How to Store an Espresso Machine for Several Months

Why proper storage matters

An espresso machine is an assembly of metal, plastic, heating elements, seals and a pump. Water left inside for months can encourage scale buildup at worst, or at best stale, bad-tasting water that you will need to flush out. Keeping a machine dry and clean before storage protects seals from drying out and internal surfaces from mineral deposits. The same principle applies to coffee equipment generally: a clean, dry machine restarts more predictably than one packed away with moisture in the system.

Storing also affects the countertop and your routine. If you are moving or putting the machine away to make space, the steps here take about ten minutes. For machines with a boiler, that includes draining water from the boiler through the steam wand, which is the most important step for long-term storage.

Drain the water system

Start by emptying the water tank and letting the machine cool down completely. Then open the steam wand and the hot water spout if your machine has one, and run the pump with the tank empty so the pump pushes out the remaining water. On machines with a removable water tank, lift the tank out, empty it, and leave it to air dry. If your machine has a fixed tank or a plumbed-in line, shut off the water supply and disconnect the inlet line before pumping out the residual water.

For single boiler and heat exchanger machines, drain the boiler through the steam wand after it has cooled. For dual boiler machines, repeat through both steam wands. If your machine has a three-way valve, the solenoid will release excess pressure after brewing; run a blank shot with no portafilter or with the basket empty to flush the group head and allow the valve to release water. Do this before the machine fully cools, but be cautious of hot surfaces. After the pump runs dry, the boiler and lines may still hold water; use a turkey baster or syringe to siphon when possible, and always follow the manufacturer's manual.

A water filter cartridge left inside the tank can develop odors; remove it, let it dry, and store it separately in a sealed plastic bag. If the tank has a level sensor, wipe the sensor dry so mineral deposits do not dry onto it.

• Empty and wash the water tank, then dry every surface with a lint-free cloth.
• Pump out residual water with the tank empty and the steam wand open.
• Drain the boiler through the steam wand once the machine is cool.
• Run a blank shot to release pressure and drain the group head.
• Remove and dry any water filter cartridge.

Dry all removable parts

Clean and dry the drip tray, the drip tray grate, the portafilter, the filter baskets, and the water tank. These surfaces touch water every day, and they are the most likely places for mold to develop during storage. Wash them in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, then leave them to air dry for a full day before storing them.

For the steam wand, purge it a few times to remove any milk residue, then wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Some machines let you remove the steam wand tip; if so, take it off, clean it, and dry it so that milk residue does not cake on inside. For machines with an automatic milk system, run an automatic milk system cleaning cycle before draining, and remove the milk carafe and any hose, dry them, and store them separately.

Ensure the group head is dry. After draining, leave the portafilter out of the group and let the gasket dry. If your machine has a shower screen, remove it if you can (following the manual) to check for old coffee residue. Do not spray water into the group while it is cold without the portafilter in place; instead, wipe the interior with a damp cloth to avoid pushing water deeper into the group.

Protect the power cord

Unplug the machine and coil the power cord loosely, avoiding sharp bends. Most espresso machines have a short cord, so there is little slack to work with; do not force the cord into a tight coil. Tuck the cord behind the machine or secure it with a velcro tie, but do not let the plug rest on a metal surface or on a wet part.

The cord is a common failure point if it is pinched or strained. When you store the machine in a box, place the cord on top of the machine or beside the tank, not under the machine where the weight could crush the insulation. The same applies to any detachable cord on a grinder, if you are storing a built-in grinder or a separate one.

Do not store the machine with the plug wired to a power strip; unplug everything. If you use a voltage converter, unplug it as well and store the converter separately with its own protective packaging.

Choose a cool, dry place

Pick a storage location away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and high humidity. A cupboard or a shelf in a climate-controlled room works better than a garage or basement, because temperature swings and moisture can affect the electrical and rubber parts. The espresso machine manual will typically specify the same: avoid places where water or condensation might form on the electronics.

If you store the machine in its original box, keep any foam inserts in place. If you do not have the original box, wrap the machine in a soft cloth or a plastic bag (after it is fully dry) and place it in a sturdy box with packing material to prevent denting. Do not seal a damp machine in a plastic bag; moisture trapped inside can fog lenses, corrode contacts, and feed mold.

For locations above freezing only: do not store a machine in a garage or car where temperatures drop below freezing, because any remaining water in the pump or boiler can freeze and expand, cracking the boiler or pump head. If you must store in a cold space, you must remove all water, including from the pump, and even then manufacturers generally do not recommend it. See winterizing and freezing for more.

Finally, keep the machine off the floor and away from areas where it could be knocked. Use the original box if you have it, or a dedicated appliance cover, and place a note on the box with the date so you remember when you stored it.

• Cool and dry: avoid sun, heat, humidity, and freezing.
• Ventilated: do not box a machine that is still damp.
• Stable: a shelf or a closet, not a floor where it can be kicked.
• Level: store the machine on its feet, not on its side, to avoid stressing seals.

Machine types and the extra steps each needs

Every espresso machine follows the same drain-dry-store routine, but the details depend on the internal layout. A pump-based semi-automatic with a boiler needs the boiler drained; a thermoblock has no boiler to drain, so pumping out the water with the tank empty and then running the pump with a dry tank for a few seconds is enough. A super-automatic with an integrated grinder also has a brew group that can hold water; run the cleaning cycle with no beans and with the tank empty, then remove and dry the brew group if it is removable.

An automatic milk system needs its own attention: empty the milk reservoir, run the milk cleaning cycle, and dry the carafe and hose. The heating system type and the pump type do not change the basic steps, but a rotary pump on a plumbed-in machine must be flushed and then disconnected from the inlet.

For a portable espresso machine, the same rules apply but on a smaller scale: empty the water chamber completely, dry the outside, and store the machine without the battery if it has a removable one. See portable espresso machines for battery care.

Finally, if you have a boiler machine, descale before storing if you live in a hard water area. Descaling removes scale that could sit for months and become harder to shift. The descaling process is best done a few days before storage so the machine fully dries.

Before restarting after storage

When you take the machine out of storage, run a full flush cycle before making a drink. Fill the water tank, run a blank shot with no portafilter, and open the steam wand to purge any air. If the machine has been idle for months, the first cup may taste flat because stale water can sit in the lines; discard the first few shots worth of water, then brew a fresh shot. This is the same principle as the first setup rinse cycle, which removes any storage odor.

Check the water hardness before refilling, especially if you stored the machine in a dry area: scale may have formed on the heating element if any water was left behind. If the pump does not push water, you may have an air lock; run the pump with the steam wand open until water flows out of the wand. Then close the wand and test a shot.

Finally, re-read the manual for any storage-specific instructions. Some machines require a specific reset or have a transport lock. If you stored the machine with the portafilter out, put it back in place and check that the gasket is clean.

This guide pairs with the cleaning and descaling article for the routine you will follow after the machine returns to service. For buying guidance after a move or for a second home, see the best espresso machines buying guides.

• Fill the tank and run a blank shot with no portafilter.
• Purge the steam wand until water flows out.
• Discard the first few shots worth of water.
• Check for scale: if the water runs slow, descale before regular use.
• If the pump does not draw, open the steam wand and run the pump to clear the air lock.

What to focus on for your machine type

Questions

Can I store my espresso machine with water in the tank?

No. Water left in the tank or boiler can grow bacteria, encourage scale, and cause stale tastes when you return. Always drain the tank and run the pump dry before storage.

Do I need to descale before storing?

Yes, if you live in a hard water area or if the machine has not been descaled in a while. Descaling removes scale that could harden during storage, making it harder to remove later. Follow the descaling process a few days before storage.

Should I leave the portafilter in the group head during storage?

No. Leave the portafilter out so the group gasket can dry. If you leave it locked in, the gasket presses against the portafilter for months and can deform. Store the portafilter separately.

Can I store my machine in a garage or basement?

It depends on the environment. A dry, climate-controlled garage is acceptable, but a damp or unheated space is not. Freezing temperatures can crack the boiler or pump if any water remains, and high humidity can corrode internal parts. A cool, dry cupboard in the home is safest.

How do I drain a super-automatic espresso machine?

For super-automatics, remove the water tank, run the cleaning cycle with the tank empty and no beans, then open the steam wand to drain the heating system, and remove and dry the brew group if it is detachable. See brew group care for details.

What should I do if the pump does not draw water after storage?

Open the steam wand and run the pump for several seconds. Air may have entered the pump during storage; the flowing water will purge the air. If it still does not draw, check the tank position and ensure the inlet tube is submerged, then run the pump again. See air lock for troubleshooting.

How long can I store an espresso machine without issues?

With proper drying, several months is fine. The main risk is moisture or insects. A dry machine in its box on a shelf can sit for a year or more. Re-flush with fresh water before your first shot after storage.

Should I keep the box for storing my machine?

Yes. The original box and foam are the safest packaging, designed for the exact shape of your machine. If you do not have the box, use a sturdy cardboard box with bubble wrap, and place the machine upright on its feet. See keep the box for more.