EM8910 Review

System

This review is based on having 5x EM8910 machines in a 2.5 year period.  I currently have 2 of these, 1 at home (approx 6 cups a day)
and 1 at work (approx 4 cups a day).  Reason I have had five is that Sunbeam eventually replaced the unit when it because faulty
beyond repair.
I must say that the coffee that is produced from these machines is excellent.  The convenience of pressing a few buttons and
having everything done for you is great.... BUT

When they hit the 11 month mark they start playing up really bad.  The one at home is at the 11 month mark now and is becoming
quite erratic with all sorts of faults.  You'll be in the middle of pouring and then everything will stop and the screen will display
'empty waste container'.  This happens quite often in the middle of doing something.  Of course the waste container is empty and
clean.  When you're using the steam arm you sometimes get the 'empty waste container' message OR you'll be steaming and then it
will stop and start the hot water process through the steam arm.  Sometimes the steam will not work at all, and the LCD display
will just go blank.

The one at work was replaced by Sunbeam back in December and is running perfectly, although I'm sure it will start acting up when
it gets closer to December.

So it looks like another one off to the repair centre this week - which I'm sure will get replaced.  You might think that it's not bad
getting a new machine all the time, but when there's no coffee to have first thing in the morning because the machine has been
at the repair centre for 5 weeks one gets a tad cranky - especially when you've forked out over $1200 for 2 machines.

Has anyone else had similar issues with their EM8910?

grahamross

I have a EM8910 also which is giving me issues. Bought the previous model which worked for a few months then went faulty,after much to and froing with Sunbeam/Good Guys/Service agent Sunbeam supplied the EM8910. The previous model was repaired twice within the warranty. The EM8910 worked well for a while -months- When it works its great ,fill it up press button and as far as I'm concerned it gave good results. Recently though it has been half way through making a brew and it complains that the brewing unit need cleaning,then shuts down. getting the brewing unit out can be a hassle as it seems to stop and the unit is in the wrong loaction. It also started complaining "empty waste container". This weekend as it was finishing a descale cycle there was a nasty crunch from the machine.When I took out the brewing unit the spring on the red plastic lever was mangled and the plastic arm which knocks the used coffee biscuit into waste container has broken off and was in the bottom of the waste container. Not sure if this unit is still under any sort of warranty,will need to check. But I am inclined to call it quits and cut my losses with this machine and justpurchase a simpler machine with a seperate grinder. Even if Sunbeam did do anything with a warranty repair that will probably takes weeks and weeks,last time took 4 months. I recall when I picked my unit up the last time from the service agent his shop was full of these and the previous model.Not a good sight. If I could just buy a new brewing unit from somewhere i'd maybe just change that. Its a shame as its a great machine when it works.Looks good too. Also had a annoying habit of suddenly telling you it needed descaled/cleaned just as you are about to make a heap of coffee for dinner guests. I might seriously look at the Breville machines,wouldn't touch Sunbeam again for anything

admin

Hi mbalatest - sorry, but it looks like you've been accidentally dropped off, as a result of some work we're doing on the forum at the moment [see 'Off topic']. Sorry for the inconvenience, but could I ask you to re-register - probably need to be a slightly different name. Once again apologies for the the inconvenience, but this was an un-intentional result of the upgrade we're working on. -A

grahamh

hi graham what is your date of purchase for the EM8910 these machines need a tablet clean on a regular basis, (reccomend weekly) otherwise the brew group blocks up and gives probs(as you know) breville / sunbeam handle machines come out of the same factory in china (except em series) graham

grahamross

Haven't found the docket yet,but the current EM8910 probably is over 12 months old. Did the cleaning tablet only when it said so,certainly didn't do it weekly,but then the machine would probably only make 2 cups a day max. Today while driving to work I saw a EM8910 on the verge(part of someones verge collection) So did a swift U turn and took out the brewing unit,it has the bit intact which was broken off mine. So will try and replace the broken bit. Not a good sight to see what is a relatively expensive machine cast aside broken on the side of the road.

admin

Hi there - have to say these problems are a real concern. Sunbeam had huge quality problems with there EM6900 series [see thread from last year] but they exhibited excellent customer service and replaced faulty units without question. However, it's a concern to see they're now having quality problems with this unit. Would be interested to hear if there are any others with quality problems/issues. -A

Unknown

Just following up on my first post in this thread back on 11 July 2008: The machine we sent of for repairs in late July, it took just on 12 weeks to get any sort of resolve and that was until I mentioned the media and ACCC.  They ended up replacing the unit with yet another one (EM8910).  This was new in the box direct from Sunbeam, needless to say it started playing up only after making 20 cups.  I spoke to the usual customer service rep at Sunbeam only to hear the usual "well I've got the same unit and it's never played up on me".  I mentioned that this was a brand new replacement and that it was basically a joke that it was faulty - she had a care factor of zero.  Usual story, send it off to the Service Centre.  Got the unit back a little before xmas from the service centre.  Now its 26 Jan and its spat its dummy, when you grind the coffee it stops mid way through and says to clean the brew unit.  Looks like it'll have to go back again  - only has 220 cups clocked up on the dial. FYI the other one we have broke a little hook type clip about a week ago that has something to do with the brew head mech. Looks like some contact with Sunbeam upper management is in order for this, it's gone on too long. Was shopping this weekend for a new grill unit, saw the sunbeam brand and just shuddered. Once again, if anyone is seriously thinking about the Sunbeam EM8910 - DO NOT DO IT.

Unknown

I have a EM8910 also which is giving me issues. Not sure if this unit is still under any sort of warranty,will need to check.

Hi Graham, I've been down that path with sunbeam and they will tell you that the brew unit is not a warranty item as its classed as wear and tear when it plays up.

peterg70

If anyone is throwing out the broken units let me know as I try to recycle parts as much as possible. Thanks