Breville Barista Express Not Working? Common Faults and Fixes

The Breville Barista Express is one of Australia's most popular home espresso machines, and it's a regular visitor to our Adelaide workshop. Many of the problems owners run into have simple fixes, while others need a technician. Here are the most common Barista Express faults, what causes them and what you can try at home.

Low pressure on the gauge

If the pressure gauge sits low and shots run fast and watery, the most likely causes are a grind that's too coarse, too little coffee in the basket, or uneven tamping. Try grinding finer and checking your dose first. If the gauge stays low with a fine grind and correct dose, a blocked shower screen, scale build-up or a worn pump may be the problem.

No water or little water coming through

• Check the water tank is filled and seated properly.
• The pump may have an airlock. Run water through the hot water outlet to clear it.
• The grind may be far too fine, choking the shot.
• Scale can block the thermocoil and pipes. Run a descale cycle if it's due.

If the pump is noisy but no water flows, have it checked, as the pump or internal valves may need servicing.

Grinder not grinding

Make sure the bean hopper is locked into place, as the grinder won't run if it isn't. Oily beans can also clog the burrs and chute, so empty the hopper and clean the burrs as your manual instructs. If the motor runs but no coffee comes out, the burrs or chute may be blocked. If the grinder makes no sound at all, it may be an electrical fault.

Leaking around the portafilter

Water escaping around the portafilter during extraction usually means the group gasket has hardened or worn. Grounds on the gasket or an over-filled basket can also stop it sealing. Read our guide on how to replace a group gasket for the warning signs.

Weak or no steam

Clear the steam wand tip with the cleaning pin and purge the wand after every use. Weak steam that continues after cleaning usually points to scale in the thermocoil or a worn steam valve.

Clean Me and flashing lights

The Clean Me light means the machine is due for a cleaning cycle with a cleaning tablet. Follow the cleaning procedure in your manual and the light will reset. Flashing lights that won't clear after cleaning, or a machine that won't heat, need a professional check.

Keeping your Barista Express running well

• Run the cleaning cycle when the Clean Me light comes on.
• Descale regularly, especially with Adelaide's hard water.
• Replace the water filter as recommended.
• Clean the grinder burrs and shower screen regularly.
• Replace the group gasket around every 12 months.

Breville repairs in Adelaide

If these fixes don't solve the problem, our technicians repair and service Breville espresso machines and grinders, including the Barista Express, Barista Pro and Oracle. Drop your machine into our Torrensville workshop, no booking needed. Find out more about our Breville repairs in Adelaide.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Barista Express pressure gauge not moving?

Usually the grind is too coarse or the dose too low. If adjusting these doesn't help, the shower screen may be blocked or the pump may need servicing.

How do I clear the Clean Me light on my Barista Express?

Run the cleaning cycle with a cleaning tablet as described in your manual. The light resets once the cycle is complete.