Products and appliances

Coffee machines

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

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It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Coffee machines usage and safety

A coffee machine is an increasingly popular item in home kitchens but, despite being a small appliance, it is important to use and maintain it properly to prevent accidents. 

Home ownership of coffee machines in the UK has been rising for several years. There are many different types of coffee machines to choose from such as capsule or pod, filter, built-in, bean-to-cup, or a specific coffee type such as cappuccino or espresso.  

Relied on daily, they use electricity to heat water to a high temperature, and some drip coffee makers also have an electric coffee bean grinder. This is either a blade which chops the beans like a food processor or a “burr” (two pieces of hard material that grind the beans as they pass in between). Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions as both types will need to be rinsed after every use.  

Asterisk

Key points

  • Drinks machines must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 

  • Only clean your drinks maker when it is unplugged. 

  • Do regular checks of the plug socket and cable for burn and scorch marks. 

  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying a coffee machine

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug. 
  • You will find lots of online reviews of coffee machines but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers. 
  • Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a coffee machine safely

  • Place on a stable, level and heat-resistant surface, and keep the machine away from the sink or any liquids that could spill on it. Turn it off at the socket when not in use. 
  • If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, unplug immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 
  • Wipe the coffee machine down regularly to keep it clean but only when it is turned off at the socket or unplugged. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and never use any sort of cleaner inside it or immerse it in water. 
  • If your coffee machine has a cable, make sure it’s kept out of the way to prevent children or pets from tugging on it. 
  • Don’t fill the coffee machine above the max mark and always be careful when pouring water in or out of the coffee machine to keep the power cable and socket dry. 
  • If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, unplug the coffee machine immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 
  • Any removable components such as filter baskets and carafes should be washed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  • If your coffee machine is cracked or damaged in any way, stop using it and either contact the retailer and/or manufacturer or buy a new one. 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first [link to gov site?] before buying.  
  • Buy from a reputable retailer. 
  • Buy a known and trusted brand. 
  • Register your appliance with the manufacturer.  
  • Keep your machine away from the sink or any liquids. 
  • Keep the coffee machine cable out of the way to avoid accidents. 

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online. 
  • Filling the coffee machine beyond the max level. 
  • Using any cleaning products inside the coffee machine. 
  • Using if you notice any damage or sparks. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Regularly check the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.  

If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping when using the coffee machine, contact a registered electrician to investigate what is causing it. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the appliance. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the appliance is plugged in. 

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Woman using a washing machine

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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