How to Increase the Pre-Infusion Strength on the BES920 and BES980
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Why would you need to do this?
A common issue is the pump struggling during the pre-infusion stage, often due to swollen seals in the main pump. This can cause the pump to stick and fail to operate during the low-powered pre-infusion phase. I recorded a video about it:
How to Repair a Faulty Pump on The Breville Dual Boiler or Oracle. BES920,980
The ultimate solution is to replace the pump or swap out the worn seal using this kit:
Coffee and Steam Pump Repair kit
Fortunately, while you are waiting for the parts to arrive there’s a short-term fix - at least for BES920 and BES980 models: Increasing the pre-infusion strength by adjusting the voltage to the pump during the first 7 seconds. Here’s how to do it and why it works.
What is Pre-Infusion and Why Does It Matter?
Pre-infusion is a critical step in espresso extraction. During this phase, a small amount of water is gently introduced to the coffee puck at low pressure, allowing the grounds to bloom and evenly saturate before full pressure is applied. This helps prevent channeling and ensures a more balanced extraction.
On the BES920, pre-infusion typically lasts for about 7 seconds. However, if the pump seals swell over time (a common issue with prolonged use), the pump may struggle to operate at the low voltage used during pre-infusion. This can result in no water flow or inconsistent extraction.
Why Increase the Pre-Infusion Strength?
By increasing the voltage to the pump during pre-infusion, you give it a little extra "oomph" to overcome the resistance caused by swollen seals. This is a temporary solution to keep your machine running smoothly while you plan for a more permanent fix, such as replacing the pump or its seals.
How to Adjust the Pre-Infusion Strength on the BES920 and BES980
Breville has included a hidden menu in the BES920 that allows you to tweak the pre-infusion strength. Here’s how to access it and make the adjustment:
Enter the Hidden Menu:
- BES920 - While the machine is turned on, press both the up and down arrows at the same time.
- BES980 - Press the menu button and scroll to the 'pre infuse' setting.
Then Try increasing the 'power' or 'pp' by 10% and try again.
What to Expect After the Adjustment
After increasing the pre-infusion strength, you should notice an immediate improvement in the pump’s performance during the pre-infusion stage. Water will flow more consistently, and your espresso extraction should return to normal. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary fix. The underlying issue—swollen pump seals—will still need to be addressed.