Breville VCF126 User Manual

Barista Max Espresso Machine
With Integrated Grinder
VCF126

Breville VCF126 Specifications

General

Type	Espresso Machine
Pump Pressure	15 bar
Milk Frother	Yes
Cup Warmer	Yes
Model	VCF126
Programmable	No
Auto Shut-Off	Yes
Water Filtration	No
Removable Filter	Yes
Pause and Serve	No
Water Tank Capacity	1.5 liters
Color	Stainless Steel
Capacity	1 cup
Cord Length	1 m

Summary

Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions for Your Breville Espresso Machine

Essential safety guidelines and warnings for operating the Breville Espresso Machine.

Features of Your Breville Barista Max

Removable Bean Hopper

Details the 250g capacity hopper with 30 grind settings for adjusting coffee taste.

Illuminated Grind Area

LED illumination for the grind area, activating when grinding begins.

Tap & Go™ Grinding Cradle

Unique cradle for one-touch, on-demand grinding directly into the filter basket.

Accessories Storage Home

Designated area for storing filter baskets, cleaning disc, brush, and pin.

Removable Drip Tray, Grill & Grind Bin

Features a water level indicator and a separate bin for collecting coffee grinds.

Cord Storage

Convenient storage solution to keep the power cord tidy on the benchtop.

Warming Plate with Tamper Home

Warms cups and provides storage for the tamper on top.

Removable 2.8L Water Reservoir

Large capacity reservoir that can be easily removed for filling.

Group Head - 58mm Commercial Size

Commercial-sized group head for more even extraction of coffee grounds.

Group Handle/ Portafilter - 58mm Commercial Size

Commercial-sized portafilter for better coffee ground distribution and tamping.

Steam & Hot Water Wand

Ball-jointed wand with silicone cover for flexible positioning and safe handling.

Extra Tall Cup Height

Provides 105mm space for extracting coffee directly into tall mugs.

Features of Your Breville Barista Max (Continuation)

Removable Top Burr

Easily removable top burr for cleaning, with alignment instructions.

GRINDER Light

Indicates grinder status (ready, gates open, or motor protection mode).

Button & Light

Controls power and indicates heating status, readiness, and sleep mode.

Espresso Extraction Buttons

Buttons for single shot, double shot, or custom pour volumes.

DIAL Features & Lights

Controls steam/hot water function and indicates readiness and warming status.

CLEAN Light

Illuminates blue when a cleaning cycle for the group head is required.

More Details About Your Breville Barista Max

Temp° IQ Shot Control ™

Technology ensuring accurate and stable water temperature for great tasting coffee.

Thermoblock Technology

Ensures fast heat-up and precise water temperature for optimal extraction.

Advanced PID Controller

Monitors and controls Thermoblock temperature for consistent extraction.

Gentle Pre-infusion

Introduces small amounts of water for a richer espresso flavour.

Café 58mm Group Head & Handle

Commercial-sized group head and handle for even extraction and maximum flavour.

Tap&Go ™ Integrated Grinder

One-touch grinding technology delivering coffee directly into the group handle.

Auto Shot & Customisable Volumetric Control

Allows automatic extraction of preset or custom shot volumes.

Extraction Temperature Customisable

Enables adjustment of water temperature for personal preference.

Before First Use of the Barista Max

Step 1. Remove Packaging

Instructions for removing all packaging and the red plug from the water reservoir.

Step 2. Position Machine

Guidance on placing the machine on a dry, stable, flat, and horizontal benchtop.

Step 3. Wash & Dry Parts

Details on washing removable parts with mild detergent and air drying them.

Step 4. Place Accessories

Instructions on storing accessories like filter baskets and cleaning tools.

Step 5. Insert Parts into the Grinder

Steps for installing the removable top burr and bean hopper into the grinder.

Before First Use of the Barista Max (Continuation)

Step 6. Preparing to Prime Machine

Instructions for filling the water reservoir and powering on the machine.

Step 7. Prime Espresso Machine

Guides on priming the machine by running water through the group head and wand.

Barista Max Coffee Making Guide

1. Check Water & Beans

Recommends using filtered water and freshly roasted coffee beans for best results.

2. Start Up

Steps to turn on the machine and wait for it to reach readiness.

3. Warm Cup - by Hot Water OR by Warming Plate

Methods to pre-warm cups using hot water or the machine's warming plate.

4. Select Filter Baskets

Guidance on choosing between single or double cup filter baskets.

5. Warm Group Head, Handle & Filter Basket

Process for warming these components before extraction for optimal temperature.

Barista Max Coffee Making Guide (Continuation)

6. Fill Coffee Grinds

Instructions on how to insert the group handle and grind coffee into the filter basket.

7. Tamp

Guidance on the correct tamp force (10-15kg) and even tamping technique.

8. Wipe Excess Grinds

Steps to clean excess coffee grounds from the filter basket and drip tray.

9. Insert Group Handle

Instructions for correctly aligning and inserting the group handle into the group head.

10. Position Cup

Placement of the cup on the drip tray under the group handle for extraction.

11. Espresso Extraction

How to start and stop espresso extraction for single or double shots.

12. Remove Coffee Cake

Steps for removing the used coffee grounds (puck) from the group handle.

Barista Max Coffee Making Guide (Continuation)

13. Prep Milk Jug

Filling the milk jug with cold milk to the correct level for texturing.

14. Before Texturing Milk

Turning the dial to steam and waiting for the steam light to indicate readiness.

15. Position Steam Wand

Correct positioning of the steam wand tip in the milk for aeration.

16. Start Texturing Milk

Turning the dial to start texturing and achieving a smooth hissing sound.

17. Milk Texturing

Techniques for texturing milk, including adjusting jug height and temperature.

Barista Max Coffee Making Guide (Continuation)

18. Purge & Clean Steam Wand

Purging the steam wand with hot water and wiping it clean after use.

19. Milk Finishing Touches

Steps to release air bubbles and blend milk for a silky texture.

20. Thermoblock Auto Purge

Explains the automatic purging process when cooling down.

21. Wash Parts

General advice on washing removable parts with warm water.

22. Drip Tray Clean Up

How to empty and clean the drip tray and grind bin.

Tips for Grinding & Tamping

1. Coffee Beans

Advice on selecting and storing fresh coffee beans for optimal flavour.

2. Grind Setting

Guidance on adjusting grind settings for different beans and achieving desired extraction.

3. Filter Baskets

Explains the use of single wall and dual wall filter baskets.

4. Grind Dosage & Tamp Force

Recommendations for coffee grind dosage and the correct tamp force.

Tips for Perfect Espresso Extraction

1. Extraction Time

Indicator of pour quality, with optimum time between 20-30 seconds.

2. Type of Extraction

Describes optimum, under, and over extraction characteristics.

3. Look for Colour Change

Identifies the three elements of an optimum shot: Heart, Body, and Crema.

4. Espresso Extraction Guide

A table comparing under, optimum, and over extraction factors.

Tips for Milk Texturing

1. Fill Milk Jug

How to fill the milk jug with cold milk for optimal texturing.

2. Steam Warm Up

Warming up the steam function for best texturing results.

3. Position

Correct placement of the steam wand in the milk jug.

4. Sound

How different sounds indicate the quality of air introduction for microfoam.

5. Keeping Steam Tip Position

Adjusting the jug position as milk level rises during texturing.

Tips for Milk Texturing (Continuation)

6. Amount of Foam

Creating the desired amount of microfoam for different coffee styles.

7. Immerse Tip

Immersing the steam wand for heating and blending milk and foam.

8. Correct Temperature

Indicators for achieving the correct milk temperature for texturing.

9. Purging the Steam Wand

Process for purging and cleaning the steam wand after texturing.

10. Wipe Steam Wand

Wiping the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove milk residue.

11. Tap & Swirl the Jug

Techniques for releasing air bubbles and combining milk for consistency.

12. The Finishing Touches

Pouring the textured milk into the cup for a final presentation.

Coffee Styles to Try

Espresso (Short Black)

Description of a concentrated, full-bodied coffee with crema.

Ristretto

Description of an extremely short espresso with intense flavour.

Long Black (Americano)

An espresso with hot water added first to maintain crema.

Con Panna

Espresso topped with lightly whipped cream, possibly dusted with cinnamon.

Macchiato

Espresso with a dash of milk and foam, 'staining' the crema.

Coffee Styles to Try (Continuation)

Flat White

Espresso with textured milk and a thin layer of foam.

Latte

Espresso with textured milk and a thicker layer of foam.

Cappuccino

Espresso with steamed milk, creamy foam, and chocolate dusting.

Mocha

Espresso with chocolate, steamed milk, and foam.

Babyccino

Steamed textured milk with foam, optionally dusted with chocolate.

Customisable - Shot Volumes

Customise - One Cup Shot Volume

Procedure to adjust the volume for a single espresso shot.

Preparing to Customise Shot Volume(s)

Checks and preparations needed before customising shot volumes.

Customisable - Shot Volumes (Continuation)

Customise - Two Cup Shot Volume

Procedure to adjust the volume for a double espresso shot.

Customise - Manual Shot Volume

Setting custom shot volumes using the manual extraction button.

Restore - All Default Shot Volumes

Resets all shot volume settings to their factory defaults.

Customisable - Extraction Temperature

Adjusting Extraction Temperature

How the lights indicate selected temperature and how to adjust it.

Access Extraction Temperature Custom Mode

Steps to enter the custom mode for adjusting extraction temperature.

Confirm Extraction Temperature

How to save the selected custom extraction temperature.

Customisable - Extraction Pre-infusion Profile

Access Pre-infusion Custom Mode

Steps to enter the mode for selecting pre-infusion profiles.

Selecting Pre-infusion Profiles

Explains how illuminated lights signal the chosen pre-infusion profile.

Confirm Pre-infusion Profile

How to save the selected pre-infusion profile.

Restore All Default Settings

Restore All Default Settings

Resets all user settings back to factory defaults.

Care & Cleaning - Espresso Machine

Cleaning Accessories & Removable Parts

Instructions for cleaning various removable parts, noting dishwasher safety.

Cleaning Warming Plate & Exterior

How to clean the machine's exterior and warming plate.

Cleaning Drip Tray & Grind Bin

Routine cleaning of the drip tray and grind bin to maintain hygiene.

Cleaning Group Handle & Filter Basket

How to clean the group handle and filter basket after each use.

Cleaning Shower & Group Head

Regular cleaning of the shower screen and group head to ensure proper function.

Care & Cleaning - Espresso Machine (Continuation)

Cleaning Cycle

Procedure for initiating and running the machine's cleaning cycle.

Group Head Silicone Seal

Information about the silicone seal and its potential need for replacement.

Care & Cleaning - Espresso Machine (Continuation)

Cleaning Steam Wand

Steps for cleaning the steam wand after use and periodically.

Unblocking Steam Wand

How to clear milk residue blockages from the steam wand tip.

Cleaning Filter Baskets

Instructions for cleaning filter baskets, including soaking with cleaning tablets.

Unblocking Dual Wall Filter Baskets

How to unblock dual wall filter baskets if they become clogged.

Care & Cleaning - Grinder

Cleaning Grinding Cradle & Grind Outlet

Weekly cleaning of the grinder's cradle and outlet.

Cleaning the Bean Hopper

Procedures for cleaning the bean hopper, including preparation.

Care & Cleaning - Grinder (Continuation)

Cleaning & Unblocking Grinder Burrs, Collar, Grind Chamber and Outlet

Detailed steps for cleaning and unblocking various grinder components.

Grind Off Excess Coffee Beans

Procedure to grind off excess beans before cleaning or adjusting.

Preparing to Clean

Safety precautions and preparation steps before cleaning the grinder burrs.

Cleaning Top Burr

How to remove, wash, and dry the top burr.

Cleaning & Unblocking Bottom Burr and Grind Chamber

Steps to clean the bottom burr and the internal grind chamber.

Care & Cleaning - Grinder (Continuation)

Cleaning & Unblocking Grind Outlet

Specific instructions for cleaning the grind outlet.

Replace Top Burr

Correct procedure for reinstalling the top burr.

Replace Bean Hopper

Correct procedure for installing the bean hopper.

Adjusting Bottom Burr

Information on when and how to adjust the bottom burr.

Descaling Cycle - Espresso Machine

Descaling Solution

Options for descaling solutions: tablets or vinegar.

Descaling Cycle

Overview of the descaling cycle duration and importance of completion.

Preparing for Descaling Cycle

Steps for preparing the descaling solution and filling the reservoir.

Place Containers

Placement of containers to collect descaling solution from the group head and wand.

Check Power

Ensures the machine is properly powered and in the ready state for descaling.

Access the Descaling Cycle

How to initiate the descaling cycle using button combinations.

Descaling Cycle - Espresso Machine (Continuation)

Step 1. Start Descaling Cycle

Initiates the descaling process by turning the dial to the steam position.

Step 2. Preparing for Purge

Steps to rinse the reservoir and prepare for the purge phase.

Step 3. Start Purge

Purges the machine with fresh water to remove residual descaling solution.

Descaling Cycle Complete

Indicates the completion of the descaling cycle and return to ready state.

Descaling Cycle Clean Up

Final cleaning of containers and ensuring all descaling solution is removed.

Troubleshooting Guide - Espresso Machine

Group Handle is tight to turn in the Group Head

Addresses issues with the group handle being stiff due to a new seal.

Group Handle is loose or comes off during espresso extraction

Solutions for a loose group handle, including correct attachment and seal issues.

Espresso squirts or trickles down the side of the Group Head during extraction

Troubleshooting tips for extraction issues like fine grinds or dirty group head.

Espresso is too cold

Reasons why espresso might be too cold, like bean storage or cup temperature.

Troubleshooting Guide - Espresso Machine (Continuation)

No espresso pours

Diagnoses for no espresso output, including water level and blockages.

Espresso pours out in drips (Over Extracted)

Solutions for over-extracted espresso, such as grind size or tamp force.

Espresso does not have any crema, or crema is thin (Under Extracted)

Addresses under-extracted espresso issues, like coarse grinds or insufficient tamping.

Espresso shot volume too much or too little

How to adjust or reset custom shot volumes.

Espresso tastes bitter

Tips for bitter espresso, including bean type, temperature, and pre-extraction purging.

Troubleshooting Guide - Espresso Machine (Continuation)

Spent (used) coffee cake is wet

Advice on dealing with wet coffee pucks and basket types.

Espresso pours into cup unevenly

Tips for achieving even espresso pouring, including tamping and cleaning.

Pump makes an unusual noise

Possible causes for unusual pump noises, like water level or pre-infusion profiles.

Water around Drip Tray area or on benchtop

Solutions for leaks, including drip tray placement and auto-purging.

Troubleshooting Guide - Espresso Machine (Continuation)

Milky coffee is too cold

Ensuring milk is heated sufficiently without boiling.

No steam from the Steam Wand

Checks for blocked steam wands or scale build-up.

Steam Wand making a screeching noise

Tips for correct steam wand positioning to avoid screeching.

Not enough foam when texturing

Factors affecting foam creation, such as milk freshness and temperature.

Troubleshooting Guide - Grinder

Optimum Grind Setting is producing an under extracted espresso

Adjusting grind setting and bean freshness for better extraction.

GRINDER LIGHT does not illuminate after pressing ON/OFF BUTTON

Checks for power connection and correct seating of the bean hopper.

GRINDER LIGHT flashes when trying to grind beans.

Addresses issues with hopper gates not being fully open.

GRINDER LIGHT illuminated red

Indicates the grinder motor is in protection mode due to overheating.

No coffee grinds coming from the Grinder Outlet

Checks for beans in the hopper, open gates, or blockages.

Coffee grinds are coarse when on a fine Grind Setting

Potential causes include incorrect grind setting, top burr issue, or bottom burr adjustment.

Troubleshooting Guide - Grinder (Continuation)

Espresso is under extracted even with a fine coffee grind

Checks for sufficient grinds, bean freshness, and bottom burr adjustment.

Grind Setting cannot be adjusted

Solutions for an unadjustable grind setting, including hopper/burr seating.

Bean Hopper cannot be locked into position

Troubleshooting for bean hopper seating issues, often due to debris.

Top Burr does not sit in the Grinder Collar correctly

Ensuring the top burr is correctly aligned and seated for proper grinding.

Accessories Available for Purchase

Replacement Parts

Troubleshooting

Information on where to find further troubleshooting and FAQ resources.

Electrical Safety

After Sales Service

Guarantee

Details of the appliance guarantee period and claims process.