If your Breville Bambino Plus is experiencing frequent grinder clogs, it can be frustrating and disrupt your coffee routine. Grinder blockages often occur due to stale coffee beans, excessive grind size, or build-up of coffee oils and residues. Fortunately, with proper troubleshooting and maintenance, you can resolve these issues safely and efficiently. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to fix a grinder that keeps clogging, ensuring your espresso machine stays in optimal condition.
Before diving into the solutions, gather some basic tools and cleaning supplies, including cleaning tablets designed for Breville machines, a soft brush, and a clean cloth. Always unplug your machine before performing maintenance to ensure safety. Let’s walk through the process of diagnosing and fixing the grinder clog effectively.
Key Takeaways
| Regular cleaning is essential | Use cleaning tablets to prevent oil and residue buildup. |
| Avoid stale beans | Fresh, properly stored coffee beans reduce clogging. |
| Adjust grind size | A coarser grind can prevent blockages. |
| Check for bean jams | Large or uneven beans may cause jams. |
| Routine maintenance | Regular cleaning and descaling extend machine life. |
Breville Bambino Plus, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Brew professional-quality coffee at home
- Dose Control Grinding: Consistent 19g grind for full flavor
- 54mm Porta-Filter: Ensures optimal extraction and flavor
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Step 1: Unplug and Prepare Your Machine
- Ensure your Breville Bambino Plus is turned off and unplugged to avoid electrical hazards.
- Remove the bean hopper and empty any remaining beans.
- Clean the hopper and surrounding areas with a dry cloth to remove dust and residual coffee oils.
Step 2: Access the Grinder and Check for Obstructions
Remove the top cover of the grinder (refer to your user manual if needed). Inspect the burrs and grinding chamber for any jammed beans, coffee grounds, or debris.
If you notice a bean jam, carefully remove the obstruction with a soft brush or tweezers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the burrs.
Step 3: Clean the Grinder Components
- Use a soft brush or a vacuum designed for small appliances to remove coffee grounds and oil residues from the burrs and chamber.
- Run a cleaning cycle with Breville-approved cleaning tablets (such as BREVILLE BEC250) to dissolve oils and residues inside the grinder.
- Follow the tablet instructions for dissolution time, typically about 10-15 minutes, then run the grinder to flush out loosened residues.
Step 4: Adjust the Grind Size and Test
Set the grind size to a slightly coarser setting—this helps prevent future clogs. Reassemble the grinder, refill the hopper with fresh beans, and run a test grind.
If the machine still clogs, repeat the cleaning process or consider reducing the amount of beans loaded at once.
Step 5: Prevent Future Clogs with Proper Maintenance
- Regularly clean the grinder with appropriate cleaning tablets or brushes.
- Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans stored in an airtight container.
- Avoid overloading the hopper; grind smaller amounts if necessary.
- Perform routine descaling and filter replacement to maintain overall machine health.
The Products in This Guide
Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.7 x 13 inches
- ✔ Weight: 10.9 pounds
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Package Size: 8 tablets
- ✔ Safety: Food-grade ingredients
- ✔ Application: Internal cleaning
Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact yet powerful espresso machine designed for serious coffee lovers. Its dose control grinding ensures consistent results, but like all espresso machines, proper cleaning and maintenance are key to preventing issues like grinder clogs. Regularly cleaning the burrs and using the right beans can keep your machine running smoothly for years.
Pros:
- Compact design fits small spaces
- Consistent grind quality
- Fast heat-up time
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Grinder can clog if not maintained
- Requires routine cleaning tablets
- Limited bean capacity
Best for: Home baristas seeking café-quality espresso with minimal fuss
Not ideal for: Heavy users who need high-volume grinding capacity
Bottom line: Regular cleaning and proper bean handling keep your Breville Bambino Plus functioning flawlessly.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
Using Breville BEC250 espresso machine cleaning tablets regularly helps prevent grinder and internal build-up, ensuring your espresso always tastes fresh. These official tablets dissolve precisely and are gentle yet effective.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for Breville
- Easy to use
- Prolongs machine life
- Removes oils and residues
Cons:
- Requires regular use
- Only available in packs of 8
- Cost adds up over time
Best for: Maintaining peak performance and flavor clarity
Not ideal for: If you prefer DIY cleaning methods
Bottom line: Regular use of official cleaning tablets ensures your espresso machine stays in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Breville Bambino Plus grinder keep clogging?
Clogging can occur due to stale beans, improper grind size, or build-up of oils and residues. Regular cleaning and using fresh beans help prevent this.
How often should I clean the grinder?
It’s recommended to clean the grinder with specialized cleaning tablets monthly and after every few pounds of coffee to maintain optimal performance.
Can I use regular coffee grounds to clear clogs?
No, using regular grounds can worsen clogs. Instead, use cleaning tablets designed for espresso machines to dissolve oils and residues.
What grind setting is best to prevent clogs?
A slightly coarser grind setting often reduces the risk of jams. Adjust gradually to find the best balance for your beans.
Is it safe to open the grinder myself?
Yes, but always unplug the machine first. Follow your user manual instructions carefully to avoid damaging delicate components.
Keep Your Breville Bambino Plus Running Smoothly
Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and using fresh beans are key to preventing grinder clogs and ensuring your Breville Bambino Plus delivers perfect espresso every time. With a little routine care, your machine will provide café-quality drinks for years to come. Stay consistent with cleaning and enjoy your coffee bliss!
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
