If your Breville Bambino Plus is experiencing frequent grinder clogging, it can disrupt your coffee routine and damage the machine over time. This guide offers practical, safe, and precise steps to resolve grinder blockages, helping you restore your espresso maker’s performance efficiently.
Understanding the common causes of grinder clogging and following these detailed steps will ensure your machine stays in top condition, delivering consistent, high-quality espresso every time.
Key Takeaways
| Regular Cleaning | Keep grinder and burrs clean to prevent clogging. |
| Use fresh beans | Old or oily beans can cause blockages. |
| Proper grind size | Avoid overly fine settings that clog the grinder. |
| Routine maintenance | Descale and clean your machine regularly. |

Breville BES500BST Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Black Stainless Steel
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Home brewing with professional results
- Dose Control Grinding: 54mm porta-filter with 19g capacity
- Optimal Water Pressure: Pre-infusion for balanced extraction
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Machine
Before beginning any troubleshooting, ensure the Breville Bambino Plus is turned off and unplugged to prevent electrical hazards.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Bean Hopper
- Open the bean hopper lid and carefully remove the hopper.
- Wash the hopper with warm water and mild detergent, then dry thoroughly.
- Check for any residual beans stuck in the grinder chute and clear them.
Step 3: Clear the Grinder Burrs
- Remove the grinder burrs following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a soft brush or a cleaning brush to remove coffee grounds and oil buildup from the burrs.
- Reassemble the burrs securely.
Step 4: Check and Adjust Grind Size
Set the grind size to a coarser setting temporarily. Finer grinds tend to clog more easily, especially if beans are oily or old.
Step 5: Run a Cleaning Cycle
If your machine has a cleaning mode or cleaning tablets compatible with Breville, run a cleaning cycle to remove residual oils and debris.
Use products like the Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets for thorough cleaning.
Tips and Warnings
- Always use fresh, dry beans to minimize oil buildup that causes clogs.
- Regularly clean the grinder and burrs to maintain optimal performance.
- Do not force the grinder if it jams; instead, perform a thorough clean and check for obstructions.
- Follow all safety instructions when unplugging and handling internal parts.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 10.5 lbs
- ✔ Capacity: 67 oz water tank
- ✔ Power: 1600W

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Shelf Life: 2 years
- ✔ Usage Time: Fast
- ✔ Storage: Dry place
Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact, high-performance espresso machine designed for home use. It features dose control grinding, optimal water pressure, and fast heat-up, making it ideal for coffee enthusiasts seeking professional results at home.
Pros:
- Consistent grind quality
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Compact and stylish design
- Fast heat-up time
Cons:
- Grinding can clog if beans are oily
- Requires regular cleaning
- Limited bean hopper capacity
Best for: Home baristas wanting café-quality espresso in a small footprint
Not ideal for: Users experiencing frequent clogging without proper cleaning
Bottom line: Reliable espresso machine with proper maintenance to prevent grinder clogging.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Using Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets helps remove coffee oils and residues, reducing clogging and extending your machine’s lifespan.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Effective at cleaning
- Prolongs machine life
- Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients
Cons:
- Requires regular use
- Additional cost
- Not for deep descaling
Best for: Regular maintenance to prevent grinder clogging
Not ideal for: For descaling heavily scaled machines
Bottom line: A safe and effective way to keep your Breville espresso machine clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Breville grinder keep clogging?
Clogging is often caused by oily or old beans, insufficient cleaning, or using too fine a grind setting. Regular cleaning and proper bean selection help prevent this.
How often should I clean the grinder?
It’s recommended to clean the grinder burrs and chute every 1-2 months, or more frequently if you notice clogging or inconsistent grind quality.
Can I use regular cleaning tablets for my Breville machine?
Only use cleaning tablets specifically designed for Breville, such as the Breville BEC250, to ensure safety and optimal cleaning performance.
What should I do if cleaning doesn’t fix the clog?
If cleaning fails, disassemble the grinder burrs, manually remove any remaining grounds, and inspect for damage or blockages. Contact customer support if needed.
Keep Your Breville Espresso Machine Running Smoothly
Regular cleaning, proper bean selection, and cautious grind size adjustments are essential to prevent grinder clogging. Following these troubleshooting steps will help you enjoy consistently excellent espresso without interruptions. Proper maintenance not only enhances performance but also extends the life of your beloved machine.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.