If your Breville Bambino Plus is not building pressure during extraction, it can result in weak espresso and inconsistent flavor. This guide will help you identify common causes and provide practical, safe steps to restore proper pressure, ensuring your machine delivers cafe-quality results at home.
Key Takeaways
| Check for clogs | Blocked filters or nozzles can cause pressure loss. |
| Inspect the water system | Scale buildup or faulty water filters may reduce pressure. |
| Examine the portafilter | Improper tamping or dirty filters affect pressure. |
| Verify machine components | Loose or damaged parts can lead to pressure issues. |

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Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Machine
- Ensure the espresso machine is turned off and unplugged to prevent any electrical hazards.
- Let it cool down for at least 15 minutes before beginning any maintenance.

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Step 2: Check and Clean the Portafilter and Filter Basket
- Remove the portafilter and inspect the filter basket for coffee grounds or blockages.
- Clean the filter basket thoroughly with warm water and a soft brush.
- Ensure the filter is not clogged and that the tamped coffee is not over-packed.
Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Shower Screen
- Remove the brew head or shower screen according to your model’s manual.
- Soak the parts in hot water and use a brush to remove any coffee oils or scale buildup.
- Reassemble carefully, ensuring all parts are seated properly.
Step 4: Check Water Filters and Water Reservoir
- Remove the water filter and inspect it for buildup or clogging; replace if necessary.
- Clean the water reservoir and refill it with fresh, filtered water.
- Ensure the water reservoir is seated correctly to avoid leaks or air locks.
Step 5: Run a Cleaning Cycle or Descale
If you notice scale buildup, run a descaling process using recommended cleaning tablets such as the Breville BEC250 or a compatible descaling solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damage.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 9.9 kg
- ✔ Dimensions: 7.7 x 12.2 x 12.6 inches
- ✔ Water Capacity: 64 oz

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Pack Size: 8 tablets
- ✔ Ingredients: Food-grade
- ✔ Purpose: Oil and residue removal
Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact yet powerful espresso machine that may experience pressure issues due to buildup or blockages. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and descaling, is key to maintaining optimal pressure and perfect espresso extraction.
Pros:
- High-quality build and materials
- Consistent pressure with proper maintenance
- Easy to clean with designated parts
- Supports third wave specialty coffee
Cons:
- Requires regular cleaning to prevent pressure issues
- Scale buildup can cause pressure drops
- Manual cleaning can be time-consuming
Best for: Home baristas seeking cafe-quality espresso with minimal space
Not ideal for: Machines with persistent hardware faults or severe scale buildup
Bottom line: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent pressure issues in your Breville Bambino Plus.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Using Breville’s official cleaning tablets ensures thorough removal of coffee oils and residues, helping maintain optimal pressure and flavor extraction in your espresso machine.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for Breville machines
- Easy to use and dissolve
- Prolongs machine lifespan
- Non-corrosive and food-grade ingredients
Cons:
- Requires regular use for best results
- Single-use packaging can be wasteful
- Cost adds up over time
Best for: Maintaining freshness and performance in your espresso machine
Not ideal for: For machines heavily scaled or with mechanical faults
Bottom line: Regular use of official cleaning tablets keeps your Breville espresso machine in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Breville Bambino Plus not building pressure?
Common causes include clogged filters, scale buildup, or blockages in the shower screen. Regular cleaning and descaling can resolve these issues.
How often should I descale my Breville espresso machine?
It is recommended to descale every 2-3 months or more frequently if you have hard water to prevent pressure problems.
Can I clean the machine without special tablets?
Yes, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water for descaling, but using official cleaning tablets ensures thorough and safe cleaning.
What should I do if cleaning doesn’t fix the pressure issue?
If cleaning and descaling do not resolve the problem, contact Breville customer support or consider professional servicing to check for mechanical faults.
Keep Your Espresso Perfect with Proper Maintenance
Maintaining your Breville Bambino Plus through regular cleaning, descaling, and inspection ensures consistent pressure and optimal flavor. Addressing issues early prevents costly repairs and keeps your machine performing at its best, delivering cafe-quality espresso every time.
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