When we talk about the lever of a Dolce Gusto machine, we specifically refer to the mechanism that moves back and forth to choose between cold or hot water.
Suppose you have a problem with the lever of the pod holder, which is responsible for lowering the injector to puncture the coffee pod. In that case, it’s important to note that this issue is completely different. When the injector lever gets stuck, it is related to cleanliness and leaving coffee pods inside for a long time, not the issues I detail here.
Note: Certain automatic models of Dolce Gusto, such as Genio, Infinissima Touch, Eclipse, or Magesto, do not have a lever. Instead, the beverage temperature is selected through a touchscreen interface.
Reasons why the Dolce Gusto lever may not work
When the temperature selector lever doesn’t work correctly, two situations can occur:
- It may get jammed in the central position without moving to the right or left.
- When activated, it immediately returns to the central position.
The Dolce Gusto does not produce or emit sound in the first case. In the second case, the machine only works briefly before returning to the central position, and the button flashes with a warning.
➡️ In my guide on the colors of the power button light, we can see that Dolce Gusto does not classify this situation as a typical malfunction. Although the cause of this problem is not clear, several solutions can be tried:
1. Lever stuck due to a mechanical failure
A stuck lever generally occurs due to a failure in the internal mechanism or incorrect use of the coffee maker. Ensure that the front lever punctures the coffee pods completely so that the temperature lever can move freely. If this is not the case, the internal mechanism will block the upper-temperature lever.
Ensure the central lever is completely closed without using pods to check its proper functioning. You can apply pressure with your hand to keep it in place.
If the temperature lever remains stuck in the central position after attempting to move it, it is likely that the mechanism is damaged and cannot be repaired. Replacing the entire head or purchasing a new coffee maker is recommended in such cases.
2. Temperature lever returning to the central position
This lever will only stay at the ends if everything in the coffee maker functions correctly. Whether the lever stays on one side or the other depends on the commands the control board sends. If the board detects a fault, it will return the lever to the central position.
- First, make sure that the water tank is correctly placed. Even a slight misalignment can affect the operation of the flowmeter and send a fault signal to the control board.
- The second cause may be related to the coffee pod holder. If it is not correctly positioned, the magnet inside it will not contact the sensor, preventing the correct signal from being sent to the control board for safety reasons.
- Other failures that can cause the lever to return to the central position include problems with the thermostat or the control board. When this happens, it is advisable to consider purchasing a new coffee maker rather than attempting to repair it.
Finally, it is recommended to consult the user manual and ensure the machine is used correctly.
Conclusion
I have a personal preference for Dolce Gusto coffee makers, and based on my experience in repairing these types of machines, I have found that when internal failures start to occur, the coffee maker is nearing the end of its life.
When a coffee maker begins to experience problems with components like the temperature selector lever, additional faults are likely to arise shortly.
If investing in a new capsule coffee machine is not feasible, I suggest alternative options such as the Moka pot, French press, or manual drip coffee makers, which are more affordable. These alternatives can still provide a satisfying coffee experience.
