Melitta CI milk steaming problems

PeteH

Hi, we’ve had a Caffeo CI for 3 years, and in the last couple of days the milk frothing system has started making a whining noise, the milk froth is less aerated and seems reduced in quantity. We run the auto clean programme after every use, and have cleaned and descaled regularly according to the instructions and machine prompts. It seems as though there may be an obstruction in the milk delivery system inside the machine. Does anyone know if this is user serviceable? There seems to be a distinct lack of information available on the internal workings of this machine. Thanks in advance 😁

DavecUK

PeteH Do you have a photo of the milk delivery system, I want to see if it’s the same as the Varianza.. I believe it is…take the cover off the group part and then take the photo. Inside should be some rubber pieces that the tube from the milk container attaches to. Remove those and clean them well….they can get blocked up.

PeteH

This is the milk delivery system, I dissemble and clean it weekly along with the brewing mechanism.

I got a call back this afternoon from Melitta technical, they’re going to have a think and get back to me. I’ll update if I hear anything else from them.

PeteH

Got a follow up from Melitta, they suggested trying clearing the steam outlets in the non-removable nozzles, using a thick piece of wire such as a large paperclip. This still hasn’t worked, so they think the ceramic valve may need replacement. As it’s out of warranty I had to contact their service company called NovoCSV, who’ve quoted £140 plus parts. Just wondering if it’s worth it, or if it’s a job I could undertake?

DavecUK

PeteH My recommendation would be try to undertake it yourself. £140 plus parts, means dropping £160 on it, perhaps delivery and vat costs too? On a 3 year old bean to cup (BTC), you may get future problems. If it again costs a similar amount for a small job, you will soon have purchased almost 70% of a new machine.

Now I know you probably purchased a bean to cup for the sheer convenience, and when I cared for my my mum here, she could use a BTC machine even with the dementia, which wasn’t very advanced then. However, it might also be time to consider stepping up to semi automated machines and a grinder. They will make much better coffee, steam milk much better and are not that much effort to use. Definitely worth checking out the classifieds.

DavecUK

PeteH I had to contact their service company called NovoCSV, who’ve quoted £140 plus parts. Just wondering if it’s worth it, or if it’s a job I could undertake?

PeteH Update - heard back from Melitta - they sent me a couple of links to possible spares that may be required - the rubber blend unit that is inside the outer milk unit £25 (!), And the ceramic valve £118 (!?!). So I’m looking for a new machine - any recommendations for best been-to-cup?

So it would have cost £260+ to repair as an absolute minimum……….ridiculous. Like I advised search out the classifieds.

PeteH

Thanks Dave, you echo my thoughts exactly regarding the cost. I’d be happy to tackle the replacement of the ceramic valve (seems like a replacement can be had for around £20), but what I lack are detailed diagrams of the inner workings, and instructions on how to disassemble the machine. As it’s working ok for now, I’m loath to start taking a screwdriver to it without a clear plan 🫤

DavecUK

PeteH As it’s working ok for now, I’m loath to start taking a screwdriver to it without a clear plan 🫤

yup, I’ve taken many things apart in my time…but not the Melitta bean to cup. sadly they are not really made to be worked on, so it’s probably not easy. If something breaks during the disassembly, they have all the parts to hand, we don’t. It might be that their diagnosis is incorrect…which may mean you replace the part and the problem still remains.

Just a thought….when did you last descale it and what water do you use (where in the country are you, is your water hard).

PeteH

DavecUK Just had an email from the engineer, he’s going to send me some photos of the ceramic valve and possibly some hints on how to access it😁. I’ll keep you posted (and share any info I managed to obtain).

We live in the West Yorkshire Pennines, so soft water. I descale it about every 3 months, or sooner if the machine prompts for it, also use the tablet cleaners about once a month, again more frequently if prompted. And we have on average 10 brews a day in total.

PeteH

Update - heard back from Melitta - they sent me a couple of links to possible spares that may be required - the rubber blend unit that is inside the outer milk unit £25 (!), And the ceramic valve £118 (!?!). So I’m looking for a new machine - any recommendations for best been-to-cup?

PeteH

After a lot of to-ing and fro-ing of emails with Melitta tech support, where they suggested faults in a couple of parts within the brewing group (a seal and a valve), I ordered a new brewing unit. Fitted it this morning and.. no improvement! Think we’ll cut our losses and go for a Gaggia.

DavecUK

I think that’s a good idea. I’m not sure if this is still around

https://coffeetime.freeflarum.com/d/1370-modded-gaggia-classic