Maintaining your Breville Barista Pro is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Regular cleaning removes coffee oils, residues, and mineral buildup that can affect flavor and machine function. In this guide, you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions on how to clean your espresso machine safely and effectively.
Whether you’re doing routine maintenance or deep cleaning, these tips will help keep your Breville Barista Pro running smoothly and tasting its best.
Key Takeaways
| Regular cleaning is key | Keeps your machine performing optimally and extends its lifespan. |
| Use proper products | Breville-specific cleaning tablets and filters ensure safe and effective cleaning. |
| Descale regularly | Removes mineral buildup for consistent espresso quality. |
| Follow safety tips | Always unplug before cleaning and avoid harsh abrasives. |

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR, Black Truffle
The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is...
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Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
- Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets or Replacement Espresso Cleaning Tablets
- Breville Charcoal Filters (if replacing water filters)
- Clean, soft cloths and a small brush
- Fresh water

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets for Breville Models, 8 Pack
OFFICIAL BREVILLE CLEANING TABLETS: Extend your espresso machine's functionality and prolong its life by turning to the brand...
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Clean the Portafilter and Shower Screen
- Remove the portafilter and knock out used coffee grounds.
- Soak the portafilter and basket in warm water with a cleaning tablet dissolved in it for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a small brush to scrub the shower screen and filter basket gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and reassemble.
Descale Your Machine
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for descaling using a Breville-approved descaling solution or vinegar diluted with water. Run the descaling cycle as recommended, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove residues.
Clean the Water Reservoir and Filters
- Remove the water reservoir and discard any used filters.
- Wash the reservoir with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry.
- If replacing filters, insert new charcoal filters before refilling.
Wipe Down External Components
Use a damp cloth to wipe the machine’s exterior, including the steam wand, control panel, and drip tray. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives to prevent damage.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Size: 8 tablets per pack
- ✔ Material: Pharmaceutical grade
- ✔ Safety: Non-corrosive, food-safe

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Size: 8 tablets
- ✔ Material: Food-grade
- ✔ Safety: Non-corrosive
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR benefits from regular cleaning using genuine products like the Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets. Proper maintenance ensures optimal flavor extraction and prolongs your machine’s lifespan.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for Breville machines
- Effective removal of coffee oils and residues
- Easy to use with dissolvable tablets
- Safe for machine components
Cons:
- Requires regular purchase of tablets
- Some users find descaling time-consuming
Best for: Maintaining optimal espresso quality and machine longevity
Not ideal for: For those preferring manual cleaning methods or infrequent users
Bottom line: Using official cleaning tablets keeps your Breville machine performing at its best.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

The Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets are designed to effectively remove coffee oils and residues, helping to maintain the flavor and performance of your espresso machine.
Pros:
- Official Breville product
- Easy to use
- Effective at removing oils
- Prolongs machine life
Cons:
- Requires regular purchase
- Might be overkill for very infrequent cleaning
Best for: Deep cleaning and removing coffee oils
Not ideal for: For users who prefer simple rinsing methods
Bottom line: These tablets are a reliable choice for maintaining your espresso machine’s cleanliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my Breville Barista Pro?
It’s recommended to clean the portafilter and shower screen after every few uses. Deep cleaning and descaling should be done every 1-2 months, depending on usage and water hardness.
Can I use vinegar to descale my machine?
Yes, but it’s best to follow Breville’s descaling instructions and use a descaling solution designed for espresso machines to avoid damage.
Are the cleaning tablets safe for the machine?
Absolutely, Breville’s cleaning tablets are formulated to be non-corrosive and food-safe, ensuring safe use with your espresso machine.
Do I need to replace water filters regularly?
Yes, Breville recommends replacing charcoal water filters approximately every 2 months to maintain water quality and flavor.
Keep Your Breville Barista Pro in Top Shape
Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital to getting the best flavor from your espresso and extending your machine’s life. Using the right products and following proper procedures will ensure your Breville Barista Pro continues to deliver professional-quality coffee at home. With a little effort, your machine will perform reliably for years to come.
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