To clean a Breville coffee machine, especially the Barista Express model, follow these steps for a thorough cleaning cycle:
- Prepare for cleaning:
- Empty the drip tray.
- Fill the water tank with fresh, cold water up to the max line.
- Prepare the portafilter:
- Insert the one-cup filter basket.
- Place the silicone cleaning disc on top.
- Put one cleaning tablet in the center of the cleaning disc.
- Lock the portafilter into the group head.
- Start the cleaning cycle:
- With the machine off, press and hold the 1-cup and 2-cup buttons simultaneously, then press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
- The clean me light will start flashing, indicating the cleaning cycle has begun (approximately 5 minutes).
- Place a large container under the group head to catch the water.
- After the cycle:
- Once the machine beeps, remove the portafilter.
- Check if the cleaning tablet is fully dissolved; if not, repeat the cleaning cycle.
- Rinse the machine by flushing fresh water through the group head, steam wand, and hot water dispenser to ensure no cleaning chemicals remain.
Additional tips:
- Regular cleaning removes coffee oils for better-tasting coffee.
- Descaling (for mineral deposits) is a separate process that should also be performed periodically.
- You can get cleaning tablets with your machine or buy them separately if needed.
- Soaking and cleaning the steam wand regularly with warm water and vinegar is recommended for maintenance.
These steps ensure your Breville coffee machine stays clean and functions well for optimal espresso extraction and machine longevity.
