Learn what to do when a Gaggia Brera is getting a persistent "No Beans" alarm.
If you are getting a "No Beans" alarm on your Gaggia Brera, the issue may be as simple as oily beans sticking together and not dropping into the burs. If that is not the issue, then check out the video below showing how to get into the machine grinder for cleaning and calibration, as well as replacement, should it be needed.
Gaggia Brera: How To Clean, Calibrate or Replace the Grinder
Below are a couple of videos about the importance of bean selection:
5 Things New Super Automatic Espresso Machine Owners Should Know
How To: Coffee Bean Selection and Grind Settings for Bean to Cup Machines
A few really good beans are:
Additionally, a new machine does go through a calibration process. You need to train the algorithm to "know" the proper resistance provided by beans. Here's how to go train the algorithm:
- Begin by setting the bean strength to the weakest and turn the grinder dial so the grinder is set to the coarsest setting.
- Brew between 10 and 20 shots on this setting. Doing this will re-calibrate the algorithm. The grinder will adjust, accordingly. This communicates back to the control board that determines when you're out of beans.
- Once you get to around 20 shots brewed, you should completely stop seeing the no beans message.
You should also bear in mind that all bean strength settings (weight in grams), and every grinder size setting, is set for making espresso. If you have it on max bean strength and the finest dial, it may be choking out the machine, depending on the coffee and roast used. The variety is so wide it is hard to give exact setting recommendations for each roaster. If you choose to make adjustments for stronger coffee at this point, do them gradually.
For example, turn the grinder dial down 1 notch. Brew at least 8-10 coffees before adjusting it down further. Increase the bean strength by only 1 at a time. Brew 8-10 shots before making another adjustment. This should permanently resolve the grinder issue.
If you continue to have the "No Beans" alarm:
On rare occasions, the steps outlined above will not resolve the constant "No Beans" alarm. In this scenario, there is likely a sensitivity issue in the algorithm and a firmware update would be required to completely resolve issue. If you find this to be the case, please Set up a Repair.
Note: Failure of normal wear and tear items such as group gaskets, seals, and shower screens are not covered under warranty. Issues due to scale build-up or lack of maintenance are not covered.