Krups XP5240 Steamer Wand Repair

The otherwise well built XP5240 (and similar models) has two problems that cause owners great frustration, and often loss of product loyalty to Krups. The frother attachment blows off and breaks its locking tabs. Worse, the steamer arm breaks off completely, and usually much sooner than later. The unit shown here failed after a mere 5 months.
The first section of this video shows how to remove, dismantle and clean the frother attachment, so it does not blow off, and explains why it does.
The second part shows that a broken steamer wand can in fact be successfully repaired with a stainless steel insert. Krups cannot provide a repair service or spare parts to do this, and any warranty replacement spare part still has the same failure risk. An owner needs to be comfortable with tools to make the repair, which takes 45-60 minutes.

[@rallysjd]

Yes, the black handles are a problem as well. The complete handle/coffee holder is available for around $35 (in Canada), but it's the same material and it's likely to break as well. We tried a metal sleeve over the handle near the coffee holder, but because the plastic was already cracked, this lasted only one day. On a new handle we think it would be successful. Since we did not want to buy another coffee holder, so we made a new handle in aluminium in our machine shop. Look in the PiXCL Automation website for some how-to pictures of this.

[@mimime2011]

Thank you for sharing this. It was very useful!!

[@maryellenehlmann5869]

GREAT!!! thanks for making your video.

[@inspyre.design]

There is a new redesigned steam wand available now! Call Krups to get one! Now, I need to fix that leaky ball joint :(

[@rallysjd]

Update on the steamer wand ball joint: after several unsuccessful attempts at stopping steam leaks, we had the machine shop make a 35mm long tube from stainless steel, with a barb on the top where the internal steam hose connects, and an M10-1.5 thread on the bottom to connect the steamer wand and its O-ring steam seal. The ABS ball joint was drilled out to 12.7mm and the steel piece pressed in. This definitively fixed the problem. In summary, the 5240 is a good design poorly executed. The fixes in time and money were still cheaper than buying a new coffee machine.

[@RichardTomkins]

Cool, DIY appliance fix.

[@rallysjd]

If you mean the finger sized steamer wand, you have to unscrew the part attached to the articulated arm. This may be stuck on with thread locker glue. Use pliers to grip the part. Note there should be a small O-ring in your kit. This goes on the articulated arm before you screw the new part in place to stop steam leaking out. It's a good idea to use some thread locker (consumer grade super glue will do) as the new part must not move when you need to unclip the new design steamer wand.

[@mimime2011]

Thanks. I did try this with the pliers. The original steamer wand ended up being mangled since the plastic is very soft. To loosen, you have to turn to the right, which was counter-intuitive for me. I thought it would loosen when you turn to the left.

[@RichardTomkins]

Really, clockwise removal? That's really nasty design. I strongly suggest simplicity when it comes to coffee, make use of a bodum, a Phin or a moka pot. Minimalist, low maintenance, no odd ball design.

[@adrianasantos5719]

This coffee maker is wonderful. Super practice. I need to buy a pipe (pressurizer) because mine broke. If anyone knows where I can find only this piece, please let me know!

[@unc13v1s10n]

There is a 3rd and possible fatal flaw with this unit. The handle develops cracks near the screw in the bottom and spreads out and eventual breaks. I slowed this process with a hose clamp, but eventually the handle fails. I think Krups has a problem with the black plastic they are using as it seems to fail under loads eventually. I also had the steamer break as well. The machine makes a great cup of joe, but would be nice if it lasted more than a year.

[@kadachr]

LIFESAVER THANK YOU

[@chazM6116]

Don't let it get dirty after heating the milk put it into clean water and steam for 10 sec or more and all clean simple

[@jhonnafg]

Hi do u happen to know if the breville 54mm botomless portafilter will fit this?

[@mimime2011]

I just got the new steam wand replacement but the instructions are only for cleaning it. The replacement comes with the wand and the part attached to the articulated arm. But there are no instructions on how to remove the existing part attached to the articulated arm!! Any ideas on how to do this?

[@gailehughes]

One of the tabs has come off our nozzle and we can get a new nozzle but it's not quite the same as the old one(doesn't have the tabs), but comes with the bit that the nozzle fits on to - will the old receiver part just screw off?

[@tommigs]

Good Video. Thanks

[@Propagandhi900]

I'm missing the little white/clear seal from my frother... does Krups generally replace the seal? Or will I be forced to purchase a 20$ frother replacement kit?

[@danielxxgadd]

My steamer part, where the plastic contacts the steal, the plastic treading has worn and is gone, any ideas?