The Breville / Sage Oracle shows this code with identical meaning and fix as the Oracle Touch. Full guide for ER31.
Applies to: Oracle.
How to fix Error 31
- Remove the portafilter and wipe the tamper head and cradle with a dry cloth; oily buildup can make the tamper stick.
- Check the tamp fan is fitted correctly after any cleaning.
- Coarsen the grind slightly and retry.
- If the tamper jams mid-stroke every time, contact Breville or an authorised service centre. Do not open the machine.
When to stop and call a repairer
Keep fingers clear of the tamper cradle while it moves.
What it costs
| Parts | Not published by Breville. Ask an authorised service centre for a quote. |
|---|---|
| Service | Not published by Breville. Ask an authorised service centre for a quote. |
| Worth repairing? | Cleaning is free. For a motor, ask for a quote. |
How to check the error log
Leave the machine plugged in but switched off. Press and hold 1 CUP, 2 CUP and POWER together for at least one second. After the long beep the LCD shows the firmware version (starts with "Fr"). Press the SELECT dial once to open Error Storage, then rotate it to step through errors 1 to 32 and the stored count for each. Scroll past error 32 to "ErSt" and hold SELECT for 3 seconds to clear the log.
Clear the log after a repair so you can tell whether the fault has really gone.
Beyond the fix
Tips and tricks
- Remove the tamping fan with the supplied magnet, clean out trapped grounds, and refit it by hand to the drive shaft.manufacturer manual
- Listen: a working tamper audibly runs before and after grinding; in a repair video that sound was missing until the tamping controller was replaced.technician video
- Clear stored errors in the service menu and restart; a stale fault can keep the machine from running after a jam is cleared.technician video
Common mistakes
- Leaving the tamping fan out, so the portafilter overfills.
- Replacing the grinder when the tamper side is at fault.
Easily confused with
- ER30 is the grinder motor timing out.
Further reading
Questions
What does Error 31 mean on the Breville / Sage Oracle?
Tamping motor timed out during operation. The tamping or dosing motor did not finish its travel in the time allowed. Dried coffee oils on the tamper head, a portafilter not seated in the cradle, or a very fine grind that packs hard are plausible reasons. Breville does not publish this code table, so the meaning comes from third-party service tables.
Can I fix Error 31 myself?
DIY difficulty: easy. Remove the portafilter and wipe the tamper head and cradle with a dry cloth; oily buildup can make the tamper stick. Check the tamp fan is fitted correctly after any cleaning.
How much does it cost to fix Error 31?
Not published by Breville. Ask an authorised service centre for a quote. Not published by Breville. Ask an authorised service centre for a quote.
Is it worth repairing?
Cleaning is free. For a motor, ask for a quote.
Error 31 during startup or during use?
Breville / Sage Oracles report Error 31 while brewing or steaming. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with Error 31 showing?
Generally yes — Error 31 is more of an annoyance than an emergency. Fix it when convenient; just do not let the cause sit for months.
Will Error 31 clear on its own?
Often, yes. The first step (remove the portafilter and wipe the tamper head and cradle with a dry cloth; oily buildup can make the tamper stick) clears a share of cases on its own. If the code comes straight back, the part is genuinely at fault.
How long does the repair take?
Fifteen to thirty minutes with basic tools, once you have the part.