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Optimum temperature
The Temp° IQ Shot Control™ is an exclusive technology developed by Breville for your Barista Max. This 3 way system delivers the accurate & stable water temperature that is needed for consistently great tasting coffee.
Extract the maximum amount of flavour
The Group Head and the Group Handle are commercial sized, 58mm, just like local café.
Easy on-demand grinding experience
Right quantity of espresso in your cup
Temperature just like you want
Remove the red plug found at the base of the Water Reservoir.
This priming step must be completed prior to first use.
Note: Make sure that the Water Reservoir is clean & free of any debris, as any fine particles can block the water flow.
Note: Turning the Group Handle to the centre position might be tight for the first few uses.
The Barista Max features Auto Shot Volumetric Control.
It extracts just the right amount of espresso then automatically stops.
- Pours 1 shot of espresso = 30mL
- Pours 2 shots of espresso = 60mL
- Pours up to = 200mL
At any point during espresso extraction you can stop the pour by pressing the same button again.
You can adjust the default shot volumes to suit how you like your coffee.
Note: Maximum allowed shot volumes:
BUTTON - 100mL
BUTTON - 200mL
BUTTON - 400mL
Ensure that:
The Thermoblock heats water so that espresso extracts at 92°C. For the best tasting espresso, balancing bitterness and acidity.
You can adjust the water temperature used for espresso extraction, in 2°C increments between 88°C - 96°C, to cater for different types of roasted coffee beans and for personal preference.
Ensure that:
Note: The LIGHT will continue to flash to indicate you are in a custom mode.
If no buttons are pressed within 1 minute of entering a custom mode, the machine will exit and go back to the READY state.
The combination of EXTRACTION LIGHTS illuminated signals the temperature selected. The default setting is:
You can select from three Pre-infusion Profiles to cater for personal preferences.
The EXTRACTION LIGHT illuminated signals the Pre-infusion Profile selected. The default setting is:
You can easily reset all settings to the factory defaults.
Restore All Default Settings
The espresso making process involves extracting oils out of coffee grinds. Deposits of grinds & oils build up over time, affecting the taste of the coffee & operation of the Espresso Machine.
Purging water through the Group Head & Steam Wand, before & after making each coffee, is the easiest way to keep your Espresso Machine clean.
(See Coffee Making Guide)
Note: Do not use alkaline cleaning agents, abrasives or metal scourers, as these will scratch the surfaces of parts.
Dishwasher Safe parts:
Dishwasher Safe TOP SHELF ONLY parts:
NON Dishwasher Safe parts:
To prevent damage to the appliance do not use alkaline cleaning agents, abrasives or metal scourers.
Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets can be purchased online.
The CLEAN LIGHT will illuminate blue to indicate a Cleaning Cycle is required. The Cleaning Cycle takes approximately 7 minutes to complete.
Note: If the tablet has not been dissolved, insert the Group Handle back into the Group Head, empty the Drip Tray & replace. Repeat the 'Start the Cleaning Cycle' section.
A Silicone Seal is located in the Group Head and creates a seal against the Filter Basket when making an espresso.
When not being used, we recommend not to leave the Group Handle inserted into the Group Head, as this will reduce the life of the Silicone Seal.
Over time this Seal loses its elasticity and may require replacement. The seal may need replacing when watery espresso leaks from around the Group Handle during extraction, or if the Group Handle is loose when fully turned to the centre position.
Note: Contact Breville should you think that the Group Head Seal needs replacing. Do not attempt to change the Silicone Seal without first consulting Breville.
If the Steam Wand Tip becomes clogged with milk residue:
If the Dual Wall Filter Basket (not supplied with the Barista Max) becomes clogged with coffee grinds:
Conical Burrs are used to grind coffee beans to a suitable size for espresso extraction. Deposits of grinds & oils build up over time, affecting the taste of the espresso & operation of the integrated Grinder.
To prevent damage to the appliance do not use alkaline cleaning agents, abrasives or metal scourers.
Do not immerse the machine in water.
If the Grinder is used frequently (everyday), the Burrs need to be cleaned to ensure best performance of the integrated Grinder. Regular cleaning helps the Burrs achieve consistent grinding results, which is especially important when grinding coffee beans for espresso.
Care should be taken when cleaning Grinder Burrs as they are sharp.
Note: Spots & marks on the surface of the Burrs are part of the hardening process (for extra-long life). These marks do not affect the performance of the Grinder or the taste of the espresso.
Do not pour water or any other liquid into the Grind Chamber.
Note: After cleaning, the optimum Grind Setting may have changed. To find the optimum Grind Setting use the information.
The Conical Burrs are made of hardened Stainless Steel for extra-long life. However, after prolonged use, the Bottom Burr may require adjustment to compensate for wear. If the coffee grinds are too coarse when the Grind Setting is below 2 and the espresso is consistently under extracted, the Bottom Burr may need adjusting.
Contact Breville should you think that the Bottom Burr needs adjustment.
Prior to contacting Breville Customer Care, please ensure that you are using freshly roasted beans and that the Top Burr is seated correctly.
Old coffee beans, no matter the Grind Setting, will have a fast extraction and will produce an under extracted tasting espresso.
If the Top Burr is not seated correctly the Grinder will produce coarse coffee grinds. Grind off excess coffee beans and clean the Top Burr & Grind Chamber.
Note: Breville Customer Care may determine that Bottom Burr adjustment shims are required. Do not attempt to add shims without first consulting Breville.
Problem | Possible Cause | What To Do |
Group Handle is tight to turn in the Group Head | The Group Head Silicone Seal is new and needs bedding in. | Keep using. This Seal will bed in during the first few uses and become easier to turn. |
Too many coffee grinds used | Fill with less coffee grinds. | |
Group Handle is loose or comes off during espresso extraction | Group Handle is not attached correctly or has not been tightened sufficiently. | Ensure all three tabs of the Group Handle are fully inserted into the Group Head and rotated to the centre position. See Coffee Making Guide. |
No Filter Basket inserted in the Group Handle. | Ensure a Filter Basket is inserted into the Group Handle before using in the Group Head. | |
Group Head Silicone Seal is damaged or worn. | See Care & Cleaning. Contact Breville Customer Care. | |
Espresso squirts or trickles down the side of the Group Head during extraction | Coffee grind is too fine. | Change to a coarser Grind Setting. |
Too many coffee grinds used. | Fill with less coffee grinds. | |
Coffee grinds tamped too hard. | Apply less force during tamping. | |
Top edge of Filter Basket has not been cleaned of loose coffee grinds. | Wipe around top edge of the Filter Basket before inserting into Group Head. See Coffee Making Guide. | |
Group Head inside rim, Silicon Seal or Shower Head is dirty. | Clean the parts with the Cleaning Brush and damp cloth. See Care & Cleaning. | |
Group Head Silicone Seal is damaged or worn. | See Care & Cleaning. Contact Breville Customer Care. | |
Espresso is too cold | Coffee beans being stored in the fridge or freezer. | Store coffee beans in a dry, airtight container. Place in a cool dark cupboard. |
Custom extraction temperature being used. | Use the default 92°C extraction temperature. See Customisable - Extraction Temperature. | |
Cup or glass was cold prior to espresso pour. | Pour hot water from the Steam Wand into the cup before extracting espresso. See Coffee Making Guide. | |
Group Head or Handle not warmed before use. | Hold the Group Handle under the Group Head and press the ONE CUP BUTTON. Allow water to run through. See Coffee Making Guide. | |
No espresso pours | No water in the Water Reservoir. | Fill reservoir with water. Prime water through the Group Head, press the ONE CUP BUTTON. Allow water to run through. |
Coffee grind is too fine. | Change to a coarser Grind Setting. | |
Too many coffee grinds used. | Fill with less coffee grinds. | |
Coffee grinds tamped too hard. | Apply less force during tamping. | |
Custom shot volume being used. | Reset to the default shot volumes. See Customisable - Shot Volumes Temperature. | |
The Filter Basket is blocked. | See Care & Cleaning. | |
Group Head is dirty. | A Cleaning Cycle is required. See Cleaning Cycle. | |
Group Head is blocked. | A Descaling Cycle is required. See Descaling Cycle. | |
Espresso pours out in drips (Over Extracted) | Coffee grinds are too fine. | Change to a coarser Grind Setting. |
Too many coffee grinds used. | Fill with less coffee grinds. | |
Coffee grinds tamped too hard. | Apply less force during tamping. | |
Espresso Machine has scale build up. | A Descaling Cycle is required. See Descaling Cycle. | |
Espresso does not have any crema, or crema is thin (Under Extracted) | Coffee beans are old or dry. | Use freshly roasted coffee beans. See Tips for Grinding. |
Coffee grinds too coarse. | Change to a finer Grind Setting. | |
Not enough coffee grinds used. | Fill with more coffee grinds. | |
Grinds not tamped (compacted) enough. | Tamp more firmly. See Espresso Extraction Guide section. | |
Espresso shot volume too much or too little | Custom shot volumes being used. | Restore to default shot volumes or change your custom shot volume(s). See Customisable - Shot Volumes. |
Espresso tastes bitter | Type of coffee beans being used. | Try different brands of coffee beans. |
Custom extraction temperature being used. | Use the default 92°C extraction temperature. See Customisable - Extraction Temperature. | |
Steam function has been used just before extracting espresso. | Allow time for water to purge the Thermoblock and cool down before extracting espresso. The STEAM LIGHT should have finished flashing. | |
Spent (used) coffee cake is wet | A little water will remain on top of the used coffee cake. | Rest Group Handle on the Drip Tray for 5 sec to allow the water to dissipate before disposing cake. |
Too many coffee grinds used. | Fill with less coffee grinds. | |
Dual Wall Filter Baskets being used. | Dual Wall Filter Baskets will keep the coffee cake wetter than Single Wall Filter Baskets. | |
Espresso pours into cup unevenly | Uneven tamping. | Ensure coffee grinds are tamped evenly. |
Obstruction in the Group Head or Handle. | Check there is nothing obstructing the Group Head or Handle & clean. | |
Pump makes an unusual noise | No water in the reservoir. | Fill reservoir with water. Let the machine return to the READY state if it is cooling down after steam. Prime water through the Group Head, press the ONE CUP BUTTON. Allow water to run through. |
Water Reservoir is not correctly positioned. | Insert the Water Reservoir into the back of the unit. | |
Red Plug from the packaging may still be inserted. | Remove the red packaging plug found at the base of the Water Reservoir. | |
New Pre-infusion Profiles has been selected. | Different Pre-infusion Profiles make different noise at the start of an espresso extraction. See Customisable - Pre-infusion Profiles. | |
Water around Drip Tray area or on benchtop | Water overflowing from Drip Tray. | Empty if the red Water Level Indicator appears through the Drip Tray Stainless Steel Grill. |
Drip Dray not present when Thermoblock is auto purging. | Keep Drip Tray in place, when cooling to espresso temperature. The STEAM LIGHT flashes and water purges into Drip Tray. See Coffee Making Guide. | |
Milky coffee is too cold | Milk may not be heated enough. | Ensure that milk is heated properly during texturing, but be sure not to heat too much and boil the milk. |
No steam from the Steam Wand | Steam Wand Tip is blocked. | See Care & Cleaning. |
No water in the Water Reservoir. | Fill reservoir with water. Run hot water through the Steam Wand to ensure water flows. | |
Espresso Machine has scale build up. | A Descaling Cycle is required. See Descaling Cycle. | |
Steam Wand making a screeching noise | Steam Wand Tip too deep. | Lower Milk Jug. Ensure the Steam Wand Tip is positioned correctly when texturing. |
Not enough foam when texturing | Milk is not fresh. | Ensure the milk being used is fresh. |
Milk temperature is too warm. | Ensure you start texturing with milk that is around 4°C. | |
Type of Milk Jug being used. | For best texturing results use a chilled Stainless Steel Milk Jug. | |
Milk has been boiled. | Start again with fresh, chilled milk. Heat till the Milk Jug can only be held for approximately 3 second, 60-65°C. | |
The milk is making bubbles rather than microfoam. | Ensure the Steam Wand Tip is positioned correctly when texturing. Tap the Jug on the benchtop when finished to release trapped air bubbles. | |
Milk is not taking in enough air. | Keep the Steam Wand Tip just under the surface of the milk. This will help introduce air into the milk to create microfoam. |
Problem | Possible Cause | What To Do |
Optimum Grind Setting is producing an under extracted espresso | New Burrs are bedding in. This is normal for the first few uses. | Turn the Bean Hopper clockwise in small increments to a finer Grind Setting to keep an optimum espresso extraction. Use the information to help. |
Beans are losing freshness. | ||
Not enough coffee grinds used. | Fill with more coffee grinds. | |
Grinds not tamped (compacted) enough. | Tamp more firmly. See Espresso Extraction Guide section. | |
GRINDER LIGHT does not illuminate after pressing ON/OFF BUTTON | The machine is not plugged into the power outlet. | Insert in the Power Plug into power outlet & switch on. |
The Bean Hopper is not seated correctly & not activating the red Interlock Pin. | Turn the Bean Hopper in a clockwise direction to lock into place. See Care & Cleaning. | |
GRINDER LIGHT flashes when trying to grind beans. | Hopper Gates are closed or not fully open. | Turn the Bean Hopper in a clockwise direction to a Grind Setting between 30-0 to fully open the Hopper Gates. See Removable Bean Hopper section. |
GRINDER LIGHT illuminated red | Grinder Motor in protection mode to prevent overheating. Grinder has been used for long periods in a short space of time. | Leave the Grinder for 5 minutes. The GRINDER LIGHT will illuminate white to indicate normal use can be resumed. |
No coffee grinds coming from the Grinder Outlet | No coffee beans in the Bean Hopper. | Fill the Bean Hopper with freshly roasted coffee beans. |
Hopper Gates are closed or not fully open. | Turn the Bean Hopper in a clockwise direction. At Grind Setting 30, Hopper Gates are fully open. See Removable Bean Hopper section. | |
The Grind Chamber or Outlet is blocked. | Grinder needs cleaning. See Care & Cleaning. | |
Coffee grinds are coarse when on a fine Grind Setting | Grind Setting not correct. | Adjust the Grind Settings by turning the Bean Hopper. See Tips for Grinding, & Extraction. |
Top Burr not seated correctly. Coffee beans or grinds are caught around & under the Top Burr. | Top Burr needs cleaning. See Care & Cleaning. | |
Bottom Burrs needs adjusting. | See Adjusting the Bottom Burr section. | |
Espresso is under extracted even with a fine coffee grind | Not enough coffee grinds used. | Fill with more coffee grinds. |
Beans are too old. | Use freshly roasted beans. Old coffee beans, no matter the Grind Setting, will have a fast extraction and will produce an under extracted tasting espresso. | |
Bottom Burrs needs adjusting. | See Adjusting the Bottom Burr section. | |
Grind Setting cannot be adjusted | The Bean Hopper is not seated correctly. | Remove the Bean Hopper & replace. See Replace Bean Hopper section. |
Coffee beans or grinds are caught around the Top Burr or Grinder Collar. | Remove the Bean Hopper & Top Burr. Use the Cleaning Brush or Vacuum Cleaner as necessary to clear loose coffee beans or grinds. See Replace Bean Hopper section. | |
Bean Hopper cannot be locked into position | Grinder Collar not aligned to the Top Cover. | Ensure the dot on the Top Cover aligns with the dot on the Grinder Collar. See Replace Top Burr section. |
Coffee beans or grinds are caught in the Top Burr or Grinder Collar. | Remove the Bean Hopper & Top Burr. Use the Cleaning Brush or Vacuum Cleaner as necessary to clear loose coffee beans or grinds. See Replace Bean Hopper section. | |
The Top Burr is not seated correctly. | Make sure the Top Burr is correctly aligned and that the two handles are placed one on each side. See Replace Top Burr section. | |
Top Burr does not sit in the Grinder Collar correctly | Grinder Collar not aligned to the Top Cover. | Ensure the dot on the Top Cover aligns with the dot on the Grinder Collar. See Replace Top Burr section. |
Coffee beans or grinds are caught around & under the Top Burr | Remove the Top Burr and replace the Bean Hopper. Hold the Bean Hopper down with your hand, do not turn. Insert the Group Handle into the Grinding Cradle and push down to activate the Grinder. The coffee grinds will fall out the Grind Outlet. | |
The Top Burr is not seated correctly. | Make sure the Top Burr is correctly aligned and that the two handles are placed one on each side. See Replace Top Burr section. |
For troubleshooting and FAQs visit: www.breville.co.uk/faqs
Contact Breville Customer care on:
0800 028 7154 or email BrevilleEurope@newellco.com
Visit Breville website to see full Espresso Machine range & accessories available.
www.breville.co.uk
In the case the appliance does not operate but is under warranty, return the product to the place it was purchased for a replacement. Please be aware that a valid form of proof of purchase will be required. For additional support, please contact our Consumer Service Department at 0800 028 7154 or email: BrevilleEurope@newellco.com.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR BREVILLE ESPRESSO MACHINE
Breville is very safety conscious when designing and manufacturing consumer products, but it is essential that the product user also exercise care when using an electrical appliance. Listed below are precautions which are essential for the safe use of an electrical appliance:
If you have any concerns regarding the performance and use of your appliance, please visit the Breville Website or contact Breville Consumer Care. Ensure the above safety precautions are understood.
Do not use any accessory not recommended by the manufacturer as this may result in injury or damage to the appliance.
This appliance must be earthed.
If the plug is not suitable for the socket outlets in your home, it can be removed and replaced by a plug of the correct type.
If the fuse in a moulded plug needs to be changed, the fuse cover must be refitted. The appliance must not be used without the fuse cover fitted.
If the plug is unsuitable, it should be dismantled and removed from the supply cord and an appropriate plug fitted as detailed. If you remove the plug it must not be connected to a 13 amp socket and the plug must be disposed of immediately.
If the terminals in the plug are not marked or if you are unsure about the installation of the plug please contact a qualified electrician.
Plug should be ASTA approved to BS1363
Fuse should be ASTA approved to BS1362
Ensure that the outer sheath of the cable is firmly held by the cord grip
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Breville Barista Max, VCF126X - Espresso Machine With Integrated Grinder Manual
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