How to Clean a Breville Espresso Machine with Tablets: A Comprehensive Guide
Cleaning your Breville espresso machine with tablets involves a simple but crucial process of dissolving a tablet in water and running it through the internal cleaning cycle. This method removes oil build-up and residue, ensuring optimal performance and extended lifespan for your machine.
Why Cleaning Your Breville Espresso Machine Matters
Maintaining a Breville espresso machine goes beyond simply wiping down the exterior. The internal components, particularly those involved in brewing, are susceptible to coffee oil and mineral build-up. Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to:
- Reduced Crema: Oil residue hinders the formation of a rich, flavorful crema.
- Bitter Taste: Stale coffee oils impart a bitter taste to your espresso.
- Decreased Brewing Pressure: Blockages can restrict water flow, impacting brewing pressure and extraction.
- Machine Malfunction: Untreated build-up can eventually damage internal components, requiring costly repairs.
- Increased Energy Consumption: A struggling machine works harder, using more energy.
Benefits of Using Cleaning Tablets
While backflushing with water helps, cleaning tablets offer superior results:
- Targeted Cleaning: Tablets are specifically formulated to dissolve coffee oils and residue.
- Internal Cleansing: They reach areas that are difficult to access manually.
- Easy to Use: The process is straightforward and relatively quick.
- Improved Flavor: Regular cleaning ensures consistently delicious espresso.
- Prolonged Machine Life: Removing build-up helps prevent wear and tear.
Understanding Breville Cleaning Tablets
Breville cleaning tablets contain specific detergents and enzymes designed to break down coffee oils effectively. Never use generic cleaning tablets not explicitly designed for espresso machines, as they may contain chemicals that can damage your Breville. Always refer to your machine’s user manual for manufacturer-recommended tablets.
The Cleaning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to properly clean your Breville espresso machine with tablets:
- Preparation: Empty the drip tray and coffee grounds container. Ensure the water tank is filled with fresh water.
- Insert the Cleaning Tablet: Place one Breville cleaning tablet into the designated opening, usually indicated by a cleaning brush icon or mentioned in the user manual.
- Initiate the Cleaning Cycle: Access the cleaning cycle function. This process varies between Breville models. Consult your user manual for specific instructions. It typically involves pressing and holding specific buttons or navigating the LCD screen.
- Run the Cycle: Allow the machine to run through the entire cleaning cycle. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. The machine will automatically dispense water through various outlets.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once the cleaning cycle is complete, remove and rinse the water tank, drip tray, and portafilter thoroughly with fresh water. Refill the water tank with fresh water.
- Run Several Rinse Cycles: To remove any residual cleaning solution, run at least two full cycles of plain water through the machine using the same steps as the brewing cycle.
- Reassemble: Reassemble all components and your machine is ready for use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Wrong Tablets: As mentioned earlier, always use Breville-recommended or espresso machine-specific cleaning tablets.
- Skipping Rinse Cycles: Failing to rinse thoroughly can leave a soapy taste in your espresso.
- Ignoring the User Manual: Each Breville model has slightly different cleaning procedures. Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions.
- Overusing Tablets: Using too many tablets can potentially damage the machine. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Neglecting External Cleaning: While cleaning tablets address internal build-up, don’t forget to regularly wipe down the exterior of the machine.
- Ignoring Descaling: Cleaning tablets do not descale your machine. You’ll need a separate descaling solution and process to remove mineral build-up.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
The ideal cleaning frequency depends on usage. As a general guideline:
- Heavy Use (Multiple Shots Daily): Clean with tablets weekly or every two weeks.
- Moderate Use (1-2 Shots Daily): Clean with tablets monthly.
- Light Use (Occasional Shots): Clean with tablets every two to three months.
The machine will also likely indicate when a clean is due on the display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use vinegar as a cleaning agent instead of tablets?
No, do not use vinegar to clean your Breville espresso machine. Vinegar can damage the internal components, particularly the seals and heating elements. Stick to recommended cleaning tablets.
What happens if I don’t clean my Breville espresso machine regularly?
Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to poor coffee flavor, reduced crema, decreased brewing pressure, and potential damage to the machine, ultimately shortening its lifespan.
Where can I buy Breville cleaning tablets?
You can purchase Breville cleaning tablets from authorized Breville retailers, online marketplaces like Amazon, or directly from the Breville website. Always ensure you are buying genuine Breville products.
How do I know if my cleaning cycle was successful?
The best way to tell if the cleaning cycle was successful is by observing the water that comes out of the machine during the rinse cycles. It should be clear and free of any soapy residue. You should also notice an improvement in the taste and crema of your espresso.
My Breville machine doesn’t have a dedicated cleaning cycle. What do I do?
Consult your user manual. Some older models may not have a dedicated cleaning cycle. In such cases, you may need to manually simulate the cleaning process by running water mixed with a dissolved cleaning tablet through the brewing cycle and then rinsing thoroughly.
Can I use baking soda to clean my Breville espresso machine?
While baking soda is a common household cleaner, it’s not recommended for cleaning espresso machines. It may not effectively remove coffee oils and could leave a residue that affects the taste of your coffee.
What is the difference between cleaning and descaling?
Cleaning removes coffee oil residue, while descaling removes mineral build-up from hard water. Both processes are crucial for maintaining your Breville espresso machine. Descaling solution and tablets are different from cleaning tablets.
How often should I descale my Breville espresso machine?
The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of your water. Generally, you should descale your machine every 2-3 months or when prompted by the machine’s descaling indicator.
Is it safe to drink the water that comes out during the cleaning cycle?
No, it is not safe to drink the water that comes out during the cleaning cycle. This water contains dissolved cleaning agents and residue. Always thoroughly rinse the machine after the cleaning cycle.
My machine still tastes soapy after running several rinse cycles. What should I do?
Run additional rinse cycles until the soapy taste disappears. You can also try using filtered water for the rinse cycles. Ensure that the drip tray and water tank are completely clean.
Can I clean the portafilter with a cleaning tablet solution?
Yes, you can soak the portafilter in a solution of warm water and a small amount of cleaning tablet residue. However, do not soak aluminum portafilters, as this can cause discoloration. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
What should I do if the cleaning tablet gets stuck in the machine?
If the cleaning tablet gets stuck, do not force it. Try gently tapping the machine or using a small, soft brush to dislodge it. If it remains stuck, consult your user manual or contact Breville customer support for assistance.