Breville Barista Pro Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Breville Barista Pro suits daily espresso at home if you want an integrated grinder, a quick heat-up and manual milk steaming. Its main trade-off is that you still grind, dose, tamp and texture milk yourself.
On this page (8 sections)
- What does the Breville Barista Pro offer?
- Is the integrated grinder useful for everyday espresso?
- How quick is the Barista Pro's heat-up?
- What is it like to make milk drinks on the Barista Pro?
- What should you check before choosing the BES878?
- How does the Barista Pro compare with the Barista Express?
- What accessories make sense with the Barista Pro?
- Is the Breville Barista Pro worth choosing?
The Breville Barista Pro is a good fit for daily home espresso if you want grinding and brewing in one machine, with a quick heat-up and a manual steam wand.
The BES878 model combines an integrated grinder, espresso extraction and milk texturing. Choose it if you want to learn those steps and have room for a countertop machine.
What does the Breville Barista Pro offer?
The Barista Pro combines grinding, espresso extraction and manual milk steaming in one machine. Its LCD shows grinding and extraction progress, giving you a visual guide as you learn.
BES878BSS Barista Pro Espresso Machine: Best for integrated grinding and quick heat-up
- Integrated precision conical burr grinder
- ThermoJet heat-up system
- LCD display
The Barista Pro combines grinding, espresso extraction and manual milk texturing in one machine. Its LCD shows grinding and extraction progress, while the ThermoJet system is designed for fast heat-up.
Pros
- Integrated grinder with dose control
- LCD progress animations
- Manual steam wand for milk texturing
- Includes filter baskets, milk jug, cleaning kit and dose trimming tool
Cons
- Requires manual grinding, tamping and milk texturing
- Integrated grinder leaves less freedom to choose a separate grinder
Breville says its ThermoJet system reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds and can switch from espresso to steam without a long wait. The machine also uses digital temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, according to Breville's product information.
The integrated conical burr grinder doses coffee on demand. You still need to work with the portafilter, prepare the coffee and texture milk yourself.
Who should consider the Barista Pro?
Consider it if you want more control over espresso preparation and plan to make milk drinks. The integrated grinder keeps the workflow in one machine, and the manual wand gives you a chance to practice milk texture.
It may be a poor fit if you want coffee with minimal preparation. A super-automatic machine that handles grinding and milk preparation may suit that routine better.
Is the integrated grinder useful for everyday espresso?
The built-in grinder is useful if you want one machine for grinding and brewing. It handles the grind dose on demand, so you don't need to make room for a separate grinder.
Grinding and extraction are closely connected: a change in grind size can affect how quickly water passes through the coffee. The Pro's grinder gives you an adjustment point as you learn to dial in a shot.
The trade-off is less flexibility to change grinders later. With a separate grinder, you can swap it without replacing your espresso machine.
The Breville Barista Express review can help if you're comparing another Breville machine with a built-in grinder. For a broader shortlist, see our guide to the best Breville espresso machine.
How quick is the Barista Pro's heat-up?
Breville says the ThermoJet heating system reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds. That figure describes the heating system, not the full time from switching on to serving a drink.
You'll still need to grind, prepare the portafilter and extract the espresso. For a latte or cappuccino, add the time needed to steam and pour the milk.
A quick transition between espresso and steam can help when making a milk drink after a shot. The Barista Pro is designed to move between those steps without a long pause.
What is it like to make milk drinks on the Barista Pro?
The Barista Pro uses a manual steam wand to texture milk. You control the wand and milk jug, so expect to practice before you can pour the texture you want.
Breville describes the wand as designed for hand-textured microfoam. That approach offers more control than a machine that froths milk automatically, but it also means milk preparation takes attention.
If you'd rather begin with a different compact Breville model, compare the Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine review. To understand the mechanics behind steam, read [How Does a Steam Espresso Machine Work?
What Baristas Know](/how-does-a-steam-espresso-machine-work/).
What should you check before choosing the BES878?
Check counter space, water access and your preferred coffee routine before buying. The brushed stainless steel model measures 13 in deep, 14 in wide and 16 in high.
| Detail | Barista Pro BES878 |
|---|---|
| Grinder | Integrated precision conical burr grinder |
| Heating system | ThermoJet |
| Interface | LCD with grinding and extraction progress animations |
| Water tank | 67 oz |
| Bean hopper | 1/2 lb |
| Dimensions | 13 in deep x 14 in wide x 16 in high |
| Included accessories | Filter baskets, dose trimming tool, milk jug, cleaning kit and water filter |
| Milk preparation | Manual steam wand |
Leave room to move the milk jug and portafilter during use. Check the height under upper cabinets, too, so you can reach the hopper and fill the tank.
The machine has a 67 oz water tank, but its size doesn't tell you how often you'll refill it. That depends on the drinks you make and how you clean the machine.
How does the Barista Pro compare with the Barista Express?
The right choice depends on which features and workflow matter most to you. For another Breville option, read our Breville Barista Touch review.
Both machines combine an espresso machine and grinder, but compare their specific controls and features before deciding.
For another Breville model, read our Oracle Jet review.
Our Breville Barista Express vs Barista Pro comparison lays out the two models side by side. Use it to decide whether the Pro's interface and heating system fit your routine better.
You can also compare finishes before settling on a model. Our guides to black Breville espresso machines and white Breville espresso machines help you see finish options.
For another brand's black machines, see black DeLonghi espresso machines.
What accessories make sense with the Barista Pro?
Choose accessories based on a real need, such as changing how you control steam or replacing a compatible water filter. Check fit and warranty terms before modifying or maintaining the machine.
The CREMA lever replaces the stock steam dial with a stainless steel lever. It fits the Barista Pro, but installation requires removing the upper lid and original dial, and may void the Breville warranty.
The Klamol filter pack is compatible with the Barista Pro BES878. Klamol recommends replacing its filters every 3 months; follow your machine's care instructions and confirm the model before ordering.
Is the Breville Barista Pro worth choosing?
The Barista Pro makes sense if you want an integrated grinder, fast heat-up and manual control over milk in one machine. Pick it if you're willing to practice the steps between whole beans and a finished drink.
Choose another machine if you want a simpler, more automated routine or prefer to select a separate grinder. The best fit comes down to how much of the espresso process you want to handle yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Breville Barista Pro have a built-in grinder?
Yes, the Barista Pro has an integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control. It grinds beans on demand, so you don't need a separate grinder to get started.
You still need to prepare the portafilter and tamp the grounds before pulling a shot.
How quickly does the Barista Pro heat up?
Breville says the ThermoJet heating system reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds and switches from espresso to steam quickly. Your full drink still takes longer because grinding, preparing the coffee and texturing milk are separate steps.
Is the Barista Pro fully automatic?
No. The Barista Pro is a manual espresso machine with an LCD interface and automated grinding dose control.
You remain responsible for preparing the coffee and steaming milk, which gives you control but takes practice.
Can you replace the Barista Pro steam dial?
The CREMA steam lever is compatible with the Barista Pro and replaces its stock steam dial. Installation requires removing the upper lid and original dial, and the work may void Breville's warranty.
Confirm compatibility and warranty terms before modifying the machine.
