Sunbeam Compact Barista Espresso EMM2900SS Questions & Answers

Could it be coffee grind too small or tamped too hard?? Are you getting the pumping sound?

I attempted to open mine to do repair but there's no screws and looks like it was designed to be unrepairable - and once you open it - unusable. So I binned mine. Got the base Breville Barrista Express. Best decision ever. Never again Sunbeam - or any of the garbage products (with garbage support) sold by Newell Brands external link 

I'm heading down a similar path and considering a Breville machine. It's a shame, because this machine makes great coffee for a budget machine.

I was sick of these excellent little machines only lasting a year or two so decided to do something about it. You can open them up. There are 2 screws at the back of the water container. After removing pry open the top with a plastic tool and you will be able to see all the parts. Mine was leaking water from the steam wand when expressing coffee from the head. The problem was the steam wand valve at the top of the machine. This can be removed by taking our 3 screws and dismantled. I worked out it was the red rubber tip inside the valve, but could not get a replacement on line, so simply turned it round and replaced everything. Machine worked fine for another couple of months then gradually started to leak again. I was able to source another complete valve on AliExpress for $13 incl post + tax. Fitted it and the machine is as good as new. I do think we need legislation to make manufacturers give say a 5 year guarantee. That would up quality and keep these things out of land fill. If anyone interested I can give details of the valve needed.

Hello Vic - I am trying to do the same repair - but I cannot find the valve on Aliexpress. Could you post back the item details/naming/description of what you bought from Aliexpress? That should then be easy to find. many thanks in advance.

Instructions are included on descaling however I have been using basic coles descaling liquid...

You need to press and hold the 1and 2 cup bottoms together for 5 seconds to stop the message coming up again once descaled

You need to press and hold the 1and 2 cup bottoms together for 5 seconds to stop the message coming up again from memory

Thanks Kristian!

I have exactly the same problem on the Sunbeam Compact Barista: when it first came up with the 5-bleep + 3flashing lights warning, I descaled it as instructed, rinsed it profusely (2 water tanks), and it is thereafter producing good espresso coffee as usual. However, since then, the 5-bleep + flashing lights when switching on the machine every time does not disappear, no matter what I do. I have tried the prescribed simultaneous pressing of the 1-shot, 2-shot and steam buttons for 3 sec, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, without any result - the sound + light warning comes on every time I switch the machine on! Can I Sunbeam rep please comment and advise?

Kika, Did you ever end up with a solution for this? Mine has started doing the same.

I use beans and a very good grinder . The bought ground coffee appears to be finer than my favourite grind setting. Loose setting would make it weak and reduce flavour. If it's any help to my grind time is 7 seconds with a grind size of 18.(2 shot).

Thanks Richard. I guess what I really need to know, is whether there is a pre ground coffee that tastes the way coffee SHOULD taste.

I'll keep your message for when my basic skills improve and I take a step up and grind my own.

Cheers, Rob

Hi Rob, As mentioned I use beans but 2 brands I like are Vittoria and Lavazza intensity no 7 ( one of the higher strength ones). It helps to find 2 you like as sometimes one is not available or one of them has jumped in price considerably.

Thanks Richard. We will follow that up otherwise I'll end up running in ever diminishing circles until I vanish. Cheers, Rob

Flushing more than times is way more than enough to rinse off the solution. Usually, the water would look murky but it Usually clears up in seconds..

How long have you had the machine? Have long ago since the last descaling?

I can only guess you may have grinded your coffee beans too fine. Try adjusting the grinder settings to make it course or less fine.

That doesn't sound normal. Once you turn on the machine, it usually heats up for seconds to be ready for use. You may want to take it back to where you bought it.

Thank you Dennis I think I will as I have just rang the Australian sunbeam contact number and was told there are no representatives in Australia to help me After 3 failed connection calls I was speaking to an overseas representative

Hi Sonya, the Compact Barista Coffee Machine has preset shots so it can't be adjusted. We suggest to get in touch and give us a call at 1300 881 861 between 10am to 6pm - Monday - Friday AEST so our team can help you with your machine. Thanks.

That's not according to the manual. It says double shot can be programmed from 60 to 110mil.

I have the same feeling but it is loosening the more I use it

Hi Lauren, Yes, this is normal for new machines. It will feel tight the first several uses but, over time, it will loosen and the group handle will lock in effortlessly. Thank you, Sunbeam Customer Care

Hi, you are overfilling your shots.

I used small pliers to ease the tightness

I have had my Sunbeam Compact Barista (great machine for a good espresso) for nearly 1 year and still find the turning and locking of the group handle very, vey, VERY difficult and stiff. That comment from the Sunbeam rep on "over time, it will loosen and the group handle will lock in effortlessly." is definitely a wishful thinking!...