Not every Krups coffee machine displays traditional error codes. Many EA Series, Evidence and Intuition models communicate using warning lights, maintenance indicators or on-screen messages to tell you exactly what the machine needs. Learning the difference between a fault and a maintenance reminder can often save unnecessary repairs.

Many Krups warning lights are designed to guide you through routine maintenance rather than indicate a component failure. CLEAN reminders, descaling prompts, water tank warnings and coffee grounds alerts all help keep the hydraulic and brewing systems operating correctly. Completing these maintenance programmes as recommended can prevent many common performance issues.

Because Krups displays vary between machine ranges, fault messages and indicator lights are not always identical. Our machine-specific support pages explain the warning lights, display messages and fault codes for individual models, helping you quickly identify what your coffee machine is trying to tell you.

Krups Water Tank light

The water tank is empty, missing or not correctly fitted. Refill and refit the tank before brewing.

Krups Coffee Grounds Container light

The used coffee grounds container is full, missing or not correctly installed. Empty the container and refit it correctly.

Krups Drip Tray warning

The drip tray requires emptying or has not been inserted correctly.

Krups Double Coffee cycle indicator

A two-cup coffee cycle is currently in progress. Some maintenance actions cannot be completed until brewing has finished.

Krups coffee machines use a combination of warning lights, maintenance indicators and display messages to communicate faults and maintenance requirements. While newer touchscreen models may display an "Error code XX" message, many EA Series bean-to-cup machines rely on indicator lights such as CLEAN, CALC, Water Tank and Coffee Grounds to identify the issue.

Below are some of the most common Krups fault messages and warning indicators found across the EA Series, Evidence and Intuition ranges.

Krups CLEAN light

The coffee brewing system requires an automatic cleaning programme. Complete the full cleaning cycle using the recommended cleaning tablet.

Krups CALC light

The machine requires descaling to remove limescale from the hydraulic circuit. Complete the descaling programme as soon as possible.

Krups CLEAN + CALC flashing together

The machine is requesting a long rinse programme before normal operation can continue.

Krups Cleaning programme interrupted

The cleaning cycle was interrupted before completion. Restart and complete the programme to clear the maintenance reminder.

Krups Descaling programme interrupted

The descaling programme was not completed. Restart the full descaling cycle to reset the warning.

Krups Long Rinse required

The machine is requesting a long rinse cycle after maintenance. Follow the on-screen or indicator light instructions.

The CALC indicator on your Krups coffee machine shows that limescale has built up inside the water circuit and the machine requires a descaling programme. This is a maintenance reminder rather than a fault. Running the complete descaling cycle helps restore water flow, maintain brewing temperature and protect internal components. On compatible models fitted with a Claris Aqua Filter, the filter should be removed before starting the descaling programme and refitted or replaced once the process is complete. If the programme is interrupted, the CALC light may remain illuminated until the full cycle has been successfully completed. This behaviour is described in the Krups maintenance instructions.