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☕ How to Unmount and Clean the Bean Hopper and Burr Grinder on Your Breville Machine

Maintaining your espresso machine’s grinder is key to delicious coffee and a longer machine lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely remove and clean the bean hopper and burr grinder on most Breville models like the Barista Express or Barista Pro.

🔹 Removing the Bean Hopper​

  1. Power Off and Unplug
    Safety first — always turn off and unplug the machine before starting.

  2. Empty the Hopper
    Remove any beans to avoid spills.

  3. Unlock and Lift

    • Rotate the locking knob counter-clockwise.
    • Lift the hopper straight up and off the machine.

  4. Clean the Hopper

    • Wash with warm, soapy water.
    • Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
    • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.

🔹 Accessing and Cleaning the Burr Grinder​

Once the hopper is removed, you’ll see the grinder assembly with two burrs: an upper burr (removable) and lower burr (fixed).

💡 Upper Burr Removal — Using the “ALIGN” and “LOCK” System​

  1. Locate the “ALIGN” Symbol
    Found on the outer ring near the burr.

  2. Twist to “ALIGN”

    • Grip the burr edges or handle.
    • Turn counter-clockwise until the indicator lines up with “ALIGN.”
    • This unlocks the burr for removal.

  3. Lift Out
    Gently lift the upper burr straight up.

🔹 Cleaning the Burrs​

  • Upper Burr: Brush off residue with a soft dry brush.
  • Lower Burr & Chamber: Use a small vacuum or brush — avoid water unless your model allows.
  • Don’t Use Water on Electrical Parts.

🔹 Reassembly​

  1. Insert the Upper Burr
    Align with “ALIGN” and twist clockwise to “LOCK.”

  2. Reinstall the Hopper

    • Place it back on top.
    • Lock it by turning the knob clockwise.

  3. Power On and Test
    Run a test shot or grind cycle to make sure everything’s seated properly.

Proper cleaning not only extends your machine’s life but also keeps flavours fresh and consistent. Want this turned into a printable checklist or visual diagram next? Or maybe you're interested in dialling in your grind settings for espresso perfection? Let’s fine-tune it together.