Last updated: October 2, 2026
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL uses a cleaning tablet during its espresso-cleaning cycle. The tablet helps remove coffee oils from the group head and internal brew path; it is not a descaler, and it does not replace routine cleaning of the portafilter, basket, shower screen, or steam wand.
If you’re buying tablets, the main decision is whether to stick with Breville-branded cleaning tablets or choose a compatible espresso-machine cleaning tablet. Either can be a reasonable choice, but check the product label and follow the BES870XL manual’s cleaning instructions. Don’t confuse cleaning tablets with descaling powder or water-filter cartridges.
What BES870XL cleaning tablets do
The BES870XL includes a cleaning disc and a cleaning-cycle process. With the portafilter assembled as directed in the manual, a tablet dissolves during the cycle and helps lift coffee residue and oils from parts of the brew circuit that aren’t easy to reach by hand.
Those oils can build up over time, leaving stale or bitter flavors and contributing to a dirty group head. A tablet cycle is useful maintenance, but it won’t fix every cause of poor espresso. Old beans, a dirty basket, incorrect grind, or a machine that needs descaling can all affect results too.
Cleaning tablets are not descaler
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Cleaning tablets target coffee oils. Descaler targets mineral scale left by hard water. They do different jobs, so buying one does not cover the other. If the machine’s clean/descale light is on, check the manual to see which cycle it indicates before adding anything.
| Product | What it addresses | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso cleaning tablet | Coffee oils and residue in the brew path | For the machine’s cleaning cycle, as directed in the manual |
| Espresso-machine descaler | Mineral scale from water | For the descaling cycle, following the machine’s instructions |
| Water filter | Helps reduce some impurities in incoming water | When due for replacement; it does not remove existing scale |
Which tablets should you buy?
Breville-branded tablets are the simple choice if you want a product made for the brand’s machines and prefer to follow its recommended supplies. The trade-off is that branded packs may cost more per clean, and availability or pack size may not suit everyone. Check that the package is for cleaning, not descaling, before ordering.
Compatible espresso-machine cleaning tablets can be a lower-cost option. They make sense if the label clearly identifies them as espresso-machine cleaner and gives directions compatible with your machine’s use. Don’t assume that any tablet marketed for a coffee maker is suitable: some are intended for different brewing systems or cleaning steps. A tablet that dissolves poorly or leaves residue can also make cleanup more frustrating.
For a first purchase, compare the cost per tablet rather than the headline price. A large pack is only a bargain if you’ll use it before the tablets degrade or get damp. Store them in their original packaging, away from moisture, and don’t put extra tablets in the portafilter to compensate for a weak cleaning cycle.
If you want to compare branded options, start with Breville espresso cleaning tablets. For a less expensive alternative, look at compatible espresso-machine cleaning tablets, then verify the directions and intended use before buying.
How to use tablets in the BES870XL
Use the BES870XL manual as the authority for the cleaning-cycle setup. In general, the machine’s cleaning disc and the tablet go in the portafilter basket for the cleaning cycle; the cycle then flushes the brew circuit. Follow the prompts and instructions for your machine rather than improvising the dose or cycle.
Afterward, remove and rinse the portafilter and basket, and run the recommended rinse cycle if the manual calls for one. If the tablet hasn’t fully dissolved, don’t pull a shot immediately. Clean away any visible residue and repeat the rinse step according to the manual. A blocked or poorly seated cleaning disc can interfere with the cycle, so check that it sits correctly.
Tablets don’t replace hand-cleaning. Rinse the basket and portafilter after use, wipe the shower screen and group-head area, and keep the steam wand clear. If coffee is still coming through with an off flavor after a proper clean, check the basket and shower screen for buildup and consider whether descaling is due.
Common buying and cleaning mistakes
Using descaler in place of a tablet: It won’t remove coffee oils in the same way, and the product may not be intended for the cleaning cycle. Keep separate products for the two jobs.
Choosing by price alone: A bargain tablet that is the wrong type or leaves residue isn’t a good value. Confirm that it is espresso-machine cleaner and check the use instructions.
Expecting a tablet to fix a mechanical problem: If the machine won’t complete its cleaning cycle, leaks, or has persistently weak flow, a tablet may not address the cause. Check the manual’s troubleshooting guidance and inspect accessible parts before buying more cleaner.
Skipping rinsing: Residue left in the portafilter or brew path can affect the next drink. Rinse the parts and follow the machine’s rinse instructions after every cleaning cycle.
FAQ
How often should I clean my BES870XL with a tablet?
Follow the cleaning indicator and schedule in your manual. How often you need a cycle depends on use; regular rinsing and wiping still matter between tablet cleans.
Can I use a generic espresso cleaning tablet?
Usually, if it is clearly made for espresso-machine cleaning and its directions are suitable for the BES870XL’s cleaning cycle. Check the label rather than relying on the word “coffee” alone.
Do cleaning tablets descale the Barista Express?
No. Cleaning tablets target coffee oils; descaler targets mineral scale. Use the appropriate product for the cycle the machine requests.
Can I use dish soap instead of a tablet?
Use dish soap only for removable parts when appropriate, and rinse them thoroughly. It is not a substitute for the tablet-based cleaning cycle through the machine.
