How to Reset the Descale Light on Your Breville Espresso Machine: A Comprehensive Guide

by

The dreaded descale light. It’s a small indicator on your beloved Breville espresso machine, but it can cause a world of frustration when it stubbornly remains illuminated even after you’ve meticulously descaled your machine. This article provides a complete and easy-to-follow guide to resetting the descale light on various Breville espresso machine models, ensuring you can get back to enjoying your perfect cup without the annoying persistent reminder.

Understanding the Descale Light and Why It’s Important

The descale light is a crucial indicator designed to remind you that your espresso machine needs to be cleaned of mineral buildup. Over time, minerals from your water, primarily calcium and magnesium, accumulate inside the machine’s internal components. This buildup, known as scale, can significantly impact your machine’s performance and the quality of your espresso.

Scale buildup can cause several problems:

  • Reduced water flow and pressure, resulting in weaker espresso.
  • Inconsistent water temperature, affecting the extraction process and taste.
  • Increased energy consumption as the machine works harder to heat the water.
  • Damage to internal components, leading to costly repairs or a shortened lifespan.

Ignoring the descale light can lead to more serious issues down the road. Regular descaling not only extends the life of your machine but also ensures consistently delicious espresso.

Before You Begin: Gathering Your Supplies and Information

Before attempting to reset the descale light, it’s essential to ensure you’ve actually descaled your machine. A rushed or incomplete descaling process is often the culprit behind a light that won’t turn off.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Breville Descaling Solution (or a suitable alternative): Breville recommends using their own descaling solution, but you can also use a commercially available descaling solution specifically designed for espresso machines. Make sure the solution is safe for use with stainless steel and food-grade materials. A mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) can be used but proceed with caution as it may leave a lingering taste.
  • Fresh Water: Use filtered water for both the descaling process and rinsing.
  • A Large Container: You’ll need a container large enough to hold the water that flows through the machine during the descaling process.
  • Your Breville Espresso Machine’s User Manual: While this guide provides general instructions, your specific model may have unique requirements or button combinations for descaling and resetting the light. Refer to your manual for the most accurate information.

Identifying Your Breville Model:

Breville manufactures a variety of espresso machines, each with slightly different features and procedures. Knowing your exact model number is crucial for finding the correct instructions for resetting the descale light. The model number is usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the machine or on the back panel. Common Breville espresso machine models include:

  • Barista Express (BES870XL)
  • Barista Pro (BES878)
  • Dual Boiler (BES920XL, BES900XL)
  • Infuser (BES840XL)
  • Bambino Plus (BES500)
  • Oracle (BES980XL)
  • Oracle Touch (BES990)

The General Descaling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

While specific steps may vary slightly depending on your model, the general descaling process involves the following:

  1. Preparation: Empty the water tank and remove the coffee grounds container and drip tray. Rinse them thoroughly.

  2. Mixing the Descaling Solution: Prepare the descaling solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves mixing the solution with fresh water in the water tank.

  3. Initiating Descale Mode: This is where the process varies most between models. Common methods include:

    • Holding down specific buttons: Often, you’ll need to hold down two or three buttons simultaneously (e.g., the MENU, POWER, and PROGRAM buttons) for a few seconds until the descale light illuminates or a “DESCALE” message appears on the display. Consult your user manual.
    • Navigating the Menu: Some models have a menu system where you can select the “Descale” option. Use the dial or buttons to navigate to the appropriate setting and press “Start” or “OK.”

  4. Running the Descaling Cycle: Once the descale mode is activated, the machine will automatically run a series of cycles. The descaling solution will be pumped through the internal components, dissolving mineral buildup. The machine will typically pause at intervals, allowing the solution to soak and break down the scale. The descaling process usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

  5. Rinsing the Machine: After the descaling cycle is complete, thoroughly rinse the water tank and refill it with fresh, filtered water. Run several cycles of plain water through the machine to remove any residual descaling solution. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and there is no trace of the descaling solution’s odor. Rinse all removable parts.

Resetting the Descale Light: Model-Specific Instructions

The most challenging part is often resetting the descale light after the descaling process is complete. Here are model-specific instructions to guide you.

Breville Barista Express (BES870XL)

  1. Ensure the machine is turned off.
  2. Press and hold the PROGRAM button and the POWER button simultaneously.
  3. Turn the machine on while still holding both buttons.
  4. The descale light should begin to flash, indicating that the machine is in descale mode.
  5. Follow the descaling process, adding descaling solution to the water tank as instructed.
  6. Once the descaling cycle is finished, empty and rinse the water tank.
  7. Refill the water tank with fresh water and run several rinse cycles.
  8. After the rinse cycles are complete, the descale light should turn off automatically. If it doesn’t, repeat steps 1-3 to exit the descale mode.

Breville Barista Pro (BES878)

  1. From the main screen, press the MENU button.
  2. Use the dial to navigate to the SETTINGS menu and press the dial to select it.
  3. Scroll through the settings until you find the DESCALE CYCLE option.
  4. Press the dial to select the DESCALE CYCLE.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to add descaling solution to the water tank.
  6. Press the dial again to start the descaling cycle.
  7. The machine will guide you through the descaling process, including rinsing.
  8. Once the descaling and rinsing cycles are complete, the machine should automatically exit descale mode, and the descale light should turn off.

Breville Dual Boiler (BES920XL, BES900XL)

  1. Turn off the machine.
  2. Press and hold the MENU button and the POWER button simultaneously.
  3. Turn the machine on while still holding both buttons. This should enter the descale mode.
  4. The display will show “DESCALE”. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the descaling process. This includes adding the descaling solution to the water tank, running the descaling cycle, and then running rinse cycles with fresh water.
  5. Once you have completed all the steps and refilled with fresh water, the machine should automatically exit the descale mode, and the descale light should turn off. If the descale light is still on after completing the descaling cycle, repeat steps 1-3 to manually exit descale mode.

Breville Infuser (BES840XL)

  1. Turn the machine off.
  2. Press and hold the CLEAN/DESCALE button and the POWER button simultaneously.
  3. Turn the machine on while still holding both buttons. The descale light should illuminate.
  4. Follow the descaling procedure as outlined in your user manual.
  5. After completing the descaling and rinsing cycles, the machine should automatically exit descale mode and the descale light should turn off.

Breville Bambino Plus (BES500)

  1. Empty the water tank and remove the drip tray.
  2. Fill the water tank with descaling solution and water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Simultaneously press and hold the SINGLE CUP, DOUBLE CUP and STEAM buttons.
  4. Press the POWER button to turn the machine on. All buttons will illuminate.
  5. Release all buttons. The machine will start the descaling cycle automatically.
  6. Once the descaling cycle is completed, the machine will beep. Remove and rinse the water tank and drip tray.
  7. Fill the water tank with fresh water and repeat the descaling process two more times for rinsing.
  8. The descale light should automatically turn off.

Breville Oracle (BES980XL) and Oracle Touch (BES990)

These models have a touchscreen interface that simplifies the descaling process.

  1. Navigate to the MENU on the touchscreen.
  2. Select SETTINGS.
  3. Choose DESCALE CYCLE.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to add descaling solution, run the descaling cycle, and rinse the machine. The Oracle and Oracle Touch will guide you through each step.
  5. Once the process is complete, the machine will automatically exit descale mode, and the descale light should turn off.

Troubleshooting: What to Do When the Light Won’t Reset

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the descale light may stubbornly refuse to turn off. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Double-Check the Descaling Process: Ensure you’ve completed the descaling process fully, including both the descaling cycle and the rinsing cycles. Insufficient rinsing is a common reason for the light to remain on.
  • Repeat the Reset Procedure: Try repeating the reset procedure (the specific button combination or menu navigation for your model) several times. Sometimes, it may take a few attempts for the machine to register that the descaling process is complete.
  • Check the Water Hardness Setting: Some Breville machines allow you to set the water hardness level. If the setting is incorrect (e.g., set to “hard” when you’re using softened water), the machine may trigger the descale light more frequently. Adjust the water hardness setting in the menu (refer to your user manual).
  • Check for Error Messages: See if the machine is displaying any error messages that might indicate a problem. Consult your user manual for a list of error codes and their meanings.
  • Contact Breville Support: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the descale light still won’t turn off, it’s best to contact Breville customer support for assistance. They may be able to provide model-specific advice or diagnose a potential hardware issue.

Preventing Scale Buildup: Tips for Maintaining Your Breville

Preventing scale buildup is always better than having to deal with a persistent descale light. Here are some tips to keep your Breville espresso machine in top condition:

  • Use Filtered Water:** Always use filtered water in your espresso machine. Filtered water contains fewer minerals than tap water, reducing the rate of scale buildup.
  • Regularly Clean the Water Tank:** Clean the water tank regularly with mild soap and water to remove any sediment or debris.
  • Descale Regularly: Follow Breville’s recommended descaling schedule, which is typically every 2-3 months, depending on your water hardness and usage frequency.
  • Consider a Water Softener: If you have very hard water, consider using a water softener or a descaling filter in your water tank.
  • Run a Rinse Cycle After Each Use:** After making espresso, run a quick rinse cycle to flush out any coffee grounds or residue from the internal components.

By following these tips, you can minimize scale buildup, extend the life of your Breville espresso machine, and ensure consistently delicious espresso. And hopefully, you’ll keep that pesky descale light at bay!

“`html

Why is my descale light on even after descaling?

The descale light usually stays on even after descaling because the machine’s internal sensors haven’t been properly reset. The descaling process itself removes mineral buildup, but the machine relies on a reset procedure to acknowledge the completion of the cycle. Without a proper reset, the machine will continue to indicate that descaling is necessary, regardless of whether it has actually been done.

The exact reset procedure varies slightly depending on the specific Breville espresso machine model. Generally, it involves entering a specific mode (often by holding down certain buttons) and following the prompts on the machine’s display or observing light sequences. Consult your machine’s user manual for the precise instructions relevant to your model to ensure a successful reset.

What happens if I ignore the descale light?

Ignoring the descale light can lead to several problems with your Breville espresso machine. Mineral buildup, primarily calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water, will continue to accumulate within the machine’s internal components. This buildup can restrict water flow, reduce heating efficiency, and ultimately damage the machine’s delicate parts like the pump and heating element.

Reduced water flow and decreased heating efficiency can result in weak, lukewarm espresso shots. Over time, the mineral deposits can completely block water passages, rendering the machine unusable. Regular descaling, prompted by the descale light, is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your Breville espresso machine.

Can I use vinegar instead of a descaling solution?

While vinegar can be used as a descaling agent in some appliances, it’s generally not recommended for Breville espresso machines. Vinegar’s acidic nature can be harsh on the machine’s internal components, potentially damaging seals, gaskets, and even the metal parts. Moreover, vinegar can leave a lingering odor and taste that is difficult to remove completely.

Breville recommends using a specifically formulated descaling solution designed for espresso machines. These solutions are formulated to effectively remove mineral buildup without causing damage to the machine’s internal parts. They are also typically odorless and tasteless, ensuring a clean and enjoyable espresso experience after descaling.

How often should I descale my Breville espresso machine?

The frequency of descaling depends primarily on the hardness of your water. If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll need to descale more frequently than if you use soft water. Breville machines often have a water hardness setting that you can adjust to match your local water supply, which helps the machine accurately determine when descaling is needed.

As a general guideline, descale your Breville espresso machine every 2-3 months if you have hard water, or every 4-6 months if you have soft water. The descale light is a reliable indicator, but you can also track your descaling schedule manually to ensure you’re maintaining your machine properly. Refer to your machine’s user manual for specific recommendations tailored to your model.

What if the descale light won’t turn off after multiple attempts?

If the descale light persists even after several attempts to reset it following the correct procedure, there might be an underlying issue with the machine. One possibility is that the machine’s sensors are malfunctioning or that there’s a blockage preventing water from flowing properly through the descaling process. Another less common reason is that the descaling solution used was not effective enough to dissolve all mineral build up.

In this situation, contacting Breville customer support or a qualified appliance repair technician is recommended. They can diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate solution, which may involve sensor replacement, clearing blockages, or other repairs. Attempting to force the reset or disassemble the machine yourself could void the warranty or cause further damage.

Does using filtered water prevent the need to descale?

Using filtered water can significantly reduce the frequency of descaling, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the need for it. While filtered water removes many of the minerals that contribute to scale buildup, some minerals may still be present, and over time, they can still accumulate inside the machine. Furthermore, not all filters are equally effective at removing minerals that lead to scaling.

Even with filtered water, it’s essential to monitor your Breville espresso machine and descale it when prompted by the descale light. Using filtered water is a great preventative measure, but regular descaling is still necessary to maintain optimal performance and longevity of your machine. Adjust your descaling frequency based on the descale light and your water hardness, even when using filtered water.

Where can I find the correct descaling procedure for my specific Breville model?

The most reliable source for the correct descaling procedure is your Breville espresso machine’s user manual. The manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions specific to your model, including button combinations and light sequences needed to initiate and complete the descaling cycle and reset the descale light. User manuals often also include diagrams to aid in understanding the procedure.

If you’ve misplaced your user manual, you can typically find a digital version on the Breville website. Simply navigate to the support section of the website and search for your model number. You should be able to download a PDF version of the manual, which you can then save to your computer or print for easy reference. Using the correct procedure is crucial to avoid damaging your machine.

“`

Leave a Comment