Pros
Visually appealing and well-built
Easy to use, intuitive interface
Very easy to clean and descale
Fast heat-up time
Powerful steam wand
Built-in grinder with fine adjustments
Consistent shot quality
Provides excellent espresso drinks at home
Customer service is responsive
Cost-effective over time compared to coffee shop visits
Cons
Cannot steam milk and pull espresso simultaneously
Steam takes time to generate and initially spits out water
Grinder is less precise compared to high-end grinders
Main Product Advantages
9 Appearance
The machine has a sleek, brushed stainless steel design. The magnetic tamper holder and metal tamper add a touch of sophistication and ensure all key components are easily accessible and organized.
9 Shot Pulling
Pulling shots is efficient, especially with its three-second heat-up time. The machine allows for consistent shots with minimal variance between the first and subsequent pulls, a significant improvement from other models like the Barista Express.
9 Steam Wand
The powerful steam wand allows for faster steaming and achieving the proper texture and consistency for latte art, marking a significant improvement over earlier models.
9 Cleaning and Maintenance
The machine is straightforward to clean and maintain. It notifies users when to descale and flush. Components are easily disassembled for thorough cleaning.
8 Material Quality
The majority of parts in contact with hot liquids are metal rather than plastic, which is often a concern for health-conscious users. However, there is some plastic in the portafilter, which could be improved.
8 Hot Water Spout
The hot water spout is well-designed and angled, making it convenient to dispense into a cup without having to move it. It’s a subtle but useful feature.
8 Ease of Use
The machine is beginner-friendly but also offers advanced features for experienced users. Some users recommend watching tutorials to fully utilize its features.
8 Customer Service
Breville’s customer service is generally responsive and helpful, although there are isolated instances of unsatisfactory initial experiences that were eventually resolved satisfactorily.
7 Grinder
The grinder is versatile with both fine and larger scale adjustments available, but it has been noted to lack precision compared to higher-end grinders. Users appreciate its relatively clean operation and consistent dosage.
7 Price
While the machine is feature-packed and efficient, some users find it to be on the pricier side. However, it’s considered a good investment for regular coffee drinkers due to long-term cost savings.
Product Review: Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine, model BES878BSS, is a sleek and modern addition to any kitchen, designed to deliver barista-quality espresso at home. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium look that complements any kitchen decor.
Design and Build Quality
The machine boasts a sturdy construction, with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. The brushed stainless steel exterior is not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to clean. Its compact design fits well on any countertop without taking up too much space.
Performance
Featuring a powerful thermocoil heating system, the Barista Pro heats up quickly, reducing wait time between shots. The integrated conical burr grinder offers precise grind control, ensuring a consistent grind size for optimal flavor extraction. With the intuitive LCD interface, users can easily control grind size, extraction time, and shot temperature.
User Experience
One of the standout features of this machine is its ease of use. The clear, intuitive controls make it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. The steam wand produces silky microfoam milk, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos, allowing for creative latte art. Additionally, the machine includes a variety of accessories such as a tamper, milk jug, and cleaning tools, enhancing the overall user experience.
Maintenance
The Barista Pro is relatively easy to maintain. The removable drip tray, water tank, and cleaning alerts simplify the cleaning process, ensuring the machine stays in top condition with minimal effort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine, BES878BSS, in brushed stainless steel, combines stylish design, robust build quality, and impressive performance. It offers great value for both espresso enthusiasts and casual coffee drinkers, delivering consistent, high-quality coffee with ease. Its user-friendly features and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for any coffee lover.
