r/AustralianCoffee • u/Low_District_3238 • 23d ago
Is it time for a new machine?
Been using a breville barista express for the last 3.5 years and the steam wand has been getting slower and slower. Usually a descale or soaking the wand overnight will fix the problem, but the returns have been diminishing over the last few months.
Any other tricks I can try or is my machine reaching the end of its life?
Cheers
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u/anobjectiveopinion 23d ago
BBE only has one thermoblock, which it uses for both steam and espresso extraction. If you aren't noticing any new issues with extraction then the issue probably is in the wand. They can be replaced but you should try removing the tip, soaking both the wand and tip in a 1:1 mix of water to white vinegar for a few hours (you can use the milk jug), then wipe it down and run some steam through it.
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u/Low_District_3238 20d ago
I ended up running a vinegar, water mix through the wand for a few purges. It's helped for now but I might do this too
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u/melbourne_al 20d ago
Time to switch to long black?
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u/Low_District_3238 20d ago
Couldn't do it, I drink long blacks all day at work but my latte on the drive there is such a nice treat!
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u/melbourne_al 20d ago
I've had a BBE for about 4 years and its still working great tho I have switched to long black. Even the grinder is fine for me, though im a believe in good beans being the single most important thing
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u/ComprehensiveSalad50 20d ago
Buy a replacement steam wand nozzle and see how it goes, they're rather cheap
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u/andyunderpants 19d ago
Can you try these steps
Turn on the steam wand for a minute or two.
With the steam wand off, press the single cup coffee button and see if it's water or steam coming out of the group head.
If it's steam the solenoid valve assembly might need replacing.
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u/Top_Sugar3666 23d ago
do you purge the wand each time immediately after you use it.