Running the clean cycle on your Breville Espresso Machine is an essential task to keep your machine functioning optimally, and to ensure your coffee always tastes its best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, provide tips to avoid common mistakes, and highlight the benefits of regular machine maintenance.
To run the clean cycle on a Breville Espresso Machine, first, turn off the machine and empty the drip tray. Fill the water tank with cold water, replace the portafilter with a single cup filter, and place a cleaning tablet on the grey silicone cleaning disc inserted into the filter. Lock the portafilter into the group head, place a large container underneath to catch the water, and initiate the cleaning cycle by pressing and holding the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons simultaneously, then pressing the POWER button. The cleaning cycle will run for approximately 5 minutes. After it’s complete, remove the cleaning disc, reinsert the portafilter, and press the 2 CUP button to rinse the brew head.
Why You Need to Clean Your Breville Espresso Machine
Regular cleaning of your Breville Espresso Machine has several benefits:
- Improved taste: A clean machine leads to a better-tasting cup of coffee, as it prevents the buildup of coffee oils and residues that can affect the flavor.
- Longer lifespan: Keeping your machine clean helps it last longer by preventing faults due to improper cleaning and maintenance.
- Better performance: Regular cleaning ensures that the group head and other components function optimally, providing consistent brewing results.
- Prevents mineral buildup: Descaling, which is part of the cleaning process, removes mineral deposits (limescale) that can hinder the performance of your machine and affect the taste of your coffee.
Breville recommends running a cleaning cycle on their espresso machines every 2-3 months or after every 200 cups of coffee brewed. However, it’s important to note that some machines have a “clean me” light or notification that will indicate when a cleaning cycle is due.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Run the Clean Cycle
To run the clean cycle on a Breville Espresso Machine, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Turn off the machine.
- Empty the drip tray.
- Ensure the water tank is filled with cold water.
- Remove the portafilter and replace the filter with a single cup filter.
- Insert the grey silicone cleaning disc into the single cup filter and place a cleaning tablet on top of the disc.
- Lock the portafilter into the group head and place a large container beneath the portafilter spouts to catch the water.
- Press and hold the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons simultaneously, then press the POWER button. Hold all three buttons together for approximately 10 seconds to initiate the cleaning cycle.
The cleaning cycle will run for about 5 minutes, during which water will intermittently flow from the portafilter spouts, gradually becoming cleaner. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, remove the cleaning disc, reinsert the portafilter, and press the 2 CUP button to rinse the brew head from the cleaning solution. Make sure to wipe off any splashes on the machine after the process is complete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Cleaning
When running the clean cycle on a Breville Espresso Machine, there are several potential mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong cleaning disc: Ensure that you use the correct cleaning disc, also called a backflush disc, for your specific Breville espresso machine model. Using the wrong size disc may result in poor cleaning performance.
- Not following the instruction manual: Each Breville espresso machine model may have slight variations in the cleaning process. Always refer to the instruction manual for a complete walkthrough of your machine’s cleaning cycle.
- Ignoring the “Clean Me” light: When the “Clean Me” light is illuminated, your machine is due for a cleaning cycle. Do not ignore this indicator, as it helps maintain the machine’s performance and longevity.
- Not cleaning all components: Cleaning and maintenance should cover all aspects of your machine, including the group head, steam wand, descaling, and changing the water filter regularly. If you make 2-5 cups of coffee per day, some parts should be cleaned every week, while the grinder and water tank should be cleaned every two to three weeks.
- Not using cleaning tablets: When running a cleaning cycle, use cleaning tablets from your preferred brand to ensure proper cleaning.
- Not placing a container under the portafilter spouts: During the cleaning cycle, water will intermittently flow from the portafilter spouts. Place a container below the spouts to collect the water.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your Breville Espresso Machine is properly cleaned and maintained, resulting in better-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting machine.
Safety Precautions to Consider
When running the clean cycle, it’s important to follow certain safety precautions to prevent any mishaps or injuries:
- Always unplug the coffee machine from the power source before cleaning.
- Allow the machine to cool down completely before starting the cleaning process to avoid burns.
- Do not remove the portafilter during the brewing operation, as the machine is under pressure.
- Cleaning and user maintenance should not be performed by children.
By following these safety precautions and cleaning steps, you can maintain your Breville Espresso Machine and ensure optimal performance.
With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to properly run the clean cycle on your Breville Espresso Machine. Remember, regular cleaning is key to prolonging the life of your machine and enjoying delicious, high-quality coffee every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cleaning tablets should I use for my Breville Espresso Machine?
You should use Breville’s specially formulated Espresso Cleaning Tablets for the cleaning cycle. However, if these are unavailable, you may use other brands of espresso machine cleaning tablets. Just ensure they are safe for use with Breville machines.
What should I do if my machine doesn’t have a “Clean Me” light?
If your machine doesn’t have a “Clean Me” light, you should stick to the recommended cleaning schedule of every 2-3 months or after every 200 cups of coffee brewed.
Where can I find the cleaning disc for my Breville Espresso Machine?
The cleaning disc, or backflush disc, should have been included with your machine when you bought it. If you’ve misplaced it, you can order a replacement from Breville’s website or other online retailers.
How do I know when the cleaning cycle is complete?
The cleaning cycle takes about 5 minutes, during which water will intermittently flow from the portafilter spouts. When water stops flowing, the cleaning cycle is complete.
Can I use vinegar to descale my Breville Espresso Machine?
No, vinegar is not recommended for descaling Breville Espresso Machines. Instead, you should use a descaling solution specifically designed for espresso machines. Breville sells its own descaling solution, but other brands can be used as long as they are safe for use with Breville machines.
