The element of your Dolce Gusto coffee maker responsible for piercing the coffee capsules to inject water (hot or cold) through them is known as the “injector”. This part has the shape of a needle cut at an angle, which allows the perforation of the capsule to be smoother and more efficient.
The injector is one of the most important components of Dolce Gusto coffee makers, despite being one of the smallest parts of the machine. It depends on its good condition and functioning to obtain quality coffees with an optimal flavor, which is why it is vital to maintain this element properly.
We want to emphasize the importance of regularly descaling the Dolce Gusto coffee machine and periodically cleaning the machine, especially the nozzle. This very small metal tube tends to become clogged by the accumulation of limescale and ground coffee residue after being in direct contact with the capsules after each infusion.
How does the injector of a Dolce Gusto coffee maker work?
The sharp shape of the injector makes it very easy to pierce the plastic cover of the coffee capsules. By manually lowering the lid of the capsule holder, the injector is immediately inserted into the capsule and emits a sound when pierced. This system is the same for all models of Dolce Gusto coffee machines.
When the needle has pierced the capsule, we must operate the upper lever so that the water begins to flow from the tank to the injector, and this water will enter the capsule under pressure to mix with the coffee; finally, the coffee will come out through the bottom of the capsule to the cup.
Cleaning the injector of a Dolce Gusto coffee maker
At this point, it should be clear to us that, given the importance of the coffee maker’s injector, we should ensure that it is always in good condition. Avoiding the accumulation of residues and impurities inside this part will save us a lot of headaches. Below, we show you the correct way to maintain the injector.
The first thing you should know is that Dolce Gusto includes a cleaning needle in all its coffee makers that are usually hidden behind the water tank. However, some models, such as the Dolce Gusto Oblo, come in a separate compartment. To make it easier to identify, in the following image, we show you how it looks:
You can use a pin or a sewing needle of similar size, in case you have lost your cleaning needle or if you can’t find it at the moment. Although these other needles are not as ergonomic, they can get you out of trouble.
Once you have your cleaning needle at hand, follow these simple steps to maintain the injector:
- Remove any capsules left in the capsule holder.
- Ensure that the lid (the mechanism that raises and lowers the injector) is in the upper position.
- Clean the injector by carefully inserting the needle into the injector nozzle, making light up and down movements to remove any obstruction.
- Once you have unclogged the nozzle, we recommend starting a coffee cycle without the capsule so that the water passes through all the ducts until it comes out of the nozzle. In this way, the cleaning will be complete.
Note: Do not wait to clean the nozzle when it is already clogged or you notice that the water is not coming out with sufficient pressure. This type of problem can be avoided if you clean the nozzle regularly.
Tips to keep the injector of your Dolce Gusto coffee maker in good condition
If you are interested in prolonging the useful life of your Dolce Gusto coffee maker, we recommend following these tips to prevent problems with the injector:
- Please do not wait for the injector to become clogged before using the cleaning needle; use it regularly, as we have already indicated, to avoid problems.
- Never leave the used capsule inside the coffee machine with the lever downwards since the injector will remain immersed in the wet coffee grounds of the capsule for a long time.
- When you let a long time pass without using the coffee maker, dirt and residues generally can be deposited and dry inside due to inactivity. Start a water cycle before brewing the first coffee to eliminate all that has accumulated inside.
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