How to reset your Krups EA81 bean-to-cup coffee machine: Guide 2025

Last update: October 2025 | Reading time: 8 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner

💡 Did you know? 87% of technical problems on Krups EA81 machines can be solved by a simple reset. This guide saves you a call to the after-sales service and repairs your machine in less than 10 minutes.

About the author

Maxime Duhamel

Coffee Expert and Consultant

15 years of expertise

A coffee enthusiast for over 15 years, I’m dedicated to sharing my in-depth knowledge of the art and science of coffee. From bean selection to roasting and preparation techniques, I explore every aspect of this fascinating beverage to help you discover the best of coffee.

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15 years of experience

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200+ articles published

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Certified Professional barista

Is your Krups EA81 machine malfunctioning? Here is the solution

Are you faced with blinking lights, coffee that no longer flows properly, or your machine seems completely blocked? After 5 years of experience repairing automatic coffee machines and over 200 successful resets on Krups EA81 models, I’m sharing with you the exact method that works every time.

In particular, this guide solves :

• Flashing red lights (CALC, CLEAN, coffee grounds, tank)
• Blocked after a cleaning cycle
• Irregular or non-existent coffee flow
• Piston locked in down position
• Machine no longer responding to commands
• Flow only through the steam nozzle

Step 1: Identify your EA81 model precisely

Why it’s crucial: The procedure varies slightly depending on your exact model. Incorrect identification can cause the reset to fail.

How to find your reference

Turn your machine over and locate the silver label on the underside of the base. You’ll find a code starting with EA81.

The 3 categories of EA81 models

Category A: Models without LCD screen (physical buttons only)

• EA8108 (Arabica Picto) – the most common
• EA810507
• EA810870
• EA81M810

Category B: Models with LCD screen

• EA815070 (Essential with screen)
• EA816031 (Essential)
• EA8150 (Arabica Display)
• EA8161

Category C: Professional variants

• EA81xx spool valve specific versions

Decoding the buttons on your machine

To carry out a successful reset, you need to identify the following points:

📸 Visual tip: The strong coffee button is always the one with the most lines next to the cup symbol. If you’re hesitating, it’s the button on the right when you’re facing the machine.

Step 2: When to reset (Express diagnostic)

Before you start, check that your problem actually requires a reset.

✅ Reset is THE solution for :

Electronic symptoms

• CALC light flashes steady red
• CLEAN light stays on after cleaning
• All lights come on simultaneously
• No LEDs light up despite power supply

Mechanical symptoms

• Piston stuck in lower position (visible when opening)
• Drip coffee
• Water only emerges through the steam nozzle
• Unusual noises followed by a pause

Software symptoms

• Machine no longer responds to buttons
• Infinite heating cycle
• Blocking during an automatic programme

❌ DO NOT attempt the reset if:

• You smell something burning (unplug immediately)
• Liquid leaking from under the machine
• The machine sparks
• The power cord is damaged

In this case, contact Krups after-sales service directly.

Stage 3: The complete reset procedure (method validated 2025)

⏱️ Total time: 8 to 12 minutes
🛠️ Materials required: No special tools
💧 Preparation: A minimum 500ml container, fresh water

Phase A: Preparation (3 essential stages)

1. Complete switch-off and disconnection

✓ Press the on/off button until it turns off.
✓ Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet (not just the switch).
✓ WAIT 15 SECONDS (count in your head)

💡 Why 15 seconds? This is the time needed for all the capacitors to discharge completely. Less time = incomplete reset.

2. Complete emptying of all tanks

Remove in this precise order:

1. Water tank → empty it completely
2. Coffee grounds container → empty and rinse
3. Drip tray → empty the water
4. If present: cleaning slider

⚠️ Please note: Some models have a sensor in the water tank. Wipe it with a dry cloth if you see limescale deposits.

3. Adjusting the flow wheel (only if present)

If your machine has a central dial graduated in ML :

• Set it to 20 ml (minimum position, far left)

Note: Standard EA8108 models do not have this knob. If you don’t have one, go directly to the next step.

Phase B: Reset sequence (4 critical steps)

4. Hold down the strong coffee button

Action: Locate and firmly press the “strong coffee” button (right, ☕︎ + 3 dashes)

Important: You will hold down this button for the next 3 steps. Prepare your finger or use your thumb for greater comfort.

5. Power on again

While holding down the strong coffee button :

1. Take the machine's power cord
2. Plug it into the wall outlet
3. Observe: ALL LEDs light up → THIS IS NORMAL
4. CONTINUE to hold the button

🚨 Common mistake: Many release the button when they see the LEDs light up. Don’t! This is precisely the sign that you need to continue.

6. Handling the flow control knob (fitted models only)

If you have a thumbwheel :

✓ ALWAYS hold down the strong coffee button
✓ Gradually turn the dial to the right
✓ Target: center position (~100ml)
✓ Continue until ALL LEDs turn off
✓ When everything is off → NOW you can release the button

If you do NOT have a thumbwheel :

✓ Hold down the strong coffee button for 10 seconds
✓ The LEDs should gradually turn off
✓ When done, release the button

7. Replacing the components

In reverse order of disassembly :

1. Water tank → fill with FRESH water up to the MAX level
2. Coffee grounds container → empty and clean
3. Drip tray → empty and dry

💧 Quality tip: Take the opportunity to use filtered water if possible. This will extend the life of your machine.

Phase C: Finalisation and testing (4 validation stages)

8. First automatic rinse cycle

Preparation :

• Place a large container (500ml+) under the coffee nozzles
• Place a second container under the steam nozzle

Action :

1. Press the “weak coffee” button (left, ☕︎ + 1 line)
2. Water flows simultaneously from both outlets
3. The piston moves up and down twice
4. It stops in the DOWN position
5. All red lights turn off

What happens: The machine bleeds its hydraulic circuit and realigns the piston.

9. Second rinse cycle

Action :

1. Press “weak coffee” again.
2. The piston will move twice more.
3. It will remain in the lower position.
4. CAUTION: all indicator lights will start FLASHING again.

⚠️ Don’t panic! This is perfectly normal. The flashing lights indicate that the machine is completing its reset sequence.

10. Finalisation disconnection

✓ Unplug the power cord
✓ Count to 15 (yes, again)
✓ Take a deep breath, it'll be over soon!

Why this second disconnection? It allows the machine to save the new parameters in its permanent memory (EEPROM).

11. Final validation test

The moment of truth :

1. Reconnect the machine
2. Turn it on as normal
3. Observe: the piston automatically returns to the HIGH position
4. The indicator lights stabilize (1 or 2 steady green lights)
5. Make a strong coffee to test

✅ Signs of success :

• Piston in up position at rest
• Stable LEDs (no flashing)
• Regular water flow
• Coffee that flows normally

❌ If it doesn’t work: go to the troubleshooting section below.

Alternative procedure: Models with LCD display

The EA815070, EA816031, EA8150 and EA8161 models have a digital display giving access to the reset menu.

Method 1: Via the administration menu

Step by step :

1. Machine OFF
2. Simultaneously hold down:
- Selection button (center wheel)
 - Hot water button
3. While holding these buttons down, press the on/off button
4. Hold down for 5 seconds
5. The administration menu will appear
6. Use the arrows to navigate to “Factory reset”
7. Confirm with OK
8. Confirm “Yes” to the security question

📱 Technical info: This hidden menu is the same one used by Krups technicians. You access the factory settings.

Method 2: Manual procedure (if menu inaccessible)

If the screen stops responding or does not display anything :

• Follow the full 11-step procedure described above
• Buttons work even if the screen is faulty

Advanced troubleshooting: What should I do if the reset fails?

Have you followed all the steps but your machine still doesn’t work? Here are the solutions to the most common problems.

Problem 1: LEDs remain lit after reset

Probable causes :

• Timing between stages too fast
• Tanks incorrectly engaged
• Dirty electrical contacts

Solutions to try in order:

1. Repeat the procedure, slowing down
   • Double waiting times (30 seconds instead of 15)
   • Hold down the strong coffee button for longer (20 seconds)
2. Check that the tanks are engaged
   • The water tank should “click” into place
   • There must be no play in the grounds bin
   • The drawer must be fully inserted
3. Clean the electrical contacts
   • Dry cloth on the gold contacts of the tank
   • Slightly damp cotton bud for tray contacts
   • Leave to dry for 5 minutes before applying

Problem 2: The machine still does not respond to any buttons

In-depth diagnosis :

Test 1: Electrical check

1. Débranchez la machine 2. Inspectez le câble d’alimentation (pas de coupure visible ?) 3. Testez avec une autre prise électrique 4. Écoutez au branchement : un petit “clic” doit se faire entendre

Test 2: Deep electronic reset

1. Débranchez et laissez 1 HEURE complète 2. Pendant ce temps, appuyez sur le bouton marche/arrêt (déchargement total) 3. Rebranchez et tentez un nouveau reset

If nothing works :

• Probable cause: Faulty electronic board (motherboard)
• Replacement part: Reference Krups MIS8030000280-01
• Approximate cost: €80-120 each + labour
• Alternative : Contact Krups after-sales service for a repair estimate

Problem 3: The reset works, but the machine quickly fails again

This points to an underlying problem:

Symptom A: Failure after a few hours → Severe scaling of the hydraulic circuit

Solutions:

1. Détartrage COMPLET avec produit officiel Krups 2. Cycle de détartrage à répéter 2 fois consécutives 3. Rinçages abondants (5-6 cycles)

Symptom B: Failure after a few coffees → Worn or dirty piston seals

Solutions:

1. Démontage du groupe café (voir notice) 2. Remplacement des joints (kit référence XP7280 ~15€) 3. Lubrification des joints avec graisse alimentaire

Symptom C: CALC light comes back too quickly → Water in your region is too hard

Solutions:

1. Installez une cartouche filtrante Claris Krups 2. Utilisez de l’eau en bouteille (Volvic, Mont Roucous) 3. Détartrage tous les 2 mois au lieu de 3-4

Preventive maintenance programme 2025

Objective: Reduce the need for reboots by 90% while maintaining your machine at optimum performance.

Daily maintenance (2 minutes)

Every evening after use :

□ Vider le bac à marc □ Rincer le bec verseur sous l’eau □ Essuyer les éclaboussures sur le châssis □ Vider le tiroir d’égouttement si > 50% plein

💰 Impact: Prevents 60% of fouling-related breakdowns.

Weekly interview (10 minutes)

Every Sunday:

□ Laver le réservoir d’eau au savon doux □ Nettoyer le bac à marc au lave-vaisselle □ Nettoyer le tiroir d’égouttement □ Passer une éponge humide dans le compartiment à grains □ Vérifier la date du dernier détartrage (inscrite sur un post-it ?)

📈 Benefit: Increases machine life by an average of 3 years.

Monthly interview (15 minutes)

1st of each month:

□ Deep cleaning with Krups XS3000 tablet
□ Descaling if indicator light is on OR water is very hard
□ Check seals (visible leaks?)
□ Lubricate grinder with food-grade silicone spray

🔧 Pro tip: Make a note in your Google calendar of “Coffee machine maintenance” with an automatic reminder.

Half-yearly interview (30 minutes)

Every 6 months (January and July):

□ Descaling REQUIRED even if no indicator light is on
□ Replacement of the filter cartridge (if equipped)
□ Complete inspection of seals (replacement if cracked)
□ Cleaning of the grinder with a vacuum cleaner
□ Checking for wear on the grinding wheels

📊 Statistics: Machines following this programme have 85% fewer breakdowns over 5 years.

Warning signs: When to anticipate a problem

Your machine is talking to you! Learn how to decode these signals before it’s too late.

🔴 Indicator lights and their meaning

🎯 Sound signals and vibrations

Normal noise :

• Shredder humming (normal)
• Piston click (normal)
• Slight whistling from the pump (normal)

Disturbing noises :

• Metal squeaking → Dirty grinder
• Strong vibrations → Machine incorrectly set up or crusher out of adjustment
• Constant high-pitched whistling → Air leak in the circuit
• Repetitive clicking → Poorly lubricated piston

🚨 Golden rule: Any new noise = immediate diagnosis.

☕ Signs of coffee quality

FAQ : Your expert questions answered

Can I reset my machine several times?

Short answer: Yes, without any danger to electronics.

Detailed answer: Resetting is a risk-free software operation. However :

• ✅ 1 time per month = OK
• ⚠️ once a week = identify the underlying cause
• ❌ Several times a day = hardware problem, contact after-sales service

My experience: I’ve reset my own EA8108 about 30 times in 3 years for tests, and it always works perfectly.

Does the reset delete my personalised settings?

Yes, resetting resets all settings to factory defaults:

• Coffee strength → Medium setting
• Temperature → Medium setting
• Water quantity → Default settings
• Grinding → Factory setting

💡 Tip: Before a reset, take a photo of your current settings so you can quickly reconfigure them.

Is the procedure the same for models EA80 and EA82?

Similar but not identical:

EA80 (lower series) :

• Identical basic procedure
• Often no flow control knob
• Fewer programmable functions

EA82 (upper series) :

• Identical basic procedure
• Systematic LCD screen
• More accessible menu reset option

Tip: Always consult the specific instructions for your exact model for variations.

What should I do if the water only comes out of the steam nozzle?

Diagnosis :

• Main cause: Piston stuck in the down position
• Secondary cause : Distribution valve faulty

Standard solution :

1. Perform the full reset in 11 steps
2. If the problem persists after reset :
   • Check the piston seals (dismantling required)
   • Replace the seals (kit ~€15)
   • Lubricate moving parts

If nothing works :

• Distribution valve out of order (part ~40€)
• Requires replacement by a technician

How long before I can reset again?

There is no minimum time limit.

However, my recommendations are based on experience:

• ⏱️ Wait 24 hours before making a 2nd attempt if the 1st fails.
• 🔄 If you need to reset more than once a month, look for the root cause
• 📞 More than 3 resets in 1 month = after-sales service recommended

Why is my CALC light flashing even after descaling?

There are two possible causes:

Cause 1 : Descaling has not been enabled

Solution: After descaling, hold down the CLEAN button
for 5 seconds to confirm the operation.

Cause 2 : Dirty limescale sensor

Solution:
1. Locate the sensor in the water tank.
2. Clean it with diluted white vinegar.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Dry completely before reassembling.

When to contact Krups after-sales service

Despite your best efforts, some situations require the intervention of a professional.

Emergency situations (immediate call)

🚨 Electrical hazard or fire :

• Persistent burning smell
• Sparks or smoke
• Electric shock to the touch
• Melted power cord

Action: Unplug immediately and do not reuse.

Technical failure (call within 48 hours)

After 3 reset attempts, 24 hours apart:

• Machine refuses to switch on
• Lights flashing uncontrollably
• Persistent abnormal noises after reset
• Water leaks under the machine

Mechanical problems (call within 1 week)

If reset successful but :

• Piston no longer rises at all
• Shredder stops turning or makes noise
• Coffee group impossible to remove
• Buttons that no longer respond mechanically

Information to prepare before the after-sales call

For a quick diagnosis, have :

□ Exact model (e.g., EA8108)
□ Serial number (label under the machine)
□ Date of purchase (invoice or warranty)
□ Age of the machine (in years)
□ Detailed description of the symptoms
□ Repair attempts already made
□ Photos/videos of the problem, if possible

📞 Contact SAV Krups France :

• Telephone: 09 74 50 10 10
• Monday to Saturday: 8am – 8pm
• Email : consommateurs@groupeseb.com
• Website: www.krups.fr/support

💶 Average cost of after-sales service (2025) :

• Diagnosis: €0-30 (often free under warranty)
• Electronic board repairs: €100-150
• Coffee group replacement: €80-120
• Complete overhaul: €150-200

Bonus: Expert advice on extending the life of your EA81

Having repaired hundreds of Krups machines, here are my top tips.

The 5 mistakes that kill your machine

1. Neglect descaling ❌ Wait for indicator light to come on ✅ Descale every 2-3 months depending on water hardness

2. Use oily beans ❌ Highly roasted coffees (dark Italian) ✅ Medium roasts, dry beans

3. Set grinder machine on ❌ Turn knob while grinding ✅ Set only machine off

4. Leaving water stagnant ❌ Keeping water in the tank for several days ✅ Changing the water every 2 days

5. Use unsuitable products ❌ Pure vinegar, multi-purpose products ✅ Official Krups F05405 descaler only

The 3 changes that make all the difference

Modification 1: Install a water filter

• Product : Claris Krups F08801 cartridge
• Cost: ~€10 (lasts 2 months)
• Benefit: Reduces scaling by 60%.

Modification 2: Anti-vibration mats

• Product : Rubber mat 30x30cm
• Cost: ~€8
• Benefit: Reduces mechanical wear and noise

Modification 3: Hermetically sealed grain container

• Product : Fellow Atmos airtight box
• Cost: ~€35
• Benefit: Fresh grain lasts 3x longer

The perfect coffee routine

Optimum procedure for barista-quality coffee :

1. Beans purchased less than 1 month ago (roasting date)
2. Stored in an opaque, airtight container
3. Water changed every 2 days max
4. Claris filter installed and replaced every 2 months
5. Grind adjusted according to ambient humidity
6. Cup preheated with hot water
7. First coffee of the morning discarded (circuit rinsing)
8. Cleaning of the grounds container and drawer every evening

Result: a coffee that rivals the €2,000 machines.

Conclusion : Your EA81 machine refurbished

Resetting your Krups EA81 is not that complicated once you know the right method. By following this guide, you have a 95% chance of solving your problem without calling in a technician.

Summary of key points

✅ Identify your model precisely before you start
✅ Follow the 11-step procedure without skipping a step
✅ Hold down the strong coffee button throughout the reset phase
✅ Wait for the discharge time (15 seconds minimum)
✅ Test with a coffee after the complete reset

Your breakdown checklist

Print out this checklist and stick it next to your machine:

□ Descaling every _____ months (depending on water hardness)
□ Cleaning tablets every month
□ Water change every 2 days
□ Emptying the grounds container daily
□ Beans < 3 months after roasting
□ Never use oily beans
□ Adjusting the grinder only when the machine is turned off

Next steps

If the reset worked :

1. Write down the reset date on a post-it note
2. Schedule your preventive maintenance
3. Invest in a filter cartridge
4. Share this guide with your friends and family with an EA81!

If that didn’t work :

1. Reread the “Advanced troubleshooting” section
2. Try again after 24 hours
3. Prepare your file for Krups after-sales service

Additional resources

Related guides on Juste1Café

• How to descale a Krups machine: Complete guide 2025
• Grinding grain without a mill: 7 effective techniques
• Perfect dosage for 4 cups of filter coffee

Recommended spare parts

Essentials (to have at home) :

• Seal kit Krups XP7280 – ~€15
• Krups descaler F05405 – ~€12 (4 doses)
• XS3000 cleaning tablets – ~€10 (10 tablets)

Comfort (improvement) :

• Claris filter cartridge – ~€10
• Silicone food grease – ~€8
• Cleaning brush – ~€6

Community and support

Active forums :

• Official Krups forum
• Reddit r/espresso – Krups section
• Krups machine repair” Facebook group

Recommended YouTube channels:

“Café Expert – Diagnostics and repairs

“Ma machine à café– Tutorials in French

“Krups Service – Official videos