There are a few common reasons why your Breville espresso machine may not be getting enough pressure to pull good shots of espresso:
The machine needs to be descaled
Over time, mineral deposits from water can build up inside the machine and cause blockages. Descaling the machine by running a descaling solution through it can clear out these deposits and improve pressure.
The grind needs to be adjusted
If the grind size is too coarse, the water will flow through the puck too quickly and not build up enough pressure. Try grinding finer to increase resistance and build higher pressure.
The machine needs new seals
Worn out seals around the portafilter or group head allow pressure to leak out. Replacing these seals can restore a tight fit and proper pressure.
There’s an issue with the pump
A problem with the pump itself, like a worn out part, can prevent it from generating the full 15 bars of pressure. This needs professional servicing and likely pump replacement.
The water tank is low
There needs to be an adequate amount of water in the tank for the pump to create enough pressure. Fill the water tank if it’s very low.
The filter basket has too much coffee
Overfilling the filter basket with ground coffee can cause too much resistance for the water to flow through properly. Use less coffee in the basket.
How to Check the Pressure
Many Breville espresso machines have a pressure gauge that lets you monitor the pressure during extraction. If it’s not reaching 9-10 bars of pressure, there’s likely an issue.
You can also tell pressure is low if espresso flows through the puck very quickly, or if crema is very thin or weak.
How to Increase Pressure
Here are steps to increase pressure in a Breville espresso machine:
- Descale the machine if mineral deposits have built up
- Adjust the grind to a finer setting
- Replace any worn out seals and gaskets
- Service the pump if needed
- Fill the water tank
- Use less ground coffee in the filter basket
Be patient and adjust one variable at a time to pinpoint the cause of low pressure. Proper maintenance and setup will help restore the pressure needed to extract flavorful espresso.
Conclusion
Low pressure when pulling shots on your Breville espresso machine can be frustrating, but is usually fixable. The most common solutions include descaling, adjusting the grind, replacing seals, and fixing the pump. Checking the pressure gauge, water level, and coffee dose can also help diagnose the issue. With some systematic troubleshooting, you can get your Breville pulling perfect espresso shots again.