FAQ
TL;DR: Expect De’Longhi ~20,000 and Jura ~50,000 shots before serious failures; "the first serious breakdowns rather happen with the above-mentioned number." Results assume regular care. [Elektroda, nioop, post #18271162]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps owners of fully automatic machines (De’Longhi Perfecta, Siemens EQ3, Jura, Saeco, Krups) plan maintenance and hosting without overheating or premature wear.
Quick Facts
- Observed averages before major faults: Krups ~6k, De’Longhi ~20k, Saeco ~30k, Jura ~50k shots. [Elektroda, nioop, post #18271162]
- Some Jura units logged over 50,000 coffees with mechanics still fine. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18271063]
- Cleaning and lubricating the mechanism boosts life from several thousand to tens of thousands. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18270676]
- Continuous brewing is limited by grinder, brew-drive, and pump coil heating; protection can trip. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18798185]
- De’Longhi milk systems may fail earlier than brew mechanics. [Elektroda, nioop, post #18271162]
How many coffees should a De’Longhi Perfecta handle before big repairs?
Field averages put De’Longhi around 20,000 shots before major failures. Minor faults can appear earlier. Figures assume regular service and care. The milk system may protest earlier than the brew mechanics. These are observational averages, not a guarantee. [Elektroda, nioop, post #18271162]
What are typical shot counts by brand (Krups, De’Longhi, Saeco, Jura)?
Observed averages: Krups ~6,000; De’Longhi ~20,000; Saeco ~30,000; Jura ~50,000 shots before serious breakdowns. Minor issues may occur earlier. These values reflect field experience. Maintenance and individual unit variance change outcomes. [Elektroda, nioop, post #18271162]
Can Jura machines really reach 50,000 shots?
Yes. A technician reported several Jura units with counters over 50,000 and mechanics still in great condition. "The mechanics are in perfect condition." This does not guarantee every unit will match that. Usage and service history matter. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18271063]
Any real-world example of long-term Jura use?
One owner’s Jura Impressa C5 from 2008 made over 25,000 coffees. It later needed a brewing group repair and previously had some gaskets replaced. That timeline shows substantial durability before significant service. [Elektroda, pukko, post #19230988]
How long did a De’Longhi Dynamica last in daily use?
A user logged about 30,000 coffees in seven years without failures. It recently began dumping water into the grounds container, signaling wear. Until then, it ran problem-free. [Elektroda, wojciechbra73, post #20727008]
Does regular maintenance really extend a machine’s life? How should I do it?
Yes. Cleaning and lubricating the mechanical system can move lifespan from several thousand to tens of thousands of coffees. How-To: 1. Clean the brew mechanism and internals on a schedule. 2. Lightly lubricate the brew-drive mechanics periodically. 3. Avoid very fine grinds and poor beans; replace grinder if wear appears. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18270676]
Does coffee grind or bean quality affect grinder wear?
Yes. Very fine grinding and lower-quality coffee increase grinder wear. That can force a grinder replacement earlier than expected. Choose appropriate grind settings and decent beans to reduce stress. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18270676]
Is it safe to make 8–10 espressos back-to-back on a Siemens EQ3 or similar?
Take short breaks. "Better to take a break. It is about cooling down the pump and motor, which are not adapted to continuous operation." Brief pauses protect components and prevent thermal shutoff. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18798423]
What actually limits continuous brewing on home super-automatics?
Heat buildup in the grinder motor, brew-drive motor, and pump coil is the main limiter. A temperature sensor may cut power if the coil overheats. "There is usually a temperature sensor that turns off when the coil overheats." [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18798185]
How many coffees in a row before overheating or cooldown is needed?
There’s no fixed number. "There is no such data in the manual." It depends on design parameters, protections, and ambient temperature. Test your unit cautiously. You may need to pause by the 11th cup. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18799911]
Can I check total coffee count on a used machine before buying?
Often yes. Many machines have a shot counter accessible in diagnostics or menus. A technician noted reading counters and asking for service history when evaluating units. Use the count as a wear indicator. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18271063]
Does a simpler design improve reliability?
Yes. "The simpler the structure, the greater the reliability." Fewer subsystems mean fewer potential failure points. Simpler builds can also be easier to service and keep clean. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18271063]
What does “Monday production” imply for espresso machines?
It refers to unlucky units that leave the factory with issues. Such machines spend more time in service than at home. Expect variability between individual units even within one model. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18270728]
Are De’Longhi milk systems a common weak point?
They can be. One technician’s observations note the De’Longhi milk system may fail earlier than other subsystems. Plan for extra cleaning and occasional parts replacement. [Elektroda, nioop, post #18271162]
How should I set the grinder on a Jura for longevity and taste?
Avoid overly fine settings. An experienced user advises, "you only need to set the grinder so that it does not grind too fine." This reduces stress and balances extraction. [Elektroda, zbychmg, post #18271455]
