Vent: This morning my espresso machine decided to spray hot water all over my kitchen counter

I was grinding beans at 6:15 AM, looking forward to my morning shot. Went to pull it and instead of a nice stream, I got this violent spray all over my counter, the cups, my shirt. Turned out the portafilter gasket finally gave out after like 8 months of daily use. Had to clean everything up, find my backup gasket in a drawer, and spend 20 minutes swapping it out. Coffee was still drinkable but the whole routine got thrown off. Anyone else ever had a machine decide to ruin your morning like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason.margaret2d ago

Oh man, that sounds like such a pain. I used to think espresso machines were pretty simple and not much could go wrong, but seeing stories like this totally changed my mind. Have you had to deal with a steam wand eruption before or was that a first for you?

pat_hart3d ago

My buddy had this happen with his Gaggia but way worse. He was making his morning latte and the steam wand basically erupted like a geyser. Scalded his hand, milk went everywhere, and he had to spend an hour taking the whole machine apart. Found out a little piece of the steam valve broke off inside. Took him three days to get the replacement part.