What is a Capacitor?
A capacitor, also known as a condenser is a device used to store an electric charge, consisting of one or more pairs of conductors separated by an insulator. Basically, the capacitor stores power which gives the motor the extra boost it needs to start, like a starter motor in a car. This is generally used in both espresso machines and coffee grinders to start the electric motor and a common cause of machine not pumping water or grinder not starting. They are usually between 12 to 16 amps, while the motor actually works at 10 amps.