How To Descale Breville Barista Pro The Right Way
The water used to brew espresso causes mineral buildup inside your Breville Barista Pro. While not toxic, this buildup can impact the machine’s water flow, temperature and overall performance. It can negatively affect the taste of your shot of espresso too. Descaling Breville Barista Pro machines regularly removes these mineral deposits to extend its life. Keep reading to find instructions on how to descale Breville Barista Pro machines using a safe descaling solution.
How Often To Descale Breville Barista Pro
In addition to regular cleaning, your Barista Pro needs to be descaled every 3 months. The Breville Barista Pro has an LCD display that will show a DESCALE alert to remind you that descaling is needed.
You need to descale whether you are using filtered water, bottled water or tap water with a low to normal mineral count. You will need to descale more often if your tap has “hard water.” That means it contains higher level of minerals. If you are not sure about the level of minerals in your water, you can always get a low-cost water testing kit.
You should also descale if you are having any of these issues with your Breville Barista Pro:
- Produces a lot of steam while brewing
- Runs for extended periods with only steam output
- Does not use the full amount of water in the water tank
- Brews slowly
Can You Descale Breville Barista Pro With Vinegar?
You should not use water and vinegar solution to descale Breville Barista Pro machines. White vinegar contains 5-8% acetic acid. This type of acid can wear down stainless steel and cause your machine to leak. Plus, vinegar cannot remove oils left by used coffee beans.
Instead, the best way to deep descale your espresso maker is with one of the below commercial solutions. They have safe and effective types of acids that won’t damage your machine.
Solutions For Descaling Breville Barista Pro
Impresa Descaler
The Impresa descaler is a top selling descaler. It has citric and sulfamic acids. Both of these are gentle on metal. Each pack contains two bottles. Each bottle has enough for two uses.
Essential Values Descaler
The Essential Values descaling solution has a citric acid that is both odorless and powerful. Each bottle is good for two uses. A two pack will provide four doses. That’s a year supply if you descale your machine every three months.
De’Longhi EcoDecalk Descaler
The De’Longhi Descaler is made in Italy with high quality, plant-based lactic acid. This solution can be used to solve a descaling issue with any espresso machine, including those made by Breville. A 16.90 fl oz bottle contains enough solution for up to 5 uses.
How To Descale Breville Barista Pro
You’ll want to descale your Breville Barista Pro when LCD display shows a DESCALE alert. Follow the steps below.
Prepare The Machine
- Remove the water tank and drip tray from the machine and empty them. Remove the filter basket or filter holder from the tank.
- Fill the tank to the DESCALE line with fresh water. Add your solution, making sure to follow the directions on the pack.
- Reattach the tank. Place a large cup or bowl on the drip tray to catch the water.
Run The Descale Cycles
- Touch the menu button to activate the main menu and then turn the grind amount dial to get to “DESCALE” in the menu. Press to select and the 1 CUP button will light up.
- Hit the 1 CUP button to start descaling. The process has 3 stages: coffee, hot water and steam. The machine will beep after each stage is done. Pay attention to the LCD screen as the steam dial will have to be manually turned to HOT WATER or STEAM when told.
Rinse The Machine
- The machine will need to go through a rinse cycle after it is done. Remove and empty the drip tray and the cup or bowl used to collect water. Empty any solution from the water tank and fill it will fresh water only to the max line.
- Press the 1 CUP button to start the rinse cycle. This also happens in 3 stages and you will need to adjust the steam dial when told on the LCD screen.
- When the rinse cycle is over, the machine will beep and return to READY mode.
- Remove the drip tray and water tank and rinse them before adding them back.
You may also see page 20 of the user manual for instructions on descaling Breville Barista Pro machines.
