Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine

Introduzione

How does a bean-to-cup coffee machine work? In this guide, we delve into the workings of a fully automatic coffee machine, focusing on the crucial component known as the Brew Unit.

Disassembly will be shown using the example of a Jura machine, but the general functioning described as of step 9 is basically the same for all automatic coffee machines.

Following this guide, you may gain some insights and become more knowledgeable about the Brew Unit in a fully automatic coffee machine and ensure a delightful coffee experience at home.

Cosa ti serve

Passo 1 Jura Impressa Type C E F opening procedure

Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine, Jura Impressa Type C E F opening procedure: passo 1, immagine 1 di 1

The instructions are suitable for nearly every model of Jura and similar ones e.g. AEG and Krups.
Unplug!
Remove the water reservoir.

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Passo 2

Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine: passo 2, immagine 3 di 3

On the rear side is an obstacle: four "oval head screws" looking like rivets. You can remove them using a special oval drive bit. They are sold at iFixit with the tool kits as well as some Jura suppliers or somewhere in the internet. Jura wants to keep us out of our own machines!
Using an oval head bit you can screw them out. If you haven´t got one you can carefully use pliers. It is a good idea to later change the screws for normal ones.
You can even create your own specialty tool
Beneath both top side covers are two Torx T15 screws. Remove those. Now lift off the whole top cover. Sometimes it jams and you have to use a bit of force.
The side covers must be pushed backwards by about 1 cm. Sometimes this is a little bit difficult to move. If necessary, wedge a plastic opening tool into the gap between the side covers and the front panel. The rear cover can be easily removed.

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Passo 3 Remove Jura Brew unit

Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine, Remove Jura Brew unit: passo 3, immagine 1 di 1

Slide the coffee funnel up and lift it out. It often sits very tight and you have to pull hard until it becomes free.
It is often firmly locked in place, it loosens if you wiggle it back and forth a little. It can also be fastened with a screw.

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Passo 4

Remove the Torx T15 screw from the water inlet.
Lift the water inlet and bend it to the side. The hose can remain connected.

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Passo 5

Pull out the clamp on the pressure hose between the steam valve and the brew unit.
Remove the pressure hose.

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Passo 6

The brew unit is mounted from the motor side with two Torx T20 screws to the left and right of the motor connection, these are located deep on the inside.
Remove the right screw
Remove the left screw

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Passo 7

The brew unit moves up and down in a slide driven by an elongated rack. There are four Torx T10 screws on the slide. The top left screw must remain attached.
The screw on the top left must remain.
Remove the screw on the bottom left
remove the screw on the bottom right and the one in the middle right

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Passo 8

Now the brew unitis free. Tilt it to the bottom but pay attention to the pressure hose. It must be led through an opening. Then push the brew group slightly downward to lift it out of the unit.
For further disassembly of the brew unit use this manual JURA Brewgroup Disassembly

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Passo 9 Introduction to the Brew Unit

Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine, Introduction to the Brew Unit: passo 9, immagine 1 di 1

In the picture, you'll see the brew unit. Some manufacturers also call it central unit or main unit - basically the equivalent of the CPU in a computer.
When the gear wheel is at the extreme end of the thread, this is referred to as the zero position, i.e. the position in which the brewing chamber is open.

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Passo 10

Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine: passo 10, immagine 3 di 3

The ground coffee powder is fed into the brewing unit from here.
You can see how the lid of the powder container slowly closes the more we turn the gear wheel downwards over the thread.

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Passo 11

Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine: passo 11, immagine 3 di 3

At the same time, the piston on the other side of the brewing unit is compressed.
The water is now being added where the finger is pointing in the second picture in this step.
And the third picture shows where the coffee will come out when it's ready.

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Passo 12

The piston then goes up again, i.e. the gear wheel turns back towards the zero position via the thread.
At the point where the finger is located in the picture, the coffee cake is then scraped outwards and ejected into the bowl.
The closer the cogwheel gets to the zero position, the more the lid of the powder container opens again until it is finally completely open when the zero position is reached again.
The machine is now ready for the next coffee.

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Passo 13 Importance of the Brew Unit

Understanding the brew unit in a fully automatic coffee machine, Importance of the Brew Unit: passo 13, immagine 1 di 1

The significance of the Brew Unit in the coffee-making process of a fully automatic machine is vital. It's extracting the flavors and aromas from the coffee grounds to create a perfect cup of coffee.
The valve of a brew unit is a common cause for a coffee machine to leak, learn about replacing it here: Saeco Talea/Odea Brew Unit SBS Valve Replacement.
Remember that any repairs or maintenance performed on your coffee fully automatic machine are at your own risk and responsibility. Always exercise caution. If you feel you need assistance, explore the option of visiting a Repair Café in your area. The experts there can provide guidance on repairing your coffee machine, including the Brew Unit.