How to Clean The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine and Grinder

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Sections of the cleaning guide: Introduction/What You Need - 00:27 The Cleaning Tools - 7:02 Cleaning the Grinder - 10:10 Cleaning the Grouphead and Portafilter - 25:22 Descaling - 36:52 Cleaning the Steam Wand - 49:28 Conclusion/Summary - 54:10 Get spare parts, including all cleaning products (except the grind tablets) here : www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/parts-accessories.BES880.html Grindz (tablets to clean the grinder): amzn.to/2MhqjzY Durgol Descaler: amzn.to/2OnCsWI

[@anahitmartirosyan4335]

Super good instructions. Thank you very much! Very helpful!

[@Coffeeloversmag]

@Cassandra Northrup I assume you're talking about the water filter? One approach you can take is to simply remove that and prefilter your water before adding it to the brewer. This is what i do, works well.

[@bentonmaxton7812]

instaBlaster

[@jlanetman]

I just purchased the Breville Oracle Touch. I just took it out of the box and haven't turned it on yet. I saw your video and watched it. Great video, thank you for the detailed cleaning video.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

glad to help!

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Hi Randy, how do like your Oracle Touch?

[@miguelronquillo3875]

At first last thing wanted to do is watch hour long video. Watched every second and enjoyed the information. Very detailed. Excellent

[@Coffeeloversmag]

glad you enjoyed!

[@TexturedFlow]

Thanks for this. I thought my machine was totally broken now it works great again!

[@TheNigelfinley]

I can confirm the vacuum cleaner method as I just cleaned my Oracle touch today. With a brush attachment it took me couple minutes to make it spotless on both ends.

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Hi Barb, How do you like your Oracle Touch?

[@TheNigelfinley]

@@orrinbelcher6593 I think it's overpriced and took me a while to pull good shots. I like it now but I wouldn't spend $$$ on it again.

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Hi Barb, thank you for getting back to me, I appreciate your input. I agree it is very expensive, I’m looking to buy something, so thank you again.

[@Fallowfielder]

Hi, great video, very informative, I’ve recently purchased that machine in the U.K. and it’s always better with someone showing you how to do the cleaning and maintenance on these types of machines. Keep the videos coming

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Thanks! Yea I've found the same. Took me a little bit with some of these without videos, hah. If you have questions bout steps I can clarify, let me know

[@debistanley2791]

Great video. My machine said it's time. A great product I'm using to clean the Grinder is Urnex Grindz purple label. Seattle Coffee did a review highly recommended. Clean beans out under basket. Dump Grintz in empty bean bin and run through till grounds are the light color. Running some beans through after primes the machine. I use cheap beans. If you have stale, use those. I vacume the grinder basket head make sure no Grintz beans or dust. Put it all together, whalla clean grinder. It really gets those oils off.

[@ballasog]

The screen instructions on mine say put the tablet and gasket in the PORTAFILTER and they don't say anything about a basket. I have been using the single-shot basket and when I noticed what the instructions say I stopped and went looking around the Internet to check. My Barista Express, the instructions said use a single-shot basket, which has always given me good results. Especially after your sensible observation that the gasket seems designed to fit into the single basket, that's what I'm going to do with this machine too.

[@johnc6919]

I’ve just invested in this (Sage in UK) machine. Many thanks for having the patience and taking time to make such a detailed video, it’s much appreciated.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

glad it helped

[@BenedettaJasmineGuetta]

This was really valuable, my machine is clean now!

[@Coffeeloversmag]

good to hear!

[@kiliarts]

Great video, I had to clean mine today and was good to watch this before I started as having the extra filter water was a great tip.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

glad it helped!

[@sousup123]

Thank you for the detailed cleaning processes. Very well demonstrated.

[@ilirianshqiptari]

I have actually taken the black plastic bases out of my 2 baskets (I have an extra one that I purchased so that I didn't have to keep changing from single to double baskets). The coffee comes through perfectly and it's easier to keep clean.

[@DJaquithFL]

Interesting and detailed Barista Touch cleaning video. I recently purchased it, but now I'm already looking to upgrade. I think you're supposed to run the steam wand and hot water using the descaler solution. Also yeah a vacuum certainly would be nice. The whole point of buying the Barista Touch is for milk drinks. Personally for a "deep cleaning" I would add removing the group head screen and whatever that plastic thing is called on the bottom of the portafilter, I can imagine both getting rather filthy. I've gotten into the habit of using a bottomless portafilter, it solves a couple issues.

[@Milehi6h]

What are you looking to upgrade to?

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Great video, very informative, great tips on what to do and not to do. Superbly done, thank you

[@jb789j]

Amazing video !!!! Make more

[@pamelawing5747]

I just vacuum all the stuff out of my grinder. I run it to clear stuff, then take it apart like he did but use my vacuum to get the bits out using the brush first to loosen everything that's left.

[@czfoo5751]

Very informative video! Thanks! I was trying to run hot water through the portafilter - shown at 36.10. Which part of the menu did you go into when you did this. When I pressed the "Hot Water" function (which is found in the various drinks menu) hot water only came out of the hot water spout and doesn't come out of the group head? Would appreciate it if you could enlighten me.. Thanks in advance!

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Yea so to do it through the portafilter you just tap through like you're brewing an espresso (but there's no coffee in there)

[@markkelly9686]

Thanks for sharing, very useful 👍

[@malshamsi1225]

Just bought a new machine couple of weeks ago and found out that there are Cockroaches inside probably from the storaging . I have been cleaning like crazy. Will descaling help .

[@Coffeeloversmag]

wow thats gross

[@Norris_Laura]

Amazing! Thank you so much. I’ve so many helpful notes in my diary 🤣

[@heatherstrecker4783]

Thank you!! Great information and easy to follow.

[@tandrew5553]

Thank you. Excellent video.

[@nezermv]

Amazon Basic Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Grinder- A Terrific Product

[@terrylodercreative]

This was impressive and helpful even though my unit doesn't have the screen. Older model with just pressure gauge. Do you have anything on the Group Head? I had a rubber gasket protruding this morning. My wife just pulled it out so I couldn't figure out if it was broken or just taking a little walk around. I tried to see what it was and how to replace it as I cleaned the head. It appears that it is a circular rubbery gasket. I'm looking for the way to best replace it since I can't see inside very well with my little flashlight and iPad camera.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

I didn't get into pulling apart the group head. I actually tried taking out the screen but had a crazy hard time loosening the screw, so ended up letting it be. I still may go back and do a video on that

[@Keepinitreel108]

Thank you so much!! This was so helpful!🍻✌🏾👍🏽

[@hassanbazzi3545]

Fantastic. Thank you for sharing

[@scottshortland3262]

Great demo - thank you!

[@rogercardy]

How did you get the grinder to function without the portafilter in place, I thought there was a microswitch that was made when the filter was inserted. Thanks.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

There is a button you can press with the portafilter (just by pushing the filter in while it's in place), but that's not required, it's really a convenience feature. You can control the grinder from the touch screen as well.

[@arisuhonen6478]

Ok, I have a question. When I use the rubber casket inside the portafilter it doesn't actually allow any water to come out from the grouphead unlike in your video, is this normal? I've always thought I did something wrong even though following your instructions precisely. Now I watched Oracle company video, and if I understood correctly, in that video they explain that the water actually goes "back into the machine" and comes out to the 'waste tray'.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Yes the backflush is supposed to make the water go back up into the machine. Here's what's happening in the video ... I actually received what must have been early versions of the backflush gasket, because mine have holes. I'm assuming they figured it wasn't backflushing enough with that setup, and changed the rubber things to have no holes. I have a Bambino which is basically this machine without the grinder and touch screen - it's backflush gaskets have no holes. Will demonstrate in the cleaning video with that machine soon.

[@josephlang1271]

Great video thanks! How often do you recommend cleaning the machine?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Thanks! Really depends on how often you use it, the kind of coffee you use (darker roasted coffee will cake more oils everywhere), the kind of drinks you make (how much do you steam milk?). The most broad answer is it depends on how clean you want it to be, and just observe closely. The main cleaning processes, running the backflush and steam wand cleaning, don't take too much effort. You could do those weekly if you make a huge amount of coffee - if you're making a cup a day maybe monthly then. I rarely steam with the machine and use mostly lighter to medium roasted coffees, as well as filtered water - I've found cleaning every 2-3 months to be just fine (though it might have been better to clean monthly). That's with making a cup a day basically, and steaming milk occasionally. I think the thing that's hardest to keep pristine is that steam wand, so taking extra care to wipe it down after each use goes a long way.

[@paradiseschords5628]

Can also just a vaccuum for the grinder. Call it a day

[@sousup123]

Can you please let me know why I should not use a citric acid base descale solution. I have the one named full circle by urnex. Your response will be really helpful. I am planning to descale it soon.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Honestly it's probably fine. A lot of people use it. I think there's just the potential for tarnishing metal finishes with too much citric acid. It was easy enough to go with the solution that didn't have citric acid, so I went that route and didn't worry about otherwise.

[@sousup123]

Thank you for the response. I choose that because of the absence of any harsh chemical, but I wasn’t aware of any possible side effect of using citric acid based descaler. Just wanted to make sure if it can cause any damage to the boiler or any other internal mechanism.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Well I suspect you'll be fine. I think most people use citric acid in one way or another. If you want to get the official word from Breville, you can always contact them directly to see what their stance is.

[@OranjeDiscoDancer]

Nice video! Going to go clean out my grinder for the first time. I have been trying to find out though: how do you clean the tank itself? The handle makes it so tricky to try to wipe it down inside. Is there a way to actually pop the handle out?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

I haven't had much issue with a dirty tank ... soap and water should be fine.

[@peterdubar8705]

Have you got any information of how to make the touchscreen work properly - mine has just started randomly switching between displays as if someone is touching it

[@boop00h]

Thank you, this video is very helpful! Just a question, can I use clean powder instead of the tablet for deep cleaning session?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

I would think so. Check the manual though and make sure you use the right amount.

[@AsH-fp3fx]

At 14 why did scrub the top Grindr piece that you removed on top of the machine? Also it help to use a handheld vacuum to remove the coffee grind.

[@terrylodercreative]

What about the rest of the steaming wand? Should we clean that some way or is that taken care of by descaling and the tablet cleaning.???

[@JuanNungaray]

Freakin amazing videos man, seen the video where you demonstrated the machine and bought one the same day (I’ll get it this Thursday) can’t wait 😊 anyways thanks for these videos bud, keep em coming I subscribed to you now. 🙌😃

[@Coffeeloversmag]

thanks! glad to help :D I've got a free issue of extracted magazine all about espresso you can get here if you're interested - www.extractedmagazine.com/download-craft-espresso/

[@jb789j]

How do you clean the inside of water tank and THE INSIDE OF STEAM WAND ? If machine is mew

[@TheNigelfinley]

And also when I back wash mine after each use the water wont go through the portafilter. The silicone disc seals enough that the machine releases pressure and dump water into the tray.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

I dont think back flushing that much is necessary. After each use I just run through the empty portafilter real quick. Flushes any grounds stuck to the screen and cleans the portafilter a little bit.

[@Danish3Cubed]

I have the same issue, when doing the backflush, no liquid are coming through the porterfilter, it pumps and after some seconds around 10 to 15 sec. It will release the preasure and a little water into the dip tray. During the cleaning process hardly any water is used from the full tank. Would you consider that normal? I'm worried that my machines preasure overload valve (if one exists) is to loose!

[@WDXash]

Danish3Cubed, nothing is supposed to come through the portafilter when the silicone disc is installed; that’s the whole idea. The disc seals the portafilter outlet which enables the machine to build to maximum pressure and, with the machine set appropriately the water pumped to the shower head is then back-flushed and dumped into the tray. Cleaning the portafilter is a separate and very simple process.

[@TheNigelfinley]

@@WDXash True to that but also the machine has to have 3-Way Over Pressure Valve to be able to backflush. My oracle actually uses quite a bit of water. The manual says to let pressure build for 20 sec and the release it. It takes 4-5 flushes to get clean water under the disc.

[@WDXash]

My silicone seal also seals completely during the cleaning cycle, which prevents ANYTHING coming out through the portafilter... no spray, drips, or anything! So, I’m not sure how this process cleans the portafilter below where the silicone seal sits?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

that's interesting. mine purges right through. There should be a hole in the bottle of the silicone, is yours plugged?

[@MrPottrick]

My silicone seal also seals completely during the cleaning cycle. My silicone part does not have a hole at the bottom or anywhere.

[@WDXash]

Coffee Lovers TV... Thanks for your reply. In that case, does yours have a hole in it that it’s not supposed to have? I’ve since inspected mine and can confirm that there’s no hole in it, not even a tiny one. It’s totally intact. Thinking about the logic of the process, it has been mentioned (by others) that the pressure builds and then back-washes, back into the catchment tray, in order to purge that part of the machine. With regards to this particular process I do feel that the instructions and guidance given by Sage, is somewhat lacking in detail. They assume far too much!

[@Coffeeloversmag]

That's interesting. The one I have for the Bambino does not have a hole in it. Maybe they changed how they make those. The Touch is in another location right now, I'll check on it and report back when I get the chance

[@Danish3Cubed]

@@Coffeeloversmag I own the Barista Pro, it's also a perfect seal, with no hole in the silicone disc.

[@gmzatx]

I heard Grindz is for only stand alone grinders. Is it safe for the Barista Touch?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

The grinder in the barista touch is effectively "stand alone" as the coffee goes in the top and comes out the bottom (into the portafilter) without going through anything but the grinder. The grinder is just encased within the machine but still effectively separate from the espresso part. Other automatic espresso machines that grind will grind the coffee and dispense into some other mechanism within the machine, which is why its problematic to use grindz there. All that being said ... use your best judgment. But I've used grindz in mine without issue.

[@gmzatx]

@@Coffeeloversmag awesome thank you 🙏🏼

[@alq3427]

Excuse me is it ok to keep the white thing inside the water tank when I descale the machine?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

The filter? You'll want to take the filter out to descale, or you'll just muck up your filter with descaler. IT comes out easy though, you just pull it straight out.

[@barrymichaelwarne7834]

no. he was very clear about that point.

[@stewartmountjoy46]

Just a question on the cleaning of the group head; I've had mine for a year or so now and I've done a few times what I've considered a cleaning of the group head. But each and every time if i follow both the manual and even your video, nothing ever purges through the group head itself and only seems to purge (if at all from what i can tell) internally, as i can clearly hear some relief valve opening inside. Nothing is left in the drip tray and the tank level barely drops. Is actually supposed to be done with a basket inside or none at all? And is there supposed to be anything come through the group head, because in your video it clearly does? Hope this wasn't too long winded lol. Thanks!

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Yea so apparently the gaskets I have for this machine have holes in them. I must have gotten an earlier version which had that, because all the gaskets I've seen now dont have the hole (including on the Bambino, which is a newer smaller version of this machine basically). So if your gaskets dont have a hole, then they won't do what mine do in this video. RATHER unfortunate for my video, but it's alright. Sounds like you are doing it right.

[@Karmnu]

Didn't see any use of the Allen Key!! Did I miss something?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Ah I remember yes. My screen was jammed on there (well the nut holding it in was stuck) and I gave up trying to remove it for the sake of the video. Probably should have gone back later and recorded removing the screen, but I didn't.

[@khodasc]

Can I use white vinegar for descaling?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Breville does have some guidelines on using white vinegar - www.brevilleusasupport.com/bes870xl/care-and-use/care/

[@trolltrolling9022]

How often do you have to clean this watching you do all this makes me not want to purchase one

[@mustafadali4041]

My grinder making a weird sound, is it because it’s needed to be cleaned?

[@DarlenePeckham]

Quick question - why not just take your dyson to the grinder??

[@Coffeeloversmag]

You can certainly use a vacuum. I've done this before and it can be helpful. Wanted to show in this video how to clean it with minimal extra tools (and even if you do vacuum, you'll want to get in there with a small brush anyway)

[@DarlenePeckham]

@@Coffeeloversmag Thank you!

[@jamesibelle2908]

TY!

[@moniqueboaler4080]

What was the allen key tool for?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

removing the shower screen where the water comes into the portafilter. I actually tried doing this, but couldn't get it to budge, so i gave up. I figure most people aren't going to need to deal with that. In the future I could do specifically a video on removing the screen (and possibly replacing some parts)

[@arielrodriguez6980]

Can you hand wash the part of the grinder that you took out?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

it's pretty much always recommended to not wash steel burrs. i believe rust is the danger. You can get them perfectly clean with the brush plus grindz tablets.

[@Ratalala]

I know 2 years passed but I’ll just say All This shouldn’t take more than 30-Minutes All of it, and a 600ml to 1L cup can something should be placed under the port filter 👏🏽

[@NancyinPA]

Could you have vacuumed all of those grounds out?

[@Coffeeloversmag]

If I had a vacuum with hose attachment I suppose I would try doing that

[@patrickbennett439]

I tend not to use the fitlers on coffee makers. My water isnt very hard. I didnt clean a coffee maker for over a year and finally cleaned it with vinegar, made no difference. i will still occassionally vinegar my machines and rely on that to not by filters. Il run a clean cycle a few times a year. THats just the old school way and the simplest way and itl make machines last as long as they will till they break anyways from planned obsolecence. Planned obsolecence/parts wear out on purpose + charcoal filters = company making too much money off me LOL

[@sousup123]

Can you please make a video about how to make a single shot espresso, I used always make double shot, I had no issue regarding that ; but when I am trying to use the puck for single shot, I just can’t make the coffee temp properly so that when I use the razor it doesn’t fall of from the puck. Any advice will be really helpful.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Are you switching baskets when you're aiming for a single shot?

[@sousup123]

Yes I am doing that, but it seems like temping is very difficult. You are amazing with your videos

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Gotcha. well it may take me some time to put a video together demonstrating. Can you describe more what's happening when you use the razor?

[@sousup123]

Mostly it is pretty loose after tamping unlike when I use the double basket. If try to flip it; it’s falling over to my knock box. If I brew it, it taste like under temped espresso. Temping is really difficult. If you can try for yourself and let me know if you get a good shot

[@Coffeeloversmag]

Ill give it a try. My initial thought is maybe you just need to tamp with more pressure. I'll do some exploration and let you know what i find

[@AvivRaphael]

Hello

[@Coffeeloversmag]

hi

[@tinachristine4573]

I literally came here to see you remove the charcoal filter from the white holder and you didn't do that part 🤦🏽‍♀️🙆🏽‍♀️😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@slinger777]

It seems to me that he only cleaned the grinder about halfway. missing probably the most important part!

[@Makemydayoutdoors]

This video could be SO MUCH shorter.

[@Coffeeloversmag]

naw

[@Allgood73]

Feel free to go make one then.

[@caroledodge9675]

Dude just get the vacuum

[@kenji424]

Are you serious more than an hour to video this cleaning process??? 😆.

[@pauldoyle3771]

Where is your video Ken?, The guy has gone out of his way to help!. Fair play to him…. Big hug K

[@TheSonofaMike]

Too much blah blah blah. Just get to the point bro

[@Coffeeloversmag]

i like to comment on videos too

[@agent4you2]

Thank you! Very informative and detailed.

[@peterdubar8705]

Have you got any information of how to make the touchscreen work properly - mine has just started randomly switching between displays as if someone is touching it

[@fakenews3676]

Is your touchscreen wet or dirty? Wet touchscreen can sometimes go crazy. If it isn't then you should probably send it to warranty.

[@MarioPereiraSoares-wr5hk]

Hello

[@caroledodge9675]

Dude just get the vacuum