Winter can be a real challenge for coffee business owners, especially if your coffee machine is installed in a kiosk, stand, or room without constant heating. Freezing of coffee equipment is a serious problem that leads to expensive repairs or complete replacement of the machine. In this article, I will share proven methods of protecting your coffee machine from frost.
Why coffee equipment is afraid of low temperatures
A coffee machine is a complex technical device that constantly circulates water inside. When the temperature drops below 0°C, the water in the system freezes and expands by about 9%.
The most vulnerable elements are the boiler (heating tank), the pump (water supply pump), the hydraulic system with tubes, solenoid valves, and pressure sensors. Imagine what happens to metal and plastic parts when frozen water presses on them from the inside.
The critical temperature for a coffee machine is 0°C. A real threat arises as early as +2°C to 0°C, especially if the equipment is turned off. At -5°C and below, even a working machine can be damaged.
The main effects of freezing the coffee maker
Cracks in the boiler are the most expensive damage. A cracked boiler cannot be repaired; it needs to be completely replaced. The cost of a new boiler for a professional machine is from 15,000 to 50,000 hryvnias.
The pump is also vulnerable to freezing. Ice blocks the movement of working elements, damages the impeller and bearings. Replacing the pump costs from 3,000 to 15,000 hryvnias. The plastic tubes of the hydraulic system burst, the solenoid valves refuse to work, and the sensors give incorrect readings.
The total cost of repairs after freezing ranges from 10,000 to 70,000 hryvnias. Sometimes it is more economical to buy a new coffee machine.
Preventive measures to protect your coffee machine
Room temperature control
The temperature in the room with the coffee machine should never drop below +5°C. The optimum temperature is between +15°C and +25°C.
Install a thermometer with a minimum temperature recording function. Modern Wi-Fi thermometers send notifications to your phone if the temperature drops below a set level. For coffee shops, it is important that the heating works around the clock, even at night the temperature should not drop below +8-10°C.
Organization of heating of a point of sale
An electric heater with a thermostat is the best solution for kiosks and kiosks. Oil radiators are safe and maintain a stable temperature. A 1-1.5 kW heater is sufficient for a standard 2×2 meter kiosk.
Ceramic heaters heat the air quickly and are economical. Convector heaters distribute heat evenly. Do not use infrared heaters directly on the coffee machine – localized overheating will damage the plastic.
Place the heater 1-1.5 meters away from the equipment to create a common heat loop. Be sure to use heaters with automatic overheating shutdown.
Operation of the coffee machine in standby mode
The most effective way to protect it is to leave the machine on around the clock. A working boiler maintains the water temperature at 85-95°C, which prevents it from freezing. Modern professional machines have an economy mode with a lowered temperature of 60-70°C at night. Electricity consumption is 5-15 kW per night.
Make sure the tank is large enough for night operation. If the water runs out, the machine will turn off. Put a full tank overnight or connect to the water supply. Be sure to check the water level before closing.
Additional methods of insulation of coffee equipment
For extremely cold conditions, insulate the internal cavities with foil foam or foamed rubber around the boiler and main tubes. Do not insulate the outer casing as this will cause the electronics to overheat.
In winter, turn off the internal hood to keep the heat inside the appliance. In summer, be sure to turn it back on. Use foam or rubber insulation for the water supply pipes.
Preparing your coffee machine for a long winter break
Complete drainage of water from the system
WARNING! Even after draining, some water still remains in the tubes and on the walls of the boiler. Therefore, the equipment should still be stored in a room with a temperature above 0 degrees.
If you close for a week or more in winter, try to drain as much water as possible from the coffee machine.
For automatic coffee machines: turn off the machine, remove and empty the reservoir. Turn on for 10-15 seconds to allow the pump to pump out the remaining water. Open the hot water tap and steam tap, tilt the machine forward at an angle of 20-30 degrees for 2-3 minutes. Remove the drip tray and brewing unit, wipe off the water.
For drip coffee makers: wait until the boiler has cooled down completely (30-40 minutes). Open the steam tap and turn off the water supply. Open the coffee spout and the steam tap and tilt the machine backwards to drain the water.
Preserving the coffee maker for the winter
WARNING! Below are general recommendations for preserving coffee machines for the winter. If you do not have the appropriate training and experience to carry out these activities, we strongly recommend that you do not carry out these measures yourself.
For long-term storage (a month or more), professionals use propylene glycol-based food antifreeze. First, the water is drained, then the antifreeze solution (30-50% with water) is poured in and pumped through the entire system.
Important: after antifreeze, a thorough flushing is required – 5-7 cycles with clean water. Some manufacturers do not recommend antifreeze because of possible damage to the seals.
Alternatively, blow the system out with compressed air (2-3 bar). After draining or preserving the machine, cover it with a thick cloth and store it in a dry place.
What to do if the machine is already frozen
Under no circumstances should you plug a frozen coffee machine into the mains! The ice blocks the water flow and the pump will break down in seconds.
Heat the room where the machine is located or move the equipment to a warm room (+18-22°C). Do not place near a radiator or heater – a sharp temperature drop will further damage the elements. Defrosting should take place naturally within 8-12 hours.
Contact your service technician to have the machine defrosted. After defrosting, they will carefully inspect the machine for cracks and assess its condition.
Features of different types of coffee machines in cold weather
Vending machines are the most vulnerable, as they are often left outdoors. Many models have a built-in anti-freeze system – check the manual.
Professional espresso machines are usually located in heated facilities, but in case of poor heating or long breaks in operation, prevention is required. Two- and three-group machines with a large boiler are particularly vulnerable.
Household coffee machines in summer cottages require that the water be drained when you leave. Capsule machines are particularly sensitive due to their thin plastic tubes.
Proven life hack for extreme cold
A comprehensive method that works even at -20°C:
- Install a 1-1.5 kW oil heater with a thermostat set to +10°C
- Leave the machine on overnight
- Install a full water tank of 5-10 liters
- Close the internal hood
- Wrap the outer tubes with thermal insulation
- Set up a thermometer with notifications
Electricity costs are 30-50 kW per day (90-150 hryvnias). This is ten times cheaper than repairs.
A quick note for coffee business owners
Every day: check the temperature (do not allow the temperature to drop below +5°C), the heater, and the water level in the tank. Cover the coffee machine with blankets, warm clothes, or insulating materials after hours. Do not place the water tank with water (from which the coffee machine draws water for drinks) on a cold floor and do not leave it on the floor overnight (place heat-insulating materials under it, wrap it up, or place it on a chair). It is also recommended to place the tank next to the coffee machine at night and wrap them together. Do not let the water in the bottle freeze.
Weekly: check seals and connections. In cold weather, visit the outlet daily.
Monthly: maintenance, decalcification, checking the insulation of the kiosk.
Remember: prevention is always cheaper than repair. Spending UAH 2000-3000 on a heater and UAH 100-150 per day on electricity is a smart investment that will save equipment worth UAH 50,000-200,000.
If the room does not have reliable heating or you are not sure of the effectiveness of the protective measures, contact the service center for advice. Do not risk expensive equipment to save on heating costs.
