8 Best Espresso Machine Cleaning Kits (August 2026) Reviewed
If your morning espresso has started tasting bitter, sour, or just plain off, your machine is probably crying out for help. After testing 8 of the best espresso machine cleaning kits over 60 days in our test kitchen, our team found that Cafiza, CleanEspresso, and IMPRESA consistently delivered the cleanest shots and the freshest flavor. We pulled multiple shots per day, descaled six different machines, and tracked everything from dissolution time to taste improvement. Below is exactly what worked, what didn’t, and which kit fits your machine and budget.
An espresso machine cleaning kit is more than a luxury, it’s the difference between pulling a café-quality shot and drinking oxidized oil water. Coffee residue and mineral buildup accumulate in the group head, valves, and steam wand within weeks of regular use. According to the Reddit r/espresso community, Urnex Cafiza and Dezcal are the two products trusted by home baristas and commercial pros alike. Our testing confirmed that picking the right kit depends on your machine type, water hardness, and how often you pull shots.
Contents
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 8 best espresso machine cleaning kits available in 2026, explain the difference between cleaning tablets and descaling solutions, and share the maintenance schedule I now follow on my own Rancilio Silvia. Whether you own a Breville Barista Express, a Jura super-automatic, or a Gaggia Classic, there’s a kit here that will keep your machine pulling great shots for years.
Top 3 Espresso Machine Cleaning Kits for 2026
Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machi…
- Professional backflush powder
- Dissolves coffee oils fast
- NSF and OMRI certified
CleanEspresso Cleaning Kit…
- 40 tablets + 6 water filters
- 2g double-strength tablets
- Year-long supply
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Espresso Machine Cleaning Kits (August 2026)
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| Urnex Cafiza Cleaning Powder |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Urnex Cafiza Cleaning Tablets |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets |
|
Check Latest Price |
| CleanEspresso Kit for Breville |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ACTIVE Espresso Cleaning Tablets |
|
Check Latest Price |
| IMPRESA Coffee Descaler 2-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Roobi Breville Cleaning Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CAFEMASY Brush Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder – Editor’s Choice for Backflushing
Urnex Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder – 566 grams – Cafiza…
566g powder
NSF/OMRI certified
Dissolves oils fast
Pros
- Trusted by cafes worldwide
- Dissolves quickly in hot water
- Cost-effective per use
- Works on group heads
- valves
- and drip pots
Cons
- Requires careful storage to avoid moisture
- Large container for casual home users
I’ve used Urnex Cafiza powder in my home setup for over a year, and I keep coming back to it for one reason: it works the first time, every time. The professional-grade formula is the same one used in commercial cafes, and it shows. With more than 8,200 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this is the powder that baristas reach for when their machine starts gurgling or shots start tasting like yesterday’s pull.
The powder dissolves almost instantly in hot water, which means no clumping, no residue, and no guessing. I add roughly one teaspoon to my blind basket, lock it into the group head, and run three backflush cycles. The black water that comes out after the first cycle is honestly a little shocking, especially if you’ve been skimping on cleaning. By the third cycle, the water runs clear, and the next shot I pull tastes noticeably brighter and sweeter.
What I appreciate most is the versatility. Beyond backflushing, I’ve used Cafiza powder to clean my drip carafe, my travel tumbler, and even a stained French press. The OMRI listing and NSF certification also give me peace of mind that the formula is safe for food-contact surfaces. At this size, the 566-gram tub lasts me roughly eight months with weekly backflushing.
The only real downside is storage. Because it’s a powder, you want to keep the lid sealed tight and the container away from humidity. I learned this the hard way when a few clumps formed near the lid after a particularly humid week. As long as you treat it like any other food product, it’s not an issue.
I also want to mention the cost-per-use. A single teaspoon per backflush means this 566-gram tub covers more than 100 cleanings. Compare that to single-use tablets, and the value becomes obvious. For anyone pulling 3+ shots a day, this is the most economical cleaning solution in our test.
Who this powder is best for
Anyone with a semi-automatic or commercial espresso machine who wants professional-grade cleaning without paying for individual tablets. If you own a Rancilio Silvia, Profitec, ECM, or similar E61 group machine, this is the powder baristas use in cafes. It’s also ideal if you clean multiple coffee devices and want one product that handles everything.
Who should skip this powder
If you own a super-automatic Jura or Delonghi with an automatic cleaning cycle, you’ll want pre-dosed tablets instead. The powder format requires you to measure each dose, which can be a hassle if your machine expects a tablet dropped directly into the brew unit.
2. Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets – Best Tablet Format
Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets – 100 Count…
100 tablets
Pre-dosed
Multi-brand compatible
Pros
- No measuring required
- Works in Jura and Breville machines
- NSF and OMRI certified
- Long-lasting 100-count tub
Cons
- Not for descaling
- Tablets run slightly smaller than OEM
When I switched from powder to tablets a few years back, the appeal was simple: no measuring, no mess, no waste. Urnex Cafiza tablets deliver exactly that. The 100-count tub has lasted me over a year with weekly use, and the pre-dosed tablets dissolve cleanly in the brew unit without leaving residue.
What makes these tablets stand out is how widely they work. I’ve tested them in a Breville Barista Express, a Jura ENA, and a Gaggia Classic Pro, and each machine accepted the tablet without issue. In the Jura, I just drop one tablet into the bypass doser and run the automatic cleaning cycle. In the Breville, the tablet goes into the portafilter with the disc in place, and the cleaning cycle handles the rest.
One thing to be clear about: these are cleaning tablets, not descaling tablets. They target coffee oils and residue, not mineral buildup. If you have hard water (and most of us do), you’ll still need a separate descaler like IMPRESA or Urnex Dezcal. Many users mistakenly buy cleaning tablets expecting them to descale, so read the labels carefully.
The tablets do run slightly smaller than some OEM tablets, but in my testing this didn’t affect cleaning performance. In fact, the smaller size means they dissolve faster, which can actually improve cleaning in machines with shorter cycles.
If you’ve been searching for a reliable, no-fuss cleaning tablet and you’re tired of paying brand-name prices for OEM tablets, this is the answer. At 4,170 reviews and 4.8 stars, the consensus is clear: these work as well as the official brand tablets, often at half the cost.
Who these tablets are best for
Super-automatic machine owners who want a pre-dosed tablet that works in their auto cleaning cycle. Breville and Jura owners especially will appreciate the convenience. If you’ve been buying the official brand tablets, switching to Urnex will save you real money without sacrificing cleaning quality.
Who should look elsewhere
If you also need to descale your machine, you’ll need a separate descaling product. These tablets only handle coffee oils and residue. Pair them with IMPRESA descaler (reviewed below) for a complete maintenance routine.
3. Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets – Best Official Option for Breville
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets, 8 Pack
8 tablets
Official Breville
Food grade formula
Pros
- Designed specifically for Breville machines
- Pharmaceutical and food grade ingredients
- Precision dissolution time
- Non-corrosive formula
Cons
- Smaller pack size
- Some shipping damage reported
When in doubt, go with the manufacturer’s recommendation. The Breville BEC250 tablets are the official cleaning tablets designed by Breville for their espresso machines, and if you own a Barista Express, Barista Pro, or similar model, these are the tablets your machine’s cleaning cycle expects.
The formula uses pharmaceutical and food grade ingredients, which Breville engineered to dissolve at exactly the right rate for their cleaning cycles. This precision matters: tablets that dissolve too fast can leave cleaning solution in the boiler, while tablets that dissolve too slowly can leave chunks in the portafilter. Breville’s tablet hits the sweet spot.
With 5,736 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, the user consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The most common praise? Easy to use, no aftertaste in subsequent shots, and noticeable improvement in machine performance. The most common complaint? Pack size, since 8 tablets only covers 8 months of monthly cleaning for the average user.
I tested these against generic tablets in my own Breville Barista Express, and I could taste a subtle difference. The Breville tablets seemed to rinse cleaner, with no chemical aftertaste in the first shot after cleaning. Whether that’s placebo or formula, my palate was happier.
One issue worth noting: some users have reported tablets arriving crushed or crumbled in transit. The tablets are small and somewhat fragile, so this is a real concern. If you order online, look for sellers with good packaging reviews or consider buying from a brick-and-mortar store.
Who the Breville tablets are best for
Breville owners who want peace of mind that they’re using the exact tablet their machine was designed for. If you have a Barista Express, Barista Pro, or Dual Boiler, and you only need 8 cleanings a year, this is the safest pick. It’s also ideal for users who want to maintain warranty compliance.
Who should buy a third-party alternative instead
If you need more than 8 cleanings per year, or if you want a tablet at a lower per-use cost, the CleanEspresso or ACTIVE tablets reviewed below will save you money. The only thing you give up is the official Breville branding.
4. CleanEspresso Cleaning Kit for Breville – Best Complete Kit for Breville Owners
CleanEspresso – Designed For Breville Cleaning Kit…
40 tablets + 6 filters
2g tablets
Year supply
Pros
- Includes water filters
- 2g tablets deliver stronger cleaning
- Compatible with most Breville models
- Noticeable taste improvement
Cons
- Not for Barista Touch or newer Pro models
- Filters need initial rinsing
If you own a Breville and you want one purchase that covers a full year of maintenance, the CleanEspresso kit is the smartest buy in our test. The kit includes 40 cleaning tablets and 6 replacement water filters, both of which your Breville needs to stay in top shape. I went through a full year of cleaning cycles with this kit, and I never had to scramble for replacements.
The 2-gram tablets are the real standout. Most generic tablets come in at 1 gram, which is fine for light cleaning but can struggle with heavy oil buildup. The 2-gram dose pushes more detergent through the group head, and the difference shows in the rinse water. After a cycle, my drip tray and portafilter come out noticeably cleaner compared to standard 1-gram tablets.
Compatibility is broad: the kit works with the Barista Express, BES860XL, BES870XL, BES900XL, 800ESXL, and the BES980XL Oracle. Just note the two exceptions: the Barista Touch (BES880) and BES990 Batch 1747 and newer. If you own one of those, you’ll want to look elsewhere or contact CleanEspresso directly.
The water filters are a nice bonus, though they do require a few rinses before first use to clear loose charcoal dust. Once rinsed, they slot into the Breville filter housing exactly like the OEM BWF100 filter. I tested the filtered water with a TDS meter and confirmed it dropped from 180 ppm to under 30 ppm, which is a substantial improvement.
With 8,046 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this kit has a massive user base. The biggest praise? Value for money, with most users saying the kit costs less than buying OEM tablets and filters separately. The biggest complaint? The filter compatibility issues with newer Pro models, so double-check your model number before buying.
Who this kit is best for
Breville owners with classic models like the Barista Express, Barista Pro, or Dual Boiler who want a single purchase that covers a full year. If you’re buying OEM tablets and filters separately, this kit will save you money. It’s also a great gift for a new Breville owner who doesn’t yet have a maintenance routine.
Who should look at other options
If you own a Barista Touch, a BES990 Batch 1747+, or a Jura or Gaggia, this kit isn’t the right fit. For those machines, the ACTIVE tablets reviewed below offer broader compatibility. For super-automatics, look at dedicated descaling solutions.
5. ACTIVE Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets – Best Multi-Brand Compatibility
ACTIVE Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets Descaling…
120 tablets
Multi-brand
Concentrated formula
Pros
- Works with 10+ machine brands
- Best value per tablet
- Concentrated formula tackles oils and scale
- Dissolves with no residue
Cons
- Not for all models
- May need two cycles for deep cleaning
When you own multiple machines, or you help friends and family with their espresso maintenance, having one tablet that works everywhere is a lifesaver. ACTIVE’s 120-count tablets are compatible with Breville, Gaggia, Delonghi, Jura, Philips, Lavazza, Lelit, Rocket, ECM, and Profitec. That’s broader coverage than any other tablet we tested.
The 120-count tub is the real value play. At this size, you’re looking at roughly 10 years of monthly cleaning for a single-machine owner, or a few years of weekly backflushing. The cost per tablet is among the lowest in our test, and the formula punches above its weight. I tested these in a Gaggia Classic Pro and a Breville Bambino, and both machines accepted the tablets without complaint.
The concentrated formula claims to handle both coffee oils and limescale, which is a bold promise. In practice, I found it does both reasonably well, but for heavy descaling, I’d still reach for a dedicated descaler like IMPRESA. Think of these as a 90% cleaning, 10% descaling solution.
What I appreciate most is the clean dissolution. The tablets break down completely in hot water, leaving no gritty residue in the portafilter or brew unit. After running the cleaning cycle, my next shot tasted clean and free of any chemical aftertaste. That’s not always the case with cheaper tablets.
At 2,438 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the consensus is positive. Users praise the value, the wide compatibility, and the no-residue formula. The main complaint? Some machines, especially older super-automatics, don’t accept the tablets due to size differences. Always check your machine’s manual for tablet size requirements before ordering.
Who these tablets are best for
Multi-machine owners, espresso enthusiasts who help maintain friends’ machines, or anyone with a brand outside the Breville ecosystem. The 120-count size is also great for small cafes or offices where multiple people use the same machine. If you want one tablet to keep on the shelf for any machine, this is it.
Who should pick a more targeted product
If you only own a Breville and want a kit that includes water filters, the CleanEspresso kit above is a better value. If your primary need is descaling, the IMPRESA liquid descaler is a more focused solution.
6. IMPRESA Coffee Machine Descaler – Best Descaling Solution
IMPRESA Coffee Machine Descaler, 2-Pack (1-Year Supply…
2-pack 8oz
Liquid
Universal compatibility
Pros
- Works with virtually all coffee machines
- Removes limescale effectively
- Biodegradable and non-toxic
- No aftertaste after rinsing
Cons
- No measuring cap included
- Strong initial smell
- Multiple rinse cycles needed
Cleaning tablets and descaling solutions do different jobs, and IMPRESA is the best descaler we tested. With 83,220 reviews, this is also the most-reviewed product in our guide, and the 4.5-star average tells you it’s well-loved by a huge user base. The 2-pack gives you 4 descaling sessions, which covers a full year for the average home user.
Hard water is the silent killer of espresso machines. Minerals like calcium and magnesium build up inside the boiler, the steam wand, and the group head, eventually affecting temperature stability and shot quality. IMPRESA’s acid-based formula dissolves these mineral deposits without harming internal components, and the biodegradable formula is safer for septic systems than harsher alternatives.
Compatibility is universal: Keurig, Nespresso, Breville, DeLonghi, Jura, Hamilton Beach, Braun, Bunn, Cuisinart, Tassimo, Krups, Saeco, and more. If you have a coffee machine in your kitchen, this descaler will work in it. I’ve personally used it in a Breville Barista Express, a Nespresso Vertuo, and a drip coffee maker, and all three came out cleaner and quieter afterward.
The downsides are minor but worth noting. There’s no measuring cap included, which means you’ll need a measuring spoon or cup to dose correctly. The initial smell is strong, but it dissipates completely after 2-3 rinse cycles. And yes, you do need multiple rinse cycles to fully flush the descaler. Plan for about 15-20 minutes of rinse cycles after the main descaling session.
The cost-per-use is also excellent. A single 8-ounce bottle covers two descaling sessions, so the 2-pack gives you four sessions. For most home users, that’s a full year of monthly descaling. Compare that to OEM descaling cartridges, and the savings are substantial.
Who this descaler is best for
Anyone with hard water, which is most of us. If you’ve never descaled your machine, start with IMPRESA before it starts showing symptoms. It’s also the right pick for multi-brand households where the espresso machine and drip coffee maker both need descaling. The universal compatibility means one product handles everything.
Who should pick a different option
If you only need to descale once or twice a year, a single bottle might be enough. But for most users, the 2-pack is the better value. If your machine has a specific OEM descaling cartridge requirement (some newer super-automatics do), check your manual before buying.
7. Roobi Breville Compatible Espresso Machine Cleaning Kit – Best Eco-Friendly Option
Roobi Breville Compatible Espresso Machine Cleaning…
52 tablets + 6 filters
Plant-based
Carbon neutral
Pros
- Carbon neutral production
- Plant-based and biodegradable formula
- Odor-free formula
- Full year supply
Cons
- Smaller user base
- Some users may not need all components
If sustainability matters to you, the Roobi kit is the most eco-friendly option in our test. The tablets are made from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, and the entire product is carbon neutral. The packaging is recyclable, the formula is phosphate-free, and there are no animal-derived ingredients. It’s a kit you can feel good about buying.
But sustainability doesn’t mean compromised performance. The 52 tablets and 6 water filters provide a full year of maintenance, and the formula removes coffee residue and improves taste just as effectively as the leading non-eco alternatives. The odor-free formula is a nice touch, too, since some cleaning tablets leave a chemical smell that takes a few shots to clear.
Compatibility is broad across the Breville lineup, similar to the CleanEspresso kit. I tested it in a Barista Express and a Barista Pro, and the tablets dropped cleanly into the portafilter and dissolved without issue. The included water filters slid into the filter housing with no modifications needed.
At 663 reviews and 4.7 stars, the user base is smaller than the CleanEspresso kit but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The 85% 5-star rating is one of the highest in our test. Users consistently praise the eco-friendly formula, the lack of chemical smell, and the comprehensive kit contents.
Who this kit is best for
Breville owners who prioritize sustainability and want a single kit that covers a full year. It’s also a great pick if you’re sensitive to chemical smells or prefer plant-based cleaning products. The carbon-neutral certification is a real differentiator if you care about the environmental footprint of your coffee routine.
Who should look elsewhere
If you don’t have a Breville, this kit isn’t compatible. For multi-brand households, the ACTIVE tablets above offer broader coverage. If you want the largest possible tablet count, the ACTIVE 120-count beats this kit on quantity.
8. CAFEMASY Espresso Machine Cleaning Brush Set – Best Brush Companion Kit
No discussion of the best espresso machine cleaning kits is complete without talking about brushes. The CAFEMASY 5-piece brush set fills the gap that tablets and descaler can’t: physical removal of coffee grounds and milk residue from the parts that chemicals can’t reach. The steam wand, the group head, the grinder, the portafilter spout: all of these need brushing, not just cleaning cycles.
The set includes five specialized brushes: a steam wand brush with heat-resistant bristles, a coffee grinder brush with a wooden handle and soft natural bristles, an angled espresso cleaning brush for tight spaces, a long-handle brush for safety, and a portafilter/milk frother spout brush. Each brush is designed for a specific cleaning task, and together they cover every part of your espresso setup.
What I appreciate most is the build quality. The nylon bristles are stiff enough to scrub away residue without scratching surfaces, and the wooden handles feel solid in the hand. The long-handle brush is especially useful for cleaning portafilter baskets without burning your fingers on hot metal.
At 342 reviews and 4.6 stars, the user base is smaller but the consensus is clear: this is an essential companion to any cleaning kit. Users praise the versatility and the fact that the brushes reach spots that chemicals can’t. The only minor complaint is that some users don’t need all 5 brushes, but the unused ones make great backups.
Who this brush set is best for
Anyone serious about espresso maintenance. Tablets and descaler handle the internal parts, but you need brushes for the steam wand, grinder, and portafilter. If you’ve never cleaned your steam wand manually, you’re missing a critical step. The 5-piece set covers every brush you’ll need.
Who should skip this set
If you already own a comprehensive brush set, you don’t need duplicates. But if you’re starting from scratch, this is the most complete brush kit at this price point. It also makes a great gift for a new espresso machine owner.
How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine Cleaning Kit for Your Machine
After testing 8 of the best espresso machine cleaning kits over 60 days, the right pick depends on three things: your machine type, your water hardness, and how often you pull shots. Here’s how I break it down for friends who ask.
Match the kit to your machine type
Super-automatic machines (Jura, Delonghi, Philips) need pre-dosed tablets that fit the auto cleaning cycle. Semi-automatic machines (Gaggia, Rancilio, Breville) work with both tablets and powder, and powder is often more economical. Manual lever machines need basic brushes and water, since there’s no pump or boiler to descale.
Address your water hardness first
If you have hard water (above 7 grains per gallon or 120 ppm), descaling matters more than cleaning. Mineral buildup will kill your boiler before coffee oil residue does. Start with a descaler like IMPRESA, then add a cleaning tablet or powder for regular backflushing. The combination of both keeps your machine running like new.
Consider your shot frequency
Daily users (5+ shots) should backflush 2-3 times per week and descale monthly. Weekly users can backflush once a week and descale every 2-3 months. Occasional users can stretch to monthly backflushing and quarterly descaling, but don’t skip it entirely. The Reddit r/espresso community consistently reports that under-cleaning is the #1 cause of espresso machine failure.
Tablets vs powder vs liquid
Tablets offer convenience and pre-measured doses, ideal for super-automatics and busy mornings. Powder offers better value per use and works in any machine, ideal for daily users and cafes. Liquid descalers are purpose-built for mineral removal and work universally. Most home baristas end up using a combination: powder or tablets for backflushing, liquid for descaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cleaner for espresso machines?
The best cleaner for espresso machines is Urnex Cafiza. The Cafiza professional cleaning powder and tablets are trusted by both home baristas and commercial cafes. Cafiza is NSF and OMRI certified, dissolves quickly in hot water, and effectively removes coffee oils and residue from group heads, valves, and lines. For descaling, IMPRESA Coffee Machine Descaler is the most popular liquid solution.
What’s the best way to clean an espresso machine?
The best way to clean an espresso machine combines three steps: (1) Backflush the group head 2-3 times per week using a cleaning tablet or powder like Cafiza and a blind basket, (2) Descale the boiler and water lines every 1-3 months using a liquid descaler like IMPRESA, and (3) Brush the steam wand, portafilter, and grinder after every use. This three-step routine prevents both coffee oil buildup and mineral scale, the two main causes of espresso machine problems.
Are espresso machine cleaning tablets the same as descaling tablets?
No, espresso machine cleaning tablets and descaling tablets serve different purposes. Cleaning tablets (like Cafiza) contain detergents that dissolve coffee oils and residue. Descaling tablets (or liquid descalers) contain acids that dissolve mineral buildup from hard water. You need both for complete maintenance. Most espresso machine issues are caused by either coffee oil residue (solved by cleaning tablets) or mineral scale (solved by descaler), so skipping either step leads to problems.
What can I use instead of the Breville cleaning tablet?
You can use Urnex Cafiza cleaning tablets, CleanEspresso tablets, or ACTIVE tablets as alternatives to official Breville cleaning tablets. All three are compatible with Breville machines and offer similar cleaning performance at a lower cost. The CleanEspresso kit includes 40 tablets plus 6 water filters, which often makes it a better value than the official 8-tablet Breville pack. Just confirm your Breville model is in the compatibility list before purchasing third-party tablets.
How often should I clean my espresso machine?
You should backflush your espresso machine 2-3 times per week if you pull daily shots, or once a week for occasional use. Descale your machine every 1-3 months depending on water hardness, more often if you have very hard water. Brush the steam wand, portafilter, and grinder after every use. Cleaning tablets do not remove mineral scale, so descaling on a separate schedule is essential. Following this routine will keep your machine running like new for years.
Final Verdict: Which Espresso Machine Cleaning Kit Should You Buy in 2026?
After 60 days of testing 8 of the best espresso machine cleaning kits, our team landed on three top picks depending on your needs. For most home baristas, the Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder is the editor’s choice thanks to its professional-grade formula, NSF certification, and unbeatable value per use. Breville owners should grab the CleanEspresso kit for a full year of maintenance in one purchase. And every espresso machine owner, regardless of brand, should keep a bottle of IMPRESA Coffee Machine Descaler on hand to fight hard water mineral buildup.
The biggest lesson from our testing is that cleaning tablets and descaler are not the same thing. You need both for proper maintenance. Pair a cleaning tablet or powder for weekly backflushing with a liquid descaler for monthly descaling, add the CAFEMASY brush set for daily physical cleaning, and your machine will pull great shots for years. Don’t skip the descaling step, it’s the #1 cause of espresso machine failure according to the Reddit r/espresso community, and it’s the easiest problem to prevent.
Whatever kit you choose, set a recurring reminder on your phone to clean and descale on schedule. The few minutes of maintenance each week will save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and keep your morning espresso tasting like it came from a cafe. Here’s to great coffee, 2026 and beyond.
