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Replacing BES920 group seal

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  • Replacing BES920 group seal

    We were stuck away from home for about 4 months and on returning, I've found that our BES920 works ok but after pulling each shot, the rim of whatever basket I use feels sticky. I'm pretty sure that the group head seal is degrading and has become sticky, and needs replacing.

    This doesn't sound like a complicated thing to do. I was just going to order one and replace it. I'm wondering (a) if any coffeesnobs have done this and know anything I should watch out for and (b) is there a good place to order them. E.g. I found them at commercial link removed as per Site Posting Policy (I assume that's official) and on ebay for instance ebay link removed as per Site Posting Policy

    That ebay link is definitely not the official product, they say so. But so long as they've got the dimensions and materials right and are upfront about it, maybe that's fine? It's basically an O-ring, it's not rocket science.... right?

    Also anyone know if this seal is rubber or silicone? The ebay link definitely says silicone but if mine is actually degrading and getting sticky, that suggests rubber.

  • #2
    You're right, its not rocket science! Just unscrew the shower screen and pry the seal out.

    The Breville ones are rubber. When deciding which to buy consider that it is an important part of the machine so the cheaper option probably isn't the best. There are silicone ones out there which a lot of people use. They are more expensive but you can get away with replacing them after a few years as opposed to replacing a rubber one every year. I've also heard the silicone ones are more safe to use from a health perspective. I somehow can't believe that the flow of hot water and the many heat cycles doesn't transfer any rubber into your cup.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by trichoplax View Post
      We were stuck away from home for about 4 months and on returning, I've found that our BES920 works ok but after pulling each shot, the rim of whatever basket I use feels sticky. I'm pretty sure that the group head seal is degrading and has become sticky, and needs replacing.

      Also anyone know if this seal is rubber or silicone? The ebay link definitely says silicone but if mine is actually degrading and getting sticky, that suggests rubber.
      They are silicone as standard. They don't degrade or perish but can accumulate coffee oils on them. Removing the seal and soaking in a solution of hot water and backflush detergent will remove this stickiness.

      There are a lot of dodgy sellers out there selling aftermarket seals for Breville and Sunbeam machines. I've seen them first hand and they are terrible quality. I wouldn't buy anything other than OEM.

      The seals will usually last the expected life of the machine (5-7 years) if cared for properly.

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      • wirecutter23
        wirecutter23 commented
        Editing a comment
        This is correct. I meant to say the cheaper ones are rubber. Hence why I provided warning.

    • #4
      Thanks guys, that is really helpful. Sounds like I should take it out and look at it to see if it just needs a clean. The weird thing is that I don't think it was sticky before we went away (it's pretty noticeable) so it has become this way right after a period of disuse... that's why I assumed it was degrading.

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      • #5
        Just to update: looks very much like silicone to me and definitely sticky with oils. Glad I asked here first! Also looking at the shower screen... why didn't I clean this sooner 😬

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        • #6
          Your regular backflushing with chemical cleaner should be keeping the shower screen pretty clean. If it's not either your method or frequency of chemical cleaning is amiss.

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