If you love your Breville coffee maker and want it to keep brewing that perfect cup, regular descaling is a must. Over time, mineral deposits from water build up inside your machine, affecting its performance and the taste of your coffee. But don’t worry-descaling your Breville coffee maker is easier than you think! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to keep your machine in top shape, ensuring every cup tastes just right.
Why Descale Your Breville Coffee Maker?
Descaling removes mineral buildup (like calcium and lime) inside your machine’s water lines, boiler, and heating elements. This buildup can:
– Slow down brewing time
– Cause strange tastes in your coffee
– Trigger warning lights on your machine
– Shorten your coffee maker’s lifespan
By regularly descaling, you keep your Breville running smoothly and your coffee tasting fresh and delicious.
What You’ll Need
– Descaling solution (Breville descaling powder or a homemade mix of equal parts white vinegar and water)
– Clean water
– A large container or carafe to catch water from the machine
– Access to your Breville’s water tank and drip tray
Step-by-Step Guide to Descale Your Breville Coffee Maker
1. Prepare Your Machine
– Turn off your coffee maker and unplug it for safety.
– Remove the water tank and empty it completely.
– Take out the water filter if your model has one.
– Empty the drip tray and clean it.
2. Mix the Descaling Solution
– If you have Breville’s descaling powder, dissolve one sachet in 1 liter of warm water.
– If using vinegar, mix equal parts white vinegar and water to fill the water tank.
3. Fill the Water Tank
– Pour the descaling solution into the water tank.
– Reinsert the water tank into the machine.
4. Enter Descale Mode
– For many Breville models (like the Barista Express), press and hold the 2-CUP button and then the POWER button simultaneously until the machine heats up and the descale indicators light up.
– On some models, you may press and hold 1 CUP and STEAM buttons together for 5 seconds to activate descale mode.
5. Start the Descaling Cycle
– Press the 1 CUP button to begin descaling the coffee brewing component. This usually takes about 25 seconds.
– Next, turn the steam dial to the steam icon to descale the steam wand (about 13 seconds).
– Then turn the dial to the hot water icon to descale the hot water component (about 8 seconds).
– You can stop the steam or hot water descaling early by turning the dial back to standby.
6. Repeat if Needed
– After the first cycle, about half of the descaling solution remains in the tank. Repeat the descaling process to ensure thorough cleaning.
7. Rinse Your Machine
– Empty the water tank and rinse it thoroughly.
– Fill the tank with fresh clean water.
– Run a rinse cycle by pressing the Clean button or repeating the brew cycle without coffee grounds to flush out any remaining descaling solution.
– Repeat the rinse cycle at least once more to ensure no residue remains.
8. Final Cleanup
– Wipe down the exterior of your machine and clean removable parts like the drip tray and portafilter.
– Replace the water filter if you removed it earlier.
Tips for Best Results
– Descale your Breville coffee maker every 2-3 months or when the Clean/Descale light comes on.
– Use filtered or bottled water to reduce mineral buildup.
– Always follow your specific Breville model’s manual for any unique descaling instructions.
– Avoid using harsh chemicals-stick to Breville’s descaling powder or natural vinegar solutions.
Descaling your Breville coffee maker is a simple but essential step to keep your machine brewing like new. With just a little time and care, you’ll enjoy rich, flavorful coffee every day without interruptions or weird tastes.
Cheers to many more perfect cups!
Your Breville deserves regular love through descaling to stay in peak condition and deliver the best coffee experience. Happy brewing!