Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine Review: Worth the Investment?

For coffee enthusiasts who crave a café-quality experience at home, an espresso machine can be a game changer. These machines not only allow you to brew rich, flavorful espresso but also provide the versatility to create a variety of coffee drinks, from lattes to cappuccinos. With integrated grinders and advanced features, modern espresso makers like the Breville Barista Pro bring the art of coffee-making right to your kitchen, making it easier than ever to enjoy third wave specialty coffee without leaving the house.

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine. This machine stands out with its combination of speed, precision, and user-friendly design. We’ll explore its features, performance, and our thoughts on what makes this espresso maker a top choice for both beginners and seasoned baristas alike.

Key Features of the Breville Barista Pro

The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts seeking high-quality espresso at home. One of its standout features is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows users to grind coffee beans on demand, ensuring maximum flavor extraction. The machine employs an innovative ThermoJet heating system that reaches optimal extraction temperature in just three seconds, enabling quick transitions between brewing espresso and steaming milk.

For precise brewing, the Barista Pro includes digital temperature control (PID) that maintains the water temperature within a tight range, enhancing the quality of espresso extraction. The manual microfoam milk texturing capability with a powerful steam wand facilitates the creation of latte art, making it suitable for both casual drinkers and serious coffee aficionados. Additionally, the intuitive LCD interface provides users with clear guidance on grinding and extraction processes.

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Purchase Details

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • 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
  • 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
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Pros and Cons of the Machine

The Breville Barista Pro comes with numerous advantages, making it a popular choice among home baristas. Key pros include:

  • Fast Heat-Up Time: Achieves optimal brewing temperature in just three seconds.
  • Integrated Grinder: Offers dose control for freshly ground coffee, enhancing flavor.
  • High-Quality Build: Constructed with durable materials, primarily metal, for longevity and performance.
  • Easy to Use: The LCD display simplifies the brewing process, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Excellent Milk Texturing: The steam wand is powerful and efficient, ideal for crafting lattes and cappuccinos.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

  • Learning Curve: Users may need time to master the settings and techniques for optimal results.
  • Initial Setup Required: Proper calibration of grind size and dose is essential for the best coffee experience.
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Who Is This Product Recommended For?

The Breville Barista Pro is highly recommended for those passionate about coffee who wish to replicate café-quality drinks at home. It is suitable for both beginners willing to learn and experienced baristas looking for a reliable machine. This espresso maker is ideal for individuals who appreciate the art of coffee-making, as it encourages hands-on involvement in the grinding and brewing process. Additionally, those who frequently enjoy lattes and cappuccinos will find the machine’s steam wand particularly beneficial for creating perfect microfoam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to heat up?

The Breville Barista Pro features a ThermoJet heating system that allows the machine to heat up in just three seconds. This rapid heat-up time ensures that users can quickly move from brewing espresso to steaming milk without long waits in between, making it highly efficient for daily use.

Is the machine easy to clean?

Cleaning the Breville Barista Pro is straightforward, with many components designed for easy disassembly. Regular maintenance involves cleaning the steam wand and the drip tray, both of which can be done quickly. The machine also has indicators for descaling and flushing, helping users maintain optimal performance with minimal hassle.

What type of coffee beans work best?

For the best results, it is recommended to use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The grinder’s adjustable settings allow users to experiment with different grind sizes to find the perfect balance for their preferred brewing style. Ideally, beans suitable for espresso extraction will yield the best flavor and crema when paired with the Barista Pro.

Can I make latte art with this machine?

Yes, the Breville Barista Pro is well-equipped for making latte art. Its manual steam wand provides the necessary power and control to texture milk properly, allowing users to create beautiful designs. While mastering latte art can take practice, the capabilities of the steam wand significantly enhance the experience for those eager to develop their skills.

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