years (for commercial models)
Factors that affect longevity include cleaning frequency, water quality and adherence to servicing schedules. Regular professional Bravo Coffee Repairs appointments ensure your machine operates efficiently for years.
