If your Breville Bambino Plus is experiencing frequent grinder clogs, it can be frustrating and disrupt your coffee routine. Clogs often happen due to stale coffee grounds, oil buildup, or incorrect grind size. Fortunately, with proper troubleshooting and maintenance, you can resolve this issue and enjoy consistent, café-quality espresso at home.
In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to clear grinder clogs, prevent future blockages, and ensure your Breville espresso machine functions optimally. Safety and accuracy are key, so follow each step carefully and use recommended cleaning products.
Key Takeaways
| Regular Cleaning | Consistently clean the grinder and burrs to prevent buildup. |
| Proper Grind Size | Use a medium to fine grind and avoid overly fine settings. |
| Fresh Coffee Grounds | Avoid stale grounds that can cause clogging. |
| Routine Maintenance | Replace water filters and clean components regularly. |
| Use Recommended Products | Employ official cleaning tablets for optimal results. |

Breville Bambino Plus, Black Stainless Steel
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Identify the Cause of the Clog
Before attempting to fix the clog, determine the root cause. Common reasons include using too fine a grind, stale coffee grounds, or accumulated coffee oils. Symptoms include slow grinder operation, unusual noises, or the grinder stopping mid-cycle. Check for visible blockages in the burr chamber or chute. If grounds are compacted or jammed, a thorough cleaning is necessary to restore proper function.

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Disassemble and Clean the Grinder
- Turn off and unplug your Breville Bambino Plus to ensure safety.
- Remove the bean hopper and empty any remaining beans.
- Carefully take out the burrs following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually by unscrewing or lifting them out.
- Use a soft brush to remove coffee grounds and oils from the burrs and chamber.
- Wipe the components with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Adjust the Grind Size and Coffee Dose
Incorrect grind size is a common cause of clogging. Set the grinder to a medium to fine setting, avoiding overly fine grounds that can compact and cause jams. Also, ensure you are dosing the right amount of coffee — typically 19 grams for the Bambino Plus. Using too much coffee can increase the risk of clogging, especially if grounds are not evenly distributed.
Use Proper Coffee Grounds and Fresh Beans
Always use fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. Stale or oily grounds tend to clog the grinder over time. If you notice oily residue or a sticky texture, run a cleaning cycle with official cleaning tablets designed for Breville machines. This helps remove oils and residues that can cause blockages.
Perform Routine Maintenance and Use Cleaning Tablets
Regular cleaning extends the life of your espresso machine and prevents clogs. Use products like the Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets or the Replacement Espresso Cleaning Tablets for thorough cleaning. Follow the instructions for dissolution time, and ensure you flush the system with water afterward. Replace water filters regularly, especially if you notice water taste issues or mineral buildup.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Size: 8 tablets
- ✔ Material: Food-grade
- ✔ Shelf Life: One year

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Size: 8 tablets
- ✔ Material: Food-grade
- ✔ Compatibility: Breville models
Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact yet powerful espresso machine that benefits greatly from regular cleaning and maintenance. Proper care ensures consistent performance and prevents grinder clogging issues. Using official cleaning tablets and routine burr cleaning can significantly extend your machine’s lifespan.
Pros:
- Effective cleaning performance
- Safe and food-grade ingredients
- Easy to dissolve and use
- Prolongs machine life
Cons:
- Requires regular use for best results
- Slightly more expensive than generic options
- Must follow dissolution instructions carefully
Best for: Maintaining optimal performance and preventing grinder clogging
Not ideal for: For those seeking a quick fix without routine cleaning
Bottom line: Regular cleaning with official tablets keeps your Breville Bambino Plus running smoothly.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Using Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets ensures a thorough removal of coffee oils and residues, which helps prevent grinder clogs and maintains the flavor quality of your espresso. These tablets dissolve precisely and are designed specifically for Breville models, making them a reliable choice for regular maintenance.
Pros:
- Official Breville cleaning tablets
- Effective removal of oils and residues
- Easy to use
- Prolongs machine lifespan
Cons:
- Cost slightly higher than generic options
- Requires routine use
- Must follow instructions carefully
Best for: Deep cleaning and maintaining flavor quality
Not ideal for: For infrequent or one-time cleaning
Bottom line: Regular use of official cleaning tablets ensures your espresso machine stays in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Breville grinder keep clogging?
Clogging often occurs due to using overly fine grind settings, stale coffee grounds, or buildup of coffee oils. Regular cleaning and adjusting the grind size can help prevent this.
How often should I clean the grinder?
Ideally, clean the grinder and burrs every 1-2 months depending on usage frequency. Use official cleaning tablets for thorough cleaning.
Can I use regular coffee grounds to prevent clogging?
No, always use fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind just before brewing. Stale or oily grounds can cause blockages.
What should I do if cleaning doesn’t fix the clog?
Disassemble the burrs, thoroughly clean with a soft brush, and run a cleaning cycle with official tablets. If problems persist, contact Breville customer support.
Is it safe to use cleaning tablets regularly?
Yes, when used as directed, official cleaning tablets are safe and designed to keep your machine functioning properly without damaging internal components.
Keep Your Breville Bambino Plus Performing Perfectly
Regular maintenance and proper cleaning are essential for preventing grinder clogs in your Breville Bambino Plus. By following the steps outlined above, using recommended products, and adjusting your coffee habits, you can enjoy consistent, high-quality espresso every day. Remember, a well-maintained machine not only produces better coffee but also lasts longer, making your investment worthwhile.
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