How to descale the Sage Barista Express

What you need

Sage recommends its own descaler, which is formulated for its machines. Avoid vinegar: it can leave a taste, it is less effective on heavy scale, and makers generally advise against it. Our guide to descaling with vinegar explains why.

• Sage descaler, or a descaler the manual approves for this machine.
• A large container of at least 2 litres to catch the solution.
• The empty portafilter with a basket fitted, if the manual says to use it.
• Fresh cold water for rinsing.

Step by step

The sequence below describes the general approach. Many Barista Express units have a descale mode started by a button combination while the machine is off, after which the buttons light to show each stage. Earlier units use a manual routine where you open the hot water and steam outlets in turn. Your manual is the authority on which applies.

1. 1

   Empty the drip tray and remove the water filter from the tank.

2. 2

   Mix descaler and water in the tank to the amounts on the pack or in the manual.

3. 3

   Place a large container under the group head and the steam wand.

4. 4

   Start descale mode as the manual describes, or begin the manual routine.

5. 5

   Let the solution run through the group head, hot water outlet and steam wand in the stages shown.

6. 6

   When the tank is empty, rinse it well and fill with fresh cold water.

7. 7

   Run the rinse stages so clean water flushes every outlet.

8. 8

   Refit the water filter, or a new one if it is due.

Note:Descaling solution comes out very hot, and steam can scald. Stay with the machine, keep hands clear of the outlets, and use a container large enough not to overflow. Unplug and let the machine cool before moving it or emptying the drip tray.

How often to descale

How often depends on your water hardness and how much you use the machine. Your water company publishes hardness for your postcode, usually in mg/l of calcium carbonate. Our water hardness converter turns that into the units used on test strips.

As a broad guide, people in soft water areas may descale every few months, and those in hard water areas, such as much of London, the South East and East Anglia, may need to descale more often. A fitted, in-date water filter reduces scale. Some later Sage models prompt you when descaling is due.

Signs the machine needs descaling

If flow stops completely, scale may have blocked a valve. Our guide to no water coming out covers that, and our hard water guide covers prevention. Persistent faults after descaling are a job for Sage's service team.

• Shots run slower than usual at the same grind and dose.
• Steam is weaker or the wand spits.
• Coffee tastes less hot or flat.
• White deposits appear around the outlets or in the tank.

Descaling, cleaning and filters work together

Descaling deals with minerals; the cleaning cycle deals with coffee oils. Both matter, and neither replaces the other. Our cleaning guide covers the tablet cycle, and our water filter guide explains fitting and changing the filter. For a machine with more built-in prompts, see our Sage range guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does descaling the Barista Express take? Allow around 30 to 45 minutes including rinsing. The exact time depends on the procedure for your model.

Can I use a non-Sage descaler? Use Sage descaler or one the manual approves. Strong or unsuitable acids can damage seals and void the guarantee.

Do I need to remove the water filter? Yes. Remove it before descaling and refit it, or a new one, after rinsing.

Does a water filter mean I never need to descale? No. A filter reduces scale but does not remove it entirely, especially in hard water.