Descaling the Barista Pro
Removing mineral scale from the ThermoJet heating system to protect flow rate and brew temperature. Run this when the DESCALE indicator appears or at the interval your manual specifies for your water hardness.
When the DESCALE indicator illuminates, or per the interval in your manual; check your manual for the frequency that matches your water hardness.
| soft | less often; check your manual |
| hard | more often; check your manual |
Check your manual: Descaling intervals and the exact button sequence vary by model and water hardness, so check your manual for the Barista Pro procedure before you begin; these steps are a general guide, not a replacement for Breville's instructions.
Step by step
- Empty the drip tray and portafilter, remove the water-filter cartridge from the tank, and fill the tank with fresh water plus an espresso-machine descaling solution mixed to the ratio on the product label.
- Enter the machine's descale mode as described in your manual and run the solution through the brew and steam/hot-water paths until the cycle prompts you to stop.
- Refill the tank with fresh clean water and run one or more full rinse cycles through every path to flush out all descaler residue.
- Reinstall a fresh or rinsed water filter, wipe the group and drip tray, and pull a throwaway shot before making a drink.
- Never use vinegar or an abrasive cleaner in the tank; use a descaler intended for espresso machines to avoid damaging the ThermoJet heater and seals.
What you'll need
- Espresso-machine descaling solution
- Replacement Breville water-filter cartridge
- Soft microfiber cloth
See the Breville Barista Pro upgrade guide →
Breville Barista Pro maintenance questions
How often should I perform descaling the barista pro?
Use the cadence above as a planning reminder, then follow the Breville Barista Pro manual because water hardness, usage, model revision, and machine alerts can change the interval.
Can I substitute a different cleaning procedure or product?
Do not assume procedures are interchangeable. Descaling intervals and the exact button sequence vary by model and water hardness, so check your manual for the Barista Pro procedure before you begin; these steps are a general guide, not a replacement for Breville's instructions.