If your Breville Bambino Plus is producing espresso with little to no pressure, it can be frustrating and impact your coffee quality. This guide provides practical, safe, and accurate troubleshooting steps to help restore proper pressure and enjoy cafe-quality espresso at home.
Before beginning, ensure your machine is unplugged and cooled down. Regular maintenance and cleaning are key to preventing pressure issues, so consider this guide as both a troubleshooting and a preventative measure.
Key Takeaways
| Check the water filter | A clogged filter can reduce pressure, so replace if necessary. |
| Inspect the shower screen and portafilter | Blockages here can prevent proper water flow and pressure buildup. |
| Verify the grinder settings | Too fine a grind can cause pressure issues; adjust accordingly. |
| Clean and descale the machine | Mineral buildup and coffee oils hinder pressure; regular cleaning helps. |

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Step 1: Check the Water Filter
Remove the water filter from the water reservoir and inspect it for clogs or buildup. If dirty or clogged, replace it with a new filter to ensure clean, unobstructed water flow.

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Step 2: Clean the Shower Screen and Portafilter
- Remove the portafilter and detach the shower screen.
- Soak in a descaling solution or warm water with a mild detergent.
- Use a soft brush to clear any coffee oils or residues.
- Reassemble and run a cleaning cycle or flush hot water through the group head.
Step 3: Check the Grind Size and Dose
Ensure your coffee grind isn’t too fine, as this can cause excessive resistance and prevent proper pressure buildup. Adjust the grinder to a slightly coarser setting if needed, and verify you’re using the correct dose (around 19 grams for the Bambino Plus).
Step 4: Perform a Deep Clean and Descaling
- Use Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets or a compatible descaling product.
- Follow the manufacturer instructions for descaling to remove mineral buildup that can affect pressure.
- Run several water cycles to rinse the system thoroughly.
Additional Tips and Warnings
- Always unplug the machine before cleaning or maintenance.
- Use only recommended cleaning products to avoid damaging internal components.
- If pressure issues persist after these steps, contact Breville customer support or a professional technician.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Voltage: 110-120V
- ✔ Weight: 10.4 pounds
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Compatibility: Breville models
- ✔ Use Time: Every few weeks
- ✔ Ingredients: Food-grade chemicals
Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus delivers professional-level espresso with the right care and troubleshooting. Regular cleaning and proper operation will help prevent pressure issues and extend the machine’s lifespan.
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Fast heat-up time
- Consistent pressure for extraction
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- Can be sensitive to grind size adjustments
- Water filter replacements add ongoing cost
Best for: Home baristas seeking quick, quality espresso
Not ideal for: Users who prefer very hands-off operation without routine cleaning
Bottom line: Regular maintenance and troubleshooting ensure your Breville Bambino Plus performs at its best.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Using Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets regularly keeps your espresso machine free of oils and residues, helping maintain proper pressure and flavor.
Pros:
- Effective cleaning
- Prolongs machine lifespan
- Safe and easy to use
- Designed specifically for Breville machines
Cons:
- Must be used regularly
- Additional cost over time
- Limited to cleaning functions
Best for: Maintaining peak performance of your Breville espresso machine
Not ideal for: Occasional users who don’t prioritize regular cleaning
Bottom line: Regular cleaning with these tablets keeps your machine running smoothly and tasting fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Breville Bambino Plus not building pressure?
Common causes include clogged filters, dirty shower screens, improper grind size, or mineral buildup. Follow the troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the issue.
How often should I descale my Breville espresso machine?
It’s recommended to descale every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have hard water, to prevent mineral buildup that affects pressure.
Can I use regular vinegar to descale?
It’s best to use descaling products recommended by Breville to avoid damaging internal components. Vinegar can be corrosive and may void your warranty.
What if cleaning doesn’t fix the pressure issue?
If the problem persists after cleaning and descaling, contact Breville customer support or a qualified technician to diagnose internal components or seals.
Keep Your Breville Bambino Plus Performing at Its Best
Proper maintenance and troubleshooting are key to resolving pressure issues with your Breville Bambino Plus. Regular cleaning, filter checks, and grind adjustments will ensure you enjoy consistently excellent espresso at home. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if problems persist, as timely care can extend the life of your machine and enhance your coffee experience.
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