Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Reviewed from 3357 Amazon customer reviews

★★★★★ 4.4/5 on Amazon

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS

✅ PROS

ThermoJet heats in 3 seconds — fastest heat-up in its class
PID temperature control delivers consistent shot quality
Integrated conical burr grinder saves counter space and workflow

❌ CONS

Premium $849.95 price — espresso commitment level required
Learning curve for dialing in grind and perfecting technique

The Verdict

The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS is the sweet spot in Breville’s lineup — not their entry-level Express, not the Oracle, but the one that serious home baristas tend to land on. 3,357 Amazon reviews don’t lie. Here’s what they say.

The Complete Package

The Barista Pro’s biggest advantage is integration without compromise. The built-in grinder is genuinely good — 30 settings with conical burrs that produce consistent espresso-fine grounds. The digital temperature control (PID) keeps water at exactly the right temp, shot after shot. The ThermoJet heating system goes from off to ready in 3 seconds — not an exaggeration, reviewed confirm it.

“Best espresso maker I’ve used,” a long-term reviewer writes. “Throughout the review I will reference differences primarily with the Barista Express, as that is one I had for some time. This is, by far, my favorite machine.”

The Support That Saves It

What stands out across the reviews is Breville’s customer service. Machines occasionally have issues — it’s espresso, it’s complicated — but reviewers consistently praise how quickly Breville resolves problems. “Great machine, AWESOME SUPPORT!” one headline reads. A year after purchase, they had a seamless replacement experience.

The steam wand is fast and powerful. The integrated grinder saves counter space and workflow. The digital display shows shot time and temperature. It’s the little things that add up.

The Price Consideration

At $849.95, this is a serious investment. The Barista Pro isn’t for someone who wants a push-button latte. It’s for someone who wants to learn espresso and stay with a machine that grows with them. “Perfect for the beginner or experienced barista,” sums it up.

The main complaint area is the learning curve — dialing in the grinder, getting the tamp right, learning milk steaming. This is espresso, not instant coffee. If you’re ready for that commitment, this is the machine.

The Verdict

The Breville Barista Pro is the best integrated espresso machine under $1,000. Period. The combination of fast heat-up, consistent PID temperature, capable grinder, and powerful steam wand make it the machine that home baristas keep for years. Buy it, learn it, and get ready for the best espresso you’ve ever made at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does the Barista Pro heat up?

The ThermoJet system heats from off to ready in approximately 3 seconds — the fastest heat-up of any Breville machine. No waiting for your morning espresso.

Does the Barista Pro have a built-in grinder?

Yes. It features an integrated conical burr grinder with 30 settings that grinds directly into the portafilter. It’s the same grinder quality found in Breville’s dedicated grinder models.

Can it steam milk and brew simultaneously?

Yes. The dual boiler system and separate steam wand let you steam milk while pulling a shot, just like commercial machines. This is a major upgrade over entry-level models.

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