What To Know
- The key to a good cup of coffee is to achieve the right balance of extraction.
- A poor tamp can result in channeling, which is when the water finds a path of least resistance through the coffee, resulting in uneven extraction.
- If the water is too cold, it will not be able to dissolve the soluble compounds in the coffee, resulting in under-extraction.
If you’re experiencing problems with your Breville coffee machine not extracting coffee, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some of the most common causes of this problem and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.
Understanding Coffee Extraction
Before we dive into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand how coffee extraction works. When you brew coffee, hot water is passed through ground coffee beans. This water dissolves the soluble compounds in the coffee, creating the beverage we all love.
The key to a good cup of coffee is to achieve the right balance of extraction. If the coffee is under-extracted, it will be weak and watery. If it’s over-extracted, it will be bitter and astringent.
Common Causes of Breville Coffee Machine Not Extracting
There are several factors that can affect coffee extraction, including:
- Grind size: The grind size of your coffee beans is critical. If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through the coffee too quickly, resulting in under-extraction. If the grind is too fine, the water will be blocked from passing through the coffee, resulting in over-extraction.
- Dose: The amount of coffee you use is also important. If you use too little coffee, the water will pass through the coffee too quickly, resulting in under-extraction. If you use too much coffee, the water will be blocked from passing through the coffee, resulting in over-extraction.
- Tamp: The tamp is the process of pressing down on the ground coffee in the portafilter. A proper tamp will help to create a uniform bed of coffee, which will allow the water to pass through evenly. A poor tamp can result in channeling, which is when the water finds a path of least resistance through the coffee, resulting in uneven extraction.
- Water temperature: The temperature of the water is also important. If the water is too cold, it will not be able to dissolve the soluble compounds in the coffee, resulting in under-extraction. If the water is too hot, it will burn the coffee, resulting in over-extraction.
- Machine cleanliness: A dirty coffee machine can also lead to extraction problems. If the portafilter is not clean, it can block the flow of water. If the group head is not clean, it can create channeling.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you’re experiencing problems with your Breville coffee machine not extracting coffee, follow these troubleshooting steps:
1. Check the grind size: Adjust the grind size to a medium-fine setting.
2. Check the dose: Use a scale to measure out the correct amount of coffee for your portafilter.
3. Tamp properly: Use a tamper to press down on the ground coffee with 30 pounds of pressure.
4. Check the water temperature: Use a thermometer to measure the water temperature at the group head. It should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Clean the machine: Clean the portafilter, group head, and drip tray regularly.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for getting the best extraction from your Breville coffee machine:
- Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans.
- Store your coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Use filtered water for brewing.
- Preheat your coffee machine before brewing.
- Clean your coffee machine regularly.
Wrapping Up
If you’re still having problems with your Breville coffee machine not extracting coffee, you may need to contact Breville customer service. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and get your machine working properly again.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Why is my Breville coffee machine not extracting any coffee?
A: There are several factors that can affect coffee extraction, including grind size, dose, tamp, water temperature, and machine cleanliness.
Q: How do I fix my Breville coffee machine not extracting coffee?
A: Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog post.
Q: What is the best grind size for a Breville coffee machine?
A: The best grind size for a Breville coffee machine is a medium-fine grind.
Q: How much coffee should I use for a Breville coffee machine?
A: The amount of coffee you use will depend on the size of your portafilter. A good starting point is to use 18-20 grams of coffee for a single shot and 25-30 grams of coffee for a double shot.
Q: How do I tamp properly?
A: To tamp properly, use a tamper to press down on the ground coffee with 30 pounds of pressure.
