Two very different causes, and it is worth knowing which you have.
The auto-off timer
Most machines shut down after a period of inactivity — commonly 20 to 30 minutes — for energy regulations and safety.
Usually adjustable in the settings menu, often between 15 minutes and several hours. Some allow disabling it.
If your machine goes off at a consistent interval, this is it.
The thermal cut-out
A safety device that trips when the boiler overheats. This is not routine, and it indicates a fault.
Causes: a failed thermostat, scale insulating the heating element so the element overheats while the water does not, or a dry boiler.
Signs: the machine cuts out while heating or during use, at inconsistent times, and often will not restart until it has cooled.
Some thermal fuses are one-shot and must be replaced.
Telling them apart
Consistent timing after idling — the timer. During use, or while heating, at varying times — thermal.
If it is thermal
Descale immediately. Scale on the element is the usual cause and it is progressive.
If it recurs after descaling, the thermostat has failed and needs replacing. Do not bypass it.
The energy question
Leaving a machine on all day for 30 seconds of brewing costs real money and shortens element life. The timer exists for a reason — set it to something sensible rather than disabling it.
Last reviewed 8 August 2026