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Sunbeam Barista Max EM5300 Questions & Answers (page 3 of 3)
52 questions from our users
Marjasked
I have had my machine for two weeks and grinder has stopped working. I have cleaned it but it makes a sound like it is jammed
1 answer
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Marj,
Two things, you can either call our team on 1300 881 861 to troubleshoot or return to store for a replacement. Being only two weeks old you don't need any stress!
Peterasked
I have read in reviews that the optimal grind setting is 15 for this machine - but I find that I need setting 4 (using supermarket Vittoria beans, which are marked with expiry date of Oct 2022). Even with setting 4 the extraction time is 10-15sec (max) with ordinary crema. I use the 2 cup basket, fill to the same level and tamp consistently. Please, can you let me know?
3 answers
There are so many reasons why including coffee brand, weather, grind and machine issues.
Assuming you have checked the manual and done a google search the next logical step is ring them rather than hope that one member knows.
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Peter,
Sunbeam's recommended setting of 15 is based on using freshly roasted beans. However this is just a recommendation as age/brand/ambient room temperature can affect the grind setting. A tip would be not to buy beans based on their expiry date but to always check the 'roasted on' date. Typically you won't have a roasted date on supermarket bought coffee beans. Hope this helps.
Hi Peter, funny you say this, we’re on our second machine due to the leaking issue. But the grind settings were completely different between the two machines. On the first machine I was using between 8-4 and on the latest machine (which is now leaking water again) we use 20-18. I think there the manufacturing tolerances are all over the place foe these mass produced platforms. It’s also very bean dependent, how dry, the size and what the environment is like. So just experiment.
Leeasked
We purchased the coffee machine in September 2018 for our office and last week when we switched the unit on, the grinder light comes on as normal followed immediately by both steam lights that flash continually. The steam knob is in the off position. We dont know how to rectify this as it prevent us from making coffee. Any ideas?
2 answers
Yes. Contact Sunbeam obviously
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Lee. Sorry to hear of the issues you are having. We haven't come across an issue like this before so it's hard to diagnose. Could you please give our customer care team a call on 1300 881 861 and one of our coffee experts will be able to do some trouble shooting with you.
Toniasked
I purchased this machine after reading nothing but good reviews. Got it set up and was thrilled with quality of the quality that it makes. However, randomly after less than two weeks the grinder has stopped working. I have followed all instructions, taken the beans out, cleaned etc and it still wont grind the coffee. It makes the noise but no grinds are produced. Seems like the beans are jamming the grinder maybe? Is there anything else I can try or is this a fault and the machine needs to be returned?
1 answer
Customer C.Sunbeam
HI Toni,
Hard to determine exactly what this may be.
Why don't you give our team a call to discuss further or if easier for you, please return to store.
OzRattlerasked
Got it and so far so good although, the grind speed for coffee on the recommended setting of "10" is slow and we got an overheat light - grinding too long. But it had not half filled the basket. So, YouTube and the clips show the ground coffee being delivered quicker. Any suggestions will be warmly welcomed. Thanks in advance!
2 answers
Hey, the grind depends on the coffee beans. But agree, I found the recommended setting of 10 was too low. I've tried 2 different beans thus far, one ground best at 16 the other at 18. Just keep testing until you get the right stream. The coffee should start coming through within about 3-5 seconds and it should have a nice creama on top. Hope that helps.
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi OzRattler. As Tris advised, if you have freshly roasted beans, we find that 16 is a good starting point to get the right grind. Store bought beans tend to be a lot older and drier so you may find you have to go finer with the grind. Once you have the right grind, the extraction process should take approx. 20 seconds (from when the coffee first hits your cup).
Irene grittonasked
The reviews I’ve read so far are all recent. Previous coffee machines I’ve had only seem to last 2 or 3 years
What is the expected life time of this machine?
2 answers
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Irene. There are a lot of variables that will determine the life cycle of the machine. Regular descaling and cleaning, how regularly the machine is used, general maintenance and upkeep. So it's hard to determine an expected life cycle.
About 2 months, according to the last two machines. Both have developed water leaks from the bottom of the machine.
Ange01asked
I am getting grinds going all over my bench top. I have tried stopping grinding and moving side to side but it is still doing it. I have stop grinding because of the mess which means my grind level is not high enough. Am I doing something wrong here? Thank you.
No answers
Dianneasked
Where do you buy the cleaning tablets would that be from supplier of machine?
2 answers
Most Harvey Norman's or online at www.sunbeam.com.au :)
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Dianne,
Most of the major retailers should stock them or you can purchase from www.sunbeam.com.au or another online retailer
Debygirlasked
What is the cream like on the coffee. I love a thick creamy layer, does this machine produce that?
1 answer
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Debygirl, yes it will. The crema really comes down to the grind of the coffee and the way you tamper. As long as you get this right you have perfect crema!
Dianeasked
Hi,
After looking at reviews and comparing coffee machines, I purchased the Barista Max a few days ago.
I know it is going to take me a while to perfect my ideal cup of coffee.
My question is, I know everyone has their own personal taste but I am finding not enough flavour at the moment. This morning I decreased the amount of milk, that didn't seem to make much difference, so I'm gathering I need to experiment with the grind.
Could I just ask a few people's advice on what number grind they use? for a full flavoured coffee.
Thanks in advance Diane.
5 answers
I use a single origin from Double Roasters. Was told to tamp it lightly and have found that grind setting 15 works best. Good luck!
Thank you!
I find that if I buy supermarket beans it's going to be a let down. You really need to get fresh beans from a local roaster, or someone like Campos. Another trick is to use the double filter but hit the button for a single shot. You might find that a bit more to your taste. Also, I agree with Brettski, 15 seems like the magic number for me too.
Janineasked
I received the Sunbeam Barista Max 5 days ago. But I'm having trouble with the steam function. Upon making the espresso I then go to turn on the steam dial to heat the milk, the steam light does not come on & blink as it should when getting ready to steam. It remains unilluminated. I've waited 10 minutes after the espresso has been poured before the machine decides to "steam". I've tried all sorts of ways to prime the steaming wand including purging it with hot water. I have only successfully made two coffees-a lot has gone down the sink. Can someone tell me why the steam light does not come on immediately when you turn the dial steam setting? I've taken the item back to the store and even they had trouble getting the steam light to come on when it should, but because they eventually got it working I could not get a new machine. I still think there is a fault with my machine. Can someone help as I do love the coffees produced by this machine when it decides to steam as directed.
2 answers
I would be taking the machine back and state you want a new machine or get your money back. Speak to the Store Manager. That is Poor Customer Service.
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Janine. As the water wand, group head and steam wand share a thermoblock, you will have to wait for a period of time when alternating between the hot water and steam functions. This usually takes approximately 20 seconds. If it's taking substantially longer than this, please contact our customer care team on 1300 881 861 and they would be more than happy to troubleshoot with you.
Sueasked
Can you steam milk at the same time as making coffee ?
1 answer
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Sue, this unit is designed to either extract or steam but not both together, the models up from this one are the ones that can extract and steam at the same time....hope this helps you
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