Grinder Deep Clean: Removing the Upper & Lower Burrs

Maintaining your Breville grinder is essential for preserving the bold, nuanced flavors in every cup of coffee. Built-up grounds and oils from previous brews can contaminate fresh grinds and degrade performance over time.

Whether you’re switching bean varieties or noticing inconsistent grinds, a deep clean—especially removing and scrubbing the upper and lower burrs—removes stubborn residue that routine wiping can’t touch, ensuring optimal extraction and extending your machine’s lifespan.

Why Grinder Cleaning Matters

Coffee enthusiasts know that the grinder is the heart of any home setup. For Breville models like the Smart Grinder Pro or Barista Express, neglecting cleaning leads to real-world consequences.

Flavor Contamination

Old coffee oils and fine particles cling to the conical burrs, mixing with new beans and creating off-notes. This is especially noticeable when:

• Switching from dark roast to light roast
• Grinding flavored coffee, then regular
• Using the same grinder for different brew methods

Coffee grounds retain volatile compounds that oxidize quickly. Cross-contamination alters the grind size distribution, leading to uneven extraction.

Performance Issues

Residue buildup causes:

• Slower grind speed - Motor has to work harder
• Inconsistent particle sizes - Coarser edges, finer center
• Channeling in espresso - From uneven particles
• Weak crema - Poor extraction quality

Extended Lifespan

Regular deep cleaning:

• Prevents motor strain
• Reduces wear on gears
• Extends grinder life by years
• Maintains consistent grind quality

Tools You’ll Need

Gather these before starting:

Essential Tools

• Breville cleaning brush (included with machine)
• Soft, dry cloth or microfiber towel
• Small vacuum or hand vac (optional but helpful)
• Toothpick or wooden skewer for tight spots

Optional Tools

• Compressed air can - For blasting loose particles
• Grindz cleaning tablets - For between deep cleans
• Small flashlight - To see into dark crevices
• Soft toothbrush - For detailed cleaning

What NOT to Use

• ❌ Water on the burrs (causes rust)
• ❌ Dish soap or detergents
• ❌ Abrasive cleaners or scrubbers
• ❌ Dishwasher for any parts

Preparation Steps

Before removing anything:

1. Unplug the machine - Safety first
2. Empty the hopper completely - Pour beans into an airtight container
3. Run the grinder empty - Purge remaining grounds from the chute
4. Remove the hopper - Lift off after unlocking

Removing the Upper Burr

The upper burr is the one you can remove for cleaning:

Step 1: Locate the Upper Burr Assembly

After removing the hopper, you’ll see the upper burr sitting inside the grinder chamber. It has an arrow and “remove” marking.

Step 2: Rotate Counter-Clockwise

1. Grip the upper burr firmly
2. Rotate counter-clockwise (follow the arrow)
3. Turn to the “remove” position
4. You’ll feel it unlock

Step 3: Lift Out the Burr

1. Pull straight up firmly but gently
2. It may be tight the first time—this is normal
3. Don’t force or pry; it should lift clean
4. Set aside on a clean cloth

Tip: If stuck, run a few more beans through to loosen, then try again.

Cleaning the Upper Burr

With the burr removed:

Step 1: Brush the Burr Teeth

1. Use the included Breville brush
2. Work between each tooth/groove
3. Brush in circular motions
4. Remove all visible grounds

Step 2: Clean the Top and Bottom

1. Brush the flat surfaces
2. Pay attention to the center hole
3. Remove any compacted grounds
4. Use a toothpick for stubborn spots

Step 3: Wipe with Dry Cloth

1. Wipe the entire burr surface
2. Remove any oily residue
3. Do not use water - causes rust
4. Ensure completely dry before reinstalling

Cleaning the Lower Burr

The lower burr typically can’t be removed on most Breville models, but you can still clean it effectively:

Step 1: Clear Visible Grounds

1. Use the brush to sweep loose grounds
2. Work around the entire circumference
3. Pay attention to the center area

Step 2: Use Vacuum

1. Carefully vacuum the lower burr chamber
2. Remove fine particles the brush missed
3. Don’t let the vacuum tip touch the burr

Step 3: Brush Between Teeth

1. Carefully brush the lower burr teeth
2. Use circular motions
3. A flashlight helps you see what you’re doing

Note: Be gentle—the lower burr is precision-mounted.

Cleaning the Grind Chute

The chute where grounds exit often gets compacted:

Step 1: Locate the Chute

The chute runs from the burr chamber to the portafilter holder/grounds bin.

Step 2: Brush Inside

1. Insert the cleaning brush into the chute
2. Use up-and-down motions
3. Dislodge compacted grounds
4. Work from multiple angles

Step 3: Vacuum Loose Grounds

1. Vacuum the interior
2. Check for blockages
3. Ensure clear pathway

Step 4: Clean the Exit

1. Brush around the chute exit
2. Remove any grounds stuck to surfaces
3. Wipe the exterior with dry cloth

Reassembly

Put everything back together carefully:

Step 1: Insert Upper Burr

1. Align the burr with the mounting posts
2. Drop into place (should sit flush)
3. Rotate clockwise to the lock position
4. You should feel/hear it click into place

Step 2: Replace Hopper

1. Align the hopper over the grinder opening
2. Push down gently
3. Rotate clockwise to lock
4. Ensure it’s secure

Step 3: Test Grind

1. Add a small amount of beans (10g)
2. Run the grinder
3. Discard these first grinds - they may have residue
4. Verify normal operation

Cleaning the Hopper and Lid

While you have everything apart:

Step 1: Empty Completely

Remove every last bean—check corners and crevices.

Step 2: Wash with Warm Water

The hopper and lid can get wet:

1. Wash with warm water and mild dish soap
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Dry completely before reinstalling

Step 3: Check for Residue

1. Look for oily buildup
2. Clean stubborn spots
3. Ensure crystal clear

Critical: The hopper must be completely dry before reinstalling to prevent rust and mold.

Cleaning Frequency Recommendations

How often to deep clean depends on your usage:

Usage Level	Deep Clean Frequency
Light (1-2 shots/day)	Every 2-3 months
Medium (3-5 shots/day)	Monthly
Heavy (6+ shots/day)	Every 2-3 weeks
When changing bean types	Always

Signs It’s Time to Clean

• Inconsistent grind size
• Slower than normal grinding
• Flavor carryover from previous beans
• Visible buildup when you look inside
• Beans getting stuck

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ errors:

❌ Don’t Use Water on Burrs

Water causes rust on steel burrs. Always dry clean only.

❌ Don’t Force the Upper Burr

If it won’t come out, purge more grounds and try again. Forcing can strip threads.

❌ Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners

Scratches on burrs affect grind quality. Stick to brushes and cloths.

❌ Don’t Skip Drying Time

Moisture left on any parts leads to rust and mold. Air dry completely.

❌ Don’t Overtighten

When reassembling, snug is enough. Over-tightening damages threads and seals.

❌ Don’t Dishwasher Parts

Even the hopper shouldn’t go in the dishwasher—the heat can warp plastic.

Using Grinder Cleaning Tablets

For between deep cleans, Grindz tablets offer a quick refresh:

How to Use

1. Remove all beans from hopper
2. Add one capful of Grindz tablets
3. Grind through completely
4. Add small amount of coffee beans
5. Grind to purge Grindz residue
6. Discard all grounds

Frequency: Use monthly between deep cleans.

Note: Tablets don’t replace deep cleaning but extend time between full disassembly.

Model-Specific Notes

Breville Barista Express (BES870/BES875)

• Upper burr may be stiff on first removal
• Same process as standalone grinders
• Clean more frequently due to espresso use

Smart Grinder Pro

• Slightly different hopper lock mechanism
• Same burr removal process
• LCD may show grind settings—no impact on cleaning

Dose Control Pro

• Similar process to Smart Grinder
• Check manual for any model-specific steps

FAQs

How often should I deep clean my Breville grinder?

Every 1-3 months depending on usage, or whenever you change bean types. Heavy espresso users should clean monthly.

Can I put Breville burrs in the dishwasher?

Absolutely not. Hand clean only with dry brushes and cloths. Dishwasher damages the burrs.

What if the upper burr won’t come out?

Purge the grinder fully first, then rotate counter-clockwise firmly. It may be tight on first removal but shouldn’t require tools.

Do I need a vacuum for cleaning?

It’s helpful but not essential. A good brush removes most debris. Vacuum catches the fine particles that brushes miss.

Will cleaning affect my grind settings?

Occasionally you may need to recalibrate by one click after deep cleaning. Test and adjust as needed.

Key Takeaways

• Remove the upper burr for true deep cleaning—weekly wipes aren’t enough
• Brush thoroughly between all burr teeth and surfaces
• Never use water on burrs—dry cleaning only
• Dry hopper completely before reassembly
• Clean monthly for espresso use, or when changing beans
• Discard first grinds after reassembly to purge any residue
• Regular maintenance extends grinder life and preserves flavor

A clean grinder is the foundation of great coffee. Spend 15-20 minutes monthly on deep cleaning, and you’ll taste the difference in every cup.

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Related Guides:

• Complete Cleaning Cycle Tutorial
• Descaling Guide
• First Time Machine Setup