Breville

Breville the Barista Express BES870

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

Which light is flashing or lit?

• CLEAN / DESCALE light flashing: Cleaning cycle needed. The machine needs its built in cleaning cycle run with a cleaning tablet.
• CLEAN / DESCALE light on solid: Descaling needed. Mineral build up from hard water needs to be cleared out of the machine.
• Steam/Hot Water light flashing: Machine is heating for steam or hot water. Wait until the light stops flashing, then the steam or hot water is ready.
• Steam light flashes after steaming: Steam switched off after 5 minutes. The machine automatically stops steam after 5 minutes of continuous use to protect itself.
• POWER button surround flashing: Machine is heating up. The machine is not yet at temperature. Wait for the button surrounds to stay lit.
• FILTER SIZE LEDs both flashing: Bean hopper is not seated correctly. A safety interlock stops the grinder from running until the hopper is properly in place.
• Drip tray shows EMPTY ME!: Drip tray is full. The drip tray needs emptying and cleaning.

Common problems

My coffee won't come through

1. Is the machine switched on and plugged in? Make sure it is plugged in, switched on at the power outlet, and the POWER button is pressed on.
2. Is the water tank empty? Fill the tank with fresh cold water to the maximum mark.
3. Is the grind too fine? Use a suitable espresso grind, not too fine and powdery.
4. Are the filter holes blocked? Clean the filter holes with the pin on the cleaning tool.

My coffee has no crema

1. Did you tamp the coffee firmly enough? Tamp down firmly with consistent pressure every time.
2. Is the grind too coarse? Use a suitable espresso grind, finer rather than coarse.
3. Is your coffee old? Change old beans for fresh roasted or pre ground coffee. Don't keep ground coffee longer than a week.
4. Are the filter holes blocked? Use the fine pin on the cleaning tool to clear the holes.

I can't get steam for milk

1. Is the machine turned on? Make sure it is plugged in, switched on at the power outlet, and the POWER button is pressed on.
2. Is the water tank empty? Refill the water tank with cold tap water.
3. Is the steam dial in the STEAM position? Turn the steam dial to the STEAM position.
4. Is the steam wand blocked? Use the pin on the cleaning tool to clear the opening. If still blocked, remove the tip with the spanner on the cleaning tool.

The grinder won't grind

1. Are there coffee beans in the hopper? Fill the hopper with fresh whole coffee beans.
2. Is there moisture in the grinder chamber? Clean and clear the grinder chamber and chute.
3. Is the bean hopper correctly in place? Remove the hopper, check for debris, then replace it into the correct location.

Step-by-step guides

Run the cleaning cycle

1. Insert the cleaning disc into the one or two cup filter disc.
2. Place the filter basket into the portafilter.
3. Put 1 cleaning tablet into the filter.
4. Lock the portafilter into the group head.
5. Turn the machine OFF.
6. Press and hold the 1 CUP, 2 CUP and POWER button together for 3 seconds.
7. Let the cleaning cycle run.
8. Remove the portafilter and check the tablet has fully dissolved.

Descale the machine

1. Dissolve one descaling powder sachet into one litre of water, then fill the water tank.
2. Press and hold the 2 CUP button, then press and hold the POWER button to enter Descale mode.
3. Press the 1 CUP button to descale the coffee component.
4. Turn the steam dial right to descale the steam component.
5. Turn the steam dial left to descale the hot water component.
6. Repeat these steps until the descaling solution in the tank is used up.
7. Rinse the tank, refill with fresh cold water to the max line, and repeat the process to rinse the machine.
8. Press POWER to quit descaling mode.

Replace the water filter

1. Soak the new filter 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 2 months ahead.
5. Push the filter down to lock it into place.