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Why your Bartesian isn't working and how to fix it

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⚡ Fast fix

  • Plug it in. A disconnected Bartesian can't mix drinks.
  • Check the water reservoir. All drinks use water to dilute the cocktail mix.
  • Reinsert the capsule mixer. The Bartesian may not recognize a loose capsule.
  • Restart your machine. A quick restart clears mystery software glitches that interfere with use.

From margaritas to Martinis, you count on your Bartesian® to mix the perfect drink. It's quick and cost-effective (no hefty bar tabs!), and friends swear that it mixes better drinks than your local bartender. But tonight, it stopped working. Is there a quick way to fix it?

At Asurion, we keep your favorite home tech appliances running smoothly. Whether you need to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection problems or want to connect smart home devices to your network, count on us for advice you can trust. Here's what to do if your Bartesian is not working.

Check the power source and machine setup

A Bartesian won't turn on at all without an adequate supply of power. So, as your first step, make sure it's plugged into a power outlet. Avoid using the device with a surge protector—the company recommends a direct connection with an outlet. If the mixer doesn't work despite being plugged in, switch outlets.

Inspect the power cord regularly for signs of wear. Look for fraying wires or a cord that's loose from the device. If you spot damage, stop using the machine until you can get a replacement cord from the company.

Bartesian cocktail mixers include several removable components, such as the water reservoir and spirit bottle holders. Make sure each component is securely positioned, as the machine may not work if it detects a loose item.

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Inspect the water reservoir and dispensing system

Your Bartesian performs a few internal checks before mixing a drink. If it detects a problem with liquid levels or equipment, it won't start. Take the actions below to make sure your mixer has what it needs to craft a cocktail:

  • Check water levels: The Bartesian will display an "Add Water" error message if there isn't enough water. Top off the water reservoir if needed.
  • Reseat bottles: Make sure each spirit bottle is securely seated in its holder.
  • Use the right spirit bottles: Bartesian includes four bottles for spirits. Verify that you've filled the correct spirit bottle for your cocktail.

Cocktail mix can leave buildup in the Bartesian's capsule holder if not cleaned regularly. This can affect drink dispensing. To clean the capsule holder, carefully remove it from underneath the lid. Rinse and dry the holder before reinserting it into your machine.

Troubleshoot capsule detection problems

Bartesian mixers use a built-in barcode scanner to identify drink capsules. If your machine doesn't recognize a capsule, try these steps:

  1. Use your thumb to smooth any wrinkles in the capsule's barcode.
  2. Push the capsule securely into the capsule holder. Make sure it's centered.
  3. Wipe the barcode scanner with a dry microfiber cloth.
  4. Make sure to fully close the lid. You should hear a click.

Barcode errors often occur if a capsule is left in the machine for long periods. To avoid future errors, throw away used capsules immediately after mixing a drink. Only use official Bartesian capsules, since other mixers may be incompatible.

Clean and maintain your Bartesian machine

Bartesian recommends running a cleaning cycle after mixing drinks. This helps prevent gunky residue buildup. To clean your machine, follow these steps:

  1. Wash and rinse the spirit bottles before filling them with water.
  2. Place the spirit bottle dispenser lids on each bottle and screw them into place.
  3. Secure the spirit bottles in their designated spots.
  4. Put a large container underneath the dispenser on the bar mat.
  5. Press Settings > Rinse/Clean > All. The Main Menu will appear after the cleaning process finishes.
    • For Duet models, press Menu > Rinse. The Home Screen will appear after the cleaning process finishes.

Routinely cleaning your Bartesian keeps it in tip-top condition. Missed maintenance can cause blockages that reduce its performance over time.

What to do if your Bartesian still isn't working

Simple Bartesian troubleshooting resolves most errors. But if your mixer repeatedly fails or displays error messages, it's time to get expert help from Bartesian support.

In the U.S. and Canada, Bartesian offers a one-year express warranty that covers product defects. To take advantage of it, you'll need your original sales receipt.

If your appliance isn't covered under the warranty, a professional tech repair service may be able to fix it. Otherwise, consider replacing the device.


FAQ

Why does my Bartesian turn on but not make a drink?

Usually it's because the machine doesn't detect enough water, a spirit bottle isn't seated correctly, or the capsule isn't being recognized.

How often should I clean my Bartesian?

After every use. Regular cleaning helps prevent sticky residue buildup and keeps drinks dispensing properly.

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