Breville BES878 Barista Pro Review

The Breville BES878 Barista Pro espresso machine is a highly rated and popular choice among coffee enthusiasts. It promises the complete café experience at home, offering both manual and automatic options for crafting the perfect espresso shot. With an integrated grinder, user-friendly controls, and a sleek design, it’s pitched as a great option for beginners and experienced baristas alike.

I’ve had this machine for several months now, and after a considerable amount of time brewing dozens of espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, I feel ready to offer a comprehensive review. This review will cover every aspect of the Breville Barista Pro: its design, functionality, performance, ease of use, and, most importantly, the quality of the coffee it produces.

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Breville Barista Pro Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Name	Breville BES878 Barista Pro
Dimensions	13.9″ (W) x 16.1″ (H) x 13.5″ (D)
Weight	20 lbs (9.1 kg)
Color Options	Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Sesame, Damson Blue
Heating System	ThermoJet (3-second heat-up)
Pump Pressure	15-bar Italian pump
Power	1680 Watts
Voltage	120V
Water Tank Capacity	2 liters (67 fl oz)
Grinder Type	Integrated conical burr grinder
Grind Settings	30 grind size options
Portafilter Size	54mm stainless steel
Bean Hopper Capacity	8 oz (250g)
Shot Control	Adjustable single or double shots
Dose Control	Adjustable dose, automatic dosing
Pre-Infusion	Low-pressure pre-infusion
Steam Wand	Manual steam wand (360-degree swivel)
Steam Wand Power	Capable of creating microfoam for latte art
Display	LCD display with shot timing and brewing information
Hot Water Function	Yes
Drip Tray	Removable drip tray with “Empty Me” indicator
Cleaning Alerts	Alerts for cleaning and descaling
Included Accessories	– 54mm tamper – Razor precision dose trimming tool – 480ml stainless steel milk jug – Single and dual wall filter baskets – Cleaning kit – Water filter
Warranty	2-year limited product warranty

Pros and Cons of the Breville BES878 Barista Pro Espresso Machine

Pros:

1. Quick Heat-Up Time:

• The ThermoJet heating system heats the machine in just 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest heating espresso machines on the market. This is ideal for those who want a quick coffee without the typical wait time of other machines.

1. Integrated Conical Burr Grinder:

• The built-in grinder offers 30 grind size settings, providing excellent flexibility and eliminating the need to purchase a separate grinder. This makes it a great all-in-one solution for home baristas.

1. User-Friendly Digital Interface:

• The LCD display is intuitive and offers clear, easy-to-follow instructions. It shows shot timing, grind settings, and brew status, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced users who want greater control over their coffee.

1. Pre-Infusion Feature:

• The machine applies low pressure during pre-infusion, which gradually builds up to full pressure, helping to achieve an even extraction. This enhances the flavor and crema quality of the espresso.

1. Customizable Shot Settings:

• Users can easily adjust the grind size, shot volume, and dose, allowing for significant customization based on personal taste and bean type. This ensures consistent and high-quality espresso shots once dialed in.

1. Powerful Steam Wand:

• The manual steam wand provides excellent control over milk frothing, allowing you to create silky microfoam for latte art and textured milk for cappuccinos. It’s suitable for both beginners and those wanting to perfect their milk-frothing skills.

1. Compact and Modern Design:

• The sleek, stainless steel design looks stylish on any countertop without taking up excessive space. Its compact footprint is especially beneficial for smaller kitchens.

1. Low Maintenance and Easy Cleaning:

• The machine includes helpful reminders for descaling and cleaning. The removable parts, such as the drip tray and water tank, make routine cleaning straightforward, and the grinder is easy to maintain.

Cons:

1. Price:

• At around $800 to $900, the Breville Barista Pro is a significant investment. While it offers great value for its features, it may be out of reach for those on a tighter budget.

1. No PID Temperature Control:

• Unlike some higher-end espresso machines, the Barista Pro lacks a dedicated PID temperature control. While the ThermoJet system manages temperature well, more precise temperature adjustments aren’t possible, which could be a drawback for espresso purists.

1. Grind Retention:

• The built-in grinder has a minor issue with grind retention, meaning some coffee grounds may remain in the grinder between uses, potentially affecting freshness. A quick purge can solve this, but it may result in wasted coffee.

1. Manual Milk Frothing Learning Curve:

• While the steam wand is powerful and capable of producing great microfoam, it does require practice to master. Beginners may find it difficult to create perfectly textured milk for lattes or cappuccinos right away.

1. No Dual Boiler:

• The Barista Pro uses a single boiler system, meaning you cannot brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. While the transition between brewing and steaming is quick, it may be a minor inconvenience for those making multiple milk-based drinks in quick succession.

1. Lack of Automatic Milk Frother:

• For users who prefer a more automated experience, the manual steam wand requires more effort. Unlike some competitors that offer automatic milk frothers, the Barista Pro requires hands-on frothing.

1. Wide Footprint:

• While compact in depth, the machine’s width (13.9 inches) might be too large for very small countertops or limited kitchen spaces.

1. Requires Regular Dialing In:

• While the machine allows for a lot of customization, it requires regular tweaking (grind size, dose, shot time) based on the freshness and type of beans used. Beginners may find the initial learning curve steep when trying to dial in the perfect shot.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Breville Barista Pro is its sleek, modern design. The stainless steel body gives it a premium look and feel, and it’s available in various finishes like brushed stainless steel, black sesame, and damson blue, allowing it to blend seamlessly into a range of kitchen styles. It’s compact, especially for an all-in-one machine, so it doesn’t dominate the countertop.

The machine feels solid and well-built. It has a sturdy, weighty presence, and the buttons and dials are well-constructed. The digital LCD interface is one of the standout features in terms of design. Instead of traditional dials for controlling the grind size, extraction time, and other settings, the Barista Pro uses a clear, easy-to-read display. It adds a modern touch while maintaining a functional and intuitive design.

The water tank, which holds around 2 liters, is conveniently placed at the back and is easy to remove for refilling. It includes a handle for carrying, which is a nice touch compared to machines where the tank is hidden or awkward to access. There’s also an indicator that lets you know when the water is running low.

One minor downside, though, is that some users might find the machine a bit wide. It’s about 13.9 inches wide, so in smaller kitchens, it can feel like it’s taking up more space than expected, even though it’s not especially deep or tall. However, given that the Barista Pro combines a grinder and espresso machine into one, it’s compact for its feature set.

Digital Display and User Interface

The Breville Barista Pro’s digital interface sets it apart from many other machines at this price point. The LCD screen offers detailed feedback during each step of the brewing process. Whether you’re adjusting the grind size, measuring shot time, or adjusting milk temperature for steaming, the display guides you with precision.

When you turn the machine on, it’s quick to heat up, thanks to the ThermoJet heating system (more on that later). Once ready, the screen shows whether the machine is primed for brewing espresso or frothing milk. The layout is simple, with a few buttons below the screen for controlling single or double shots, steam, and hot water.

The menu is straightforward. You can easily adjust the grind size and amount, shot volume, and other parameters. The ability to fine-tune these settings is a huge plus for those who are serious about getting their espresso just right. Beginners, too, will appreciate the intuitive nature of the display – it doesn’t overwhelm you with too many options but still offers enough flexibility to learn and grow your barista skills.

One of my favorite features is the automatic shot timer, which displays how long each shot has been pulling in real-time. This is crucial for dialing in the correct extraction time (generally between 25-30 seconds for most espresso shots). After a few tries, you’ll be able to tweak your grind and dose to get that perfect extraction time consistently.

However, while the interface is user-friendly, it’s not touch-sensitive, which may seem like a missed opportunity for some users. In an age where everything is going touch-sensitive, pushing buttons can feel somewhat dated, but this is a minor inconvenience considering how responsive and reliable the system is.

Integrated Grinder and Dose Control

One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Pro is its integrated conical burr grinder. This eliminates the need for a separate grinder and makes the entire espresso-making process much more streamlined. With 30 grind settings to choose from, you have enough variety to adjust the grind to match the type of beans you’re using, ensuring you get the right coarseness or fineness for optimal extraction.

In terms of performance, the grinder is both fast and consistent. It’s surprisingly quiet compared to other grinders, which is a big plus, especially if you’re making coffee early in the morning. The grind size can be adjusted via a dial located on the side of the machine. I found this placement intuitive, as it’s easy to access and adjust even when the machine is in operation.

The dose control is another valuable feature. After selecting your grind size, the machine automatically doses the correct amount of coffee for either a single or double shot. You can also adjust the dose manually if you prefer more or less coffee in your portafilter. I appreciated the consistency here. It took a few shots to dial in the perfect dose, but once set, it remained consistent.

Breville’s Smart Dose technology does a decent job of ensuring the correct amount of coffee is ground based on the grind size and shot size you select. However, I did notice that extremely fine grinds (for ristretto shots, for example) can sometimes result in slightly more coffee than necessary. This isn’t a deal-breaker and can be adjusted manually, but it’s something worth mentioning for those who are very particular about dosing.

Cleaning the grinder is relatively straightforward. The top burr is easy to remove for cleaning, and there’s minimal coffee residue left in the grinder chute. This is important because stale coffee grounds can affect the flavor of your shots.

One downside is that the grind retention is slightly higher than expected. This means that some ground coffee remains in the grinder between uses, which can affect freshness, especially if you switch between different beans. A quick purge before grinding a fresh dose can minimize this issue, though it does mean wasting a little coffee.

ThermoJet Heating System and Temperature Control

One of the key technological advancements in the Breville Barista Pro is its ThermoJet heating system, which is designed for faster heat-up times and more precise temperature control. The system promises to be ready to brew in just three seconds, and from my experience, it lives up to that promise. This is a significant improvement over traditional espresso machines that can take several minutes to heat up.

The benefit of this is obvious: you can make your coffee almost immediately after turning on the machine, which is ideal for busy mornings or whenever you’re in a rush. The fast heat-up time also applies when switching between brewing and steaming, which is where many espresso machines falter. With the Barista Pro, there’s no waiting period between pulling a shot and steaming milk – a common problem in many semi-automatic machines.

In terms of temperature control, the ThermoJet system allows for more precise brewing temperatures. Espresso extraction requires water at around 200°F (93°C), and the Barista Pro manages this well. The temperature is consistent, ensuring that your shots are extracted evenly and at the right heat level, which plays a crucial role in flavor.

For milk-based drinks, the machine heats up quickly for steaming, and the steam wand delivers powerful steam pressure. It’s also equipped with a temperature sensor that cuts off the steam when your milk reaches the optimal frothing temperature. While not as precise as a PID temperature controller found on higher-end machines, the Barista Pro’s system does an impressive job considering its price range.

Speaking of the steam wand, it deserves special mention here. The steam wand is manually operated and provides excellent control over the milk texture. You can easily create microfoam for latte art or froth for a cappuccino. The learning curve is a bit steep if you’ve never steamed milk manually before, but after some practice, it becomes a rewarding experience. For experienced baristas, the steam pressure is sufficient for high-quality microfoam, though it might take slightly longer compared to commercial machines.

In short, the heating system and temperature control are among the Barista Pro’s standout features. The combination of quick heat-up times and consistent water temperature makes it a highly efficient machine, perfect for those who want their espresso fast without compromising quality.

Espresso Shot Quality and Extraction

Ultimately, the most important aspect of any espresso machine is the quality of the espresso it produces. The Breville Barista Pro excels in this area, delivering consistently great shots once properly dialed in. The key to good espresso lies in a balance of factors: grind size, dose, water temperature, and extraction time. The Barista Pro gives you control over all of these factors, allowing you to customize your shots to your taste.

The machine uses Breville’s pre-infusion technology, which gradually increases water pressure to gently expand the coffee grounds before applying full pressure. This process helps ensure even extraction and contributes to the rich crema that’s the hallmark of a well-pulled shot. In my experience, the pre-infusion consistently produced smoother, more balanced shots.

One of the great things about this machine is how forgiving it is. Even if your grind size or dose isn’t perfect, the Barista Pro can still produce a decent shot. Of course, with some experimentation, you’ll find the perfect grind size and dose for your particular beans, and once you do, the consistency is remarkable. I found that the machine performs best when paired with freshly roasted beans, ground to a medium-fine consistency.

The quality of the crema produced by the Barista Pro is impressive

. A thick, golden crema is a sign of a well-extracted shot, and this machine consistently delivers. Crema isn’t just for aesthetics – it’s a key indicator of flavor and mouthfeel. Shots pulled from the Barista Pro have a rich, full-bodied flavor, with the subtle complexities of the coffee beans well-preserved.

One minor critique is that while the machine performs exceptionally well with medium to dark roasts, it can be slightly less forgiving with lighter roasts. Lighter beans typically require a finer grind and a longer extraction time to develop their flavors fully, and while the Barista Pro is capable of this, it can take more tweaking to get the results just right. This may be a drawback for fans of lighter or single-origin coffees.

The machine’s automatic shot timer is a helpful feature for ensuring that your shots fall within the optimal extraction range. A good espresso shot typically takes between 25 to 30 seconds to pull, and the Barista Pro consistently lands in this range when properly dialed in. If your shot pulls too fast or too slow, you can easily adjust the grind size or dose and try again.

For those new to espresso-making, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but the Barista Pro provides a solid foundation for honing your skills. If you’re patient and willing to experiment, this machine will reward you with high-quality espresso that rivals what you’d get in many coffee shops.

Milk Frothing and Latte Art

For milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, the Breville Barista Pro delivers an impressive milk frothing experience. The steam wand is powerful and allows for manual milk frothing, giving you full control over the texture and temperature of the milk. While it’s not as fast as a commercial machine, it’s still quite capable of producing silky-smooth microfoam for latte art.

Creating microfoam takes some practice, especially for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, you can produce café-quality milk texture. The steam wand features a 360-degree swivel, which makes it easy to position your milk jug for optimal frothing. The key to good frothing is positioning the steam wand just below the surface of the milk, allowing air to incorporate into the milk and create that smooth, velvety texture.

The Barista Pro doesn’t feature an automatic milk frother, so if you’re looking for a more hands-off experience, you might want to consider a different model. However, the manual frothing process is part of the charm for those who enjoy mastering their barista skills. There’s a real sense of satisfaction when you finally nail the perfect milk texture for a cappuccino or a flat white.

One small downside is that the steam wand can get quite hot, and there’s no insulation, so you need to be cautious when handling it post-frothing. However, this is a common issue with most machines in this price range, and it’s not a deal-breaker by any means.

The steam pressure is sufficient for creating high-quality froth, but it does take slightly longer than you might experience on higher-end machines. It’s not a major drawback, but if you’re used to commercial-grade equipment, you might notice the difference.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Espresso machines, particularly those with built-in grinders, can be tricky to clean and maintain. Fortunately, the Breville Barista Pro makes this process relatively simple, though it does require regular attention.

The machine includes several helpful reminders for routine maintenance. For instance, it will alert you when it’s time to descale or clean the drip tray. The machine also comes with a water filter in the tank to help reduce the buildup of scale, which is essential for maintaining the longevity of the machine and ensuring the best-tasting coffee.

Cleaning the portafilter and steam wand is straightforward. The portafilter needs to be rinsed after each use, and it’s recommended to wipe down the steam wand immediately after frothing milk to prevent milk residue from hardening. If milk dries inside the wand, it can be a bit more challenging to clean, so it’s best to develop the habit of cleaning it right away.

The drip tray is removable and easy to empty. It’s spacious enough to hold the excess water from cleaning cycles and shot pulling, but it does need to be emptied regularly to avoid overflow. I appreciated the “Empty Me” indicator on the drip tray, which pops up when the tray is full.

Descaling the machine is essential for long-term maintenance, especially if you live in an area with hard water. The Barista Pro includes a descale cycle, and you’ll need to use Breville’s recommended descaling solution. Depending on your water hardness, descaling should be done every few months. The machine will notify you when it’s time to perform this task.

The grinder, as mentioned earlier, is easy to clean, but it does require occasional attention to ensure there’s no coffee buildup. The top burr can be removed for cleaning, and the machine includes a brush for clearing out any residual coffee grounds.

One minor issue is that cleaning the inside of the machine, particularly the area around the group head, can be a bit fiddly. Coffee grounds tend to accumulate here, and while a quick wipe after each use will help, it’s worth giving this area a more thorough clean every week or so.

Value for Money

The Breville Barista Pro is not a cheap machine, retailing around $800 to $900, depending on where you purchase it. However, considering its features, performance, and build quality, it represents excellent value for money. It offers many of the functions and control that you’d typically find on more expensive machines, and it simplifies the espresso-making process without sacrificing quality.

One of the main reasons why the Barista Pro is such good value is the integrated grinder. High-quality espresso grinders alone can cost several hundred dollars, so the fact that you’re getting a capable grinder built into the machine makes it a great all-in-one solution for home baristas. Plus, the machine’s flexibility means that you’re not locked into a particular type of coffee. You can experiment with different beans, grind sizes, and shot volumes to find what works best for you.

For beginners, the Barista Pro is an excellent investment because it’s user-friendly and provides enough guidance to help you improve your skills. For more experienced users, it offers the precision and control needed to craft high-quality espresso consistently.

There are cheaper machines on the market, but they typically lack the advanced features or build quality of the Barista Pro. Similarly, while there are more expensive machines, such as those with commercial-grade components, the Breville Barista Pro strikes a perfect balance between price and performance for the home user.

Comparison with Alternatives

Breville BES878 Barista Pro vs. De’Longhi La Specialista Prestigio EC9355M

When comparing the Breville Barista Pro with the De’Longhi La Specialista Prestigio EC9355M, both machines offer excellent features in the $800 to $900 price range, but they differ in how they approach espresso-making.

Design and Build:
Both machines are sleek and modern, but the De’Longhi has a more classic, polished appearance with chrome finishes, while the Breville looks slightly more contemporary with its brushed stainless steel look. Both are built to last, but the Breville’s compact design might fit better in smaller kitchens, whereas the De’Longhi is slightly bulkier.

Grinder and Coffee Dosing:
One of the most noticeable differences is how the machines handle grinding and dosing. The Breville Barista Pro features an integrated conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings, giving you a wide range of flexibility in terms of grind size. It uses an automatic dose control system that can be adjusted manually, making it highly customizable.

The La Specialista Prestigio, on the other hand, also includes an integrated grinder with a Sensor Grinding Technology that automatically adjusts for a consistent dose. However, it has fewer grind settings (8 levels) compared to the Breville, which limits fine-tuning. It also features a “Smart Tamping Station” that helps tamp the grounds for you, which is a useful feature for beginners but may feel limiting for experienced baristas who prefer more control.

Heating System:
The Breville’s ThermoJet heating system heats up in just 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest machines in this category. De’Longhi’s Dual Heating System takes a bit longer (around 30 seconds), but it allows for separate boilers for brewing espresso and steaming milk simultaneously, which means no wait time between pulling shots and steaming milk, something the Breville lacks.

Steam Wand and Milk Frothing:
In terms of milk frothing, the Breville has a manually operated steam wand that provides excellent control over milk texture, allowing you to create microfoam for latte art. The La Specialista’s wand has a more beginner-friendly “My Latte Art” system, making it easy to create consistent froth, but it’s less powerful than the Breville’s wand, which might be noticeable for experienced users.

Shot Quality:
Both machines deliver high-quality espresso, but the Breville’s finer grind control gives it a slight edge in producing nuanced espresso shots, especially for lighter roasts. De’Longhi’s pre-infusion system is effective, but shots may be less customizable due to fewer grind settings.

Verdict:
For those who want more control over the brewing process, especially in terms of grind size and manual adjustments, the Breville Barista Pro is a better choice. The De’Longhi La Specialista Prestigio is more user-friendly for beginners, particularly with its tamping system and dual boilers, making it an excellent choice for those who value ease of use and consistency in milk-based drinks.

Breville BES878 Barista Pro vs. Gaggia Classic Pro

The Gaggia Classic Pro is often mentioned in the same conversation as the Breville Barista Pro because both machines appeal to those looking for a semi-automatic espresso machine with manual features. However, they are quite different in terms of build, features, and target users.

Design and Build:
The Gaggia Classic Pro has a more traditional, industrial look compared to the sleek and modern Breville Barista Pro. Gaggia’s stainless steel body is solid and durable, but its overall appearance may seem a bit dated to some, especially next to the digital interface of the Breville. The Breville’s LCD screen provides a modern touch and makes it much more user-friendly for beginners or anyone looking for a more streamlined experience.

Grinder:
The Gaggia Classic Pro doesn’t come with an integrated grinder, which means you’ll need to purchase a separate one, adding to the overall cost. On the other hand, the Breville Barista Pro includes a built-in conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings. For those who don’t already own a grinder, the Barista Pro is a more complete, all-in-one solution.

Heating System:
The Breville Barista Pro has a ThermoJet heating system that heats up in 3 seconds, which is incredibly convenient. The Gaggia Classic Pro uses a single boiler, which takes significantly longer (around 5 minutes to heat up) and doesn’t allow for simultaneous brewing and steaming, meaning you’ll have to wait between pulling your shot and frothing milk. This can be a dealbreaker for those who make milk-based drinks often.

Steam Wand and Milk Frothing:
The Gaggia Classic Pro excels in steaming power. It’s equipped with a commercial-style steam wand that offers excellent frothing capabilities, rivaling the Breville. If you’re an experienced home barista who loves frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes, you might appreciate the more powerful steam performance of the Gaggia.

Espresso Quality:
The Gaggia Classic Pro is known for producing outstanding espresso, but it requires more hands-on effort. You need to dial in your grind size, dosing, and tamping, and you won’t have the helpful guidance of a digital display. For experienced users, this is a plus, as the machine offers full manual control and uses a commercial-style portafilter. The Breville, however, offers more consistency and ease of use due to its automated features like pre-infusion and automatic shot timing.

Verdict:
The Breville Barista Pro is a better choice for those who want an all-in-one machine with faster heating, integrated grinding, and a more user-friendly interface. The Gaggia Classic Pro, while requiring more manual skill and an additional grinder purchase, may appeal to purists who prefer a more traditional, hands-on espresso experience and prioritize steam power for milk-based drinks.

Breville BES878 Barista Pro vs. Rancilio Silvia

The Rancilio Silvia is another classic machine that often gets compared to the Breville Barista Pro due to its popularity among home baristas. Both machines are priced similarly, but they cater to slightly different audiences in terms of features and ease of use.

Design and Build:
The Rancilio Silvia has a robust, professional look with a heavy-duty stainless steel construction. Its build quality is highly praised, giving it a longer lifespan than many competitors. The Breville Barista Pro also has a stainless steel finish but is lighter and more compact, making it more suited to smaller kitchens or those looking for a more modern aesthetic. The Barista Pro’s digital display offers a more intuitive user interface, while the Rancilio relies on traditional switches and buttons.

Grinder:
Like the Gaggia Classic Pro, the Rancilio Silvia does not include a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to invest in a high-quality grinder separately, which adds to the cost. The Breville Barista Pro, with its integrated burr grinder, is an all-in-one solution that simplifies the process, especially for beginners.

Heating and Temperature Control:
The Breville’s ThermoJet heating system offers a fast 3-second heat-up time, making it ideal for those who want their coffee quickly. The Rancilio Silvia, however, has a single boiler system that takes around 5-10 minutes to reach brewing temperature and longer to switch between brewing and steaming. Additionally, the Silvia lacks PID temperature control, which can lead to temperature fluctuations during brewing. The Breville Pro offers more consistent temperature control, which ensures better shot quality, especially for those just getting into home espresso-making.

Steam Wand and Milk Frothing:
Both machines come with commercial-grade steam wands, but the Rancilio Silvia has the edge in steam power. The Rancilio Silvia’s wand is capable of delivering professional-grade froth, making it ideal for home baristas serious about milk-based drinks. However, the Breville Barista Pro still offers a solid frothing experience with its manual steam wand, though it may not be as powerful or fast as the Silvia.

Ease of Use:
The Rancilio Silvia is beloved by espresso purists who appreciate the fully manual control it offers. However, the learning curve is much steeper compared to the Breville Barista Pro, which provides helpful automation features like pre-infusion, automatic shot timing, and grind size adjustment, all displayed clearly on its digital interface.

Verdict:
For those who want more control and enjoy the process of mastering espresso, the Rancilio Silvia is a solid choice, though it requires a separate grinder and has a steeper learning curve. For those who want an easier-to-use, all-in-one machine with modern conveniences like an integrated grinder and fast heat-up times, the Breville Barista Pro is the better option, especially for beginners or those with limited time.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Breville BES878 Barista Pro is a fantastic espresso machine for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts. Its combination of an integrated grinder, fast heating system, and intuitive digital controls makes it a standout choice in its price range. While it’s not without its minor drawbacks – such as a slight learning curve for milk frothing and occasional grind retention – these are far outweighed by its numerous advantages.

For those looking to get into home espresso-making, the Barista Pro is an ideal entry point. It offers just enough automation to simplify the process, while still allowing for manual adjustments that can help you learn the craft of espresso making. You’re able to experiment with grind size, dose, and extraction time to achieve the perfect shot, and the results are consistently excellent once you’ve dialed in your settings.

More experienced baristas will also find plenty to love about this machine. The fast heat-up times, precise temperature control, and powerful steam wand offer a great deal of flexibility, making it possible to produce café-quality drinks at home. The integrated grinder is a real highlight, providing a consistent grind that’s crucial for good espresso.

Overall, the Breville Barista Pro is well worth the investment. It combines the convenience of automation with the control and precision of a manual machine, and it does so at a price point that’s very competitive for its feature set. Whether you’re pulling your first shot or perfecting your latte art, this machine is a reliable and capable companion on your coffee journey.