krups Empty the 2 Containers message

krups Empty the 2 Containers message

  • The "Empty the 2 Containers" message is one of the most common maintenance prompts found on many Krups automatic coffee machines, including the Evidence, EA8xxx, EA9xxx and XP/EA series.

    In most cases, the machine is asking you to empty:

    • The coffee grounds container
    • The drip tray

  • Even if both containers already appear empty, the message can remain on screen if the machine has not detected they have been removed and refitted correctly. This is usually caused by timing, incorrect installation or coffee residue preventing the sensors from recognising the containers. Krups also programs many models to request emptying after a set number of coffees rather than when the containers are physically full.

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My Coffee Machine Assist

quick tips

  • Empty both containers completely

    Remove both the drip tray and coffee grounds container.

    Even if they only contain a small amount of waste, empty them fully before refitting. Krups counts coffee cycles rather than measuring how full the containers are.

  • Clean the coffee drawer

    Many Krups models include a coffee drawer or cleaning tray above the grounds container.

    Remove any loose coffee grounds before reinstalling it, as excess coffee can stop the drawer sitting correctly.

  • Wait before refitting

    This is one of the most commonly missed steps.

    After removing the containers, wait at least 8 seconds before putting them back.

    If they are replaced too quickly, the machine may not register that they have been emptied and the warning will remain on screen. This is specifically stated in the Krups troubleshooting guide.

  • Push both containers fully home

    Refit the coffee grounds container and drip tray firmly until they are fully seated.

    A container that is only slightly out of position can prevent the internal switch from operating correctly.

  • Clean around the container sensors

    Remove any coffee grounds, moisture or debris from:

    • The sides of the grounds container
    • The drip tray runners
    • The compartment inside the machine

    A soft cloth or small brush is ideal for cleaning these areas.

  • Switch the machine off and back on

    If the message remains:

    • Switch the machine off.
    • Wait around one minute.
    • Turn it back on with both containers correctly installed.

    Many temporary sensor errors clear after a restart.

  • Check for damaged or sticking containers

    Inspect the grounds container and drip tray for:

    • Cracks
    • Warping
    • Broken locating tabs
    • Excessive wear

    If the containers cannot sit correctly, the microswitch may never detect them.

  • Look for a stuck microswitch

    If the warning still appears after following the previous steps, the internal container detection switch may be stuck or faulty.

    Signs include:

    • Containers fit correctly.
    • The warning never clears.
    • The machine will not make coffee despite empty containers.

    This usually requires inspection by an experienced engineer.

  • If the message still won't clear

    If you've:

    • emptied both containers,
    • cleaned the coffee drawer,
    • waited at least 8 seconds,

    • efitted everything correctly,
    • restarted the machine,

    and the warning still remains, the fault is likely to be:

    • a dirty or obstructed container sensor,
    • a faulty microswitch,
    • damaged drip tray or grounds container,
    • or, less commonly, an electronic control fault.

    At this stage, further inspection may be required to identify the failed component.

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Engineer's Tip

One of the biggest causes of this message is simply replacing the containers too quickly. Krups machines expect the containers to remain out for at least eight seconds before being reinstalled. If they're pushed straight back in, the machine often assumes they were never emptied.