Miele CM and CVA coffee machines : Empty drip tray message

Models covered

This guide covers CM 7550, CM 7750, CVA 7845, CM 6160, CM 6360 and CM 6560. An empty tray and a recognised emptying operation are not the same thing. The CM manuals specify removal while the machine is on; the CVA 7845 has its own appliance-door sequence. Do not transfer the countertop procedure to the built-in machine without checking its manual. This warning concerns the tray and grounds container, not the milk circuit or an F73 brew-unit fault. It does not establish that a sensor needs replacing.

Before checking Miele Coffee machine

Keep away from hot spouts and wait for cooling. The powered CM routine is only for the removable tray. Never bypass safety devices; stop using the machine if it leaks externally, smells burnt or has damaged wiring.

What this symptom can mean on Miele Coffee machine

What the exact symptom tells youThe exact display or behaviour is a diagnostic clue, not proof that a pump, grinder, heater or control board has failed.

Rule out the unsafe look-alikeKeep the model code, displayed wording and test conditions unchanged. A different warning, external leak, burning smell or hard mechanical noise is a different and unsafe path.

5 checks for Miele Coffee machine, starting with Confirm the model and symptom

Confirm the model and symptom
On Miele CM and CVA coffee machines, “Empty drip tray message after emptying” should be checked with the official user procedure before any part is considered.
Step completed
Wait until dispensing and rinsing have finished
Allow residual drips and hot water to cool before touching the tray. For the routine CM removal below, the manual requires the machine to remain on; do not switch it off beforehand and prevent registration of the emptying.
Step completed
Remove the assembly using the correct model procedure
CM 7550/7750 and CM 6160/6360/6560: fully remove the tray and grounds container with the machine on and no dispensing in progress. CVA 7845: follow its manual, open the appliance door and remove the assembly; do not assume the CM power-state instruction applies.
Step completed
Empty, clean and refit the removable parts
Empty both containers. Clean and dry the removed parts as the manual specifies, including tray contacts only where identified. Reassemble and insert fully; on CVA 7845, close the appliance door. Do not reach into the housing or wet internal electrical contacts.
Step completed
Retest once and decide
Check whether the message clears. If the correctly assembled tray is still not recognised after this check, contact Miele rather than bypassing a sensor.
Step completed

When to stop checking Miele Coffee machine

Stop immediately for an external leak, dry-running pump, burning smell, hot plug, damaged cable, uncontrolled steam or a fault that returns after the single documented test.

Next step

Choose the next step for Miele Coffee machine

For “Miele CM and CVA coffee machines : Empty drip tray message after emptying”, base the decision on the documented sequence beginning with “Confirm the model and symptom”, not on the warning or symptom alone.

Start with Confirm the model and symptom

Work through all 5 checks for Miele Coffee machine. If normal operation returns and no warning sign remains, the diagnosis ends without ordering a part.

Stop the Miele Coffee machine check at a warning sign

Use the stop conditions above for “Miele CM and CVA coffee machines : Empty drip tray message after emptying”. A qualified diagnosis should come before replacing the appliance whenever repair safety or feasibility is uncertain.

Sources used

Miele — Miele CM 7550 — Cleaning and care, pp. 56–57; Problem solving guide, p. 81.
Miele — Miele CM 7750 — Cleaning and care, pp. 67–68; Problem solving guide, p. 93.
Miele — Miele CVA 7845 — Cleaning and care, pp. 56–58 (appliance door / removable tray).
Miele — Miele CM 6x60 — Cleaning and care, pp. 50–51; Problem solving guide, pp. 66–67.

Last checked: 5 September 2026