Industry standard is to leave an espresso machine on 24/7 while in daily use. The reasoning is that it is better to have a machine at one constant temperature to avoid contracting and expanding as you would see each time the machine was turned off and on each evening and morning. This constant change in temperature causes all the different pieces in the machine with gaskets to negotiate positions between each other which can lead to premature leaks and the need to change gaskets.

Now that we have an understanding of why we leave the machine on, lets talk about the main reason to turn off an espresso machine. The main reason is energy consumption. There is no need to constantly heat a machine if it will not be used for a few months. Further more, if the machine will not be used for more that 3 months then the concern becomes with water freezing which is why removing the water from the boilers and hydraulic lines is important to protect those expensive boilers from cracking. Lets discuss two different scenarios to decommission an espresso machine and how to do it.

Less Than 3 Months

If you anticipate the machine will be used within 3 months it will be fine not to drain the boilers provided temperatures do not dip below freezing.

1. Make sure the machine has been cleaned thoroughly, i.e., soaking portafilters, baskets, backflushing etc.
2. Start with turning your machine off. Each manufacturer has a user manual to reference where your on/off switch is located. Remove the main power cord to the machine.
3. Leave the water mains open until the machine has reached room temperature. This can vary depending on the size of the machine. Leave the machine to cool over night.
4. Once the machine has reached room temperature close the main water supply.
5. Cover the machine with plastic to keep the dust off.

3 Months and More

1. Locate the on/off switch and turn off the machine. Unplug the main power cord to the machine. Reference the user manual for your on/off location.
2. Leave the water supply on and allow the machine to cool down over night to reach room temperature.
3. Once at room temperature close the main water supply.
4. Most but not all machines have a drain on the steam and brew boiler. Locate the drain and install a hose to drain into a large enough bucket. Think along the lines of the boiler being 1/2 – 3/4 full.
5. Brew boilers on a La Marzocco drain best when opening a line somewhere in the hydraulic path of the brew boiler to allow air in.
6. Once boilers are drained it is important to remove the remaining water from all hydraulic lines and heat exchangers with compressed air to prevent the possibility of freezing.
7. Keep the machine stored in a warm dry area. Cover with a plastic sheet to keep clean.