Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

Making cafe-quality drinks at home often requires balancing separate equipment, but this espresso coffee maker brings grinding, brewing, and milk texturing into one coordinated brushed stainless steel station. It is built for coffee enthusiasts who want full control over their morning espresso without waiting around for water to warm up. Because it integrates an adjustable conical burr grinder directly above the portafilter, you can move from whole beans to an extracted shot in under a minute.

Temperature precision and fast start times anchor the brewing system. The ThermoJet heating system reaches extraction temperature in three seconds, allowing an instantaneous transition from pulling espresso to steaming milk. Digital temperature control (PID) keeps the water temperature within two degrees Celsius of the target. For the brew itself, low-pressure pre-infusion gently introduces water to the coffee puck before pressure increases, drawing out balanced flavors evenly across single or dual wall filter baskets.

Everyday operation centers on the intuitive LCD interface. The screen provides clear animations that track grinding and extraction progress, giving real-time feedback whether you choose the 1-cup or 2-cup volumetric settings. When you are ready to froth milk, the dedicated steam wand lets you hand-texture microfoam directly in the supplied 480 ml stainless steel jug, providing the texture needed for pouring latte art at home.

Because this machine relies on manual texturing and direct user adjustments, it requires active participation. You must dose, trim with the included Razor tool, and control the steam wand yourself rather than pressing a button for automated milk. It also requires keeping up with regular cleaning cycles using the provided kit and water filter to maintain clear water lines across its 67-ounce reservoir.

Verdict: The Breville BES878BSS is an excellent choice for home baristas who want speedy heating, an integrated conical burr grinder, and manual microfoam control in a single brushed stainless steel unit. Those looking for fully hands-off, one-touch push-button milk drinks may prefer looking at an automatic pod or super-automatic machine instead.

• Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
• Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
• Heating System: ThermoJet (3-second heat up)
• Temperature Control: Digital PID regulation (+/- 2°C)
• Power: 1680 Watts
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
• Warranty: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

A great fit if you:

• Want fresh coffee ground directly into your filter basket without buying a separate standalone grinder.
• Value fast morning routines and want an espresso unit that heats up in as little as three seconds.
• Enjoy manually steaming and texturing your own milk microfoam for lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos.
• Appreciate clear digital visual cues from an animated LCD screen while adjusting your grind and shot volume.

Consider something else if you:

• Prefer one-touch automated milk frothing where the machine textures and pours milk without manual wand handling.
• Rely exclusively on pre-packaged coffee capsules or pods rather than whole beans and ground coffee.

Confirm on the listing:

• Measure your kitchen counter clearance and overhead cabinet height to ensure the unit and bean hopper fit comfortably.
• Check that your kitchen outlet accommodates the 1680-watt power draw at 120 volts.
• Confirm the terms and conditions for registering the machine to receive the two free bags of specialty coffee.
• Verify the complete contents of the package to make sure all filter baskets and cleaning accessories are present.

How to compare your options: Focus on heating speed, temperature control, and grinder integration when comparing home espresso setups. This model uses a three-second ThermoJet system paired with PID digital stability, which removes the long idle periods common on traditional boilers. Having the integrated conical burr grinder and included tools reduces the need to purchase separate grinding and dosing gear.

Start by selecting between the single and dual wall filter baskets based on your coffee choice and extraction goals. Use the integrated conical burr grinder to dispense grounds directly into the basket, adjusting grind settings via the controls until you reach the desired extraction flow.

Level your ground coffee using the included Razor precision dose trimming tool to maintain consistent head space before locking the portafilter into place. Keep an eye on the animated LCD display during the shot to monitor extraction time and pressure behavior.

For milk drinks, pour cold milk into the provided 480 ml stainless steel jug and submerge the steam wand tip to create microfoam. Wipe the steam wand immediately after each use as recommended in the maintenance guidelines, and install the supplied water filter in the 67 oz reservoir to maintain water quality.

What accessories come in the box with this machine?
The package includes single and dual wall filter baskets for 1 and 2 cups, The Razor precision dose trimming tool, a 480 ml stainless steel milk jug, a cleaning kit, and an in-tank water filter.

How fast does the machine heat up before brewing?
The ThermoJet heating system reaches proper extraction temperature in three seconds, allowing you to transition between pulling espresso and steaming milk right away.

Can I adjust the volume of the coffee shot?
Yes, the interface provides 1-cup and 2-cup volumetric settings so you can select the extraction volume that matches your recipe.

How does the pre-infusion process work?
It begins with low-pressure pre-infusion that gradually increases water pressure, soaking the coffee grinds evenly before full extraction pressure builds.

What is the capacity of the water tank and bean hopper?
The removable water tank holds 67 ounces of water, while the bean hopper holds up to 1/2 pound of coffee beans.