Advanced heating device

A method of transforming an existing beverage preparation machine comprising an in-line heater for heating up a supply of liquid from a supply temperature to a beverage preparation temperature and a control unit for controlling the supply of liquid and the in-line heater so that the in-line heater is energized to reach and be maintained at an operative temperature for heating up the supply of liquid to the beverage preparation temperature during beverage preparation, the method comprising:

• modifying the control unit so that during use the in-line heater is energized to reach and be maintained at a reduced temperature below the operative temperature, below a boiling temperature of the supply of liquid, and above a temperature of inactivity of the in-line heater when the beverage is not being prepared, the reduced temperature is at a level that prevents scale deposition in the in-line heater and the reduced temperature is at a level for servicing, the control unit being arranged to enable the servicing upon reaching the reduced temperature, the in-line heater is a thermoblock comprising a heating duct by which the supply of liquid travels through the thermoblock;
• and
• circulating, in a fluid circuit, the supply of liquid through a mixing and/or brewing unit configured to receive a capsule of ingredients to a beverage outlet, and the thermoblock is in fluid connection with the fluid circuit.