If your Breville Bambino Plus isn’t grinding correctly or you notice a buildup of coffee grounds, your grinder may be clogged. A clogged grinder not only affects the taste and quality of your espresso but can also cause mechanical strain on your machine. Fortunately, most clogs are manageable with simple steps. In this guide, we’ll explain the common causes of grinder clogs and provide clear, safe instructions to resolve them, ensuring your espresso machine performs at its best.
Regular maintenance and awareness of signs of clogging can prolong the life of your Breville Bambino Plus and keep your coffee tasting fresh. Let’s dive into how to identify and fix grinder clogs effectively.
Key Takeaways
| Cause of clogging | Overly oily beans or stale grounds can cause blockages. |
| Symptoms | Grinding noise, slow grinding, or no grounds coming out. |
| Prevention | Regular cleaning and using fresh beans help prevent clogs. |
| Tools needed | A cleaning brush, a small screwdriver, and recommended cleaning tablets. |
| Safety tip | Always unplug the machine before maintenance to avoid electrical hazards. |

Breville Bambino Plus, Black Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Understanding Why Your Grinder Clogs
Grinder clogs in the Breville Bambino Plus typically occur due to a buildup of coffee oils, stale grounds, or foreign debris. Using beans that are excessively oily can cause grounds to stick and compact in the grinding chamber, obstructing the movement. Additionally, if grounds are left uncleaned for long periods, oils and residues accumulate, leading to blockages. Hard water deposits or mineral scale can also contribute to mechanical resistance, especially if regular descaling isn’t performed.
Recognizing the signs of a clog early—such as grinding noise, uneven grounds, or a complete halt in grinding—can prevent further damage and ensure a consistent espresso experience.

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...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Step-by-Step Fix for Grinder Clogs
- Unplug the machine: Safety first. Always disconnect from power before starting any maintenance.
- Access the grinder chamber: Remove the bean hopper by twisting it off, then carefully take out the grinder assembly if your model allows.
- Clear visible blockages: Use a small brush or a toothpick to gently dislodge any stuck grounds or debris in the burrs or chute.
- Clean the grinder: Wipe the chamber with a damp cloth. For thorough cleaning, run a cleaning tablet (such as Breville BEC250 or similar) through the grinder following manufacturer instructions.
- Reassemble: Once clean, reassemble the grinder parts, ensuring everything is properly seated.
- Test grind: Plug in the machine and run a test grind without beans to confirm smooth operation.
Prevention Tips for Future Clogs
- Use fresh, low-oil beans for grinding to reduce oil buildup.
- Schedule regular cleaning—at least once a month or after 200 uses.
- Run a cleaning tablet through the grinder periodically to dissolve oils and residues.
- Avoid grinding excessively oily or flavored beans that can clog the burrs.
- Keep the bean hopper filled with consistent, high-quality beans to prevent moisture and debris from entering the grinder.
Additional Maintenance Tips
Besides clearing clogs, maintaining your Breville Bambino Plus includes descaling and replacing filters periodically. Use recommended products such as Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets for optimal results. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damage and ensure longevity.
When to Seek Professional Help
If cleaning and troubleshooting do not resolve the clog, or if you notice unusual noises or mechanical issues, contact Breville customer service or a qualified technician. Persistent blockages might indicate a deeper mechanical problem requiring professional repair.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Material: Stainless Steel
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
- ✔ Power: 1600W

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Type: Cleaning tablets
- ✔ Made in: USA
- ✔ Shelf Life: 2 years
Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus offers cafe-quality espresso with quick heat-up and precise control. Its design makes maintenance straightforward, and regular cleaning keeps it performing optimally.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up time
- Consistent extraction
- Easy to clean
- Compact design
Cons:
- Requires regular descaling
- Bean hopper can be small
- Limited to espresso and cappuccino
Best for: Home baristas seeking professional results in a compact machine
Not ideal for: Heavy users requiring high-volume brewing or commercial use
Bottom line: A top-tier espresso machine that combines speed, style, and quality for home use.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Using Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets helps maintain your espresso machine’s performance by removing oils and residues, prolonging its lifespan.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Designed specifically for Breville
- Removes coffee oils effectively
- Prolongs machine life
Cons:
- Requires regular use
- Limited to cleaning purposes
- Cost adds up over time
Best for: Regular maintenance of Breville espresso machines
Not ideal for: For users not performing routine cleaning
Bottom line: Trusted cleaning solution that keeps your Breville espresso machine in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my grinder is clogged?
Signs include unusual grinding noises, uneven grounds, slow grinding, or no grounds emerging. Visual inspection can reveal stuck grounds or debris.
Can I use regular coffee beans to prevent clogging?
Using fresh, low-oil beans helps reduce oil buildup that can clog the grinder. Avoid overly oily or flavored beans for smoother operation.
How often should I clean the grinder?
It’s recommended to clean the grinder every month or after about 200 uses. Regular cleaning with tablets and wiping prevents buildup.
Is it safe to disassemble the grinder myself?
Yes, but always unplug the machine first. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully, and avoid forcing parts to prevent damage.
What products are recommended for cleaning?
Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets or similar descaling tablets designed for espresso machines are ideal for thorough cleaning.
Keep Your Breville Fresh and Grinding Smoothly
Regular maintenance and understanding the causes of grinder clogs are key to enjoying consistently great espresso. With proper cleaning, use of quality beans, and timely troubleshooting, your Breville Bambino Plus can deliver cafe-quality results day after day. Don’t overlook small signs of trouble—addressing them early ensures your machine’s longevity and the perfect cup every time.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.