Not sure where to begin? Pick the problem that sounds most like yours. Each section points to the guides that answer it. New guides are added every week.
My shots taste sour or bitter
Taste problems are usually about grind, dose and extraction time, not your machine. Before you buy anything, try adjusting.
- Sour, thin or fast shots: usually under-extracted. Try a finer grind first.
- Bitter, harsh or very slow shots: usually over-extracted. Try a slightly coarser grind.
- Guides: How to make espresso at home · What is crema?
What fits my machine?
The right size matters more than the brand. A tamper, basket or funnel that doesn’t match your portafilter won’t help, however good it is.
- Start with your portafilter size, then shop by it.
- Guides: Best espresso tamper for your machine · What size is my Breville portafilter?
Cleaning and descaling
Regular cleaning keeps coffee tasting fresh, and descaling protects the machine from mineral build-up. They’re different jobs.
- Guides: How to descale a Breville espresso machine · How to clean an espresso machine · Espresso machine maintenance schedule
Should I upgrade?
A better grinder often makes a bigger difference than a new machine, but not always. We’ll help you find your real bottleneck first.
Breville owner?
We have a whole section for you: model-by-model fit, cleaning and upgrade advice. Visit Breville owners.