Breville coffee maker troubleshooting

Like many other small appliances, a Breville coffee maker can be fixed if you know what to do. The first step is to identify the symptom as accurately as possible and find it in the tables below.

Different models of coffee makers may vary regarding repair and troubleshooting techniques, so make sure you found the table that suits your model. We included not only the most popular ones like Cafe Roma, Nespresso, Prodigio, Inissia, and the Barista Express but also less known models.

How to reset breville espresso machine

Press the Program button and hold it until the machine has made three beeps. This should put it to the default 1CUP and 2CUP mode. Let go of the button. The coffee makew will get back to its original default mode.

Lights flashing – What a user did

As the user said, his wife was trying to make coffee and decided to manually mix coffee beans in the machine. The grinder stopped, and there were filter size lights flashing sporadically. The user had to take the entire unit apart and finally realized that the hopper had become unlocked. All he needed to do was lock the hopper.

Breville Nespresso Prodigio coffee maker troubleshooting

ProblemCauseSolution
Pairing has not been successful.- Check that the Bluetoottf on the smartphone or tablet Is activated.- Ensure the smartphone or tablet is placed next to the machine during the pairing
- Check the compatibility of your smartphone or tablet with the machine.- Make sure to not turn ON any microwave close to the machine during pairing.
If you want to unpair your machine, via the app:- Go on the App -Name*, click on -Machine status*,then click on -Unpair this machine*.- Note: In case of a unpairing, all the setups and specifications will be lost and the machine will be reset to factory settings.
- Click on -unpair this device* to confirm the unpairing.
If you want to unpair your machine, via the machine:- Press simultaneously Ristretto and Espresso buttons and remove the plug from the mains.- Note: this action will deactivate the Bluetoottf function from the machine.
If you want to reactivate the Bluetooth® on your machine, via the machine:- Please reset to factory settings.
No light on the coffee buttons.- Machine turns OFF automatically.- Check the mains: plug, voltage, fuse.
No coffee, no water, unusual coffee flow.- Check if the water tank is correctly positioned, if empty, fill with potable water.
- Descale it if necessary.
Coffee is not hot enough.- Preheat cup.- Descale the machine if necessary.
The slider does not close completely or the machine doesn't start brewing.- Empty the capsule container.- Check that no capsule is blocked inside the machine.
Leakage (water under the machine).- Empty drip tray if full.- If problem persists, call the Nespresso Club.
Maintenance light is ON.- Empty the used capsule container and check no capsules are blocked.
- Check the water tank. If empty, fill with potable water and brew a coffee.
Nespresso light is ON.- It means your capsules stock is empty. You can order capsules via the App or Nespresso website.
3 coffee buttons flash quickly.- To exit the descaling mode, press and hold the 3 buttons for 6 seconds until the confirmation with a beep.- If problem persists, call the Nespresso Club, or check the App for more information.
Water or coffee flow does not stop even when pushing a coffee button.- Gently move the slider towards the back of the machine to stop the flow.
No coffee flow, water goes directly into the drip tray (despite inserted capsule).- Pull the slider to ensure it is closed.- If problem persists, call the Nespresso Club.
Machine turns to OFF mode.- To save energy the machine will turn to OF mode after 9 minutes of non-use.- Press one of the coffee buttons to turn to "ON*mode" or open the slider.

BREVILLE CAFE ROMA coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEMPOSSIBLE CAUSES
Espresso does not run through• Machine is not turned on or plugged in
• Water tank is empty
• Selector Control not in ‘ESPRESSO* position
• Coffee grind is too fine
• Too much espresso in the filter
• The filter is blocked
Espresso runs out too quickly• Coffee grind is too coarse
• Not enough coffee in the filter
Espresso runs too slowly• The water tank is empty or low
• espresso grind is too fine
• Machine is blocked by scale build up
Espresso runs out around the edge of the filter holder• Filter holder is not inserted in edge of the filter holder the brew head properly
• There are espresso grounds around the filter rim
• Too much coffee in the filter
• Coffee has been tamped too tightly
The machine is too loud• Water tank is empty
• Water tank is not securely in place
Espresso is too weak or watery• Espresso grind is not fine enough (use coffee ground for espresso machines)
Espresso is too cold• Machine not preheated
• Cups not preheated
• Milk not heated enough (if making a cappuccino or latte)
No cr6ma• Espresso is not tamped (pressed) firmly enough
• Espresso grind is too coarse
• Espresso is not fresh
No steam is generated• Machine is not turned on
• Water tank is empty
• Selector Control not in ‘STEAM* position
• Steam wand is blocked
Milk is not foamy after frothing• Not enough steam
• Milk is not fresh and cold

Breville Inissia coffee maker troubleshooting

ProblemCause/Solution
No light indicator.Check the mains, plug, voltage, and fuse. In case of problems, call the Nespresso Club.
No coffee, no water.First use: fill water tank with warm water (max. 55° C) and run through machine.
Water tank is empty. Fill water tank.
Descale if necessary.
Coffee comes out very slowly.Flow speed depends on the coffee variety. Descale if necessary.
Coffee is not hot enough.Preheat cup. Descale if necessary.
Capsule area is leaking (water in capsule container).Position capsule correctly. If leakages occur, call the Nespresso Club.
Irregular blinking.Send appliance to repair or call the Nespresso Club.
No coffee, just water runs out (despite inserted capsule).In case of problems, call the Nespresso Club.

Breville vcf011 coffee maker troubleshooting

ProblemCause/solution
Orange power on light does not come on.Make sure that the unit is plugged in to the mains supply. Press the power on/off button on the front of the unit. Check the fuse in the mains plug.
The green/orange ready light does not come on.The unit has not reached operating temperature yet. This takes approximately 5 minutes. The unit does not have any power, see above.
The machine stops while dispensing cappuccino.The milk tank has run dry. Move the control dial to the STOP position and refill the tank. The water tank has run dry. Pour 300ml of clean water into the tank. Switch back on, allow the unit to reach operating temperature then continue to dispense cappuccino. Power has failed. Check supply/fuse.
The cappuccino is not very warm.Allow the unit to reach full operating temperature before making each cup. This is important if making a large number of cups. The green/orange ready light will come on when the machine is at operating temperature.
The machine makes a loud noise and creates a lot of steam while dispensing cappuccino.The milk tank has run dry. Move the control dial to the STOP position and refill the tank.
There are pieces of dark coloured skin in the cappuccino.The system needs to be cleaned. Follow the cleaning procedure and instead of flushing with clean water use warm water with bicarbonate of soda, or if this does not work, washing up liquid. After this flush the system a minimum of four times with clean water to remove the detergent.
The machine was not cleaned properly after last use.Flush the system with detergent as described above. If coffee was left in the machine use bicarbonate of soda or washing up liquid as described above.
The machine makes excessive noise when the control dial is initially turned to the CLEAN/There may have been some air in the machine. This occurs occasionally. The machine will automatically clear in a few seconds and cappuccino will dispense normally.
GO! position and dispenses very strong coffee.
Cappuccino may continue to dispense for a few seconds after the control dial has been moved to the STOP position.A small amount of cappuccino will continue to be dispensed as the machine finishes its cycle. Please make allowances for this when filling your cup.
Milk drips from the pipe after the control dial has been turned to the STOP position.This is the residual milk left in the pipe that has not been drawn into the machine when the STOP was selected.
Steam escapes from the water tank cap.Make sure that the water tank cap is fully tightened.
The ready indicator keeps coming on and going off.The machine is fitted with a thermostat to maintain the temperature. It is perfectly normal for the light to go on and off whilst the machine is in use.
Coffee granules are sticking to the inside of the funnelThis can occasionally happen if excess steam is present. Remove the funnel and wash. Allow to dry fully before using again. Please note that a small amount of steam may rise up the funnel after the cycle is complete. This is perfectly normal.

Breville THE BARISTA EXPRESS BES860XL coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEMPOSSIBLE CAUSESWHAT TO DO
When the machine is switched on, the steam and hot water lights are flashing.Steam dial is not in 'STAND BY’ positionTurn the Steam dial to ‘STAND BY' position. Machine will commence normal heat up procedure.
Espresso does not run throughMachine is not turned on or plugged inEnsure the machine is plugged in and the POWER button is pressed to ‘on’.
Water tank is empty
Espresso grind is too fineEnsure you use a suitable espresso grind.
Too much ground espresso in the filter
Espresso grind tamped too firmly
The filter is blockedClean the filters.
Espresso runs out too quicklyThe espresso grind is too coarseEnsure you use a suitable espresso grind.
Not enough ground espresso in the filter
Ground espresso not tamped firmly enough
Espresso is too coldCups not preheatedPreheat cups.
Milk not heated enough (if making a cappuccino or latte)When the base of the jug becomes too hot to touch this is when the milk is heated at the correct temperature.
No cremaEspresso is not tamped firmly enough
Espresso grind is too coarseEnsure you use a suitable espresso grind.
Ground espresso is not freshChange old beans with fresh roasted or pre-ground. Ground espresso should not be kept for longer than a week.
Filter holes are blockedUse the fine pin on the cleaning tool to clear the holes.
Machine is making pulsing/pumping sound white extracting espresso or steaming milkThe machine is carrying out the normal operation of the 15 bar pumpNo action require as this is the normal operation of the machine.
Espresso runs out around the edge of the filter holderFilter holder is not inserted in the group head properly
There are espresso grounds around the filter rimClean any excess ground espresso from the rim of the filter holder to ensure a proper fit into the brew head.
Too much ground espresso in the filter
Ground espresso has been tamped too firmly
Incorrect filter for amount of ground coffee usedEnsure you use the small filter for 1 cup of espresso and the larger filter for 2 cups of espresso.
Espresso extracts as drops from the portafilterThe water tank is empty or low
Espresso grind is too fineEnsure you use a suitable espresso grind.
Machine is blocked by mineral depositsDecalcify the machine.
Machine is making a loud and continuous pumping noiseWater tank is empty
Water tank is not securely in place
No steam is generatedMachine is not turned onEnsure the machine is plugged in, switched on at the power outlet and the POWER button is pressed to ‘on’.
Water tank is empty
Steam Dial is not in ‘Steam’ positionTurn the steam dial to the ‘Steam’ position.
Steam Wand is blockedUse the pin on the cleaning tool to clear the opening. If the steam wand continues to be blocked remove the tip of the steam wand using the fitting in the middle of the cleaning tool.
Milk is not foamy after texturingNot enough steamSteam wand may be blocked.
Milk is not fresh and coldUse cold fresh milk.
Machine is not workingThe unit appears to be ‘on’ but the machine ceases to operateThe safety thermal-cut may have activated due to the pump or grinder overheating. Turn the machine off and allow it to cool for about 30-60 minutes.
No ground espresso coming from grinderNo espresso beans in hopperFill hopper
Grinder does not start when micro switch is pressed. ‘Filter Size’ lights are cycling through single and double.Bean Hopper safety interlock is open (hopper is not correctly in place)Remove hopper, check for any then debris replace the hopper into the correct location
Too much/too little ground espresso is being delivered to the filter basketGrind Amount settings are incorrect for particular grind sizeUse the Grind Amount adjust dial to increase or decrease the grind dose.
Too much/too little espresso is being delivered to the cupGrind Amount settings and or grind size require changingReset the machine to defaults or re-program new espresso Grind Amount settings

Breville the YouBrew BDC600XL coffee maker troubleshooting

PROBLEMPOSSIBLE CAUSESWHAT TO DO
‘LOCK BEAN HOPPER’ on LCD screenHopper not locked in place.Turn the locking knob clockwise in the direction of the LOCK arrow until it clicks.
Unable to lock bean hopperCoffee beans obstructing bean hopper locking device.Remove bean hopper. Clear coffee beans from the grinding chamber and around the upper burr. Try re-locking the bean hopper.
‘FILL TANK’ on LCD screenWater tank is empty.Press open the flip-top water tank lid. Pour the desired amount of cold, preferably filter water.
‘EMPTY COFFEE FILTER’ on LCD screenThe basket not in place or not correctly assembled.Check that the basket lid is closed and the basket is firmly seated on the two door hooks.
Swing-out door not closed properly.Close the door until it clicks shut.
The basket not emptied of used grinds.Remove the basket and discard used grinds. Wash the basket, taking particular care to rinse the chute area. Dry thoroughly (especially the chute area). Attach to the swing-out door. Close the door until it clicks shut.
Grinder starts but operates with a loud noise. No coffee in the coffee basket.Grinder is blocked with a foreign item.Check the bean hopper for any foreign body. If there is none, clean the Grinding Burrs and Coffee Grinds Chute.
Moisture clogging grinder.Clean and thoroughly dry the grinding burrs and coffee grinds chute. It is possible to use a hair dryer to blow air into the grinding chamber and dry the lower burr. Only re-commence use when the grinding chamber and grinding burrs are completely dry.
Coffee grinds in the drinkUsing the gold tone filter.The gold tone filter will allow some fine coffee grinds to fall into the coffee. This is normal. Switch to using a paper filter (8-12 cup, flat base basket style with - 3Vi”/8.25cm base) if you wish to eliminate all grinds.
The basket has not been properly cleaned. Residual grinds from previous use.After each use, wash the coffee basket, taking particular care to rinse the chute area. Dry thoroughly (especially the chute area). Ensure there are no grinds in the coffee basket before lining the coffee basket with the gold tone or paper filter.
Coffee basket overflowsThe basket is clogged.This can occur for a number of reasons:
• If using pre-ground coffee, ensure it is a drip coffee grind and not too fine. Never use Espresso grind.
• Check that the coffee basket is lined with only one paper filter.
• Check that either the gold tone filter or the paper filter is used. Do not use both together.
• Check that the gold tone filter mesh is clear and unclogged.
Clean the coffee grinds chute.
Coffee basket dripsThe basket has not been properly cleaned. Residual grinds from previous use.After each use, wash the coffee basket, taking particular care to rinse the chute area. Dry thoroughly (especially the chute area). Ensure there are no grinds in the coffee basket before lining the coffee basket with the gold tone or paper filter.
Carafe overflowsCarafe was not completely empty before brewing.Always ensure the carafe is completely empty before brewing.
No coffee comes outThe basket is clogged.Never open the swing-out door and remove the basket while brewing. Hot water and coffee can cause injury. Turn the POWER button off and remove the plug from the power outlet. Wait 10 minutes before opening the swing-out door and removing the coffee basket.
Coffee is wateryInsufficient beans in the bean hopper.Fill the hopper with fresh beans. We recommend always keeping the hopper full (0.5lb maximum) to ensure there are sufficient beans.
Bean hopper and/or burr grinder is blocked.Clean the Grinding Burrs and Coffee Grinds Chute
Beans are in the hopper but not feeding into the grinding burrsDark, oily beans can stick to the sides of the hopper.Stir the beans to loosen.
The hopper is over-packed and the grinder is jamming.Remove some of the beans. Stir the remaining beans to loosen.
The drink not strong enough / too strongStrength setting is incorrect.Check the selected strength setting displayed on the LCD screen. Change the strength setting
The drink not hot enoughA pre-heated basket, carafe or cup will help maintain the drink’s optimal temperature and keep coffee hotter for longer. Fill with hot water for about 30 seconds then discard the water.
I cannot select the ‘FLAVOR' settingThe ‘FLAVOR’ setting is only selectable in SINGLE CUP mode.
Machine takes a long time to brewThe BrewIQ”* System will intelligently pre-heat and dose grinds for optimum temperature and taste. This may result in longer grinding, pre-heating and brewing times than what you are normally used to.If you would like to reduce the overall brewing time and are using SINGLE CUP mode, select a lower flavor setting. The ‘LITE’ setting will steep for less time, however this will produce a lighter flavored coffee.
Machine uses a lot of coffeeThe BrewIQ™ System has been calibrated to dose the optimum water to coffee grinds ratio to achieve the best flavor profile. Depending on the strength setting selected, this may result in more coffee being ground than what you are normally used to. However the result will be a bolder, more full-flavored coffee.If you would like to use less coffee beans, select a lower strength setting.
Amount brewed is too little / too muchThere is excessive mineral build-up affecting the performance of the machine.De-scale the machine.
The volume calibrations need to be reset.Recalibrate the machine by flushing it twice.
The water tank was filled once the coffee machine had already started a brewing cycle.Always fill the water tank before starting a brewing cycle.
The brew sizes are approximate only. Actual amounts may vary due to the type of filter used, the coffee bean size, roast, blend and freshness, or amount and type of pre-ground coffee used. These factors affect the amount of water retained by the coffee grounds.
I cannot select a certain carafe amountThe minimum carafe amount is 2 cups, while the maximum is the number of cups of water in the tank, up to 12 cups.Press open the flip-top water tank lid. Pour the desired amount of cold, preferably filter water.
I can only select 9 cups‘INTENSE’ strength setting selected. The maximum number of cups that can be brewed at the maximum strength is 9 cups.To brew 12 cups, select the ‘STRONG’ strength setting.
My cup does not fit under the drip stop outlet.The maximum cup or travel mug dimensions are 7.5” height, 23A" diameter.Remove the drip tray at the base of the machine. Press the OPEN button to open the swing-out door. Insert the cup/mug into the drip tray cavity before closing the swing- out door.
I regularly switch beansBuy an additional bean hopper to make transfer and storage of beans easier. To grind out any residual coffee beans, lock an empty bean hopper onto the machine. Completely fill the water tank, select ‘12 CUPS’ and the ‘INTENSE’ strength setting. Press the START | CANCEL button. When the grinder stops grinding, press the START | CANCEL button to cancel the cycle. Remove the coffee grinds from the coffee basket.
‘DE-SCALE’ on LCD screenThere is excessive mineral build-up affecting the performance of the machine.De-scale the machine.
I want to empty the water tankEmpty the Water Tank
Water is leaking from the back of the machineWater tank is overfilled.Do not exceed the 12 cup maximum. The machine will beep when full and the water level float will rise to indicate the maximum level.
Steam when grinding and brewingThis is normal. It is the rear steam vent releasing steam.
Total brewing time on LCD screen changes mid-cycle or is different each timeThe total brewing time displayed at the start of the cycle is an estimate only and may change mid-cycle or vary each time depending on the starting temperature of the water in the water tank.
Brewing cycle finishes before the ready signalIf using the gold tone filter, this is normal. The total brewing time displayed on the LCD screen is calculated using paper filters as coffee passes through paper filters slower.
‘CLEAN COFFEE CHUTE’ on LCD screenCoffee grinds chute is blocked.• Thoroughly clean the basket and gold tone filter to ensure they are clear.
• Check the bean hopper for any foreign body.
Clean the Grinding Burrs and Coffee Grinds Chute
Machine beeps and displays 1* on the LCD screenThere is an issue with the coffee grinds chute disc.Check the coffee grinds chute disc for any build-up of coffee grinds. This is the stainless steel disc that is visible when the swing-out door is opened. A build-up of grinds on this disc can affect the performance of the machine. Wipe the disc clean then dry thoroughly.
Machine beeps 20 times in fast succession and ‘2’ is displayed on the LCD screenWater tank is overfilled.Call Breville Customer Service