Best Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets for Home Machines
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The best espresso machine cleaning tablets for semi-automatic, Breville and Jura machines, plus how to backflush.
The best espresso machine cleaning tablets for most home baristas with a semi-automatic machine are Urnex Cafiza tablets: a 100 count tub of pre-measured tablets made for backflushing, which remove coffee residue and oils from the group head, valves and lines. Breville owners should look at the CleanEspresso kit, which pairs 40 two gram tablets with 6 water filters, and Jura owners should use Jura's own 2-phase cleaning tablets.
Coffee oils build up inside every espresso machine and turn rancid, which makes shots bitter and can slow water flow. Cleaning tablets dissolve that residue during a backflush or an automatic cleaning cycle. Below we compare five tablet and powder options, then explain cleaning tablets versus descaler, how to backflush, how often to clean and answers to common questions. Every pick sells new on Amazon.
Best Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets: Our Top Picks
Our top pick is Urnex Cafiza tablets, followed by the CleanEspresso kit for Breville and Jura 2-phase tablets for Jura super-automatics. We compared machine compatibility, tablet size, certifications, count per package, ease of dosing and how widely each product is bought and kept.
Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets: Best Overall
Urnex Cafiza tablets are the best espresso machine cleaning tablets for semi-automatic machines with a three way valve. Urnex says they eliminate coffee residue and oils from group heads, valves and lines and recommends them as part of a daily backflush routine.
The tablet format gives easy, controlled dosing, and the formula is OMRI listed and NSF certified. Cafiza is used widely in cafés, and the 100 count tub lasts a home user a long time.
- Removes coffee oils from group heads, valves and lines
- OMRI listed and NSF certified
- 100 pre-measured tablets
The limitation is that backflushing requires a blind basket and a machine with a three way solenoid valve. Skip it if your machine lacks one or your manual specifies a different tablet. Expect to pay around $18.
CleanEspresso Cleaning Kit for Breville: Best for Breville Machines
The CleanEspresso kit is the best cleaning tablet option for Breville espresso machines. It includes 40 two gram tablets and 6 replacement water filters, and CleanEspresso lists models including the Barista Express, BES860XL, BES870XL, BES900XL, 800ESXL and BES980XL Oracle.
CleanEspresso says its 2 gram tablets offer double the cleaning power of 1 gram tablets, which can break down under cleaning cycle pressure. The included filters measure about 2 by 1.25 by 1.25 inches.
- 40 two gram cleaning tablets
- 6 water filters included
- Listed for many Breville models
The limitation is fit: CleanEspresso notes that the kit does not fit the BES880 Barista Touch or BES99x models. Skip it if you own one of those. Expect to pay around $21.
Jura 2-Phase Cleaning Tablets: Best for Jura Machines
Jura 2-phase cleaning tablets are the best choice for Jura super-automatic coffee machines, which prompt you to run a cleaning program with a Jura tablet at regular intervals. Using the brand's own tablets keeps the cleaning cycle working as designed.
- Made by Jura for Jura cleaning programs
- Two phase cleaning tablets
- Simple drop-in use when the machine prompts
The limitation is that they are designed for Jura machines and cost more per tablet than generic options. Skip it if you do not own a Jura. Jura also sells separate descaling tablets; see our guide to Jura descaling tablets. Expect to pay around $16.
Urnex Cafiza Cleaning Powder, 566 g: Best Value for Daily Backflushing
Urnex Cafiza powder is the best value for people who backflush daily or also want to soak portafilters, baskets and other parts. It has the same formula as the tablets, removing coffee residue and oils from group heads, valves and lines, and is also OMRI listed and NSF certified.
- 566 gram tub of Cafiza powder
- Good for backflushing and soaking parts
- OMRI listed and NSF certified
The limitation is that you measure each dose with a scoop. Skip it if you prefer the convenience of tablets. Expect to pay around $20.
WoldoClean Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets: Best Budget Option
WoldoClean tablets are the best budget pick for trying tablet cleaning or for occasional use. The pack contains 10 two gram tablets designed to remove coffee oil.
- 10 two gram tablets
- Coffee oil remover
- Low cost starter pack
The limitation is that listing details are limited, so confirm the tablet size suits your machine's cleaning cycle. Skip it if you clean often and want a large supply. Expect to pay around $10.
What Do Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets Do?
Espresso machine cleaning tablets dissolve the coffee oils and fine grounds that build up in the group head, shower screen, three way valve and brew unit. These oils turn rancid over time and make espresso taste bitter or stale, and they can block small passages.
Cleaning tablets are alkaline detergents, which break down oils. They do not remove limescale, which is a mineral deposit from water and needs an acidic descaler.
Cleaning Tablets vs Descaler: What Is the Difference?
Cleaning tablets remove coffee oils, while descaler removes mineral scale; an espresso machine needs both on separate schedules. Never swap one for the other. Using a descaler for backflushing will not remove oil, and cleaning tablets cannot dissolve scale in the boiler.
A typical routine is to backflush with a cleaning tablet weekly to monthly, depending on use, and descale every one to three months depending on water hardness. Our coffee maker maintenance guide lays out a full schedule.
How to Backflush an Espresso Machine With Cleaning Tablets
To backflush, put a cleaning tablet in a blind basket, lock in the portafilter, run the pump in short bursts so the solution flows back through the valve, then rinse with plain water the same way. Always check that your machine has a three way solenoid valve and that the manual allows backflushing.
- Insert the blind basket. Place a solid basket with no holes in the portafilter.
- Add a tablet. Drop one tablet, or the dose of powder on the label, into the blind basket.
- Lock in and run. Run the pump for about 10 seconds, then stop for about 10 seconds. Repeat five times.
- Remove and rinse. Take out the portafilter, rinse the basket and run water through the group head.
- Repeat with water only. Backflush with plain water five more times to rinse out detergent.
- Pull a sacrificial shot. Brew one shot and discard it to clear any remaining taste.
Breville machines with a clean cycle and super-automatic machines use their own programs: insert the tablet where the manual shows and follow the prompts.
How Often Should You Use Cleaning Tablets?
Use cleaning tablets about once a week for daily home use, and rinse backflush with plain water after each session if your machine allows it. Heavier users can clean more often, while people who pull a shot every few days can clean every two to four weeks.
Super-automatic machines track usage and display a cleaning message when a tablet is needed. Signs that you are overdue include bitter shots, a dirty shower screen, coffee stains on the drip tray grate and a stale smell from the group head.
Cleaning Tablets for Super-Automatic Machines
Super-automatic machines use cleaning tablets inside an automatic program, so you add a tablet when the machine asks and it handles the rest. The program flushes hot water and detergent through the brew unit and coffee spout, then rinses itself.
Most super-automatics show a cleaning alert after a set number of drinks or rinses. Jura machines ask for a tablet in a specific spot, often the ground coffee funnel, while other brands have a different tablet location. Follow the manual closely, since using the wrong tablet or putting it in the wrong place can leave the program unfinished. Many super-automatics also have a removable brew unit that should be rinsed under running water weekly, without soap unless the maker says otherwise.
Signs Your Espresso Machine Needs Cleaning
Your espresso machine needs cleaning when shots taste more bitter or harsh than usual, the shower screen looks brown or clogged, or the group head smells stale. Other signs include a dark film on the drip tray grate, slower flow through the puck than you expect for your grind, and a sour or rancid smell when you remove the portafilter. Cleaning with a tablet usually brings the taste back right away.
How to Choose Cleaning Tablets
Choose the tablet your machine maker recommends, then check tablet size, certification and count.
Machine Type
Semi-automatic machines with a three way valve suit backflushing tablets such as Cafiza. Breville machines with a clean cycle need 2 gram tablets that fit the cleaning disc. Super-automatics such as Jura are designed around their own tablets.
Tablet Size
Two gram tablets are common for home machines. Some cleaning programs need a specific size to dissolve on time.
Certification and Formula
NSF certification shows a product meets food equipment standards. Choose a phosphate formula only if your manual allows it.
If you are shopping for a new machine, our guide to the best espresso machine notes which models have automatic clean cycles. Browse more cleaning supplies in our coffee accessories section.
Other Espresso Machine Cleaning Tips
Wipe and purge the steam wand after every use so milk does not dry inside it. Rinse the portafilter and basket after each session, and soak them in a little cleaning powder weekly to remove oils. Remove and scrub the shower screen and gasket every month or two. Empty and wash the drip tray daily, and replace the water filter on schedule.
Common Mistakes With Cleaning Tablets
The most common mistake is backflushing a machine that does not have a three way valve, which can damage it. Another is skipping the plain water rinse, which leaves a soapy taste. Some people also use descaler instead of cleaning tablets, or the reverse. Finally, using tablets in a machine with a cleaning cycle designed for a different size can leave undissolved residue.
How We Chose
We chose these espresso machine cleaning tablets by comparing machine compatibility, tablet size, certifications, package size and how widely each product is bought and kept. This guide is based on research of product listings and owner feedback rather than in-person trials, and every product sells new on Amazon.
FAQs About Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
Can I use any cleaning tablets in my espresso machine?
Not always. Use the type your manual recommends, especially for Breville clean cycles and super-automatic machines like Jura. Generic backflush tablets such as Cafiza suit semi-automatic machines with a three way valve.
Are cleaning tablets the same as descaling tablets?
No. Cleaning tablets remove coffee oils, and descaling tablets remove mineral scale. Your machine needs both on different schedules.
How often should I backflush with a cleaning tablet?
About once a week for daily home use. Rinse backflush with water after each session if your machine allows it.
Can I use Cafiza in a Breville?
Many Breville owners use Cafiza tablets for the clean cycle, but tablet size matters for the cleaning disc. Kits made for Breville, like CleanEspresso, list compatible models. Check your manual.
What happens if I never clean my espresso machine?
Coffee oils build up and turn rancid, making espresso bitter and stale. Over time, residue can block the shower screen and valve and reduce water flow.
Do I need a blind basket to use cleaning tablets?
Yes, for backflushing a semi-automatic machine. Many machines include one. Super-automatic machines do not need one.
Final Verdict
The best espresso machine cleaning tablets for most semi-automatic machines are Urnex Cafiza tablets, an NSF certified, pre-measured backflush tablet that removes coffee oils from the group head and valve. Choose the CleanEspresso kit for Breville machines, Jura 2-phase tablets for Jura super-automatics, Cafiza powder for daily backflushing and soaking parts, and WoldoClean for a low cost starter pack.
