Do you love coffee? Do you also love the convenience and flexibility of owning a Breville espresso machine, but hate cleaning it? Cleaning any type of espresso machine – from the traditional stovetop moka pot to an advanced automatic model – is essential for obtaining maximum flavor with every cup. This detailed guide on how to clean the Breville Espresso machine will show you all the tricks and techniques for ensuring that your beloved kitchen gadget results in delicious cups of joe every time.
What is Breville Espresso machine?
The Breville Espresso machine is a high-end automatic espresso machine that operates like a commercial model with all the features of home machines. It features an intuitive control panel, precise temperature settings, adjustable cup height, and larger water tanks for long brewing sessions. The Breville espresso machine also has several built-in accessories such as a milk steamer/frother, programmable functions, and a built-in cleaning system.

How the Breville Espresso Machine works?
The Breville Espresso machine is pre-programmed with a variety of recipes, settings, and functions to make sure that every cup of coffee you brew will be perfect. The brewing cycle begins when water is heated to the optimal temperature before entering the filter basket.
Once the right amount of coffee grounds are added and tamped evenly, the pressure released from the pump pushes hot water through the filter basket, extracting the coffee flavor into the cup. This process infuses all the flavors and aromas of the espresso grounds while maintaining a consistent extraction each time.
Advantages of owning a Breville Espresso Machine
Having a Breville Espresso machine in your home comes with a lot of advantages. These machines are incredibly easy to use and require minimal maintenance. The advanced features allow for precise brewing temperatures that result in an even extraction for maximum flavor and body.
Additionally, the intuitive control panel ensures that you can easily adjust the settings to suit your taste preference. Finally, due to the larger water tanks, you don’t have to worry about running out of water mid-brew.
How do you make coffee in a Breville Espresso Machine?
Making coffee in a Breville Espresso machine is easy. Start by grinding your coffee beans to a fine grind. Then, fill the portafilter with the ground coffee and tamp it down evenly. Insert the portafilter into the group head of the machine and start a brew cycle.
Once finished, you can add milk if desired for lattes or cappuccinos. The machine will also have a built-in steam wand for foaming milk if you want to make specialty drinks like cappucinnos or macchiatos.
–> More watching video: Make Better Coffee At Home On A Breville Espresso Machine
Why should I clean my Breville Espresso Machine?
Cleaning your Breville Espresso machine is essential for brewing perfect coffee every time. Over time, oils and residues from the grounds will build up inside the espresso machine. This buildup can clog the filter basket, negatively impacting extraction times and flavors.
It also makes it difficult to get a consistent cup of coffee each time you brew with an unclean machine. In addition to affecting your coffee’s taste, leaving the espresso machine uncleaned for extended periods will also cause it to break down earlier than expected.
How often should I clean my Breville Espresso Machine?
The best practice is to clean your Breville Espresso machine after every use. This will allow you to remove all the grounds and residue that accumulates during the brewing process.
If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your machine, it would be a good idea to do a deep clean. This involves dismantling some of its components and removing any accumulated oils, grounds or other residues. Doing a deep cleaning once every few months will help keep your espresso machine in top condition for many years to come.
How to clean the Breville Espresso Machine?
How to clean the Breville Espresso Machine? There are several ways to clean your Breville Espresso machine, but the following method is effective and easy:

Disassemble the portafilter
Before you start cleaning, disassemble your portafilter into its individual components – the handle, filter basket and shower screen. Rinse them under warm water and use a brush or cloth to remove any accumulated residue. You can also use a safe espresso cleaner to help dissolve any stubborn deposits.
Clean the Filter Basket and Shower Screen
You should also clean the filter basket and shower screen with a brush or cloth soaked in an espresso cleaner. You can use a bottle brush for hard-to-reach places like the small holes of the shower screen. Once finished, rinse all components thoroughly with warm water before reassembling them.
Clean the Group Head, Drip Tray, and Water Tank
The group head, drip tray and water tank should also be cleaned regularly. For the group head, use a brush to remove any ground debris from the shower screen before wiping it down with a damp cloth soaked in an espresso cleaner.
The drip tray can be wiped down with a damp cloth and emptied after each use. Additionally, you should also descale the water tank every few months to remove any built-up mineral deposits from the internal walls of the tank.
Descaling your Breville Espresso Machine
Descaling is an important step in ensuring that your espresso machine continues to work properly over time. You can purchase commercial descaling products for your Breville machine or make your own solution by mixing one part citric acid with five parts distilled water.
Fill the water tank with the descaling solution and run the machine as you normally would, allowing it to circulate in all areas of the machine. Once finished, empty the tank and rinse it a few times with clean water. Finally, reassemble your Breville Espresso machine and enjoy delicious coffee every time.
How long does it take to clean the Breville Espresso Machine?
The amount of time it takes to clean your Breville Espresso machine depends on how often you use the machine and how deep the cleaning needs to be. Cleaning after every use should only take a few minutes, while doing a deeper clean may require more time.
However, no matter what level of cleaning is required, it’s important to make sure that your Breville Espresso machine is properly cleaned and maintained in order to get the most out of it. Taking a few minutes each time you use it will ensure that you can enjoy delicious cups of coffee for many years to come.

How to reset Breville Espresso Machine after cleaning?
After you have cleaned your Breville Espresso machine, it’s important to reset the machine so that it is ready for use. To do this, simply press and hold the “On/Off” button until you hear a beep. This will reset the machine and allow you to make coffee as usual.
You should also check the settings to make sure they are correctly calibrated for your desired coffee. This includes checking the temperature, grind size, and other preferences. Once you’ve verified these settings, you’re ready to start brewing delicious coffee from your Breville Espresso machine.
Tips for cleaning the Breville Espresso Machine
Now you know about the basic steps for how to clean the Breville Espresso Machine. To make life easier and ensure that your machine stays in top condition, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always use distilled water when refilling the water tank. This will help reduce mineral buildup over time.
- Make sure to rinse all components thoroughly after cleaning with an espresso cleaner.
- Have a bottle brush handy for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like the shower screen holes.
- Descale your Breville Espresso machine every few months to remove any built up mineral deposits from the internal walls of the water tank.
- Finally, always remember to reset the machine after cleaning and check that all settings are correctly calibrated for your desired coffee.
How to store your Breville Espresso Machine?
Once your Breville Espresso machine is cleaned and reset, you will want to store it in a dry location away from any heat sources. It’s also important to ensure that the gaskets are lightly lubricated so that they don’t dry out or crack while being stored.
Lastly, remember to unplug the espresso machine after each use to preserve its life and keep it in top condition. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy delicious coffee from your Breville Espresso machine for many years to come.

Conclusion: How to clean the Breville Espresso Machine
Keeping a Breville Espresso machine clean and maintained is essential for long-lasting use. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can ensure that your coffee will always taste delicious and your espresso machine will remain in perfect working order. With proper care and maintenance, your Breville Espresso machine should last you for years to come.
FAQs Breville Espresso Machine
Can I use baking soda to clean Breville Espresso Machine?
While a few still find success in using baking soda for descaling, it’s important to note that doing so may lead to undesirable complications with your machine. Instead, the best approach for cleaning espresso machines is to utilize this product as an exterior cleaner, focusing on thoroughly cleaning the detachable parts.
Why is my Breville Espresso Machine not working?
Troubleshooting a Breville coffee machine that won’t turn on? Blown fuse, faulty control boards, or overheating could be the culprits. Don’t worry, we’ve got the solutions. Repairing parts, replacing fuses, cooling the machine, and ensuring a proper power connection can help get your machine up and running again.
Is it safe to clean Breville Espresso Machine with vinegar?
Keep your coffee machine running smoothly and maintain its flavor by regularly cleaning to prevent clogs. Opt for a simple and effective solution of water and vinegar to remove mineral buildup and keep your machine running efficiently.
Do I need to clean my Breville Espresso Machine?
To maintain optimal coffee quality, it is recommended to clean most parts of your coffee machine on a weekly basis if you make 2 to 5 cups per day. However, certain parts like the grinder and water tank can be cleaned every 2 or 3 weeks.
Is descaling necessary for Breville Espresso Machine?
Regular descaling is critical for preventing clogging and water issues in your machine. In fact, certain Breville models are equipped with a convenient clean/descale light that alerts you when it’s time to descale.
Can I use lemon juice to descale my Breville Espresso Machine?
Effortlessly descale your espresso maker using lemon juice, a natural and effective citric acid source. Whether you prefer fresh or concentrated bottled lemon juice, both options are suitable. Simply create a solution by combining equal parts lemon juice and water. Although lemon juice may be pricier compared to vinegar or citric acid, its exceptional results are worth the investment.
What happens if I don’t clean my Breville Espresso Machine?
Ensure the longevity of your Breville espresso machine with proper care and maintenance. Neglecting cleaning rituals can significantly decrease its lifespan. Regular usage necessitates frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
How do I clean the exterior of my Breville Espresso Machine?
Keep your Breville Espresso Machine looking fresh and germ-free with a simple daily wipe down. Using a damp cloth or paper towel, you can easily remove dirt and bacteria that accumulate on the machine’s exterior. By taking this small step each day, you not only maintain a clean and hygienic machine, but also reduce your exposure to potentially harmful microorganisms.
Can I put my Breville Espresso Machine in the dishwasher?
Please note that we strongly advise against using a dishwasher to clean any components or accessories of the Breville® BES870 Barista Express™. To ensure optimal cleaning, we highly recommend hand washing only.
How do I know if my Breville Espresso Machine needs to be descaled?
Indication of descaling readiness includes the illumination of the ‘1-cup’ button, ‘power’ button, ‘clean/descale’ indicator, and ‘hot water/steam’ indicator on your machine.
Susan Muskat is a professional chef with over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry. After working in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, she opened her own restaurant, Moose and Sadie’s, which quickly became a local favorite. Susan is also the author of a blog all about recipes, guidelines, cooking tips, and knowledge from professional chefs. She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for food with others.