Upgrade Your Coffee Routine: The Breville Espresso Machine That’s Not In The Espresso Range!

The Breville espresso machine is a popular choice for home baristas due to its ease of use and ability to produce high-quality espresso. However, users may sometimes encounter an error message stating “Not in Espresso Range.” This error can be frustrating, but it is usually easy to resolve. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

Causes of the “Not in Espresso Range” Error

The “Not in Espresso Range” error is triggered when the espresso machine detects that the amount of coffee grounds in the portafilter is either too low or too high. This can occur due to several reasons:

• Insufficient coffee grounds: If there is not enough coffee in the portafilter, the water will flow through too quickly, resulting in a weak and watery espresso.
• Excessive coffee grounds: If the portafilter is overfilled with coffee grounds, the water will have difficulty passing through, resulting in a bitter and over-extracted espresso.
• Incorrect grind size: The grind size of the coffee beans can also affect the espresso range. If the grind is too coarse, the water will flow through too quickly, while a grind that is too fine will result in over-extraction.
• Tamp pressure: The pressure applied when tamping the coffee grounds can also impact the espresso range. If the tamp is too light, the water will flow through too quickly, while a tamp that is too hard can result in over-extraction.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the Coffee Grind

Ensure that the coffee beans are ground to the correct size. A medium-fine grind is generally recommended for espresso. If the grind is too coarse or too fine, adjust the grinder accordingly.

2. Measure the Coffee Dose

Use a scale to measure the amount of coffee grounds in the portafilter. The ideal dose for a single espresso is typically between 18-22 grams. If the dose is too low or too high, adjust accordingly.

3. Tamp the Coffee

Use a tamper to evenly distribute and compact the coffee grounds in the portafilter. Apply a firm but not excessive amount of pressure.

4. Check the Portafilter

Ensure that the portafilter is properly inserted into the espresso machine. The portafilter should be locked in place securely.

5. Reset the Machine

If the error persists, try resetting the espresso machine. Unplug the machine from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in.

6. Contact Breville Support

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact Breville support for further assistance. They may need to inspect the machine or provide additional troubleshooting advice.

Additional Tips

• Use high-quality coffee beans. Freshly roasted beans will produce better espresso.
• Clean the espresso machine regularly. This will help prevent coffee oils and residue from building up and affecting the performance of the machine.
• Calibrate the espresso machine. This will ensure that the machine is delivering the correct amount of water and pressure.

Wrapping Up

The “Not in Espresso Range” error on a Breville espresso machine can be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps outlined above. By checking the coffee grind, dose, tamp, portafilter, and machine settings, you can ensure that your espresso machine is producing the perfect shot every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ideal coffee grind size for espresso?

A medium-fine grind is generally recommended for espresso.

2. How much coffee should I put in the portafilter?

The ideal dose for a single espresso is typically between 18-22 grams.

3. How hard should I tamp the coffee?

Apply a firm but not excessive amount of pressure when tamping the coffee.

4. How often should I clean my espresso machine?

Clean the espresso machine regularly, at least once a month or more frequently if you use it daily.

5. How do I calibrate my espresso machine?

Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on how to calibrate your Breville espresso machine.