BREVILLE CLEANING CYCLE 

Greetings coffee lovers and baristas alike! As a professional barista, I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your beloved espresso machine clean and well-maintained. It's like having a pet - you wouldn't neglect Fido, would you? So, let's dive into the world of Breville espresso cleaning cycle, shall we?

Frequent cleaning and maintenance are essential to prolonging the lifespan of your machine and ensuring it continues to function at its best. Regular cleaning not only prevents the buildup of unwanted minerals and bacteria but also ensures that your coffee tastes as good as possible. In this essay, we will discuss the cleaning cycles of various Breville espresso machines, including the Breville Bambino Plus, Barista Touch, and Barista Express, and provide easy-to-follow instructions for cleaning each machine. These were chosen as examples of the Breville Brand family because they are of the highest in market sales. Let’s see how each is easily maintained.

First up, the Breville Bambino Plus. This compact and easy-to-use machine is so easy to clean that even your grandma could do it. Seriously, this machine features an automatic steam wand that self-cleans after every use. Here are the basic steps for cleaning:

1. After each use, wipe down the portafilter, basket, and grouphead with a damp cloth.

2. Every 200 shots, insert the cleaning disc into the portafilter and add a cleaning tablet.

3. Lock the portafilter into the grouphead and select the 1 cup option.

4. Allow the cleaning cycle to complete and remove the portafilter once it's finished.

5. Rinse the portafilter and basket under running water and reassemble the machine. 

It's important to note that the Breville Bambino Plus doesn't have a 3-way solenoid valve, so it can't be backflushed like other espresso machines. 

Cleaning your espresso machine regularly is important to ensure the longevity of the machine and quality of your coffee. These simple steps should help you keep your Breville Bambino Plus in top condition. This machine practically cleans itself - what more could you ask for?

Now, let's talk about the Breville Barista Touch. This high-end espresso machine practically cleans itself, too. It features an automatic cleaning cycle that prompts you to clean the milk wand after each use. And if you're the forgetful type, it even has an automatic "clean me" alert that reminds you when it's time to clean the group head.Sure, here are the basic steps for cleaning the Breville Barista Touch:

1. After each use, make sure to wipe down the steam wand and purge any remaining milk.

2. The machine will automatically prompt you to clean the steam wand after every use.

3. After every 200 shots or so, the machine will indicate that it's time to clean the group head.

4. Remove the portafilter and cleaning disc and insert the cleaning tablet.

5. Lock the portafilter back in and press the Cleaning Cycle button.

6. Allow the machine to complete the cleaning cycle.

7. Flush the machine by running water through the grouphead for about 10 seconds.

8. Wipe down the steam wand again with a damp cloth.

It's important to note that you should only use Breville's cleaning tablets with the Barista Touch, as using other cleaning agents may damage the machine. Additionally, make sure to follow the instructions for cleaning and maintaining the milk carafe, as this is an essential component of the machine.

Regular cleaning of your espresso machine is crucial to ensure its longevity and produce high-quality coffee. These simple steps should help you keep your Breville Barista Touch in top condition. I personally love this machine. To me it is like having a personal assistant - it does everything except make you breakfast in bed.

And now for descaling Breville Barista Express, the ideal machine for those of you who want more control over the brewing process, and is as well, a popular choice among espresso aficionados. This machine features a removable drip tray and storage compartment for easy cleaning. Breville recommends cleaning the machine every 2-3 months.  To clean the Breville Barista Express, follow these steps:

1-Empty the drip tray and the coffee puck container.

2-Fill the water tank with a mixture of one-part white vinegar and two parts water.

3-Turn the machine on and wait for it to heat up.

4-Place a large container under the grouphead and hot water outlet.

5-Turn the cleaning disc upside down and insert it into the portafilter.

6-Lock the portafilter into the grouphead and turn it to the 'clean' position.

7-Press and hold the 1 CUP button to start the cleaning cycle.

8-The cleaning cycle will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

9-After the cleaning cycle is complete, empty the container and rinse the water tank thoroughly.

10-Run at least two cycles of plain water through the machine to remove any remaining vinegar.

11-Always remove the water filter before running the cleaning cycle. 

12-Clean the steam wand after each use to prevent milk buildup.

13-Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing to prevent buildup in the grinder.

I recommended repeating this on a monthly basis. It's like giving your machine a spa day - who doesn't love a little pampering?

And finally, we have the Breville Barista Express - the top-of-the-line choice for home baristas. This machine is like the Ferrari of espresso machines, and it deserves the same level of care and attention. It features an automatic cleaning cycle for the steam wand and an "alert me" function that reminds you when it's time to clean the group head. Breville recommends backflushing the machine with water after each use and wiping down the steam wand with a damp cloth after each use. And for a more thorough cleaning, use the included cleaning tool and cleaning tablet every 200 shots. Here are the steps to perform the cleaning cycle on the Breville Dual Boiler espresso machine:

1-Ensure that the machine is turned off and unplugged.

2-Remove the water tank and empty any remaining water.

3-Fill the water tank with a mixture of 50% water and 50% white vinegar.

4-Replace the water tank and turn on the machine.

5-Wait for the machine to heat up and stabilize (the Power and Heating lights will be illuminated and steady).

6-Place a large container under the grouphead and steam wand.

7-Press and hold the 1 CUP button and then press the POWER button to initiate the cleaning cycle.

8-The cleaning cycle will last approximately 10-20 minutes, during which the machine will dispense several cycles of hot water and vinegar through both the group head and steam wand.

9-Once the cleaning cycle is complete, empty the drip tray and rinse the water tank thoroughly.

10-Run two cycles of fresh water through the machine to rinse out any remaining vinegar.

Remember these tips for cleaning the Breville Dual Boiler:

A-Regularly clean the steam wand with a damp cloth to prevent milk buildup.

B-Clean the grouphead after each use with a brush to remove any coffee grounds or residue.

C-If the machine is not used for several days or more, it's a good idea to run a flush cycle to prevent any buildup or blockages in the system.

In conclusion, Breville espresso machines are incredible coffee-making tools, and cleaning them regularly is crucial for maintaining their performance. Following the manufacturer's recommended cleaning cycles and using the appropriate cleaning products will ensure that your machine continues to produce delicious coffee for years to come. So, next time you make a cup of espresso, take a moment to appreciate the machine that made it possible, and give it the care and attention it deserves. And remember, a clean machine is a happy machine (and a happy barista as well).