A coffee machine may stop mid-brew because of restricted water flow, an empty or incorrectly fitted water tank, a blocked water filter, limescale build-up or a problem within the brewing system. Check whether the machine can dispense hot water normally, as this can help separate a general water-flow problem from a coffee brewing issue.

Yes. If the machine cannot move enough water through the hydraulic circuit, it may interrupt the brewing cycle. Limescale, a restricted filter, trapped air or a blockage can all reduce water flow. If brewing has gradually become slower before it started stopping, a restriction is particularly worth investigating.

If grinding completes but coffee dispensing stops early, the problem may be within the water or brewing circuit rather than the grinder itself. Check for reduced hot-water flow, clean the brew unit where removable and make sure the coffee outlets aren't blocked.

Yes. If the coffee is ground excessively fine, water can struggle to pass through the compressed coffee. You may notice very slow dispensing, dripping from the coffee outlets or the brewing cycle stopping early. If adjustment is required, follow your machine's instructions and make only small changes at a time.

Yes. Limescale can progressively restrict the internal water circuit and reduce the amount of water reaching the brewing system. If the machine has also become slower, noisier or is dispensing less water than usual, completing the correct descaling programme is a sensible maintenance step.

If the water tank, filter, coffee outlets and accessible brewing components have been checked, the machine has been cleaned and descaled as required, but brewing continues to stop midway, further diagnosis may be needed. Possible internal causes include the pump, flow meter, valves, brewing mechanism or electronic control system.