Brand | Breville |
---|---|
Model Number | 624306-BES878BSS1BUS1 |
Colour | Brushed Stainless Steel |
Product Dimensions | 33.02 x 35.56 x 40.64 cm; 8.85 kg |
Capacity | 2 liters |
Power/Wattage | 1680 watts |
Voltage | 120 |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Special Features | Programmable |
Item Weight | 8.85 kg |
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Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
Brand | Breville |
Capacity | 2 liters |
Colour | Brushed Stainless Steel |
Product Dimensions | 33D x 35.6W x 40.6H Centimetres |
Special feature | Programmable |
Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Filter type | Reusable |
Style | Barista Pro |
Specific uses for product | Espresso, Mocha, Latte, Cappuccino |
About this item
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- The Breville Barista Pro delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: With a single touch, the integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand, for maximum flavor. Manual removable magnetic tamper
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds with the instantaneous transition from espresso to steam
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at the right temperature plus & minus 2°C, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performs at the level allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art at home
- INTUITIVE INTERFACE: LCD display with grinding and extracting progress animations; The screen provides you all the descriptive information you need to make coffee exactly the way you like it every time
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Single & Dual Wall (1 and 2 Cup) Filter Baskets, The Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool, 480 ml Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Cleaning Kit and Water Filter
- CAPACITY & SETTINGS: 1 by 2 lb, Bean Hopper; 67 oz Water Tank; Adjustable Grind Control; Intuitive LCD Interface; 1 or 2 Cup Volumetric Control.WARRANTY: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty; Power: 1680 Watts; Voltage: 120 Volts
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in this set of products- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES870XLFREE Shipping by 鶹Get it by Tuesday, Jul 1
From the manufacturer



Kitchen appliances designed to inspire people to produce perfect food and beverage results in their own homes with ease. From espresso machines to food processors, the innovation in each appliance delights. Breville makes the process a pleasure and the end result perfect, every time.
the Barista Pro by Breville, BES878BSS1BUS1
Intuitive interface, built-in grinder and precise espresso extraction, all in a compact footprint.
Barista-quality performance with a new intuitive interface that provides all the information you need to create café quality coffee at home. The built-in grinder delivers the right amount of ground coffee on demand, for full flavor. With a 3 second heat up time and precise espresso extraction, you go from bean to cup, faster than ever before.
The 4 keys formula for third wave specialty coffee at home:
- Rich, full flavor
- Perfectly balanced taste
- Irresistible body
- Silky, velvety mouthfeel
The 4 keys formula for third wave specialty coffee at home.
1. Rich, full flavor
Full-bodied coffee with rich and complex flavors is created using the right dose of 19-22g of freshly ground beans. This dose allows the coffee to fully express the incredible aroma, intense flavors and distinctive character of the coffee, for a true cafe quality result. Anything less than the optimal dose results in a weak and watery taste experience.
2. Perfectly balanced taste
Sweet, delicious and nuanced flavor notes begin with precise control over water temperature. Digital temperature control (PID) technology precisely controls water temperature for a perfectly balanced coffee extraction, giving you the control and consistency for delicious tasting coffee every time.
3. Irresistible body
An opulent, creamy and caramel-colored espresso starts with low pressure pre-infusion that soaks the grinds, allowing water to pass evenly through the coffee during the high pressure (9 bar) extraction process, delivered via our 15 bar Italian pump. This results in a rich, sweet and viscous espresso.
4. Silky, velvety mouthfeel
Savor the silky taste and velvety mouthfeel of true microfoam milk. The milk is steamed with pressure that creates thousands of tiny bubbles, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel, while the temperature brings out the milk’s sweetness, exciting your taste buds, for a harmonious blend of rich, sweet milk and syrupy, golden espresso.
Special Features of the Barista Pro
Intuitive Interface
LCD display with grinding and extracting progress animations. The screen provides you all the precise information you need to make coffee exactly the way you like it, every time.
Faster Heat Up Time
Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds with instantaneous transition from espresso to steam. Ready to make your best coffee without the wait.
Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
With a single touch, the integrated conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand, for maximum flavor. Adjustable grind size and dose.
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Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,979
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4.4 out of 5 stars 24,949
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4.4 out of 5 stars 2,513
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4.3 out of 5 stars 3,296
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4.0 out of 5 stars 273
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3.2 out of 5 stars 411
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Interface | Button Control | Analog Gauge Button Control | LCD Screen & Button Control | Swipe & Select Touch Screen | LCD Screen; Button Control | Swipe & Select Touch Screen |
Hands on like a barista | - no data | ✓ | ✓ | - no data | - no data | - no data |
Cafe Quality Microfoam | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Precise Milk Temperature, Automatically | ✓ | - no data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Built-In Grinder | - no data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Compact Footprint | ✓ | ✓ | - no data | - no data | - no data | - no data |
3 Second Heat Up | ✓ | - no data | ✓ | ✓ | - no data | - no data |
Good for Entertaining | - no data | - no data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Product description
Make barista-style beverages from the comfort of your own home with the the Barista Pro from Breville. The intuitive interface with LCD display provides you all the precise information you need to make coffee exactly the way you like it, every time. Thanks to the innovative ThermoJet heating system, the Barista Pro achieves the optimum extraction temperature in three seconds with instantaneous transition from espresso to steam. This, along with Digital Temperature Control (PID) ensures optimal espresso extraction for a balanced tasting cup. The integrated conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand for maximum flavor. What's more, the Barista Pro includes a powerful steam wand and stainless steel milk jug, allowing you to hand texture micro-foam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latté art. Backed by a manufacturer's two year limited warranty, the the Barista Pro provides everything you need to create café quality coffee at home.13-9/10" L x 16-2/5" W x 15-9/10" H, with a 67 ounce capacity
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B08133HX34 |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
鶹 Rank |
|
Date First Available | July 4 2019 |
Manufacturer | Breville |
Place of Business | BROOKLYN, NY, 11208 US |
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Top Brand: Breville
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This Item 𱹾BES878BSS Barista Pro Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel | Recommendations | |||||
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Price | — | -22%$899.99$899.99 List: $1,149.99 | -20%$1,279.99$1,279.99 List: $1,599.99 | $349.97$349.97 | $986.84$986.84 | -21%$1,899.99$1,899.99 List: $2,399.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it by Tuesday, Jul 1 | Get it by Tuesday, Jul 1 | Get it Jul 9 - 16 | Get it by Tuesday, Jul 1 | Get it by Tuesday, Jul 1 |
Customer ratings | ||||||
Sold by | — | 鶹.ca | 鶹.ca | OnlineLiving | 鶹.ca | 鶹.ca |
capacity | 2 liters | 2 liters | — | 1.8 liters | 67.6 fluid ounces | 84 ounces |
material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
input interface | buttons | touch screen | touch screen | touch screen | buttons, dial | buttons |
voltage | — | 120 volts | 120 volts | — | 120 volts | 110 volts |
wattage | 1680 watts | 1750 watts | 1680 watts | — | 1600 watts | 1700 watts |
model name | the Barista Pro | Barista Express Impress | Barista Touch | — | La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine with Cold Brew | BES920XL |
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Customer reviews
Customers say
Customers like the performance, coffee quality, and ease of use of the expresso machine. They mention it works extremely well and makes great coffee. However, some customers have mixed opinions on the quality.
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Customers are satisfied with the performance of the expresso machine. They mention it works extremely well and the steam for frothing is the best.
"...It still works perfectly, grinds perfectly, etc. Nothing bad to say since it was as advertised." Read more
"...Able to pull good single and double shots, everything works great, and my latte art has improved too. Orange cup is 4 months later!..." Read more
"I've had an older version for the last 7 years, and it still works great, I needed one for my office so I decided to purchase a new Breville...." Read more
"This expresso machine works extremely well- and steam for frothing is the best- fast and effective--I've had 4 different machines now trying to find..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the coffee quality of the coffee maker. They mention it makes great coffee.
"...Pros: intuitive to use, fast heat up, makes delicious coffee! Cons: pricey, but worth it for our family of 4 coffee drinkers...." Read more
"This coffee machine makes great coffee!" Read more
Customers find the coffee maker easy to use.
"...Pros: intuitive to use, fast heat up, makes delicious coffee! Cons: pricey, but worth it for our family of 4 coffee drinkers...." Read more
"Great machine, easy to use…love it." Read more
"easy to use..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the quality of the coffee maker. Some mention it's a good product, while others say the quality is not the same.
"Had an issue and Breville solved it with a new machine. Great product and company." Read more
"...Breville didn't update anything on the machine but the quality was not the same and the new machine failed five weeks after the warranty expired...." Read more
"Great machine, easy to use…love it." Read more
"manufacture default! Quality control is not good. Returned and waiting for refund and refund time is up to 30 days I think it is not reasonable." Read more
Reviews with images

So happy with this machine!
Top reviews from Canada
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- Reviewed in Canada on January 3, 2025Verified PurchaseWe bought this espresso machine in october 2022 and we used it daily.
It still works perfectly, grinds perfectly, etc.
Nothing bad to say since it was as advertised.
- Reviewed in Canada on December 24, 2023Verified PurchaseThe media could not be loaded.
Update: it’s been nearly 4 months since owning this machine and my barista skills have improved! Able to pull good single and double shots, everything works great, and my latte art has improved too. Orange cup is 4 months later!
Note: I have since purchased leveler/tamper, new pitcher and barista cloths from 鶹.
Was intimidated at first with all the pieces and learning curve to get the right grind, dose, pulling a perfect shot, and steaming the milk. After two weeks and watching some YouTube videos, it’s second nature. Pros: intuitive to use, fast heat up, makes delicious coffee! Cons: pricey, but worth it for our family of 4 coffee drinkers. So far it’s been great once we got our adjustments made with some trial and error. Highly recommend!
Update: it’s been nearly 4 months since owning this machine and my barista skills have improved! Able to pull good single and double shots, everything works great, and my latte art has improved too. Orange cup is 4 months later!
Note: I have since purchased leveler/tamper, new pitcher and barista cloths from 鶹.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in Canada on July 5, 2023Verified PurchaseI've had an older version for the last 7 years, and it still works great, I needed one for my office so I decided to purchase a new Breville.
I have no regrets it does everything my old one did except better.
I look forward to my Americano's every day and my clients loves the Espressos and Cappuccinos.
I even figured out how to make cool designs with the milk foam.
- Reviewed in Canada on May 25, 2024Verified Purchase100 :)
- Reviewed in Canada on January 30, 2024Verified PurchaseThis coffee machine makes great coffee!
- Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2025Verified PurchaseThis is the last Breville product I'll ever buy. I bought my first Breville Espresso BES870XL machine over a decade ago and was extremely happy with it. I got about 9 years of very good use out of it and when it was beyond repair I did not hesitate to buy the same BES870XL model again. I was surprised that after a decade, Breville didn't update anything on the machine but the quality was not the same and the new machine failed five weeks after the warranty expired. Feels like designed/planned obsolescence to me. I thought this was bad luck so I looked at the new Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro model and liked a lot of the upgrades. Well, after using the new machine for a couple of months I am so disappointed. Some of the new features and upgrades are really nice, especially the new boiler technology but the poor quality of manufacturing and appalling design of the controls and LCD interface is incredibly frustrating and disappointing. I'm not going to list everything because I have better things to do with my time but the fact you can't change certain settings, terrible vibration that even moves cups, the magnet sensor for the water level and the mechanics of the selector (feels like something is going to break every time I rotate it) makes me regret buying this machine, I even got it on sale and still don't like it. It appears Breville and every other company are are only focused on cutting costs and moving as much inventory as possible through designed/planned obsolescence and designs that make right to repair worthless because these machines are a nightmare to work on and fix, not to mention the insanely expensive and difficult to obtain replacement parts. I'm going to spend the extra money and buy a German or Italian machine, they are much more expensive but you can easily repair them and keep them for life which makes them more cost effective over time. They are also nicer to look at, not plastic and wafer thin stainless steel cladding, disgusting.
- Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2022Verified PurchaseThis expresso machine works extremely well- and steam for frothing is the best- fast and effective--I've had 4 different machines now trying to find the best one and this is it!
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Reviewed in Canada on May 19, 2021Verified PurchaseLe broyeur est très précis. Lorsque vous avez déterminé la durée de broyage qui vous convient , le volume de café est précis.
Un gros avantage est la rapidité d’obtenir la vapeur.
Trouver la recette qui nous convient fut facile et rapide. Par la suite, cette machine répète agréablement bien. Chaque café est un délice!
Top reviews from other countries
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VladReviewed in Mexico on June 28, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Por fin, una buena taza de café todos los días
Verified PurchaseThe media could not be loaded.
En su rango de precios, es difícil conseguir algo mejor. La Breville Barista Pro cuenta con una bomba italiana de 15 bares, un aceptable sistema de calentamiento (ThermoJet) con el cual no hay que esperar demasiado para poder preparar la primer taza de café, y un molino aceptable, considerando que viene integrado en la máquina. Es lo suficientemente automatizada para controlar las principales variables en el proceso de extracción, a la vez que lo suficientemente manual para permitir mejorar la técnica personal de preparación; antes de brincar a una máquina más profesional (y mucho más cara), si es lo que se desea.
Esta máquina es un poco inconsistente durante su proceso, lo que dificulta obtener siempre los mejore resultados, pero, en este precio, creo que no se puede encontrar algo que brinde mejores resultados. Así que, para empezar, es una buena alternativa.
Otra buena opción, posiblemente mejor en cuanto a la extracción, podría ser una Gaggia Classic Pro emparejada con un buen molino. Pero no me animé a tomar este camino porque, al menos en México, no vi que sea muy factible el poder hacer válida su garantía. Por lo mismo, con las máquinas Breville, hay que tener cuidado de comprarla solo si es vendida directamente por 鶹 México, no 鶹 EEUU por un tercero desconocido, y que no vaya a ser una máquina reacondicionada. Al recibirla, hay que registrarla en la página de Breville México; con eso te aseguras de que la garantía de tu máquina esté vigente.
Para poderle sacarle el mayor provecho, esta máquina requiere un cierto nivel entendimiento de lo que se está haciendo; pero el poder disfrutar una buena taza de café cuando lo desees - y no solo una regular, por tomar café - para mi lo vale. Si ajustar varias cosas para buscar preparar el mejor café posible no es lo tuyo, te pueden venir mejor las versiones "touch" de estas máquinas, pero, si solo tomas café americano, igual te puedes quedar con una máquina de goteo y sería mucho más barato.
Para poder preparar una buena taza de café se requieren 3 cosas: Un buen café en grano, un buen molino de café y una buena máquina para realizar la extracción. El molino y la máquina de extracción son suficientemente buenos para empezar a profundizar en el mundo del café, pero, si no utilizas un buen café, no tendrás buenos resultados.
Para tener el mejor precio, hay que estar cazando las ofertas en 鶹. La puedes conseguir hasta en un 25% menos que su precio de lista en la página de Breville México, vendida directamente por 鶹 y sin ser reacondicionada. Eso si, hay que comprar varios accesorios para tener mejores resultados.
VladPor fin, una buena taza de café todos los días
Reviewed in Mexico on June 28, 2024
En su rango de precios, es difícil conseguir algo mejor. La Breville Barista Pro cuenta con una bomba italiana de 15 bares, un aceptable sistema de calentamiento (ThermoJet) con el cual no hay que esperar demasiado para poder preparar la primer taza de café, y un molino aceptable, considerando que viene integrado en la máquina. Es lo suficientemente automatizada para controlar las principales variables en el proceso de extracción, a la vez que lo suficientemente manual para permitir mejorar la técnica personal de preparación; antes de brincar a una máquina más profesional (y mucho más cara), si es lo que se desea.
Esta máquina es un poco inconsistente durante su proceso, lo que dificulta obtener siempre los mejore resultados, pero, en este precio, creo que no se puede encontrar algo que brinde mejores resultados. Así que, para empezar, es una buena alternativa.
Otra buena opción, posiblemente mejor en cuanto a la extracción, podría ser una Gaggia Classic Pro emparejada con un buen molino. Pero no me animé a tomar este camino porque, al menos en México, no vi que sea muy factible el poder hacer válida su garantía. Por lo mismo, con las máquinas Breville, hay que tener cuidado de comprarla solo si es vendida directamente por 鶹 México, no 鶹 EEUU por un tercero desconocido, y que no vaya a ser una máquina reacondicionada. Al recibirla, hay que registrarla en la página de Breville México; con eso te aseguras de que la garantía de tu máquina esté vigente.
Para poderle sacarle el mayor provecho, esta máquina requiere un cierto nivel entendimiento de lo que se está haciendo; pero el poder disfrutar una buena taza de café cuando lo desees - y no solo una regular, por tomar café - para mi lo vale. Si ajustar varias cosas para buscar preparar el mejor café posible no es lo tuyo, te pueden venir mejor las versiones "touch" de estas máquinas, pero, si solo tomas café americano, igual te puedes quedar con una máquina de goteo y sería mucho más barato.
Para poder preparar una buena taza de café se requieren 3 cosas: Un buen café en grano, un buen molino de café y una buena máquina para realizar la extracción. El molino y la máquina de extracción son suficientemente buenos para empezar a profundizar en el mundo del café, pero, si no utilizas un buen café, no tendrás buenos resultados.
Para tener el mejor precio, hay que estar cazando las ofertas en 鶹. La puedes conseguir hasta en un 25% menos que su precio de lista en la página de Breville México, vendida directamente por 鶹 y sin ser reacondicionada. Eso si, hay que comprar varios accesorios para tener mejores resultados.
Images in this review
- P The CriticReviewed in the United States on January 15, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Espresso Maker I've Used
Verified PurchaseI'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 鶹 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.
P The CriticBest Espresso Maker I've Used
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2021
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 鶹 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.
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MipemaReviewed in Mexico on October 26, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow llevo un año y que locura de maquina
Verified Purchaseme encanta que todos los días me puedo hacer un capuchino de calidad , es excelente el servicio que presta esta maquina y lo único que recomiendo comprar es una tapa que va encima del maneral para que encaje cuando muelas los granos así evitaras derrames de polvo y granos en la charola , la lanceta no tiene tanta potencia pero lo suficiente si eres paciente para que te hagas una espuma de excelente calidad , los videos en youtube ayudaron mucho para saber como prepararlo , la verdad es una maquina casera de buen acabados y calidad precio ,les recomiendo esta maquina.
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samia bujdudReviewed in Mexico on February 19, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente maquina
Verified PurchaseExcelente compra, relación precio/calidad. El molino trabaja excente, no sé tarda tanto el espumar la Leche, café espresso suave, con buena costra.
- BReviewed in the United States on June 16, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing. Game changer. If my house catches fire, I’ll grab this and my Fiance.
Verified PurchaseIf 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!