How To Clean Breville Coffee Grinder: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do you clean a Breville coffee grinder? The easiest and best way to clean your Breville coffee grinder involves disassembling the parts, brushing away coffee grounds, and occasionally using cleaning tablets. This guide provides detailed instructions on Breville coffee grinder cleaning to keep your grinder working well and your coffee tasting great.

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Why Breville Coffee Grinder Cleaning Matters

Coffee grinders, especially burr grinders like those from Breville, are essential for making delicious coffee. But, over time, coffee bean residue builds up. This residue can:

• Make your coffee taste bad.
• Slow down the grinder.
• Even damage the grinder.

Regular Breville coffee grinder maintenance will prevent these problems and help your grinder last longer.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning your Breville coffee grinder, gather these items:

• Soft brush (often comes with the grinder)
• Small screwdriver (if needed for disassembly)
• Clean, dry cloths or paper towels
• Coffee grinder cleaning tablets (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment (optional)
• Bowl or container to hold parts
• Mild dish soap (optional, for cleaning the hopper)

Step-by-Step Breville Coffee Grinder Cleaning Guide

Here’s how to clean your Breville coffee grinder. These steps can be used for many models, including the Breville Smart Grinder Pro cleaning process.

1. Unplug the Grinder

Always unplug your Breville coffee grinder before cleaning it. This prevents accidental operation and keeps you safe.

2. Empty the Hopper

The hopper is the container that holds the coffee beans. To empty it:

1. Remove the hopper from the grinder.
2. Pour out any remaining beans.
3. If your hopper is full, grind the remaining beans before cleaning.

3. Cleaning the Breville Coffee Grinder Hopper

The hopper can be cleaned in two ways: dry cleaning and wet cleaning.

Dry Cleaning (Recommended)

• Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe out any coffee grounds inside the hopper.
• A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can also be used to remove stubborn residue.

Wet Cleaning (If Needed)

• If the hopper is very dirty, wash it with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse well with clean water.
• Important: Make sure the hopper is completely dry before putting it back on the grinder. Wet parts can damage the grinder.

4. Disassembling the Grinder

Now, you need to take apart the grinder to clean the burrs. How to disassemble Breville grinder? Follow these steps:

1. Remove the Top Burr: Most Breville grinders have a removable top burr. Turn the hopper collar to the “unlock” position. Then, lift the top burr straight up. Some models may require unscrewing a nut or removing a clip.
2. Remove the Bottom Burr (If Possible): Some Breville models allow you to remove the bottom burr. Check your grinder’s manual for instructions. Usually, this involves unscrewing it.

5. Cleaning the Burrs

The burrs are the most important part to clean. Here’s how to clean grinder burrs:

1. Brush the Burrs: Use a soft brush to remove coffee grounds from both the top and bottom burrs. Pay close attention to the teeth.
2. Vacuum (Optional): Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any remaining grounds.
3. Cleaning Tablets (Optional): Use coffee grinder cleaning tablets according to the product instructions. Run the tablets through the grinder to help remove built-up oils. This is a good option for a deeper clean. Breville grinder cleaning tablets can be found online or at coffee supply stores.
4. Avoid Water: Do not wash the burrs with water. Water can cause rust and damage the grinder.

6. Cleaning the Grinder Body

1. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the grinder body.
2. Pay attention to the chute where the coffee grounds come out. Use a small brush to clean this area.

7. Reassembling the Grinder

Once all parts are clean and dry, put the grinder back together:

1. Reinstall the Bottom Burr (If Removed): Screw the bottom burr back into place, if applicable.
2. Reinstall the Top Burr: Place the top burr back into the grinder. Make sure it is seated correctly. Turn the hopper collar to the “lock” position.
3. Reattach the Hopper: Place the hopper back on top of the grinder.

8. Testing the Grinder

Before using the grinder, run a small amount of coffee beans through it. This will help remove any remaining dust or residue. Then, throw away those ground beans and you are ready to grind your coffee.

Breville Smart Grinder Pro Cleaning: Specific Tips

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a popular model. Here are some additional tips for Breville Smart Grinder Pro cleaning:

• Use the Included Brush: The Smart Grinder Pro comes with a small brush. Use this brush to clean the burrs and chute.
• Check the Grind Outlet: The grind outlet can get clogged. Use a small brush or toothpick to clear any blockages.
• Cleaning Cycle: Some Smart Grinder Pro models have a cleaning cycle. Consult your manual to see if your model has this feature and how to use it.

Additional Tips for Breville Coffee Grinder Maintenance

• Frequency: Clean your grinder every 1-2 weeks if you use it daily. If you use it less often, clean it every month.
• Type of Beans: Oily beans can cause more buildup. Clean your grinder more often if you use oily beans.
• Don’t Use Water on Burrs: As mentioned, avoid using water on the burrs. Use a brush and vacuum instead.
• Store Properly: Store your grinder in a dry place to prevent rust and damage.
• Regular Calibration: Check your grinder’s calibration regularly. This ensures consistent grind sizes.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Grinder Not Working: Make sure the grinder is plugged in and the hopper is correctly attached. Check for any blockages in the burrs or chute.
• Coffee Tastes Bad: This is often due to coffee residue buildup. Clean your grinder thoroughly.
• Inconsistent Grind Size: This could be due to worn burrs or improper calibration. Check the burrs for damage and recalibrate the grinder.
• Grinder is Loud: This may be a sign the grinder needs to be cleaned. Remove any old coffee beans to help with noise levels.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

While a brush and vacuum are often enough, you might consider these products:

• Coffee Grinder Cleaning Tablets: These tablets help remove coffee oils and residue. Follow the product instructions carefully.
• Grinder Cleaning Brush: A good brush is essential for cleaning the burrs and chute.
• Mild Dish Soap: Use mild soap for cleaning the hopper, but make sure to rinse and dry it thoroughly.

Table: Recommended Cleaning Schedule for Breville Coffee Grinders

Frequency	Action	Purpose
After Each Use	Wipe the exterior	Remove any stray coffee grounds.
Weekly	Empty and brush the hopper	Prevent buildup of coffee oils and grounds.
Bi-Weekly	Disassemble and clean the burrs	Ensure consistent grind and prevent off-flavors.
Monthly	Deep clean with cleaning tablets	Remove stubborn residue and oils.
As Needed	Check and clean the grind outlet/chute	Prevent clogs and ensure smooth coffee flow.
Every 6-12 Months	Inspect burrs for wear and tear	Replace burrs if necessary to maintain optimal grinding performance.

The Best Way to Clean Coffee Grinder: A Summary

The best way to clean a coffee grinder involves regular brushing and occasional deep cleaning. By following the steps outlined above, you can keep your Breville coffee grinder in top condition and enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee for years to come. Removing coffee bean residue from grinder is essential for maintaining its performance and the taste of your coffee.

FAQ

Q: Can I put my Breville coffee grinder in the dishwasher?
A: No, do not put any part of your Breville coffee grinder in the dishwasher, except perhaps the bean hopper, and only if the user manual explicitly states that this part is dishwasher-safe. High heat and strong detergents can damage the grinder’s components.

Q: What is the best way to clean the burrs?
A: The best way to clean the burrs is by using a soft brush to remove coffee grounds. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can also be used. Coffee grinder cleaning tablets can be used for a deeper clean.

Q: How often should I clean my Breville coffee grinder?
A: Clean your grinder every 1-2 weeks if you use it daily. If you use it less often, clean it every month.

Q: What type of brush should I use?
A: Use a soft brush with stiff bristles. Many Breville grinders come with a brush specifically designed for cleaning.

Q: Are coffee grinder cleaning tablets necessary?
A: No, they are not necessary, but they can be helpful for removing built-up coffee oils and residue. Use them every few months for a deeper clean.

Q: Can I use rice to clean my coffee grinder?
A: No, it is not recommended to use rice to clean your coffee grinder. Rice can damage the burrs.

Q: What happens if I don’t clean my coffee grinder?
A: If you don’t clean your coffee grinder, coffee residue will build up, making your coffee taste bad, slowing down the grinder, and potentially damaging it.

Q: Who is responsible for cleaning the grinder if I use it in a shared office space?
A: It’s best to establish a cleaning schedule and assign responsibilities among the users of the shared office space. Regular cleaning will ensure everyone enjoys fresh coffee.