E3
Russell Hobbs
Overheat / Dry-Boil Protection Triggered
Display shows E3 and brewing stops shortly after starting, or the unit beeps and shuts off.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Insufficient water in reservoir, Blocked water inlet in tank base, Blocked one-way valve or silicone hose, Limescale blockage in aluminum heating element
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the coffee maker and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before working on it.
- Check water level: Ensure the water tank is filled above the minimum mark. Running the unit nearly empty can trigger overheat protection.
- Inspect tank outlet: Remove the tank and check the outlet valve at the bottom. Press it gently with a clean tool to confirm it opens and releases water. Rinse to remove debris.
- Descale the system:
- Fill the tank with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water (or a Russell Hobbs-approved descaler).
- Start a brew cycle without coffee grounds and let half the solution run through.
- Switch off and let it sit for 20–30 minutes to dissolve scale in the aluminum heating tube.
- Restart and complete the cycle, then run 2–3 full tanks of clean water to rinse.
- Check for kinks: If accessible, inspect the silicone hose from the pump to the heater for kinks or pinches.
- If E3 persists: The thermal fuse or thermostat may be weak, or the heater is partially blocked. Replacement of the aluminum heating element assembly or thermal cut-out is recommended via a service technician.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Aluminum Heating Element Assembly
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