Overview
The Breville Barista Pro BES878 represents a meaningful step up from the Barista Express, featuring Breville ThermoJet heating technology that reaches extraction temperature in just 3 seconds — a dramatic improvement over the 30+ second warm-up of conventional thermoblocks. This near-instant heat-up time means you can walk into the kitchen, press a button, and be pulling a shot within moments, making it ideal for the morning rush. The integrated conical burr grinder has been refined with 30 precise grind settings and an intuitive LCD display that guides you through the grinding, dosing, and extraction process. The ThermoJet system also provides precise PID temperature control throughout the shot, resulting in more consistent extractions compared to traditional thermoblock machines. Pre-infusion gradually increases water pressure at the start of extraction, allowing the puck to expand evenly before full pressure is applied. The 54mm portafilter and included filter baskets remain Breville standard, working well within the ecosystem. The steam wand has been upgraded for better performance, producing denser microfoam more quickly. The sleek, modern design with the central LCD display gives the Barista Pro a contemporary look that distinguishes it from its siblings in the lineup.
The Breville Barista Pro BES878 comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing, pre-infusion for even extraction. It features a thermoblock boiler system made of stainless steel. The vibratory pump delivers 15.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $850, the Breville Barista Pro BES878 is designed for serious home baristas who want café-quality espresso. As a semi-automatic machine, it gives you control over the brewing process while handling pressure and temperature automatically.
In terms of build quality, the Breville Barista Pro BES878 is a substantial machine, weighing in at 12.7 kg, manufactured in Australia, drawing 1680W of power. With dimensions of 330 x 310 x 400 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 2000 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PID temperature control ensures consistent extraction temperature shot after shot
- Pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck before full pressure, improving extraction evenness
- Stainless steel boiler is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain
- Built-in cup warmer keeps your cups at optimal temperature
Cons
- Thermoblock heating may not match the temperature stability of traditional boiler designs
- Vibratory pump can be noisy and may not last as long as rotary alternatives under heavy use
- Non-standard 54mm portafilter limits third-party basket and accessory options
Full Specifications
| Brand | Breville |
|---|---|
| Model | Breville Barista Pro BES878 |
| Category | Semi-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Year Introduced | 2019 |
| Boiler Type | Thermoblock |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Pump Type | Vibratory |
| Pump Pressure | 15.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | 54mm Breville |
| Portafilter Diameter | 54 mm |
| Steam Wand | Commercial |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
| Reservoir Capacity | 2000 ml |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 330 x 310 x 400 mm |
| Weight | 12.7 kg (28 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1680 W |
| Voltage | 120V |
| MSRP | $850 |
Our Verdict
The Breville Barista Pro BES878 from Breville is a capable machine in its category. In the mid-range segment, it competes well on features and build quality. Consider your workflow needs (straight espresso vs. milk drinks), counter space, and grinder pairing when making your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Barista Pro BES878 suitable for home baristas?
Absolutely. The Breville Barista Pro BES878 at $850 is aimed at intermediate to advanced home baristas. It offers enough features to grow with your skills while being manageable for committed beginners willing to learn.
How often does the Breville Barista Pro BES878 need maintenance?
Regular maintenance includes daily backflushing (for machines with solenoid valves), weekly cleaning of the group head and portafilter, and descaling every 1-3 months depending on water hardness. Using filtered water significantly reduces scale buildup and extends machine life.
What grinder pairs well with the Breville Barista Pro BES878?
For a machine at this level, consider mid-range to premium grinders: Eureka Mignon Specialita ($400), Niche Zero ($600), or DF64 ($400-$500). These grinders will do justice to the machine's capabilities without being the bottleneck in your setup.
Is the Breville Barista Pro BES878 worth $850?
The Breville Barista Pro BES878's value depends on your commitment to espresso. If you drink espresso daily, a quality machine pays for itself vs. cafe purchases within 6-12 months. The Breville Barista Pro BES878 offers PID temperature control at its price point, making it a sound investment for regular espresso drinkers.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the Breville Barista Pro BES878
A good grinder is essential for getting the most out of your espresso machine. Here are some grinders that pair well at this price level: