Breville Barista Express Grinder Not Working After Cleaning (Fixed!)

One serene afternoon, I was enjoying a quiet moment at my cozy parlor sipping on a freshly brewed cappuccino, when my phone buzzed with an urgent message. The message was from a distressed person, Jane, who was stranded in a remote cabin nestled deep in the mountains.  

She had done a thorough cleaning on her Breville Barista Express grinder the previous evening. Only to wake up in the morning to brew a coffee and discover that her  Breville Barista Express grinder has stopped working after her cleaning efforts. She decided to reach out to me for help. 

Over the next few minutes, we exchanged messages, where I guided her through a series of troubleshooting steps that were specific to her Breville Barista Express grinder issue. After a few hours of patient troubleshooting, she reported back with the exciting news that her grinder was working once again.

So, if your Breville Barista Express grinder is not working after cleaning, read up to resolve it.

Grinder Stops Suddenly After Cleaning

I have gotten this complaint from Breville  Barista Express users whose grinder inexplicably stops suddenly after they’ve cleaned the machine. One common cause of the grinder suddenly stopping after cleaning is the machine’s built-in overheating safety feature.

Breville has designed the Barista Express with safety in mind, and the grinder may temporarily stop working if it becomes too hot. This is especially common after cleaning when the machine has been running for a  prolonged period. If you’re not unaware of this feature, you may mistakenly assume there’s a malfunction.

Solution

1. Turn off the machine and unplug it.
2. Wait for about 10-15 minutes to let the machine cool down. This cooling period allows the built-in safety feature to reset.
3. Once it has cooled down, plug it back in and power it on. The grinder should work again.

Grinder Not Working

If your Breville  Barista Express is not working after cleaning, the reasons are because of improper assembly of the grinder components, coffee ground blockage, the bean hopper not properly locked, or the grinder motor having issues.

Let’s dive into the troubleshooting steps!

Improper Assembly

Cleaning the Barista Express involves taking apart certain components, such as the grinder and the hopper. Sometimes, you may not reassemble the grinder well after cleaning. If the grinder is not put back together properly, it won’t function as it should. 

Solution 

1. Disassemble the grinder and its components.
2. Consult your user manual to ensure you’re following the correct reassembly process.
3. Pay careful attention to the burrs and other components of the grinder. Make sure they are properly aligned and securely locked in place.
4. Confirm that the burrs are seated correctly by gently pushing on them. They should not wobble or move when correctly assembled.

Coffee Grounds Blockage

Another common reason for the grinder not working is coffee grounds blocking the burrs. This can happen if residual coffee grounds are left behind during cleaning. These old grounds can clump together and clog the grinder, preventing it from working well.

Solution

1. You need to clean the grinder properly.
2. Disassemble the grinder and remove all accessible components.
3. Use a soft brush, vacuum cleaner attachment, or compressed air to clean any remaining coffee grounds from all nooks and crannies inside the grinder.
4. Pay close attention to the burrs and grinding chamber, as these are common places for grounds to accumulate.

The Bean Hopper Not Properly Locked

The bean hopper in the Breville Barista Express needs to be properly locked in place for the grinder to function. If the hopper is not securely locked, the safety feature of the coffee machine may prevent the grinder from operating. 

Solution

1. Double-check that the bean hopper is correctly positioned on top of the grinder.
2. Listen for a clicking sound or feel a slight resistance when locking it into place. This confirms that it’s securely attached.
3. Also, ensure that the hopper lid is properly closed and secure, as an open lid can prevent the grinder from functioning.

Grinder Motor Issues

While less common, another reason your Breville Barista Express grinder is not working is because of a faulty motor.  

Solution

If you suspect a problem with the grinder’s motor, it’s advisable to contact Breville customer support for professional assistance.

The Grinder Adjustment Dial Is Stuck

After cleaning, a few users have reported that the Breville Barista Express grinder adjustment dial becomes difficult to turn or gets stuck. This issue can arise if coffee residue accumulates inside the dial.

Solution

1. If the adjustment dial is removable, disassemble it following the instructions in your user manual.
2. Carefully clean any coffee residue that may have built up inside the dial.
3. If the adjustment dial remains difficult to turn even after cleaning, a small amount of lubricant may be applied to ease the movement.
4. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess lubrication can cause other issues.
5. Reassemble the dial, following the guide in your user manual.
6. Test the grinder adjustment dial to ensure it moves freely and without obstruction.

Why Will My Breville Barista Express Grinder Not Grind?

If your Breville grinder is no longer grinding the desired amount of coffee despite grinding for the same time and rotations, two causes to consider are:

Burrs Need Cleaning

Over time, coffee residue and oils can build up on the burrs, reducing their grinding efficiency. This buildup hinders the burrs from drawing in and grinding beans effectively. To resolve this, disassemble the grinder and thoroughly clean the burrs using a brush and vacuum to remove coffee grounds and oils. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance.

Burrs Adjusted Too Fine

If you’ve set the grind size to be finer than before, it can result in slower grinding and less coffee output for the same time and rotations. To fix this, adjust the grind size to be coarser, which should produce the desired dose for your coffee. Try different  settings until you achieve the desired amount

FAQS

Conclusion

If you carefully followed the instructions in this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to resolve the issue of your Breville Barista Express not working after cleaning. And enjoy your coffee once again! If the problem persists, contact the Breville customer support for further assistance.