Dealing with a clogged grinder in your Breville Bambino Plus can disrupt your coffee routine and affect the quality of your espresso. Fortunately, most clogs are preventable and fixable with simple steps. This guide will walk you through common causes, safe troubleshooting methods, and practical fixes to get your machine back to optimal performance.
Understanding what causes grinder clogs and how to address them can save you time and extend the life of your espresso machine. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions for safe and effective maintenance.
Key Takeaways
| Regular cleaning prevents clogs | Consistent maintenance avoids buildup that causes jams. |
| Use fresh, dry beans | Moist beans are more likely to cause grinder blockages. |
| Avoid overfilling the bean hopper | Too many beans can jam the grinder motor. |
| Properly clean the grinder burrs | Removed residues improve grinding performance. |

Breville Bambino Plus, Black Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Plus delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Common Causes of Grinder Clogs
- Using oily or old beans that stick to the burrs
- Residual coffee grounds build-up inside the grinder
- Overfilling the bean hopper, causing jams
- Foreign objects or debris accidentally entering the grinder

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets for Breville Models, 8 Pack
OFFICIAL BREVILLE CLEANING TABLETS: Extend your espresso machine's functionality and prolong its life by turning to the brand...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Step-by-Step Fix for Grinder Clogs
- Turn off and unplug your Breville Bambino Plus to ensure safety.
- Remove the bean hopper carefully by lifting it straight up from the grinder.
- Empty the hopper of all beans and inspect for foreign objects or damaged beans.
- Use a soft brush or the cleaning brush included with your machine to gently remove coffee residues from the burrs and grinder chamber.
- If the clog persists, manually rotate the burrs to loosen any stuck coffee grounds.
- Reassemble the hopper and run a cleaning cycle or grind a small amount of dry, fresh beans to check for proper operation.
Tips to Prevent Future Clogs
- Use high-quality, dry beans and avoid oily or old beans.
- Regularly clean the grinder burrs and chamber using appropriate tools.
- Do not overfill the bean hopper; fill only as needed.
- Perform routine maintenance with cleaning tablets designed for Breville espresso machines.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Always unplug your machine before performing any cleaning or maintenance. Use gentle brushes and avoid water contact with the electrical components. Regularly check for wear or damage to the burrs and replace if necessary to maintain consistent grinding performance.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Weight: 10.4 pounds
- ✔ Warranty: 1-year limited
- ✔ Power: 1600W

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Use Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
- ✔ Safety: Food-grade ingredients
- ✔ Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus offers professional-quality espresso in a compact design. Regular cleaning and proper bean selection are key to preventing grinder clogs and maintaining peak performance.
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Consistent grind quality
- Easy to clean with proper maintenance
- Fast heat-up time
Cons:
- Clogs can occur if not maintained
- Requires regular cleaning tablets
- Bean hopper capacity may limit large batches
Best for: Home baristas wanting cafe-quality espresso
Not ideal for: Users who prefer very large bean hoppers or commercial use
Bottom line: Regular cleaning and proper bean handling ensure your Breville Bambino Plus performs flawlessly.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Using Breville BEC250 cleaning tablets regularly helps remove coffee oils and residues, prolonging your espresso machine’s life and maintaining optimal flavor.
Pros:
- Official Breville product
- Safe and effective
- Easy to use
- Prevents buildup
Cons:
- Requires regular purchase
- Only for cleaning, not descaling
Best for: Routine cleaning and maintenance
Not ideal for: Deep descaling of mineral buildup
Bottom line: Keep your Breville espresso machine clean with genuine Breville cleaning tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent grinder clogs in my Breville Bambino Plus?
Use dry, high-quality beans, clean the burrs regularly, avoid overfilling the hopper, and perform routine maintenance with appropriate cleaning tablets.
What should I do if my grinder is clogged?
Turn off and unplug the machine, remove the hopper, clean the burrs with a soft brush or cleaning tool, and rotate the burrs manually if needed. Run a test grind afterward.
Can I use water to clean the grinder?
No, water can damage the electrical components. Use dry brushes and cleaning tablets designed for espresso machines.
How often should I clean the grinder?
It’s recommended to clean the burrs weekly if you use the machine daily, and use cleaning tablets every 1-2 months for thorough maintenance.
Maintaining Peak Performance in Your Breville Bambino Plus
Regular cleaning, proper bean handling, and routine maintenance are essential for preventing grinder clogs and ensuring your Breville Bambino Plus continues to produce high-quality espresso. Following these steps will keep your machine running smoothly and extend its lifespan, providing you with café-quality coffee at home.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.