Quick Overview – Why This Espresso Machine Matters
If you’ve ever spent too much time or money chasing that perfect coffee shop espresso, the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS could be your ticket to café-level drinks from your own kitchen. After researching what makes top espresso machines stand out, I discovered this model is packed with smart features that simplify quality coffee at home.
- Brand: Breville
- Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
- Water Tank: 67 oz
- Integrated Burr Grinder: Yes, precision conical
- Heat-up Time: 3 seconds (ThermoJet system)
- LCD Display: Intuitive with animations
- Milk Frothing: Steam wand, manual texture
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
- Accessories: Filter baskets, dosing tool, milk jug, cleaning kit, water filter
Whether you’re a beginner eager for easy lattes or a coffee enthusiast who likes full control, this machine offers plenty of flexibility and pro-level results. In this review, I’ll share my research and expertise to help you decide if this espresso maker fits your needs, expectations, and kitchen routine.
Why We Chose the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS
Using a structured evaluation of espresso machines, I looked for a blend of performance, ease, and genuine user satisfaction. Here’s what sets the Barista Pro BES878BSS apart in a crowded market:
- The only machine in its class with a fast 3-second heat up and simultaneous grind-dose mechanism.
- Consistently high ratings (4.4/5 stars across over 3,200 reviews) show reliability and broad customer appeal.
- Part of Breville’s trusted Barista series, offering third wave coffee features and responsive support.
Competitors often lack either the heating speed, the intuitive interface, or the all-in-one convenience found here. For those who want barista-quality espresso without the long waiting or steep learning curve, this model offers excellent value and dependability.
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Who Is the Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS Ideal For?
If you crave that café-quality espresso, cappuccino, or latte but want it at home on your schedule, the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS is designed for you. Its smart features make it both beginner-friendly and satisfying for experienced home baristas who enjoy experimentation.
- Busy professionals who need fast, high-quality espresso at home
- Beginners wanting easy setup and learning support (helpful LCD and guides)
- Enthusiasts ready to tailor grind, dose, and milk texture to personal taste
- Hosts who want to impress friends with coffee-shop drinks at gatherings
- Design-focused users who appreciate a stainless steel showpiece on the counter
Not recommended for: Those with very limited counter space, individuals seeking a fully automatic coffee machine, or users who don’t want any hands-on coffee making at all.
Specifications & Practical Impact
| Specification | Details | What it Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Model | BES878BSS1BUS1 | Latest Barista Pro version with updated features |
| Bean Hopper Size | 1/2 lb | Can grind enough coffee before needing refill |
| Water Tank | 67 oz | Less frequent refilling, enough for households or guests |
| Heating System | ThermoJet, 3-second heat up | No waiting for your morning shot |
| Display | LCD Animation | Simplifies each coffee step |
| Grinder Type | Integrated Burr (conical, adjustable) | Fresh ground taste for every cup |
| Milk Frothing | Manual steam wand | Create latte art or silky microfoam at home |
| Weight | 19.5 lbs | Stable, durable build |
| Dimensions | 13″ x 14″ x 16″ | Needs a medium countertop space |
| Included Accessories | Single & dual wall baskets, milk jug, cleaning kit, water filter, dosing tool | Ready-to-brew out of the box |
Precise Espresso Extraction with Digital Controls
One of the standout features for this model is its use of digital PID temperature control. This means the Breville Barista Pro delivers water at an ideal and consistent temperature, locked in for perfect extraction every time. No more overheating or weak shots; just balanced espresso flavor.
For instance, if you’re using single-origin beans, a steady temperature ensures every nuance comes through. The LCD interface provides animation and feedback, letting you control shot volume and monitor progress—a huge plus for those learning espresso basics.
Smart Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
The built-in adjustable burr grinder is a dream feature for fresh coffee lovers. With a single touch, it delivers just the right amount of ground coffee on demand. You can play with grind sizes and amounts to discover your ideal flavor profile, which is especially useful if you enjoy trying different beans or roasts.
Many beginner espresso makers leave you guessing or buying expensive external grinders. This integrated grinder simplifies everything, giving more control and fresher flavor in each cup.
Faster ThermoJet Heating System
The Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS uses an innovative ThermoJet system, letting the machine heat up in only 3 seconds. Unlike many espresso makers that can take minutes just to be ready, this is a game changer for those morning rushes and quick gatherings.
Switching from coffee brewing to steam for milk is instant, allowing seamless drink creation—no waiting between steps, just espresso or café lattes on demand.
Real Microfoam Milk Texturing with Manual Steam Wand
For latte art fans or cappuccino lovers, the manual steam wand gives you power to create café-style microfoam. This is a hands-on feature loved by experienced baristas, but it’s easy enough for beginners thanks to the machine’s consistent steam performance.
Whether you use dairy or non-dairy milk, the machine can achieve creamy texture and beautiful layers, perfect for Instagram-worthy drinks or impressing guests.
Pros and Cons of the Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS
Here’s a quick snapshot of what owners love and a few areas where preferences vary.
- Pros:
- Instant readiness—3-second heat up is a true time saver
- All-in-one design: grinder, tamper, and steamer included
- Easy to clean and maintain with helpful included tools
- Sleek, showpiece stainless steel design fits modern kitchens
- Beginner friendly with room for advanced customization
- Responsive and ethical customer service, as shown in reviews
- Cons:
- Medium-to-large countertop footprint—not great for small kitchens
- High upfront investment compared to basic espresso makers
- Requires some learning, especially for milk texturing newbies
What Customers Are Saying About the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS
With a strong 4.4-star average from over 3,200 global ratings, feedback for the Breville Barista Pro is overwhelmingly positive. Users praise its speed, taste, and ease of use, with many noting the machine’s ability to deliver café-style drinks with minimal wait. A few users mention the need for learning and occasional service, but most feel supported by Breville’s customer care. This community confidence makes it a safe pick for stepping up your home coffee game.
Review Feedback Highlights
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.
The media could not be loaded.I have had it only a month and I am enjoying it very much. I am still in the learning curve, but finally got it dialed in to the point that I am enjoying the results. I have added some additional accessories to my setup, like a pad for the top of the machine (where I store the porta-filter and a couple of espresso cups), a tamping pad, and a knock box.The Barrista Pro is really a fine machine. It has all of the basic needs for making espresso from both pre-ground and fresh ground beans. It has a wide range of grind settings, a selectable grind time and buttons to make a single or double espresso. It heats up the water very fast and even has a small spigot for hot water. The instructions, both in the user guide and in the video instructions, made setting it up and getting started very easy. It was not a fast process for me, but I have the workflow down now.The steamer is easy and fun to use. I have steamed and frothed some coconut milk for lattes, but it does not foam as easily as dairy products and, frankly, I do not favor coconut flavored lattes. I will try making dairy-based lattes soon.For years I have always relied on a national coffee chain for my espresso-based drinks, but I am already making better espresso than I have ever gotten there. Currently, my go-to drink is espresso con panna. Very simple and a great first step. Basically, a shot or double of espresso with a little cream or half-n-half.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS
- Can I use both coffee beans and ground coffee with the Breville Barista Pro BES878BSS?
Yes, this machine accepts both whole beans (for grinding) and pre-ground coffee, providing ultimate flexibility for your routine. - Is it difficult to clean and maintain?
The included cleaning kit and intuitive design make regular maintenance straightforward. The LCD interface even reminds you about descale or cleaning cycles for hassle-free use. - How fast can I make a cup in the morning?
Thanks to the ThermoJet system, the machine is ready to brew in just 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its class. - Does the Breville Barista Pro let you customize grind size and shot volume?
Yes. You can easily adjust grind size, time, and choose between single or double espresso shots. - Will it fit under my kitchen cabinets?
The unit dimensions are 13″ deep, 14″ wide, and 16″ high. It is best to measure your space for a comfortable fit.
Warranty Coverage & Support Details
The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS comes with a two-year limited product warranty, giving you peace of mind for both quality and support. The warranty typically covers parts and labor for manufacturer defects, but does not include issues from misuse or accidents.
To start a warranty claim, contact Breville customer support with your proof of purchase. Their responsive service, as highlighted by users, is a big plus if you need help or repairs. Always check if you purchased from a retailer with extra coverage or support for added protection.
Our Final Verdict on the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS
To wrap up, the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS shines as one of the most user-friendly, reliable, and stylish espresso makers available for aspiring home baristas. Its rapid heating, integrated grinder, and clear LCD interface make pro-level drinks possible even on busy mornings. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you love perfecting your coffee craft, this machine will likely exceed your expectations. With its solid build, smart features, and a proven customer support team, it’s a strong investment for daily enjoyment.
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