Breville "Empty Me" Error Won't Clear? 5 Fixes

What "EMPTY ME" Means on Your Breville

The "EMPTY ME" alert on Breville espresso machines refers to the drip tray — specifically, the tray is full (or the sensor thinks it is) and needs to be emptied. This is a safety feature to prevent water overflow. But sometimes the alert won't clear even after emptying, or it appears when the tray isn't actually full.

Let's fix this so you can get back to pulling shots.

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Understanding the Empty Me System

How Breville Detects a Full Tray:

• Float sensor in the drip tray rises with water level
• When float reaches trigger point, "EMPTY ME" displays
• Sensor must reset (float drops) for alert to clear

Common Issues:

• Float stuck in "up" position
• Debris preventing float movement
• Sensor misaligned or dirty
• Tray not seated properly

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Fix 1: Properly Empty and Reseat the Tray (Works 55% of Time)

Why This Works: The most common reason "EMPTY ME" won't clear is that the drip tray isn't fully reseated after emptying. The float may also need a moment to settle.

How to Fix:

1. Pull drip tray out completely
2. Empty all water — tip it into sink
3. Check the float — small plastic piece that moves up/down
4. Press float down gently with finger — should move freely
5. Rinse tray under water (optional but good practice)
6. Dry tray or shake off excess water
7. Slide tray back in slowly and firmly until it stops
8. Wait 5 seconds — display should update
9. If alert persists — remove and reinsert tray again

Time: 2-3 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 55%
Difficulty: Easy

Model Notes:

• Barista Express/Pro: Tray slides in from front, must push fully back
• Bambino/Bambino Plus: Smaller tray, same mechanism
• Infuser: Similar front-loading tray
• Dual Boiler/Oracle: Larger tray, same float sensor

Pro Tip: Push the tray in until you feel it "click" or seat against the back. A tray that's 90% in might not trigger the sensor reset.

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Fix 2: Clean the Float and Sensor (Works 28% of Time)

Why This Works: Coffee oils, milk residue, and mineral buildup can coat the float or sensor, preventing proper movement or detection. Cleaning restores normal function.

How to Fix:

1. Remove drip tray completely
2. Locate the float — usually a small red, black, or white plastic piece
3. Remove float if possible — some models it lifts out
4. Clean float with warm soapy water
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry
6. Check float chamber in the tray for debris
7. Clean chamber with cotton swab or small brush
8. On the machine — look where tray connects for sensor
9. Wipe sensor area with dry cloth
10. Reinstall float and reinsert tray

Time: 10-15 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 28%
Difficulty: Easy

Model Notes:

• Barista Express (BES870): Float is red/orange, lifts out of guide
• Barista Pro (BES878): Similar design
• Bambino Plus: Smaller float, same cleaning process
• Oracle: Float is larger, easy to access

Warning: Make sure float moves freely after cleaning — if it sticks, the alert will return.

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Fix 3: Check for Float Obstruction (Works 10% of Time)

Why This Works: Sometimes debris, coffee grounds, or even a small piece of plastic can get under the float, keeping it in the "up" (full) position permanently.

How to Fix:

1. Remove drip tray
2. Remove float from its housing
3. Inspect the float chamber — look for:
   • Coffee grounds
   • Milk residue buildup
   • Small debris
   • Damaged float parts
4. Clean out debris with toothpick or cotton swab
5. Check float itself for cracks or damage
6. Test float movement — should bob freely up and down
7. Reassemble and test

Time: 10 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 10%
Difficulty: Easy

Common Obstructions:

• Hardened milk (if you make milk drinks)
• Coffee ground sludge
• Mineral deposits from water
• Broken plastic from worn float

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Fix 4: Machine Reset (Works 5% of Time)

Why This Works: Occasionally the sensor reading glitches electronically. A reset clears the false reading.

How to Fix:

1. Turn off machine using front power button
2. Turn off rear power switch
3. Unplug from wall
4. Remove drip tray and empty it
5. Wait 5 minutes
6. Reinsert tray (empty)
7. Plug in
8. Turn on rear switch, then front power
9. Wait for machine to complete startup
10. Check display — should show normal ready state

Time: 8-10 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: 5%
Difficulty: Easy

Model Notes: This works better on newer models with more sophisticated electronics (Barista Touch, Oracle Touch).

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Fix 5: Float Replacement (When Cleaning Doesn't Work)

Why This Matters: If the float is cracked, warped, or the sensor has failed, no amount of cleaning will fix it. Fortunately, replacement parts are available.

Signs Float Needs Replacement:

• Float is visibly cracked or broken
• Float doesn't move freely even when clean
• Float doesn't sit level in its housing
• Alert persists despite all troubleshooting

Replacement Options:

How to Replace:

1. Order correct part for your model number
2. Remove old tray
3. Install new tray — should be plug-and-play
4. Test immediately

Contact Breville Parts: 1-866-273-8455 or breville.com/parts

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Model-Specific Notes

Barista Express (BES870)

• Float is red/orange plastic
• Located in front-left of drip tray
• Common issue: float guide breaks after years of use
• Solution: Replace drip tray assembly

Barista Pro (BES878)

• Similar float system to Barista Express
• Display more clearly shows "EMPTY DRIP TRAY"
• Same troubleshooting applies

Bambino / Bambino Plus

• Smaller tray, smaller float
• Faster to fill due to compact size
• Float can be more sensitive to debris

Dual Boiler (BES920)

• Larger capacity tray
• Float mechanism more robust
• If stuck, often a seating issue

Oracle / Oracle Touch

• Most advanced sensor system
• Can sometimes reset via touchscreen settings
• If alert persists, check touchscreen diagnostics

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Preventing "Empty Me" Problems

Daily:

• Empty drip tray every day (or more with heavy use)
• Don't wait for alert — empty proactively
• Quick wipe of float area when emptying

Weekly:

• Remove tray and clean float
• Wipe sensor area on machine
• Check float moves freely

Monthly:

• Deep clean drip tray (soak in warm soapy water)
• Clean under and around float thoroughly
• Check for mineral buildup

General Tips:

• Steam wand drips add up fast — empty tray after milk drinks
• Backflush water goes to drip tray — empty before/after cleaning cycles
• If tray fills quickly, check for internal leaks (different problem)

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FAQ

What does "EMPTY ME" mean on my Breville?

It means the drip tray is full (or the sensor thinks it is) and needs to be emptied. This is normal — the tray collects water from drips, purges, and cleaning cycles. Empty it, reseat it properly, and the alert should clear.

Why does my Breville say "EMPTY ME" when the tray isn't full?

The float sensor is probably stuck in the "up" position. This happens when the float is dirty, obstructed, or not seated properly. Remove the tray, find the float (small plastic piece), and make sure it moves freely. Clean it if needed.

How do I reset the "EMPTY ME" alert on my Breville?

Remove the drip tray, empty it completely, make sure the float moves freely, and firmly reinsert the tray until it seats completely. Wait 5 seconds — the alert should clear. If not, try removing and reinserting again.

My Breville drip tray fills up very quickly. Is that normal?

It depends on usage. Heavy use (multiple drinks, lots of steaming) fills it faster. However, if it fills unusually fast, check for: excessive steam wand dripping, internal leak, or running cleaning cycles frequently. Some water accumulation is normal.

Can I use my Breville when it says "EMPTY ME"?

Yes, but the machine may limit some functions or refuse to brew to prevent overflow. It's best to empty the tray promptly — takes 30 seconds and prevents potential water damage.

Where can I buy a replacement drip tray for my Breville?

Direct from Breville (breville.com/parts), Amazon, or authorized retailers. Make sure you get the correct tray for your specific model number — they're not all interchangeable. Expect to pay $25-40 for a genuine Breville tray.