La Marzocco Pico Not Grinding? Troubleshooting Guide by Kevin
Today I woke up and found that my La Marzocco Pico not working – it’s very irritating. I clicked the button, waited for that deep hum, and instead it was silence-or perhaps just a whirl sound without any action.
Having dependable equipment is crucial, as someone who has run the Espresso Machine Wizard cafe bar and used commercial espresso equipment for years knows. So today, I will walk you through everything you need to check-and fix-should your La Marzocco Pico not be grinding correctly.
Table of Contents
- 1) Check Basics First
- 2) Review the Safety Features
- 3) Sort the Burrs
- Techniques for Burr Cleaning
- 4) Change the Grind Setting Because It’s Jammed Too Fine
- 5) Listen for the Motor – Is It Dead Silent or Humming
- 6) Internal Fuse or Overload Protection Tripped
- 7) Still Not Working Try (if available) a factory reset.
- 8) Get La Marzocco Support
- La Marzocco Pico Not Grinding: FAQs
- 1) Why is my La Marzocco Pico grinder not turning on?
- 2) Can oily beans jam things?
- 3) How might I physically clear a jam?
- 4) Do I require expert repairs?
- 5) Is there a reset button on La Marzocco Pico?
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1) Check Basics First
Let’s begin with the basics. The easiest solutions are sometimes for the most annoying issues.
Is it on?
You would be surprised by how often this problem occurs. Make sure the cord is totally buried into the outlet and look for any power switches on the machine or the socket that might be off.
Is the outlet functioning?
Put something else into the same outlet. Should that not work, the issue could be electrical-not related to your grinder.
Is the hopper jam-packed or empty?
Should the grinder hum but not grind, you could have beans lodged in the hopper or blocking the burrs. Empty the hopper and check inside with flashlight.
2) Review the Safety Features
Safety sensors integrated in the La Marzocco Pico These stop the grinder from running if:
- The hopper isn’t seated
- The grind chamber isn’t fastened in place
- The lid isn’t closed.
How to Fix:
- Take off and rejoin the hopper gently
- Verify that the lid is entirely down and aligned
- If detachable, remove the grind chamber, clean it, then reattach
3) Sort the Burrs
Clogged or greasy burrs are common reasons for a silent or weak grinder. Especially with dark roasts, coffee beans leave behind oil that builds over time.
Techniques for Burr Cleaning
- Unplug the machine
- Take down the burr assembly and hopper
- Eliminate all coffee dust and residue using a gentle brush (or vacuum)
- Grinder cleaning tablets like Urnex Grindz are great for thorough cleaning.
IMP Note: Do not use water inside your burr grinder. It may destroy electronics or rust the burrs.
4) Change the Grind Setting Because It’s Jammed Too Fine
Should your grind setting be too fine, the burrs may jam and their movement stop.
Solution:
- Turn the grind setting coarser (in line with the higher counts)
- Get any stuck beans out
- Try another round of grinding.
Many people forget that the Pico is a stepped grinder, so pushing it to grind at a level too fine without a purge could cause it to seize.
5) Listen for the Motor – Is It Dead Silent or Humming
Should it be silent, your motor could not be getting power. Either a tripped internal circuit or a blown fuse could be here.
Usually a jammed burr or stuck motor shaft, if it hums but does not spin.
DIY Fix (Motor Humming Only):
- Unplug the unit
- Clear any stuck beans
- To clear a jam, try spinning the burrs manually with a wooden stick (gently!)
- Try plugging it back in.
6) Internal Fuse or Overload Protection Tripped
The La Marzocco Pico can contain an inbuilt overload protection or thermal fuse. Should the grinder overheat, it will auto-shut down to save itself.
How to fix it:
- Turn off and let it chill for thirty to sixty minutes
- Plug in one more and test
- If it still does not work, you may need to call La Marzocco assistance or access the internal fuse, but only if you are comfortable with small electrical fixes.
7) Still Not Working Try (if available) a factory reset.
Though La Marzocco hardly addresses this overtly, several contemporary models have internal control boards with reset capabilities.
Check their support team or your handbook.
8) Get La Marzocco Support
Should you have attempted all above, there could be a more serious problem-worn-out burrs, a blown capacitor, or a failing motor.
La Marzocco USA Support:
- Email: info.usa@lamarzocco.com
- Phone: 206-706-9104
- Online Site: https://home.lamarzoccousa.com
Always have your serial number and proof of purchase accessible. It lets them help you speedier.
My last comments
Look, I understand it. Every morning our espresso should flow like magic. Still, even the most upscale grinders might run into problems. Although the La Marzocco Pico is a great grinder-robust, exact, and built for performance-it is not immune to jams, clogs, or neglected power problems.
Following the aforementioned measures will have already eliminated ninety percent of the most often occurring issues. And even if it’s a more serious matter, La Marzocco’s support staff is renowned for being attentive and useful.
La Marzocco Pico Not Grinding: FAQs
1) Why is my La Marzocco Pico grinder not turning on?
Make sure the hopper is seated correctly and check the power line, outlet, and safety sensor alignment. Look also for circuit tripping or blown fuses.
2) Can oily beans jam things?
Definitely yes. Particularly with delicate espresso grinds, oily beans sometimes cause jams. Often cleaning your burrs will help to avoid this.
3) How might I physically clear a jam?
Turn off the grinder, take out the hopper and burrs, and then gently turn them using a brush handle or stick. Never compel them.
4) Do I require expert repairs?
Only in cases of internal damage or a totally non-responsive motor would this apply. First try basic resets and cleaning always given above.
Usually not, but some models could have thermal overload protection. Before retrying, let the machine cool for 30+ minutes.
Kevin Marshal is the founder and primary writer for Espressomachinewizard.com. His passion for rich, high-quality espresso began during a semester abroad in Italy more than 15 years ago. What began as a pleasant daily practice quickly evolved into an obsession with perfecting espresso at home.
Kevin has spent years researching espresso machines, tasting beans from renowned roasters, and experimenting with various brewing methods. His objective is to help others understand the often-overwhelming world of home espresso. Kevin's goal is to make cafe-quality espresso available to everyone, from machine recommendations to shot-making advice.
Kevin lives in San Francisco, California with his wife, kid, and two rescue dogs, all of whom have refined preferences in espresso drinks!
