Popping sound following by large bursts of steam

contact the place you got it from about any warranty it might have

The La Cimbali Junior is a 1 group professional espresso machine. Most are located in restaurants that want to serve a cup or two for customers. You will find few homes with this level of machine. Especially with the proliferation of "Mini Super-Automatics" now offered where the whole been is ground, measured, compacted, and served with exacting amount and some top off with frothed milk!
The JR has several items that will normally buzz or whine when in operation. There are also defined "Clicks" of the group valve when a shot is pulled. I will go through the list of likely components that make loud noises when about to fail.
*** The following is for information only! Call your vendor for service as there are dangerous voltages, high pressure, and scalding stem present in these types of professional machines. ***
* All JR's come with a water pump. Two types; Vibration and Rotary. The vibration makes a buzzing sound (50/60 Hz) which will get loud if there is a blockage. The rotary pump with it's accompanying large motor will also "Clack" if no water is flowing through. Stop immediately as both sounds are an indication of a straining pump. If it suddenly goes quiet then the pump is damaged or hopefully the fuse blew. Call for service.
* The group valve will usually buzz when pulling a shot. But if it's louder than normal then there is a problem with the valve (clogged) or coil (shorted). Call for service.
* If there are loud blasts of steam and a quiet period with another blast in about 10 mins. Then the boiler is over heating (runaway steam). Unplug and call for service.
* If there is constant steam blast from the top, even if it's turned off (But NOT unplugged) the element is shorted to water. Unplug immediately and call for service.
* Popping sounds are normal at start up as the metal boiler expands during initial heating. But not after 10 mins of heating. Especially if you see water/steam coming from parts of the machine you don't expect. Unplug. Call for service.
* Power/Heater contactor will buzz if coil is damaged or contacts burnt. Call for service.
* Final; I do not recommend opening the machine yourself as once you hear a loud noise it's usually too late and the damage is done.
* Parts that needs check/replacement; Vibration or rotary pump, motor, group valve, safety valve, vacuum valve, thermostat/pressure-stat, element, boiler and element gasket, contactor.
Aloha, ukeboy57

Mine quits making popping noises after I clean it with Cleaning Vinegar. I get it at Walmart. If you notice granular roughness on the inside of the reservoir, it's time to clean it. I have to do mine monthly.

Sounds like the safety thermostats on the machine is tripping because the machine is overheating or the circuit breaker is tripping because machine needs more amperage.

Sounds like the heating element is bad and may cause a popping noise.Also a loose or shorted wire.

This could be blocked. The best way to clear this is to switch off the machine and see if you can dismantle the frother arm. Sometimes the arm will come off by unscrewing. If it does, wash it in hot water and washing liquid. If it doesn't come off try putting the frother wand into a mug of cold water and allow it just to steam the water.
Frother wands don't just steam liquids - they **** up liquid which can block the vents and the actual steam hole which this machines' problem sounds like it does have.

THis sound is usually caused by the water being low in the tank. This can be because the machine is left on for long periods without being used. If this is not the case, then it would probably be your heating element getting small holes in it.

get a used starbucks barista by saeco for a couple hundred...you'll be pleased. (know i am-and i only paid $25 for my year old breville esp8xl POS). verify it works-it will probably last longer & perform better. if inclined/capable, maybe you can replace the pump yourself (a new one's prob in $35-$40 range; if more, scrap the machine or sell it "as is" for parts & put the money toward a better machine. good luck!

Hi,

Take off the edge on the steam pipe, clean it and mount it again.

/Mirran

Hi,

There will be a different sound when you steam milk.