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Troubleshoot common problems with your Nespresso frother so it can heat, foam, and dispense milk perfectly every time
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Nespresso machines like the Aeroccino, CitiZ&Milk, and Barista Recipe Maker allow you to make frothy coffee shop-style drinks at home. But it can be frustrating when your Nespresso frother is not working properly. If the frother isn't working, you can't make a good espresso or foam for a cappuccino. Luckily, there are a few things you can do before considering a complex repair or replacing your Nespresso machine. This wikiHow article teaches you how to troubleshoot a Nespresso frother that isn't working properly.

Quick Steps

  1. Make sure the frother is plugged in and powered on.
  2. Clean the frother and the whisk.
  3. Clean the metal contacts on the canister and base station.
  4. Make sure you are using refrigerated cow's milk.
  5. Allow the device to cool down after each use.
  6. Replace the thermocouple or thermal fuse.
  7. Repair the heating element.
1

Make sure the frother is plugged in and turned on.

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  1. This may seem like an obvious fix, but it is a problem that is frequently overlooked. Make sure the frother is properly plugged in and powered on. Also, make sure the electrical outlet it is plugged into is working properly.
    • If your frother is plugged into the same outlet as another appliance, such as a toaster oven or air fryer, running both at the same time may cause your breaker to pop. Check your electrical breakers and make sure they are switched on. Only use one appliance at a time.
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3

Clean the inside of the frother.

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  1. If there is build-up inside the frother (especially where the whisk connects), it could cause the frother to heat up too quickly or prevent the whisk from spinning properly. In addition to cleaning the whisk, you should also clean the inside of the frother.
    • To clean the inside of the frother, make sure the device is turned off and unplugged. Remove the whisk and fill the frother with a solution of half water and half white vinegar. Allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight. Pour the solution out and rinse the inside with cold water. Scrub the inside with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. Dry it with a soft cloth.
    • You should rinse the frother and whisk with cold water after each use. Then dry with a soft cloth. Do not put the frother canister in the dishwasher.
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5

Check what kind of milk you are using.

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7

Clean any gunk off the metal connectors.

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  1. The metal connectors are on the bottom of the frother canister and the base station. Gunk, grease, and grime can build up on the connectors over time and prevent them from working. This is especially true if you have milk overflow issues.
    • To clean the metal contacts, make sure the frother is unplugged. Turn the frothing canister upside down. Scrub the metal connectors on the bottom of the cup and on the base station with soap and water using a brush until all the gunk is removed. Rinse the soap off and then scrub it again using isopropyl alcohol. Then for good measure, you can clean it using contact cleaner spray.
    • To prevent milk overflow, make sure you are not filling the frother past the maximum fill line indicated inside the frother canister.
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8

Repair the heating element.

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  1. This is a more advanced repair, as you will need to take apart the canister and check the inside. You may need to do some soldering. You should easily be able to see if the heating element is burnt.
    • To disassemble the canister, use a Torx screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screws from the bottom. Then pry apart the bottom of the canister. The motor and controller board sit on top of the heating element. You should be able to slide the motor and controller board right out.
    • The heating element is a copper strip on a printed circuit board. If you see any burn marks on it, it is probably burnt out. You may be able to repair it by scraping away the burnt enamel. Then you might be able to solder some copper over the damaged copper.
    • You should only attempt this if you are skilled at soldering electronics. Perform any advanced repairs at your own risk. Take it to an authorized repair shop if you are not comfortable with this task.
9

Replace the thermal fuse.

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  1. The thermal fuse is another common failure point for Nespresso frothers. To replace it, you will need to order a new one. You can use a multimeter to test it and see if it is blown.
    • Replacing a blown fuse is another advanced repair job that should be done at our own risk and only if you are comfortable making such a repair. To replace the fuse, you will need to unscrew the screws from the bottom of the canister and take it apart.
    • The thermal fuse is a small metal tube connected between two red wires inside a clear plastic tube. The type of fuse you need should be marked on the fuse itself. Unsolder the fuse from the red wires and use a multimeter to see if it is blown. If it is blown, solder a new fuse to the red wires and cover it with the plastic tubing. Then put the canister back together.
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10

Replace the heat sensor.

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  1. The thermocouple is the heat sensor that sits inside the canister to monitor the temperature and cut it off when it gets too hot. If the thermocouple is damaged, it will stop the heating cycle prematurely. It will start heating and then stop almost immediately. You may see flashing red lights indicating the heating cycle is stopping prematurely.
    • Replacing the thermocouple is also an advanced repair job that should be done at your own risk if you are comfortable performing the repair. To replace the thermocouple, you will need to purchase a new one.
    • Once you have a replacement, you will need to remove the screws from the bottom of the canister and open it. The thermocouple is attached to the board via a slip connector. Remove the thermocouple and insert the new one. Make sure you apply thermal grease so that it conducts heat well enough. Then put the canister back together.

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Tips

  • Cleaning expert Raymond Chiu says of cleaning a Nespresso machine "Cleaning a Nespresso machine is also known as descaling. It is recommended to purchase a descaling cleaning kit. Empty the machine of all water and capsules. Fill the water tank with the 3:1 or suggested ratio of water and descaling product. Turn on your machine and start the machine by pushing both buttons down for 3 seconds. The buttons will begin to blink, indicating the activation of the descaling. Press and hold the button to pour out the water tank. Repeat the process twice. Descaling and the best way to clean will depend on the model of the machine. It’s always best to read the instruction manual for the proper settings and procedures with the cleaning.
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About This Article

Florisa-Leila Ramos
Co-authored by:
Cleaning Expert
This article was co-authored by Florisa-Leila Ramos and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Florisa Ramos is a Cleaning Expert based in Leominster, Massachusetts. Florisa founded Office & Home Cleaning in 2017 and brings over 20 years of experience in the house cleaning industry. With a 5-star rating on Google, Office & Home Cleaning offers deep cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and office cleaning services. With extensive training in cleaning business fundamentals and a workshop certification in commercial cleaning and facilities management, Florisa has built a reputable career in the cleaning industry, demonstrating expertise in both residential and commercial cleaning services. She has been featured on multiple online platforms, showcasing best practices, expert cleaning tips, and sustainable cleaning solutions. Recognized for her commitment to eco-friendly practices, Florisa prioritizes using safe, non-toxic products to protect both clients' spaces and the environment. Florisa has an Associate's degree in Business Administration from Mount Wachusett Community College. This article has been viewed 38,219 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: November 11, 2024
Views: 38,219
Categories: Coffee Accessories
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