If your Breville Bambino Plus is not heating properly, it can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for your daily coffee. Several issues, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, scale buildup, or electrical problems, could be the cause. Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed with simple troubleshooting steps that you can perform safely at home.
Understanding the common reasons behind heating problems and following a structured repair approach will help restore your machine’s performance. This guide offers detailed, practical steps to diagnose and fix your Breville Bambino Plus so you can enjoy professional-quality espresso again.
Key Takeaways
| Check Power and Settings | Ensure the machine is plugged in and correctly set to heat. |
| Inspect the Thermostat | A faulty thermostat can prevent the machine from reaching temperature. |
| Clean Internal Components | Scale buildup and residual coffee oils can hinder heating performance. |
| Examine Electrical Connections | Loose wiring or blown fuses can stop the heating element from working. |
| Perform Safety Checks | Always unplug and ensure the machine is safe to open before troubleshooting. |

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Step 1: Verify Power and Basic Settings
Start by ensuring your Breville Bambino Plus is properly plugged into a working power outlet. Check that the power switch is turned on. Many users overlook simple power issues that can appear as heating problems.
Next, confirm that the machine’s temperature setting is correctly adjusted. If your model has a dedicated heating indicator light, verify whether it’s on. If not, monitor the display or indicator lights to see if the machine is attempting to heat or if it’s completely off.

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Step 2: Reset and Inspect the Thermostat
The thermostat controls the heating cycle, and if it’s faulty, the machine may never heat up. Locate the thermostat, typically accessible behind panels or near the heating element, following your model’s specific disassembly instructions.
Before proceeding, unplug the machine and allow it to cool. Then, use a multimeter to test the thermostat’s continuity. If it shows no continuity, replace it with a compatible part. If unsure, consult a professional or contact Breville support.
Step 3: Clean Internal Components and Water System
Mineral deposits and coffee oils can insulate heating elements and reduce efficiency. Descale the machine using a descaling solution or approved cleaning tablets, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove the water reservoir and clean it thoroughly, replacing any filters that may be clogged or expired. Also, inspect and clean the shower screen, filter basket, and other accessible parts to ensure proper water flow and heat transfer.
Step 4: Check Electrical Connections and Fuses
Unplug the machine before inspecting internal wiring. Look for loose, disconnected, or damaged wires, especially around the heating element and control board.
If your machine has replaceable fuses, check them with a multimeter or replace any blown fuses with identical ratings. Damage or corrosion in the wiring can prevent power from reaching the heating element, so address these issues carefully.
Step 5: Seek Professional Repair or Replacement
If you have followed the above steps and your Breville Bambino Plus still isn’t heating, it’s advisable to consult a certified repair technician or contact Breville customer support. Some issues, like faulty control boards or heating elements, require specialized tools and expertise to fix safely.
In some cases, replacing the entire unit might be more cost-effective than extensive repairs, especially if your machine is out of warranty.
The Products in This Guide

Breville Bambino Plus
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
- ✔ Materials: Stainless Steel
- ✔ Color Options: Black Stainless

Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Brand: Breville
- ✔ Type: Cleaning Tablets
- ✔ Shelf Life: 2 years
Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus is equipped with advanced heating technology, but like any appliance, it can encounter issues. This guide helps you troubleshoot common problems safely and effectively, ensuring you can get back to enjoying your espresso quickly.
Pros:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- Safe troubleshooting procedures
- Addresses common heating failures
- Encourages preventive maintenance
Cons:
- Some repairs may require technical skills
- Limited to basic electrical troubleshooting
- May need professional service for complex faults
Best for: Home baristas experiencing heating issues with their Breville Bambino Plus
Not ideal for: Users unfamiliar with appliance repairs or electrical troubleshooting
Bottom line: Follow these steps to safely troubleshoot and fix your Breville Bambino Plus heating issues.
Breville BEC250 Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Using the Breville BEC250 Cleaning Tablets regularly helps maintain your espresso machine’s heating performance and overall longevity. These tablets are specially formulated to remove coffee oils and residues that can insulate parts and cause heating issues.
Pros:
- Official Breville product
- Effective at removing oils and residues
- Prolongs machine lifespan
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Requires regular use for best results
- Only for cleaning, not repair
- Additional descaling may be necessary
Best for: Maintaining optimal performance and preventing heating issues
Not ideal for: For machines that already have electrical faults or hardware failures
Bottom line: Routine cleaning with these tablets helps prevent and mitigate heating problems caused by build-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Breville Bambino Plus not heating at all?
Possible causes include a blown fuse, faulty thermostat, or electrical connection issues. Follow troubleshooting steps to identify and fix the problem.
How do I check if the thermostat is working?
Unplug the machine, locate the thermostat, and test for continuity with a multimeter. Replace if no continuity is found.
Can scale buildup affect heating performance?
Yes, mineral deposits can insulate heating elements, reducing efficiency. Descaling regularly is recommended to prevent this issue.
Is it safe to open my Breville Bambino Plus myself?
Only attempt opening the machine if you are comfortable with electrical repairs and have unplugged it. Otherwise, seek professional help.
When should I replace my water filters?
Replace charcoal water filters every 2 months or as recommended to maintain water quality and prevent scale buildup.
Getting Your Breville Bambino Plus Heating Again
Dealing with a non-heating Breville Bambino Plus can be daunting, but most issues are manageable with careful troubleshooting. By verifying power, inspecting and replacing faulty components, and maintaining your machine through regular cleaning, you can restore optimal performance.
If these steps do not resolve the problem, professional repair services or contacting Breville support are your best options. Regular maintenance will help prevent future issues, ensuring your espresso machine continues to deliver café-quality coffee at home.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.