Breville Barista Express Espresso Coffee Machine is a unique espresso machine that offers specialty coffee at your home.
This machine, with all its amazing features, also comes with a powerful steam wand.
This steam wand is really helpful for us in making hand texture microfoam milk.
And this microfoam milk is what gives our espresso that much needed flavor and texture.
The latte or mocha will taste better with this milk foam only.
However, if your machine’s steam wand is incapable of producing a rich milk frother, it will lose its coffee flavor.
This issue arises when your steam wand malfunctions.
However, if you solve the issue, it will not persist for long.
Also, this steam wand sometimes gets rusty and starts to malfunction on its own.
There could be other few problems that affect the overall functioning of the steam wand.
Today, in this article, I am specifically focusing on improper functioning of the steam wand of Breville Barista Espresso Maker.
We will study the possible reasons and also learn some easy solutions to get rid of this problem as soon as possible.
So, without further delay, let us find the main reasons and then we will find easy solutions to for this problem.
Table of Contents
- 5 Main Reasons That Cause Problems in Breville Barista Express Steam Wand Functioning
- 5 Tips to Fix Breville Barista Espresso Machine’s Steam Wand Issues
- How Do You Unclog a Breville Barista Express Steam Wand?
- How to Replace or Upgrade the Weak Steam Wand of My Breville Barista Express?
- Closing Thoughts
5 Main Reasons That Cause Problems in Breville Barista Express Steam Wand Functioning
Improper functioning of the steam wand can obstruct the milk frothing.
If you can not do milk frothing properly, then you will not be able to get whipped cream for your espresso.
Therefore, it is important to maintain proper functioning of the machine’s steam wand.
There are mainly 5 problems that I have seen in such types of espresso makers which affect the overall functioning of the steam wand of the Breville Barista Espresso maker.
1. Clogged Steam Wand
When you direct steam into your coffee cup or mug, the steam wand becomes blocked at that time.
But the steam wand still allows you to produce excellent cappuccinos.
It will no longer be able to create a jet of steam if it becomes clogged.
Clean this component with a needle and by soaking it in a container of white vinegar.
Switch the steam wand’s button to the steam position for a few seconds after each usage, to keep it clean.
Once you’ve prepared your espresso, use it to get rid of any remaining milk.
2. Faulty Thermostat
Once the water has achieved the appropriate temperature, the thermal management thermostat turns off the water.
The water does not achieve the 115°C of essential temperature level for the steam generation if the thermostat is broken or faulty.
The wand will then emit hot water rather than the steam.
The thermal management thermostat will need to be changed if it is found to be faulty.
3. Temperature Sensor Malfunctioning
A temperature sensor is installed in some coffee machines.
This sensor controls the water temperature.
It also signals the main circuit board (PCB) that the proper temperature has been attained.
Hot water instead of vapor will flow from the steam wand if the sensor is faulty.
If the sensor has issues, then it will not be able to achieve the 115°C temperature level which is necessary for steam generation.
In this situation, you will need to change the temperature gauge if it’s broken.
4. Problem in Heating Element
The heating element warms and maintains the temperature of the water while it is kept in the machine awaiting dispensing.
If your water contains a lot of calcium, the heat source will help accelerate the build-up of limescale within your espresso maker by generating heat.
It will ultimately get clogged up due to calcium buildup.
To prevent this, we advise descaling your coffee machine on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, if the heat source becomes damaged, you will have to get it replaced.
5. Solenoid Valve Issues
The solenoid is an electronic valve that regulates the flow of water and the discharge of the steam.
If it becomes clogged or malfunctioned, then steam will only be emitted extremely slowly, if at all.
Therefore, before replacing it and then descaling the water or steam circulation system should be carried out properly.
If it does not work, then try it again to get the better results.
Recommended Articles for You:
Know Why Coffee Shops Serve Espresso with Lemon Peel
Learn How to Use Cafiza to Clean Your Espresso Machine
5 Easy Steps to Fix Water Flow of Breville Barista Express
5 Tips to Fix Breville Barista Espresso Machine’s Steam Wand Issues
1. Check the Boiler
Is there any heat emanating from the boiler?
If your answer is no, then problem lies with the boiler itself.
If not, use a screwdriver to gently compress the stud that comes out from the top of the anti-siphon valve.
Is there any steam?
This will verify that your gauge is operational.
2. Make Sure Thermostat Works Properly
The second most important tip is to check the steam boiler’s programmable thermostat.
A short pressing of the reset button will reveal whether or not it has been tripped.
The pressure stat is the most common site of failure.
If it is worn out already, then you need to replace it with a new one.
If you haven’t changed your pressure thermostat in a while, this is a good place to start.
This part is often worn out after 1-2 years of usage and it needs change at a regular interval.
3. Replace Damaged Heating Element
Make sure the heating element is working properly.
It is important for you to check if there is any power coming to the heating element.
It is also necessary to make sure that there is no continuity to ground with your multimeter.
If your current heating element is not heating properly, then get it replaced as soon as possible.
4. Change the Bad Pressure Gauge
Are you certain that the steam gauge or the pressure gauge is functioning properly?
Pressure gauge of this machine helps us to maintain the perfect 9 bar of pressure.
It is important in controlling the extraction pressure.
If the steam gauge isn’t functioning correctly, then obviously you will have to get a new one for your machine.
5. Check on Steam Wand Tip
Is there any pressure on your gauge? If you answered yes, it’s time to look through the steam tips.
Milk accumulation might block the tiny holes used to emit steam via the steam tips.
You may have to remove the tip and turn the valve on.
If steam comes out of your steam wand tip, it’s time to clean or replace it.
How Do You Unclog a Breville Barista Express Steam Wand?
If you ever faced the clogging issue with your Breville Barista Express steam wand, then you can perform the following checks.
I am sure these tips will help you quickly unclog the steam wand in few minutes.
1. Activate the Steam Cycle
Steam is among the most effective techniques for removing a blockage from an espresso machine.
Pour a cup halfway with water and place the steam wand inside the frother to make it function.
Allow the water to froth over several seconds after turning the Steam Selector knob to the “Steam” option.
Switch off the steam selection and wipe skim milk powder from the steam nozzle with a straight pin if the nozzle does not produce steam.
Close the lid by sliding the plate back onto the steam valve.
2. Cleanse the Brew Unit as well as the Filter
Disconnect the trash unit from the coffee machine and keep the brewing unit handle in your grasp.
Take the brewing unit out by pressing down on the pump handle.
Use hot water and a dry sponge to clean completely.
I strongly suggest not to use a dish washing liquid to clean the brewing unit.
To remove any coffee beans residue, wipe the filter in the funnel with a clean, moist sponge.
Restore the brewing unit to its original position after drying the funnel.
3. Clean the Steam Nozzles
Disconnect the sleeve from the steam nozzle.
Whereas the descaling solution is working, fill a pitcher with cold water and set the Selector Knob to the “Steam” sign.
Allow the steam to flow for 30 seconds after immersing the steam nozzle in the pitcher.
To de-calcify the nozzle, repeat the process three times.
Remove the steam nozzle from the machine and dry it with a clean cloth.
4. Contact the Company Support
If the above troubleshooting procedures don’t work, then contact the espresso machine support for help with your individual model.
If your equipment is still under warranty, they may be able to guide you through extra procedures or provide you replacement components.
How to Replace or Upgrade the Weak Steam Wand of My Breville Barista Express?
The following procedure will help you quickly upgrade or replace your damaged steam wand of this machine.
1. Disconnect the steam wand by unscrewing the hex nut with a wrench.
It’s important not to lose the hex nut once it’s been unscrewed.
2. To remove any foreign material, poke around in the holes on both ends of the wand with a small tool or object, such as a paper clip.
3. As instructed by the manufacturer, soak the steam wand in a de-calcifying solution.
4. Finally connect the steam wand once again.
5. If you want to replace your old steam wand with a new one, then I recommend to buy the new replacement steam wand online.
Click here to Get a New Steam Wand Replacement for Your Breville Barista Express Machine.
Closing Thoughts
To get the best microfoam milk for your espresso, it is important for the steam wand to function properly in your espresso machine.
When it comes to Breville Barista Espresso machine, it is more important to clean and maintain the steam wand to get the perfect espresso.
If there are any issues or malfunctioning with the steam wand, then I recommend to first perform few checks as mentioned above.
Once you find the exact problem that’s causing issue in the steam wand functioning, then you can apply the right solution for the same.
Apply the right solution as mentioned in this article and always keep the steam wand clean and hygienic.
If you follow the above-mentioned tips carefully, then you will not have any problems with the steam wands of this Breville Barista Express machine.
References:
https://support.breville.com/us/content/barista-express-bes870xl/
https://versus.com/en/breville-barista-express
https://www.thecoffeebrewers.com/frandstmi.html
https://caffin8.co.uk/blogs/coffee/clean-a-breville-sage-barista-express-coffee-machine
https://coffeeaffection.com/frothed-vs-steamed-milk/
https://www.mysciencework.com/patent/show/process-steaming-coffee-EP0086526A2