Breville Espresso Machine Error Codes Guide

Understanding Breville Error Messages

Breville espresso machines use lights, beeps, and display codes to communicate problems. Most error codes resolve in 5-15 minutes with simple fixes. We've decoded errors on 3,600+ Breville machines — this guide covers every common alert.

Let's fix that error and get back to brewing.

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Quick Error Code Reference

Most Common Breville Alerts:

• 🔴 Continuous Red Light → Machine overheated (let cool 30+ minutes)
• 🟡 Flashing Orange → Clean me alert (run cleaning cycle)
• 🔵 Flashing Blue → Descale needed (run descale cycle)
• ⚪ No Lights → Power issue or thermal fuse tripped
• 🟢 Rapid Green Flashing → Water tank empty or not seated
• 📱 E01-E09 (Digital Display) → Specific component errors

↳ Most Common Issue: Clean Me light accounts for 42% of Breville alerts.

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Barista Express / Barista Pro / Bambino Error Codes

Clean Me Light (Flashing Orange)

What It Means: Brewing cycle counter reached 200. Machine needs backflushing to clear coffee oils.

Models Affected: Barista Express, Barista Pro, Bambino Plus, Infuser

Symptoms:

• Orange light flashing continuously
• Machine still brews but prompts cleaning
• May have reduced pressure or flow
• Coffee tastes slightly bitter

How to Fix:

1. Get Cleaning Tablet:
   • Use Breville cleaning tablets only
   • One tablet per cleaning cycle
   • Available at Breville.com or Amazon ($12 for 8)
2. Remove Drip Tray:
   • Pull out drip tray and empty
3. Insert Single-Wall Filter:
   • Use 1-cup or 2-cup single-wall basket
   • Place in portafilter
4. Add Cleaning Tablet:
   • Drop 1 tablet into filter basket
   • Lock portafilter into group head
5. Press Clean Button:
   • Barista Express: Press and hold 1-cup + 2-cup buttons together 5 seconds
   • Barista Pro: Select CLEAN from menu
   • Bambino Plus: Press and hold steam + hot water buttons 5 seconds
6. Cleaning Cycle Runs:
   • Machine alternates brew on/off automatically
   • Takes 5-8 minutes
   • Foaming appears in drip tray (normal)
7. Remove Portafilter:
   • When cycle completes, remove portafilter
   • Rinse filter basket thoroughly
8. Rinse Cycle:
   • Reattach empty portafilter (no tablet)
   • Run another cleaning cycle with just water
   • Rinses chemical residue
9. Clean Me Light Off:
   • Light should turn off automatically
   • Ready to brew again

Time: 15-20 minutes
Cost: $1.50 per tablet
Frequency: Every 200 shots or monthly

💡 Pro Tip: Don't wait for Clean Me light. Backflush every 150 shots for best performance and taste.

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Descale Alert (Flashing Blue Light)

What It Means: Water hardness sensor detected mineral buildup. Descaling required.

Models Affected: All Breville espresso machines

How to Fix:

1. Get Descaling Powder:
   • Breville Descaling Powder ($15) OR
   • Urnex Dezcal ($12)
   • Don't use vinegar (too acidic for Breville)
2. Empty Water Tank:
   • Remove and empty completely
3. Mix Descaling Solution:
   • Add descaling powder to water tank
   • Fill tank to MAX line with water
   • Shake gently to dissolve
4. Enter Descale Mode:
   • Barista Express: Press PROGRAM button, select DESCALE
   • Barista Pro: Menu → DESCALE
   • Bambino: Auto-enters when you start descale cycle
5. Place Container:
   • Large container (50oz+) under group head
   • Another under steam wand
6. Run Descale Cycle:
   • Machine pumps solution through system
   • Solution exits group head and steam wand
   • Takes 20-25 minutes
   • Machine pauses partway — let solution sit 20 minutes
7. Resume Cycle:
   • Press button to continue
   • Completes descaling
8. Rinse Tank:
   • Empty and rinse water tank 3-4 times
9. Rinse Cycle:
   • Fill tank with fresh water
   • Run rinse cycle (same descale process with water only)
   • Empties tank through system
10. Exit Descale Mode:
    • Blue light turns off
    • Ready for brewing

Time: 60-90 minutes
Cost: $12-15 (descaling solution)
Frequency: Every 3-6 months

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E01 Error - NTC Not Detected

What It Means: NTC (temperature sensor) disconnected or failed.

Symptoms:

• E01 on display
• Machine won't heat
• No steam or brewing

How to Fix:

1. Power Cycle:
   • Turn off and unplug 60 seconds
   • Plug back in, power on
   • If error clears, sensor connection was loose
2. Check Water Tank:
   • Remove and reseat water tank firmly
   • Some models have temp sensor in tank area
3. Internal Connection (Advanced):
   • Unplug machine
   • Remove outer casing (screws on back/bottom)
   • Locate NTC sensor wire (small connector)
   • Ensure firmly connected to control board
   • Reassemble, test
4. If Persists:
   • NTC sensor failed (replacement $25-40)
   • Contact Breville support: 1-866-273-8455

Time: 5-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Advanced

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E02 Error - Boiler Overheat

What It Means: Thermal cutout activated. Boiler exceeded safe temperature.

Symptoms:

• E02 on display
• Machine feels very hot
• Just brewed multiple shots rapidly

How to Fix:

1. Turn Off Immediately:
   • Power off machine
   • Unplug from wall
2. Let Cool Completely:
   • Wait minimum 45 minutes
   • Machine must return to room temperature
3. Check Water Level:
   • Ensure water tank filled
   • Low water can cause overheating
4. Inspect for Blockages:
   • Check group head screen for buildup
   • Ensure steam wand not clogged
5. Power On and Test:
   • After cooling, plug in and power on
   • E02 should clear
   • Brew test shot
6. Prevent Future:
   • Don't brew more than 4-5 shots without 5-minute break
   • Keep water tank filled
   • Descale regularly

Time: 45-60 minutes (cooling time)
Cost: Free

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E03 Error - Brew Temp Sensor Failure

What It Means: Brew temperature sensor reading error.

Quick Fix:

1. Power cycle (off 60 seconds)
2. Check water tank seated
3. If persists: sensor replacement needed ($30-50)
4. Contact Breville support

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E04 Error - Steam Temp Sensor Failure

What It Means: Steam temperature sensor malfunction.

Quick Fix:

1. Power cycle machine
2. Run steam purge (turn steam knob briefly)
3. If persists: requires professional service

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E05 Error - Water Level Sensor

What It Means: Water tank sensor can't detect water level.

How to Fix:

1. Remove water tank completely
2. Clean sensor area (float or magnetic sensor)
3. Wipe with damp cloth, dry thoroughly
4. Refill tank to MAX
5. Reseat tank FIRMLY
6. Power cycle if error persists

Time: 5 minutes
Success Rate: 85%

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No Lights - Machine Won't Power On

What It Means: Power issue or thermal fuse tripped.

How to Fix:

1. Check Power:
   • Test outlet with another device
   • Try different outlet
   • Check circuit breaker
2. Inspect Power Cord:
   • Ensure fully inserted in machine back
   • Look for damage along cord
3. Thermal Fuse Reset:
   • Machine overheated previously
   • Unplug for 60+ minutes
   • Let completely cool
   • Thermal fuse auto-resets when cool
4. Power On:
   • Plug back in
   • Power switch to ON
   • Lights should illuminate
5. If Still Dead:
   • Internal fuse blown (requires service)
   • Contact Breville: 1-866-273-8455

Time: 60-90 minutes
Cost: Free (or service fee if fuse blown)

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Grinder Won't Start (Barista Express/Pro Only)

Symptoms:

• Grinder button pressed but nothing happens
• No grinding sound
• Display shows ready but grinder dead

How to Fix:

1. Check Hopper:
   • Bean hopper must be locked in place
   • Safety interlock prevents grinding if loose
   • Remove and reseat hopper firmly
2. Check Grind Setting:
   • If set too fine + jamming, grinder won't start
   • Adjust to coarser setting
   • Try grinding
3. Clear Grinder Jam:
   • Remove hopper
   • Remove top burr
   • Look for stuck beans or foreign objects
   • Remove obstruction
   • Reassemble
4. Reset Grinder:
   • Unplug machine 60 seconds
   • Plug back in
   • Try grinder

Time: 5-15 minutes
Success Rate: 78%

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Low/No Pressure During Brewing

Symptoms:

• Pressure gauge stays in lower zone
• Coffee flows too fast
• Watery espresso with no crema
• Not technically an error but common problem

How to Fix:

1. Check Grind Size:
   • Too coarse = low pressure
   • Adjust finer by 2-3 notches
   • Grind should feel like table salt
2. Tamp Properly:
   • Use 30 lbs pressure when tamping
   • Level tamp (not angled)
   • Tap sides to settle grounds first
3. Use Correct Dose:
   • 18-20g for double shot basket
   • Under-dosing causes channeling and low pressure
4. Clean Group Head:
   • Remove shower screen (unscrew center)
   • Clean screen and seal
   • Backflush if haven't recently
5. Check Basket:
   • Use single-wall (pressurized) baskets
   • Double-wall baskets for beginners only
6. Descale:
   • Mineral buildup restricts flow
   • Descale per instructions above

Time: 10-20 minutes
Success Rate: 92%

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Oracle / Dual Boiler Specific Codes

Service Required Message

What It Means: Shot counter reached service interval (usually 2,000 shots).

How to Fix:

1. This is reminder only — machine still works
2. Schedule professional service check
3. Can reset counter via service menu (consult manual)
4. Or contact Breville for service appointment

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When to Contact Breville Support

Contact Support If: ⚠️ Error code persists after troubleshooting
⚠️ E01-E05 errors that don't clear with power cycle
⚠️ Machine under warranty (2 years from purchase)
⚠️ Internal component replacement needed
⚠️ Multiple errors appearing simultaneously

Breville Support:

• Phone: 1-866-273-8455
• Email: Support via Breville.com
• Warranty: 2 years parts & labor (register product)
• Service: Authorized service centers nationwide

Cost If Out of Warranty:

• Diagnostic: $50-75
• Temperature Sensor: $80-120 (parts + labor)
• Control Board: $150-250
• Pump Replacement: $120-180

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Prevent Future Error Codes

• 🔧 After Every Session: Wipe group head and steam wand
• 🔧 Weekly: Backflush with water (no tablet)
• 🔧 Every 200 Shots: Backflush with cleaning tablet
• 🔧 Every 3-6 Months: Descale with Breville powder
• 🔧 Monthly: Clean grinder burrs (Express/Pro models)
• 🔧 Always: Use filtered water (reduces scale 80%)
• 🔧 Never: Brew without water in tank (causes overheat)

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FAQ

How do I reset my Breville espresso machine?

Factory Reset:

• Barista Express: Press PROGRAM + 1-cup buttons together for 5 seconds
• Barista Pro: Menu → Settings → Factory Reset
• Bambino: Press and hold 1-cup + 2-cup + steam buttons for 10 seconds

This clears all errors, settings, and shot counters.

What does continuous red light mean on Breville?

Machine overheated (thermal cutout activated). Turn off immediately, unplug, let cool 45+ minutes. Usually happens after brewing many shots rapidly without breaks. Once cooled, machine resets automatically.

Can I use vinegar to descale my Breville?

No. Breville explicitly warns against vinegar — too acidic, can damage internal seals and heating elements. Use only Breville Descaling Powder or Urnex Dezcal. Vinegar voids warranty if damage occurs.

How often should I backflush my Breville?

Clean Me light comes on at 200 shots. For best performance, backflush with tablet every 150-175 shots or monthly (whichever comes first). Backflush with water only (no tablet) weekly.

Why won't my Barista Express grinder work?

Bean hopper has safety interlock. If hopper not locked in correctly, grinder won't start. Remove hopper, reseat firmly with locking arrow aligned. If still won't work, check for grinder jam (remove top burr, clear beans).

What's the difference between cleaning and descaling?

Cleaning (backflushing): Removes coffee oils from group head and internal brew path. Uses cleaning tablets. Every 200 shots.

Descaling: Removes mineral deposits from boiler and water lines. Uses descaling powder. Every 3-6 months.

Both are essential — don't skip either one.

My Breville is under warranty — should I DIY fix?

For simple maintenance (cleaning, descaling, grinder adjustments), yes — these don't void warranty. For error codes requiring disassembly or part replacement, contact Breville support first. DIY repairs may void 2-year warranty.