The EQ500 allows the brewing temperature to be adjusted. If the machine is producing coffee normally but drinks simply seem cooler than expected, check the temperature setting before assuming there is a heating fault. Set it higher, make another drink and compare the result.

Try dispensing hot water and compare its temperature with your coffee. If the hot water is properly heated but the coffee seems cool, the machine is clearly capable of heating and the problem is more likely related to beverage settings, cup temperature or the drink itself. If coffee, hot water and rinse water are all cold or only lukewarm, an internal heating problem becomes more likely.

Limescale inside the water circuit can restrict water flow and affect the machine's performance. The EQ500 has dedicated service programmes for descaling and Calc'nClean. If the machine is overdue a service programme, complete it fully using the instructions shown by the machine before carrying out further diagnosis.

Pay attention to how water leaves the coffee outlet. Slow, intermittent or unusually weak flow alongside poor temperature can indicate a water-circuit problem rather than the heater itself. Check that the water tank is correctly fitted and, if a filter is installed, make sure it isn't restricting the supply. A heavily scaled machine should be descaled before assuming an electrical heating fault.

If espresso and hot water are hot but cappuccino or latte drinks seem cool, concentrate on the milk side rather than the main heater. Clean the EQ500 milk system thoroughly and check that it is assembled correctly. Also remember that very cold milk lowers the finished drink temperature, particularly in drinks containing a high proportion of milk.

A cold, heavy ceramic mug can remove a surprising amount of heat from a freshly prepared coffee. Preheat the cup with hot water and make another drink. If the EQ500 consistently produces cold rinse water, cold hot-water portions and cold coffee even after its settings and service programmes have been checked, the fault is unlikely to be something routine maintenance will correct. At that point the machine should be professionally inspected rather than dismantled by the owner.