Krups Aroma Control Coffee Maker: Cleaning Guide

The Krups Aroma Control is a design feature of Krups coffee machines that keeps the best of the coffee locked within the process until it is time to dispense. This feature is present in the Krups 229-4G Aroma Control 10-Cup Coffeemaker, which has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on eBay. The Krups Aroma Control Coffee Maker is highly reviewed for its ease of use, stylish design, and ability to keep coffee hot for hours. To clean a Krups coffee maker, it is recommended to use a descaling kit or white vinegar.

Descaling your coffee maker

Descaling involves removing the buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that accumulate in your coffee maker over time due to hard water. Descaling your coffee maker can be done in a few simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Use a descaling solution or white vinegar diluted in water. For the Krups Aroma Control coffee maker, the manufacturer recommends using either a descaling solution diluted in half a litre of water or 25cl of white vinegar in half a litre of water.

Step 2: Fill the Water Tank and Start the Cycle

Pour the cleaning solution into the water tank, ensuring that there is no coffee in the machine. Start a brew cycle without any coffee. If there is a significant buildup, you may need to stop the cycle manually after a few minutes, let the machine sit for an hour, and then restart to finish the cycle.

Step 3: Rinse the Machine

Rinse the machine by running two or more cycles with just water and no coffee. Repeat the descaling process if necessary.

It is recommended to descale your coffee maker regularly, with the frequency depending on the hardness of your water and how often you use your machine. Descaling every few months or at least once a year is generally advised to maintain optimal performance and coffee taste.

Rinsing the coffee circuit

Step 1: Prepare the cleaning

• Remove the drip tray, coffee grounds container, and water tank from the machine.
• Empty the drip tray and the coffee grounds container, then place them back into the machine.
• Fill the water tank with tap water.
• Place a container of at least 600ml below the coffee outlet and steam wand.
• Remove the rack from the top of the machine and place a Krups cleaning tablet in the opening.
• Access the 'maintenance' menu and select the option for cleaning the coffee circuit. This should be indicated by an icon with the letter 'k' and a water droplet.

Step 2: Rinse the coffee circuit

• The rinse cycle will take about 10 minutes to complete. The machine will automatically stop when it is finished.
• Remove the container and drip tray, empty them, and place them back.
• Press the 'start' button to initiate a second rinse cycle, which will take about 3 minutes.
• Once the second cycle is complete, the coffee machine will return to the recipe menu.
• Remove the container and drip tray, empty them, and place the drip tray back.

By following these steps, you will successfully clean the coffee circuit of your Krups coffee machine, ensuring optimal performance and great-tasting coffee.

Cleaning the anti-drip valve

To clean the anti-drip valve of your Krups Aroma Control coffee maker, you will need to clean the valve under running water and activate it manually. This process is important to ensure that your coffee maker remains in good working condition and that your coffee does not drip from the filter holder after removing the carafe.

• Locate the anti-drip valve on the filter holder of your Krups Aroma Control coffee maker.
• Remove the filter holder from the machine if possible.
• Hold the filter holder under running water, ensuring that the water pressure is not too high.
• Manually activate the anti-drip valve by pressing or moving it gently with your finger. This will help to dislodge any coffee grounds or residue that may be causing the dripping issue.
• Continue running water over the valve for a few seconds to rinse away any dislodged residue.
• Reattach the filter holder to the coffee maker, if you removed it.
• Test the anti-drip valve by brewing a cup of coffee and observing if the valve is functioning properly without any dripping.

It is important to clean the anti-drip valve regularly, especially if you notice any dripping after removing the carafe. This will help to maintain the optimal performance of your Krups Aroma Control coffee maker and ensure that your coffee-making experience is mess-free.

Caring for your insulated carafe

The Krups Aroma Control coffee maker comes with an insulated carafe, which has several benefits over regular glass or stainless-steel carafes. Insulated carafes are designed with a double-walled construction, which helps to maintain the temperature of your coffee. This means your coffee will stay hot for longer without the need for a warming plate, which can make coffee taste bitter.

To care for your insulated carafe, it's important to never put it in the microwave, dishwasher, or on a hot plate. After using the carafe, rinse it with hot water immediately. Do not use a dishwashing brush or any other cleaning tools as these may create hairline cracks that can cause the glass to break. If your carafe is made of brushed steel, you can use a soft brush or similar object to clean it, even on the inside.

To clean your insulated carafe, start by emptying any remaining liquid and filling the carafe about halfway with hot water. Add a small amount of mild dish soap or a cleaning solution designed for insulated containers. Gently swirl the mixture inside the carafe, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Use a soft-bristled bottle brush or sponge to clean the inside of the carafe and any hard-to-reach areas. Rinse the carafe thoroughly with hot water until all soap residue is removed. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth or sponge, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth. Allow the carafe to air dry with the lid off before storing it.

It's important to note that some insulated carafes are not dishwasher-safe, so always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as they can damage the surface and insulation of your carafe.

Cleaning the brew group

To clean the brew group of your Krups coffee machine, you should clean it once a month. This process will take about 20 minutes. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Prepare the cleaning

Take out the drip tray, coffee grounds container, and water tank from the coffee machine. Empty the drip tray and the coffee grounds container, and place them back in the machine. Next, fill the water tank with tap water. Place a container of at least 600ml below the coffee outlet and steam wand. Take the rack from the top of the machine and place a Krups cleaning tablet in the opening.

Step 2: Rinse the coffee circuit

Go to 'Maintenance' via the menu and choose to clean the coffee circuit. This is the icon with the letter 'k' and a water droplet below it. The rinse will take about 10 minutes, and the machine will stop rinsing automatically. Remove the container and the drip tray, empty them and place them back. Press 'start' to begin the second rinse. This will take about 3 minutes.

Once the second rinse is complete, the coffee machine will return to the menu with recipes. Remove the container and drip tray, empty them both, and place the drip tray back.

You have now successfully cleaned the brew group of your Krups coffee machine.

Frequently asked questions