Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine delivers third-wave specialty coffee with speed, precision, and ease. Ideal for enthusiasts and aspiring baristas, it combines a built-in conical burr grinder, PID temperature control, and a lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system that’s ready in just 3 seconds. The manual steam wand allows users to froth milk for rich, silky microfoam—perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. Housed in brushed stainless steel, it’s both durable and stylish, with a compact footprint that fits most kitchens. With over 3,000 customer reviews and a 4.4-star average rating, it’s a widely praised choice in its category.
Product Highlights & Features
-
ThermoJet Heating System: Reaches optimal extraction temperature in 3 seconds for near-instant espresso readiness.
-
Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: Built-in grinder with 30 grind settings and dose control delivers fresh grounds directly to the portafilter.
-
PID Temperature Control: Maintains precise water temperature (+/- 2°C) for consistent espresso extraction.
-
Low Pressure Pre-Infusion: Gently expands the coffee grounds for even flavor extraction.
-
Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: Professional steam wand allows for latte art and precise milk temperature control.
-
LCD Interface: Displays grind size, shot timing, and step-by-step brewing animations.
-
Stainless Steel Construction: Sturdy brushed stainless steel build with an attractive, modern design.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Breville |
| Model Number | BES878BSS (Barista Pro) |
| Color Options | Black Truffle, Brushed Stainless Steel, Damson Blue, Red Velvet Cake |
| Product Dimensions | 13.5″ D x 13.9″ W x 16″ H |
| Weight | 19.5 lbs (8.8 kg) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (approx. 2.0 liters) |
| Grinder Type | Integrated Conical Burr |
| Heating System | ThermoJet |
| Portafilter Size | 54 mm |
| Power | 1680 watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Interface | Backlit LCD Display |
| Steam Wand | Manual |
| Included Accessories | Portafilter, stainless steel milk jug, Razor dosing tool, cleaning tools |
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS strikes a fine balance between convenience and control. Its fast heating, integrated grinder, and intuitive display make it accessible for beginners, while features like PID temperature control and a manual steam wand satisfy more experienced users. Though it has a slightly smaller 54mm portafilter compared to commercial machines and a somewhat noisy grinder, these are minor trade-offs considering the performance, build quality, and espresso output.
If you’re looking for a semi-automatic espresso machine that can replicate café-quality results at home and grow with your skills, the Barista Pro is a solid investment. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic espresso maker or diving into home brewing for the first time, this machine is sure to elevate your daily coffee experience.
Rating: 9/10 – A premium, feature-rich machine with the speed and precision to match its price.
P The CriticP The Critic –
Best Espresso Maker I’ve Used
I’ve had a few different espresso machines over the last decade, and have tried and returned a couple as well. This one is, by far, my favorite machine for several reasons. Throughout the review I will reference differences primarily with the Barista Express, as that is one that I had for some time as well. The overall appearance of the machine looks good. I have the stainless steel version, and it looks sharp and well built. Breville is the only company I know that has the magnetic tamper holder underneath the top of the unit, and it’s a nice touch. A place to put the tamper, and always know where it is. Also, the tamper is a nice metal one, rather than the thin, light plastic many other brands use. I also like that most, if not all, of what comes in contact with hot liquids is metal rather than plastic (though the portafilter does have some plastic, but I use a naked bottom portafilter as stated below). I kind of like the ease of the automatic machines that grind, tamp, and pull the shot, but the plastic group head makes me a bit uncomfortable. I try to minimize hot foods and liquids contacting plastic as much as possible. If plastic particles can leach out of water bottles, then heated plastics most likely will leach more. As far as performance, I will touch on the grinder, pulling of the shots, hot water spout, and very importantly, the steam wand: I have seen some complaints about Breville’s grinders, and I don’t understand why. Granted, I do believe that most of the complaints come from people who are much more advanced in their coffee preparation and understanding than I am. Nevertheless, I do find the grinder to do a good job. It has fine adjustments that you make with the dial on the left of the machine, plus larger scale adjustments that you can make with the grinder itself under where the bean hopper sits. I wouldn’t say the larger adjustments are super easy, but definitely doable if you follow the directions. I’ve made a single adjustment on the grinder itself and only rely on the fine adjustments other than that. As a side note, I saw on an instructional video by another reviewer that you want to make the fine adjustments while grinding to prevent getting anything stuck. I’m not sure if this is necessary but I do it just in case. I am impressed by how little of a mess the grinding makes. The dosage amount and grind size is consistent once I dialed everything in and left it there. Plus it’s easy to switch from single to double dose. Pulling shots is rather straight forward as well, but does take time getting things right. As far as getting it right, that’s more dependent on the size and dosing of the grinds as well as the tamping force, but you see the results during the shot pull. I don’t use the included portafilter because I’ve always liked the appearance of the naked bottom portafilters, so I found one on Amazon that’s sized for this machine. The naked bottom ones look cool pulling the shot, but make a bit more of a mess than the standard portafilter, and are a little less forgiving than the included one. With a fairly good grind size and amount, you can get good consistent shots. With my Barista Express, I noticed that the second pull was usually more bitter and not as good tasting as the first shot, if pulled within a few minutes of each other. With this machine, I can pull a double shot, steam the milk, then pull another double shot without any issues or difference in taste. The Barista Pro also has the three second heat up time vs the thirty second or so on the Barista Express, which isn’t a huge deal itself but I believe the newer heating unit is more advanced and allows for the better second pull. The hot water spout is angled and can dispense right into the cup after the shot is pulled without having to move the cup to a different location. Also, I like the angled spout versus the one on the Barista Express. As far as the steam wand, it doesn’t seem like there is much advertised or discussed about the improvements of the steam wand versus the Barista Express, but in my opinion, it is far more powerful. I had a lot of difficulty getting the correct texture of milk for latte art, but with the Barista Pro, the steam wand seems much more powerful, faster to steam the milk, and can more easily achieve that proper texture and consistency for good latte art (my latte art isn’t very good, but I’m going to blame that on my skills rather than the steamer). For fairness, I will say that my skills have improved some since having the Barista Express, but I definitely feel a significant difference with this steam wand. Such that I feel that alone makes it worth the increased price compared to the Barista Express. I have also tried an automatic machine. I would say that the automatic machines are easier to use, less of a learning curve (though there is still somewhat of a learning curve) and most give you the option to make a regular drip coffee as well. They don’t usually have as good a shot pull or taste as a unit like this one, and personally I like the “artsy” part of going from grind to shot manually. To conclude, I would definitely recommend this machine to anybody who is looking for very good espresso drinks that are better than what you will usually find in coffee shops, at the comfort of your home. If you’re willing to learn how to use the steam wand well for lattes and cappuccinos, I feel this machine is better than the Barista Touch, and better than other machines in this price range. Within a few months, the machine pays for itself versus getting a latte a few times a week at a coffee shop.
445 people found this helpful
Ethan –
Improved my days
So satisfying to unbox, it was like unwrapping a freakin mercedes. I’ve used espresso machines before plenty (I’m not an expert by any means), and it took me at least a week to get consistently great cappuccinos from it. Now it’s like “whoa” I can spend my morning sipping on some phenomenal coffee :P. The grinder is way quieter than any coffee grinder I’ve tried before, which is a huge plus since in the morning I used to have to block my ears for my old grinder and now it’s fine. I wish there was a way to adjust the brew time of the standard cups (maybe there is but if so it ain’t obvious).
4 people found this helpful
Matthew –
Buy this
I never write reviews but had to for this. I’m in absolute awe at the craftsmanship of this device. I’ve been using one from a competitor the last four years (one that was about 1/3 the cost) and it took forever, produced a mess, and created subpar shots. This machine is way more efficient, much much cleaner with the funnel and easy puck removal, and I make better espresso than almost all of the local craft coffee shops. Well worth the money, highly recommend
Carey –
The Pro is worth it!
We had our original Barista Express for ten years. It finally pooped out on us (maybe could have been fixed but we decided it was time for a new one). We got the pro thinking it probably wouldn’t be much different but that the digital aspects would be nice.This is definitely a superior machine! It’s so much faster than the regular express, the drip tray is larger, and the tank holds more water. It even beeps at you if the water is low so you don’t forget to fill it. The speed alone makes it so worth it! I’d say it takes minutes off each drink, which doesn’t sound like much, but if you’re trying to hurry out the door you can definitely tell! Getting a good froth in the milk is easier too, and the design of the wand seems to clean better and have less build up.If this is something you plan to use 1+ times per day then then it’s definitely worth it!
13 people found this helpful
Becca –
Great!
I am completely obsessed with my Breville. I use it multiple times per day! I am a newbie with coffee-making, but this machine was easy enough to learn with a handful of YouTube videos.
2 people found this helpful
B –
Life changing. Game changer. If my house catches fire, I’ll grab this and my Fiance.
If you keep it clean, it works quite well. The version we got has the upgraded grinder and I think it does a great job. Every new bag takes time a pull or two to dial in. I recommend you remove the top, pull out the grinder, and make it finer by 2 steps. From there, most whole beans from the store taste good between 7 and 20 from the dial on the left side.The milk frother does its job well. Pro tip, keep a rag nearby when using the steamer. To clean, fold the rag a couple of times, grab the tip of the steam wand and turn it on.Read the manual, keep it clean, and buy beans that were roasted within the last month. You’re going to love this machine!
12 people found this helpful
Christopher Campbell –
My first actual Espresso machine. I’m already a pro.
I recently upgraded to the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine in Damson Blue, and it’s quickly become the star of my kitchen. As someone who’s dabbled with entry-level espresso makers before, I was ready for a machine that could deliver café-quality coffee without overwhelming me with complexity. This sleek, stylish machine has exceeded my expectations in almost every way.First, the design is a standout. The Damson Blue finish is a gorgeous, deep hue that adds a pop of personality to my countertop—far more interesting than the usual stainless steel or black options. It’s compact enough for a home setup but feels substantial, with a brushed stainless steel body that screams durability. The layout is intuitive, and the backlit LCD display makes it easy to navigate settings, even before my morning coffee kicks in.What really sold me is the speed. The ThermoJet heating system gets this thing ready to brew in just 3 seconds—seriously, I barely have time to grab my portafilter before it’s good to go. Compared to my old machine, which took ages to heat up, this is a game-changer. The integrated conical burr grinder is another huge plus. With 30 grind settings, I can dial in the perfect coarseness for my beans (I’ve been loving a medium roast lately). It grinds directly into the 54mm portafilter with a single touch, and the dose control ensures I’m not wasting coffee.Pulling shots is where the Barista Pro shines. The digital temperature control (PID) keeps the water at a steady +/- 2°C, and the low-pressure pre-infusion ramps up to a 9-bar extraction—textbook stuff for balanced, flavorful espresso. My shots have been consistently rich, with a thick crema that rivals my local coffee shop. I’ve been playing with the programmable shot volumes (1 or 2 cups), and once you find your sweet spot, it’s effortless to replicate. The included Razor tool helps level the puck perfectly, which is a nice touch for beginners like me who are still mastering the tamp.Steaming milk is a breeze too. The ThermoJet system switches from espresso to steam instantly, and the wand produces silky microfoam with minimal effort. I’ve been practicing latte art (with mixed results!), but the texture is spot-on for cappuccinos and flat whites. The 68oz water tank and 9oz bean hopper mean I’m not constantly refilling, which is clutch for my caffeine-heavy household.There are a few minor gripes. The 54mm portafilter is slightly smaller than the commercial 58mm standard, so upgrading accessories might be tricky down the line. Also, the grinder isn’t as quiet as I’d hoped—nothing disruptive, but it’s noticeable in a silent kitchen. Cleaning is straightforward, though; the drip tray and portafilter wipe down easily, and the machine prompts you when it’s time to descale.Overall, the Breville Barista Pro in Damson Blue is a fantastic blend of style, speed, and performance. It’s perfect for home baristas who want pro-level results without a pro-level learning curve. At this price point (around $850), it’s a solid investment that’s already paid off in coffee shop savings. I’d give it 5 stars—highly recommend for anyone ready to elevate their espresso game!
19 people found this helpful
Heather Foxman –
Breville came thru in the end 🙂
I have had my Breville for 2.5 years and overall it has been a great experience. The machine is very easy to use – a beginner can make an excellent latte in minutes – but you can also play with various features to suit your particular espresso and latte style. I especially like how this machine heats up immediately – no waiting for coffee! Want it now? You got it! NEW feature – the small funnel that comes with it now keeps all the grounds in when. it comes out of the grinder so no mess – fabulous! How am I able to compare the new machine with the slightly older one? Well . . . I have been very happy with this machine . . until just recently – I cannot tell a lie – we had a rocky spell, Breville and I. But as they came thru for me I the end, I have raised my review back up to a 5. technically, due to the fact that it happened, perhaps I should have put a 4.5, but that isn’t possible. What happened was my machine just stopped working. I called support and the representative did a video chat with me to try to fix it on the spot. It was great that they could run me thru the different “fixit things” to try right over the phone, but eventually it became obvious that it needed something more than advanced cleaning. They were very prompt – they sent me a box to ship it in just like a day – super fast. A couple days later they then sent an e-mail with a quote and I decided to spend the money because I really really love this machine. It wasn’t cheap – but shipping was included so really not bad over all. And I wanted the professionals fixing it, not me trying this and that off of a DIY YouTube video and getting no where. So they fixed it and sent it back super fast – BUT – sadly, in their haste to get it back quickly to me, the technicians shipped it in a wet condition, and when it arrived it stunk and had rust marks on the face plate! Yikes. I was very very upset as it was not at all in that condition when I sent I to them. I had waited a couple days to send it and let the machine dry out on purpose. I can only think that it was an inexperienced technician who was trying to get it back to me super fast who made this mistake, and hopefully they are taking steps so this never happens to anyone else again! Initially they did not offer me any sort of compensation for this mistake – even tho having these blemishes was really upsetting and really spoiled the art factor of this machine – cause really – it is beautiful looking – it isn’t just an old coffee maker – it is a show piece in your home! I have mine proudly on display and serve coffee to all my guests! It looks fantastic on my counter! So when they did nothing for me I wrote my review detailing what had happened and lowered my rating to a 3. And then magically, someone at Breville either listened to what I told the representatives, or saw my review or I don’t know – but they suddenly did the right thing and approved a replacement machine! At no cost to me. I was ecstatic. Breville did right by me. It actually brings tears to my eyes cause I bought my original machine with money my Dad left me when he passed away. Otherwise it was really out of my price range. So thank you Breville – you warmed my heart and corrected your mistake and for that I give you 5 stars! You did the right and ethical thing. You can trust this company.
30 people found this helpful
Cris –
machine is long lasting, and makes deliscious coffee
If one cleans it regularly, descales, flushes, etc., it works great. We have had the machine for over a year, and it makes excellent coffee. We had no problems with it. I LOVE IT AND I USE IT EVERY DAY.
2 people found this helpful
Cat –
Like it
Love it so far