If your Breville Bambino Plus is experiencing frequent grinder clogs, it can disrupt your coffee routine and diminish the quality of your espresso. The cause often relates to coffee grind size, residual buildup, or maintenance issues. Fortunately, with some careful troubleshooting and routine cleaning, you can resolve these problems and restore your machine’s performance.
This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to fix a grinder that keeps clogging, ensuring safe and effective maintenance of your Breville espresso machine.
Key Takeaways
| Identify the cause | Grind size, stale beans, or buildup may cause clogging. |
| Routine cleaning is essential | Regularly clean grinder components to prevent blockages. |
| Use proper coffee grounds | Avoid very fine or inconsistent grounds that can jam the grinder. |
| Check for mechanical issues | Inspect for worn burrs or debris that may hinder grinding. |
| Follow safe disassembly steps | Always unplug and handle parts carefully during cleaning. |
Breville BES500BST Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Delivers professional-quality espresso at home
- Compact Design: Faster, space-saving espresso machine
- Dose Control Grinding: Consistent, balanced espresso with 19g portafilter
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Supplies
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
- Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine
- Breville BEC250 or compatible cleaning tablets
- A small brush or toothbrush
- A soft cloth or microfiber towel
- A screwdriver (if needed for disassembly)
Having these ready will make the troubleshooting process smoother and safer.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets, 8 Pack
- Brand Compatibility: Designed for Breville espresso machines
- Cleaning Purpose: Removes coffee oils and residues
- Package Quantity: 8 cleaning tablets
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Identify and Clear the Clog
- Turn off and unplug your Breville Bambino Plus to ensure safety.
- Access the grinder compartment by removing the bean hopper according to the user manual.
- Look inside the grinding chamber for any visible blockages or coffee grounds stuck in the burrs.
- If you see a clog, gently tap or brush away loose grounds using a small brush or toothbrush.
If grounds are hardened or stuck, proceed with cleaning to prevent future issues.
Clean the Grinder Components
Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup that causes clogging. Follow these steps:
- Remove the burrs carefully if your model allows, following the manual instructions.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to remove residual coffee grounds from the burrs and chamber.
- Place the burrs back securely, ensuring they are aligned correctly.
- Run a cleaning cycle using Breville cleaning tablets (like the BEC250) to dissolve oils and residues inside the grinder.
Using official cleaning tablets ensures thorough cleaning without damaging internal parts.
Adjust Grind Size and Beans
Sometimes, a clog occurs because the grind size is too fine or the beans are stale. To prevent this:
- Set the grinder to a slightly coarser setting—avoiding extremely fine grounds which can jam the grinder.
- Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans, preferably roasted within the last few weeks.
- Avoid overfilling the hopper; grind smaller amounts at a time.
Consistent, proper grind size reduces the risk of clogging and improves espresso quality.
Reassemble and Test the Machine
Once cleaned and adjusted:
- Reassemble all parts securely, ensuring burrs and hopper are properly installed.
- Plug in the machine, turn it on, and run a test grind.
- Observe if the grind is smooth and if the machine operates without jamming.
If the problem persists, repeat cleaning or consider replacing worn burrs or components.
Prevent Future Clogs
To keep your Breville Bambino Plus running smoothly:
- Clean the grinder regularly—ideally after every few uses.
- Use fresh beans and avoid grinding excessively fine grounds.
- Perform routine maintenance as recommended in the user manual.
Consistent care will extend your machine’s lifespan and ensure consistent coffee quality.
The Products in This Guide
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 10.5 lbs
- ✔ Power: 1600W
- ✔ Warranty: 1 Year
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Size: 8 Tablets
- ✔ Safe for: All Breville espresso machines
- ✔ Certification: Food Grade
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact yet powerful espresso machine that benefits greatly from regular cleaning and proper use. Its built-in features make it easy to maintain, but occasional troubleshooting helps keep it in top shape.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
- Consistent espresso quality
- Fast heat-up time
Cons:
- Grinder clogs if not maintained
- Requires routine cleaning
- Bean hopper capacity limits usage
Best for: Home baristas seeking quality espresso with minimal hassle
Not ideal for: Users who neglect regular cleaning or use very fine grounds
Bottom line: Routine cleaning and proper grind settings are key to preventing grinder clogs in your Breville Bambino Plus.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
Using Breville’s official cleaning tablets ensures thorough removal of coffee oils and residues, extending your machine’s lifespan and maintaining optimal flavor.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for Breville
- Effective cleaning
- Safe ingredients
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Cost slightly higher than generic cleaners
- Requires regular use
- Limited to compatible models
Best for: Maintaining a pristine machine for consistent espresso
Not ideal for: Users seeking a quick, infrequent clean
Bottom line: Regular use of Breville cleaning tablets keeps your espresso machine in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my Breville Bambino Plus grinder?
It’s recommended to clean the grinder at least once a month and after every 50-100 uses to prevent buildup and clogs.
What grind size should I use to avoid clogging?
Use a slightly coarser grind setting; very fine grounds are more prone to causing jams and clogging the grinder.
Can I use regular coffee beans for grinding?
Yes, but ensure beans are fresh and roasted properly. Stale or oily beans can contribute to buildup and clogging.
What should I do if cleaning doesn’t fix the clog?
Check for worn burrs or mechanical damage. Replacing burrs or consulting a repair professional may be necessary.
Is it safe to disassemble my Breville Bambino Plus for cleaning?
Yes, but always unplug the machine first. Follow the user manual instructions carefully to avoid damaging internal parts.
Keep Your Espresso Fresh and Clog-Free
Regular maintenance, proper grind size, and routine cleaning are crucial for preventing grinder clogs in your Breville Bambino Plus. By following these steps, you can enjoy consistently excellent espresso at home without interruption. Remember, a well-maintained machine not only performs better but also lasts longer, ensuring many more perfect cups of coffee in the future.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
