Breville

Breville the Barista Express BES870

Answers and step-by-step fixes from the official Breville manual.

Which light is on or flashing?

• CLEAN / DESCALE light flashing: Cleaning cycle needed. The machine's built-in cleaning cycle should be run soon.
• CLEAN / DESCALE light on solid: Descaling needed. Mineral build up from hard water needs to be cleared out.
• POWER button surround flashing: Machine is heating up. This is normal while the machine reaches operating temperature.
• Steam light flashing: Heating for steam or hot water. The machine is warming up before it can produce steam.
• FILTER SIZE LEDs both flashing: Hopper is not seated correctly. The bean hopper safety interlock has opened because the hopper is not fully in place.
• Drip tray shows EMPTY ME!: Drip tray is full. The tray needs to be removed and emptied.

Common problems

Coffee won't come out

1. Is the machine plugged in and switched on? Make sure the machine is plugged in, switched on at the outlet, and the POWER button is pressed on.
2. Is the water tank empty? Fill the tank with fresh cold water.
3. Is the coffee ground too fine? Use a grind size suited to espresso, not too fine.
4. Are the filter holes blocked? Clean the filter basket holes to clear the blockage.

Espresso has no crema

1. Is the coffee tamped firmly enough? Tamp the ground coffee down firmly and consistently.
2. Is the grind too coarse? A grind that's too coarse lets water flow through too fast.
3. Is the coffee fresh? Swap old beans or grounds for fresh ones.
4. Are the filter holes blocked? Use the fine pin on the cleaning tool to clear the holes.

No steam, or milk won't froth

1. Is the machine switched on? Make sure the machine is plugged in, switched on at the outlet, and the POWER button is pressed on.
2. Is the water tank empty? Fill the tank with fresh cold water.
3. Is the steam dial in the STEAM position? Turn the dial to STEAM to generate steam.
4. Is the steam wand blocked? Use the pin on the cleaning tool to clear the opening in the wand tip.

Grinder won't run or makes noise

1. Are there beans in the hopper? Fill the hopper with whole coffee beans.
2. Is the hopper seated correctly? Remove the hopper, check for debris, then put it back in the correct position.
3. Is the grinder chute blocked? Clean and clear the grinder chamber and chute.
4. Is there a loud ratchet noise? Switch the grinder off immediately, remove the hopper and clear any blockage or foreign object in the chute and burrs.

Step-by-step guides

Run the cleaning cycle

1. Empty the drip tray and fill the water tank.
2. Insert the cleaning disc into the filter basket.
3. Place the filter basket into the portafilter.
4. Put one cleaning tablet into the filter.
5. Lock the portafilter into the group head.
6. Turn the machine off.
7. Press and hold the 1 CUP, 2 CUP and POWER buttons together for 3 seconds.
8. Wait for the cleaning cycle to finish.

Descale the machine

1. Remove the water filter from the water tank.
2. Dissolve one descaling powder sachet in one litre of water and fill the tank.
3. Press and hold the 2 CUP button, then press and hold the POWER button to enter descale mode.
4. Press the 1 CUP button to descale the coffee component.
5. Turn the steam dial right to descale the steam component.
6. Turn the steam dial left to descale the hot water component.
7. Repeat the coffee, steam and hot water steps until the tank is empty.
8. Rinse the tank, refill with fresh water, and repeat the steps to flush the machine.
9. Press POWER to quit the descaling process.

Replace the water filter

1. Remove the filter from its bag and soak it in a cup of water.
2. Rinse the filter under cold running water.
3. Insert the filter into the filter holder.
4. Set the date dial two months ahead.
5. Push down to lock the filter into place.