If your Breville Bambino Plus is experiencing frequent grinder clogs, it can disrupt your coffee routine and diminish the quality of your espresso. Grinder clogging is often caused by issues like stale beans, improper grind size, or residue buildup inside the machine. Fortunately, with careful cleaning and maintenance, you can resolve this problem and restore your machine’s performance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step process to troubleshoot and fix a grinder that keeps clogging, ensuring safe handling and proper care for your Breville Bambino Plus.
Key Takeaways
| Identify the cause of clogging | Stale beans or improper grind size are common culprits. |
| Regular cleaning is essential | Use appropriate cleaning tablets to remove oil and residue. |
| Proper grind setting matters | Adjust grind size to prevent over-fine grounds that clog the grinder. |
| Maintenance prolongs machine life | Consistent upkeep ensures optimal performance. |
Breville Bambino Plus, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Delivers professional-quality espresso at home
- Compact Design: Part of Bambino Series for space-saving use
- Dose Control Grinding: Ensures consistent, balanced espresso grounds
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Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug Your Machine
Before starting any troubleshooting, ensure your Breville Bambino Plus is turned off and unplugged from the power source. This is essential for your safety and prevents any accidental damage during cleaning or inspection.
Allow the machine to cool down if recently used, especially around the grinder area, to avoid burns or injury.
Step 2: Remove and Empty the Bean Hopper
- Open the bean hopper lid and carefully remove the hopper from the machine.
- Empty any leftover beans, especially if they are stale or dried out, as these can cause clogging.
- Clean the hopper with a damp cloth to remove dust or oil residues.
- Ensure the hopper is completely dry before reattaching to prevent moisture from affecting the beans or grinder.
Step 3: Check and Adjust the Grind Size
One common cause of grinder clogging is using an excessively fine grind. Consult your Breville Bambino Plus manual to locate the grind size dial or setting.
Adjust the grind to a slightly coarser setting if it’s too fine. This helps prevent grounds from compacting and causing blockages.
Run a small amount of beans through the grinder to test if the clog persists after this adjustment.
Step 4: Clean the Grinder and Burrs
- Use a dedicated grinder cleaning tablet, such as the Breville BEC250 or similar, to remove oil buildup and coffee residues.
- Follow the tablet instructions—generally, you place the tablet in the hopper and run the grinder to dissolve and clean the burrs.
- Periodically, manually brush the burrs with a small, soft brush to dislodge any stuck grounds.
- Wipe the exterior and around the burr chamber with a dry cloth.
Regular cleaning reduces oil and residue buildup, which are major causes of clogging over time.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test the Machine
Once cleaning and adjustments are complete, reassemble the bean hopper, ensuring it is securely in place.
Plug the machine back in and run a test grind with fresh beans. Observe if the grinder operates smoothly without clogging.
If the problem persists, consider reducing the grind size further or inspecting the burrs for damage or misalignment.
Additional Tips and Warnings
- Use fresh beans to prevent stale grounds that can cause clogging.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
- Avoid grinding excessively oily beans, which can clog the burrs and internal pathways.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools to clean the grinder.
- If you notice persistent mechanical issues, contact Breville customer support for professional assistance.
The Products in This Guide
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Color: Black Stainless Steel
- ✔ Power: 1600W
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Size: 8 tablets
- ✔ Brand: Breville
- ✔ Type: Cleaning tablets
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus offers a compact, stylish design with professional-grade features. Regular cleaning and adjustments can prevent grinder clogs and keep your espresso tasting great.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Fast heat-up
- Dose control grinding
- Quality construction
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- Grind size adjustments needed over time
- Can clog if beans are oily
Best for: Home baristas seeking quality espresso in a small footprint
Not ideal for: Users who prefer super-automatic machines or minimal upkeep
Bottom line: Regular cleaning and proper adjustments keep your Breville Bambino Plus running smoothly.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
Using Breville BEC250 cleaning tablets regularly ensures your espresso machine remains free of oil and residue buildup, optimizing flavor and longevity.
Pros:
- Effective cleaning
- Food-grade ingredients
- Prolongs machine life
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Requires regular use
- Not a substitute for descaling
- Limited to cleaning residues
Best for: Maintaining optimal performance with minimal effort
Not ideal for: Heavy mineral buildup or scale, which requires descaling products
Bottom line: Regular cleaning tablets help maintain your Breville espresso machine’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Breville Bambino Plus keep clogging during grinding?
Common causes include using beans that are too oily, a grind setting that is too fine, or residue buildup in the burrs and pathways. Regular cleaning and adjusting the grind size can help prevent this.
How often should I clean the grinder?
It’s recommended to clean the grinder every 1-2 months with a cleaning tablet, especially if you notice clogging or a change in grind quality.
Can I use regular cleaning products for my Breville machine?
It’s best to use products specifically designed for espresso machines, such as Breville BEC250 tablets, to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
What should I do if adjusting the grind size doesn’t fix the clogging?
If adjusting the grind size doesn’t help, inspect the burrs for damage, clean thoroughly, and consider contacting Breville support for professional assistance.
Is it safe to disassemble the grinder myself?
Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Always unplug the machine before disassembly and handle parts gently to avoid damage.
Keep Your Breville Bambino Plus in Top Shape
Regular maintenance, proper grind size adjustments, and using high-quality cleaning products are key to preventing grinder clogs and ensuring your espresso machine continues to produce great-tasting coffee. By following these step-by-step tips, you can troubleshoot common issues safely and efficiently, extending the lifespan of your machine and enjoying cafe-quality espresso at home.
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