Are your espresso machines getting dirtier with time? While it is inevitable for coffee makers to become unclean, sometimes this process is sped up.
Frequent use of coffee machines can make them dirty easily. Besides, if you do not descale your machine at the right time, it will lead to mineral and sludge buildup. Cleaning tablets can really help you to solve all these issues, especially if you use espresso machines.
The best espresso machine cleaning tablets are the ones that have stood all the tests of time. Want to find out which we are talking about? Then keep on reading!
Our Top Picks
- Cino Cleano Tablets – Check the price
- Urnex Cafiza Tablets – Check the price
- CleanEspresso Tablets – Check the price
What to Look for Before Buying?
If you’re an espresso lover, then you know that having a clean machine is key to getting a great cup of coffee. Espresso machines can be notoriously difficult to clean, so using a cleaning tablet can be a huge help. But with so many different brands and types of cleaning tablets on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Nonetheless, to make your job easy, we have also included a curated list below!
Texture
Texture-wise, tablets are pretty rigid. There is not much difference in the texture of different types of tablets. However, you still have to pay attention to the small details. Some tablets are slimmer, whereas the others are grainy.
Depending on the state of your machine and your own preference, pick out your tablet. Besides, take notice of the shape and size of the tablet as well. These two aspects must be compatible with your machine.
Ingredients
Every cleaning tablet has some common ingredients. Usually, these are SPC, TSP, etc. Natural ingredients, citrus acid, vinegar, etc., are also being used. Ingredients can be both organic and non-organic.
While chemical ingredients are not exactly harmful, natural ingredients are definitely much safer. Some tablets also contain toxic ingredients within their formula. You should research them and refrain from getting such tablets.
Function
Although these are marketed as ‘cleaning’ tablets, not all of them function to clean the coffee machines. Some of them only work for descaling. Descaling and cleaning are not the same, and you should not confuse them. Depending on your need, get the tablets accordingly.
If you want your machine to be descaled, get the descaling tablets. However, if you want your tablet to clean too, check before buying. Again, see if the tablet is capable of defleshing or not.
Compatibility
Espresso coffee machines are usually of two types – manual and automatic. Now, whatever cleaning agent you use should be compatible with the type of your device. It is the same with tablets.
Not all types of tablets are compatible with either type of coffee maker. Some are only suitable for the manual version, and some only work well with the automated ones. Hence, before buying, you must check the compatibility of the tablets with your device.
Added Elements
Other than the main ingredients, there are some extra elements present in cleaning tablets. While not all tablets contain these, most of them do. The most common external elements are flavor and fragrance. The fragrance is more welcomed by users than extra flavors.
Those who like to preserve the original flavor of their coffee should avoid flavored tablets. You can also skip the fragrant ones if you don’t want any particular odor to reside in your machine.
Price
Last but not least, the price of the tablets. Yes, just like every other product out there, the cost of espresso machine cleaning tablets is also something that you should calculate beforehand.
If you clean your machine regularly and get a lot of use out of it, buy bulks of cleaning tablets. Compared to the other options, it will prove to be a better value for money.
How Do You Clean a Coffee Machine with a Tablet?
Now that you know about the prerequisites of buying these cleaning tablets, find out how to use them. Follow these simple steps to clean a coffee machine with a tablet.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Tablet
At first, you have to choose the right tablet for your coffee machine. Not all tablets will go with your coffee machine. Besides, it is also necessary to decide the function of the tablet before using it.
Some tablets are only meant for descaling. If you want your tablets to participate in cleaning as well, you have to look for tablets specialized in it.
Step 2: Creating the Concoction
No matter what product you choose for cleaning your coffee machine whether it be a tablet or a powder, you need to create a solution with it. This solution is what goes inside the coffee maker.
Usually, water is used to create this concoction. Other than water, you can also use vinegar or a similar solvent. Make sure that whatever you’re using as solvent functions to provide cleanliness.
Step 3: Filling the Machine
Now that you have created the perfect mix, it is time to fill your machine with it. Every coffee machine has a reservoir or a delivery chamber built into it. Usually, it is filled in to produce coffee.
You have to fill the same delivery chamber with the created solution. This will make sure all the gunk inside your machine flows out. Repeat this a couple of times until clean water flows through.
Step 4: Rinsing
After completing the previous step, it is essential to rinse the reservoir. Basically, all you have to do is fill it up with only water and repeat the same process.
Rinsing is especially required when solvents other than water are used for making the concoction. These solvents have a distinct smell and flavor, which need to be rinsed out with water.
Step 5: Finishing up
Finally, you have to finish up the cleaning process. If your cleaning includes the exterior, wipe it down. For the interior, carefully inspect the smell coming from it.
If there is any distinct odor coming out of the machine, the parts need more rinsing. If not, you are done.
In this way, you can easily clean a coffee machine with a tablet. As a process, it is quite simple and hassle-free.
6 Best Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
After spending a dedicated amount of time on research and comparison, we present you with our top 6 picks for espresso machine cleaning tablets.
1. CinoCleano Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
We have included two Cino Cleano products in this review – that’s how much we are in love with this brand! The first of the two is the Cino Cleano Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablet.
In this pack, there are eight tablets in total. The elements of each tablet are food-based and medicated in nature. With these tablets, you do not have to worry about the corrosion of your coffee machine. The formula is made to avoid deterioration of the insides of the machines.
Another great feature of these tablets is that you can use them with espresso machines from Breville as well. Furthermore, this is not just a descaling tablet. In fact, its sole function is cleaning your machine. Many tablets just descale coffee machines, but this is not one of those.
Indeed, the descaling of a coffee maker is necessary. Many machines even have signals to alert the users about it. However, descaling tablets don’t have the best efficacy. These tablets only clean the machine from the inside.
But we know that cleaning of other parts is equally necessary. Those of you who do not prefer soap or detergent to clean the other sections of the machine can try the Cino Cleano tablets.
Whenever you need to clean the exterior of your machine, you can dissolve the required number of tablets into some water. After some, all your machine parts will be clean, clear, and germ-free.
Product Information
| Model Number | BEC250 |
| Manufacturer | Cafetto |
| Color | White |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.4 inches; 0.05 Ounces |
| Brand | Cino Cleano |
2. UrnexCafiza Espresso Cleaning Tablets
For our second pick, we have chosen the Cafiza Tablets from Urnex. We are precisely discussing the 100-count one.
Professionally used by Baristas, these tablets are great for cleaning espresso machines. In the 100-tablet container, each of the tablets is 12 millimeters in diameter and 1.2 grams in weight.
Other than being available in multiple sizes as tablets, this product is also available in powdered form. It is specially developed to clean equipment that is heavily unclean.
In espresso machines, there are compartments known as lines, valves, and heads. The Cafiza tablets specialize in cleaning the residual oil accumulated in these compartments.
A cleaning method adopted by users is known as backflushing, where detergent is often used. Instead of detergent, you can easily use these tablets.
Since it is a tablet formula, it is easy to use and regulate. You can control the amount of product you will be using and prevent making a mess.
There is a delivery chamber present in every coffee machine, and this is where you insert the tablets for use. Small in size and in weight, these tablets easily glide into the chamber.
Like many other coffee machine cleaning tablets, these are produced with organic ingredients. The authenticity of the ingredients has been certified by NSF as well.
Considering the amount of product you will be getting, this particular item has great value. If you are someone who needs a bulk of cleaning tablets, this can be your pick.
Product Information
| Model Number | 12-E16-UX100 |
| Manufacturer | Urnex |
| Color | White |
| Dimensions | 2.75 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches |
| Weight | 3.98 ounces |
| Unit Count | 100 Count |
| Country of Origin | USA |
3. CinoCleano Cleaning Tablets for Breville Espresso
Our third suggestion, and the second pick from Cino Cleano, is the descaling tablet version of the cleaning tablets.
This particular version, marketed as the “Descaling Tablets for Baristas,” comes in a two-pack. There are eight tablets in each pack, making the total count sixteen.
It is suitable to work with many prominent espresso machines, including the Breville ones. Instead of using a solid container made of plastic or any other durable material, Cino Cleano has packaged these tablets in hard paper.
Such packaging has both upsides and downsides. Those who like durable packaging will not prefer this. On the other hand, this type of packaging is both environment and user-friendly.
Unlike the other recommendation we had from this brand, these tablets focus on the machines’ descaling and not just cleaning.
Since the tablet focuses on descaling, cleaning the machine occurs consequently as a part of the process. While doing so, the product also maintains the longevity of the machine.
You also don’t have to worry about any change in the coffee flavors. There is no external impact of these tablets on the flavor other than preserving it.
Even the ingredients of the tablets are non-toxic and entirely safe for use. As for Breville machine compatibility, it includes both manual and automated machines. All in all, this is an excellent pick for any coffee enthusiast.
Product Information
| Model Number | BEC250 |
| Manufacturer | Cafetto |
| Color | White |
| Dimensions | 4 x 6 x 0.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 ounces |
| Specific Uses For Product | Coffee |
| Unit Count | 16.00 Count |
4. CleanEspresso Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets and Filters For Breville Espresso
Moving on, we have another recommendation well-suited for Breville-style espresso machines. It is the Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets and Filters by CleanEspresso.
In the 20-count package, there are six filters present. Besides, there are replacement filters that ensure better, richer-tasting coffee. Most coffee machine cleaning tablets are around 1 gram. However, these 2-gram tablets ensure that the perfect amount of cleaning ingredients are present to handle the pressure of the cleaning cycles.
CleanEspresso claims to provide high-standard cleaning to the inner parts of the machines. Since it is not easy for tablets to clean the insides of the machines thoroughly, this is quite a big claim. However, the tablets are designed to be precise with the cleaning process to ensure this.
You might not be aware that cleaning agents actually help preserve the original taste of the coffee. How do they do it? By attacking the oil-based buildup on your machines. The CleanEspresso tablets efficiently do the same intending to keep the machine parts clean.
Not only does the taste remains the same for Espresso but it also remains same for Cappuccino. As for the downside, the price may be a bit more compared to other tablets.
But the impressive packaging and efficiency make the product worthy of being a bit pricey. Just like all our recommendations here, you will not regret picking this up!
Product Information
| Model Number | BRF6-20 |
| Manufacturer | CleanEspresso |
| Color | white |
| Dimensions | 3 x 4 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 9 ounces |
| Specific Uses For Product | Coffee Maker |
5. UrnexCafiza Professional Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets
Up next, we have yet another recommendation from Urnex. It is the Cafiza Professional Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablet. The ‘professional’ tag is the only difference from the previous one.
While the previous version was claimed to be used by Baristas, this one is marketed to work with professional-level espresso machines.
The tablets are packaged into a white-colored plastic container with clear instructions and descriptions. Each tablet is 15 mm in diameter and 2 grams in weight. For the entire item, the weight stands at about half a pound.
Backflushing is a step you should not skip even a single day. If you’re not comfortable using detergents for this step, the Cafiza Professional Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets can be a great alternative. They do not cause the machine parts to corrode as detergents do. At the same time, these tablets perform with equal efficiency as regular detergents.
Cleaning tablets are well known for their easy regulation and maintenance, and this one is no exception. You can easily insert these tablets into the coffee machine, and they will automatically do the rest.
Even though this product is not in powder form, it can easily provide cleanliness to the inner parts of the machine. All you have to do is apply the dose to the group head of the machine.
Considering all the features are aspects of this cleaning tablet, it is pretty reasonably priced. You will not regret picking this up.
Product Information
| Model Number | 12-E31-UX100 |
| Manufacturer | Urnex |
| Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches; 8 Ounces |
| Unit Count | 100 Count |
| Specific Uses For Product | Coffee Maker |
| Country of Origin | USA |
6. OEM Bosch Siemens Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets
As our final recommendation, we present the 10 Pack OEM Bosch Siemens Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets from the brand SparesPlanet.
Although these tablets are a part of the SparesPlanet brand, their original equipment manufacturer is Bosch Siemens. Because the company originally manufactures either the tablets or the ingredients present in them, the tablets are compatible with their coffee machines as well.
Here, the concerned coffee machines are automated, which means that the tablets are versatile enough to work with automatic machines.
As the name suggests, ten tablets are present in every pack. The packaging itself is pretty simple. In a plain, white medicinal tablet-like covering, each tablet is placed.
Finally, the tablets are put in white-colored, hard paper packaging. All the instructions and descriptions are clearly written on the body of the paper-made pack.
Like all the other cleaning tablets mentioned in this article, the Bosch Siemens Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets work to clean the inner parts of the machine thoroughly. Fairly simple in composition, this product does not make any high claims. In fact, it works just as expected by the users.
After using this tablet, you will not find any residue left, and it will not even influence the coffee taste anyway. However, if you are looking for a tablet that will clean the exteriors of the machine, this one is not it. The function of this tablet is descaling and not overall cleaning.
Product Information
| Model Number | 310575 |
| Manufacturer | SparesPlanet |
| Color | White |
| Dimensions | 6.81 x 2.68 x 0.71 inches |
| Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Item Volume | 250 Cups |
| Unit Count | 1 count |
How Do You Clean an Espresso Machine without a Tablet?
It is easy to clean an espresso machine using a tablet. But what to do if you do not have any cleaning tablets? Well, find out the other methods in these particular steps.
Step 1: Select an Alternative Cleaning Agent
Before starting the actual cleaning process, you have to choose an alternative cleaning agent first. It can either be a powder or a liquid. You can even choose natural cleaning agents like citrus juice, vinegar, etc. for this step. Once you have chosen your desired alternative, you can move on.
Step 2: Prepare a Proper Solution
From here on, the process is pretty similar to the one involving tablets. Whether you choose a powder or a liquid, make sure you make a proper solution. Since this solution will go inside the coffee reservoir, make sure it has the right consistency. It should not be too dense.
Step 3: Pour the Solution into the Delivery Chamber
At this stage, you have to put your solution into the delivery chamber. Before doing this, make sure it is empty first. Otherwise, the cleaning process will not be as smooth or fast. Carefully pour the mix into the chamber and repeat the step if necessary.
Step 4: Rinse the Machine
Just like the previous process we explained, you have to rinse off the machine now. Rinsing usually occurs after the filling is done properly. Once you are sure that enough gunk has been flushed out, thoroughly rinse your machine inside and out. This will ensure the cleanliness of the device.
Step 5: Check the Odor
Once again, this step is all about observing and inspecting. As the final step, all you have to do is check the odor coming from the machine and the quality of water flowing through. If things are not up to the mark, you will have to repeat some steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are espresso cleaning tablets made of?
Different espresso cleaning tablets are made of different ingredients. Some are made of entirely organic ingredients, while others use synthetic elements.
However, there are some ingredients that are frequently used. Some of the most commonly used ingredients are TSP (trisodium phosphate), SPC (sodium percarbonate), sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate peroxide, etc.
- How often do you clean a Breville espresso machine?
Regularly cleaning and descaling the Breville espresso machine is essential to avoid the accumulation of any sort of buildup in the coffee maker.
It is imperative to descale your machine every month. As for the exterior cleaning, you can do it once or twice every week, according to your preference.
- Can I use vinegar to descale my Breville espresso machine?
Yes, you can use vinegar to descale your Breville espresso machine. It is actually a very effective way to clean the inner parts of your machine naturally.
Vinegar is used the same way as the descaling tablets are. You have to take an equal amount of vinegar as instructed for the tablets.
Go Clean That Coffee Machine!
With all that information out of our way, it is now time for you to clean your coffee machine. In our review of the best espresso machine cleaning tablets, we have included some of the market’s top-tier cleaning agents. You can pick any of them and rest assured about the cleanliness of your machine.
Not only do you know about different types of coffee tablets now, but you also know how to use them effectively. Good luck with your cleaning!