The Breville BES870XL Barista Express and the BES878BSS Barista Pro are both all-in-one espresso machines, but they differ in speed, user interface, and price. The Barista Pro features a near-instant 3-second heat-up time and an intuitive LCD display for guidance, while the more affordable Barista Express uses analog gauges and takes about 30 seconds to heat up.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Breville espresso machine for your home cafe.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The Barista Express is a workhorse semi-automatic espresso machine that has become a gateway for countless home coffee enthusiasts. It features an integrated conical burr grinder, precise temperature control, and manual settings that give you full control over your shot. This model is known for its durability, consistency, and the exceptional value it offers for its price point.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with a built-in grinder and manual steam wand.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder, 15 bar Italian pump, Thermocoil heating system (~30-second heat-up time), pressure gauge for optimal extraction, dial-based controls for grind size and dose.
- Price: Around $600 - $700.
- Dimensions: 13.0" x 12.5" x 16.5".
- Materials/Construction: Durable brushed stainless steel housing and high-quality internal components built for longevity.
- Style: A professional, appliance-focused design with classic analog dials and a pressure gauge that give it a somewhat industrial look.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine, produces high-quality espresso, durable and reliable build, great for learning the craft of espresso making with its manual controls.
- Cons: Slower heat-up time compared to the Pro, the analog interface can have a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners, slightly bulkier design.
The Barista Express is perfect for the aspiring home barista who enjoys the hands-on process and wants a robust, reliable machine without paying a premium for digital features.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro
The Barista Pro is the sleek, modern successor to the Express, designed for users who value speed and a more guided experience. Its standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which prepares the machine for extraction in just three seconds. A clear LCD screen provides real-time feedback on grinding and shot time, simplifying the process from bean to cup.
- What it is: A high-performance, semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder and an intuitive digital interface.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up), intuitive LCD display for step-by-step guidance, integrated conical burr grinder with improved consistency, powerful steam wand for microfoam milk texturing.
- Price: Around $700 - $800.
- Dimensions: 12.5" x 12.5" x 14.5".
- Materials/Construction: Sleek brushed stainless steel body with a more refined and compact build.
- Style: Modern and minimalist. The digital display and streamlined controls create a clean, contemporary aesthetic that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens.
- Pros: Incredibly fast heat-up time, user-friendly LCD interface is great for beginners, more compact footprint, provides precise feedback with a shot timer.
- Cons: Higher price point, the digital interface may feel less engaging for traditionalists who prefer analog controls, reliance on the screen for all functions.
The Barista Pro is ideal for the serious coffee lover who wants cafe-quality results quickly and appreciates a machine that simplifies the complexities of espresso with a modern interface.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes878.html
Barista Express vs. Barista Pro Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
When it comes to counter space, the Barista Pro has a slight edge. At 12.5" x 12.5" x 14.5", it's noticeably shorter and slightly more compact than the Barista Express (13.0" x 12.5" x 16.5"). That two-inch height difference can be critical for fitting the machine under standard kitchen cabinets.
While both are substantial appliances, the Pro’s streamlined design and smaller footprint make it a better choice for kitchens with limited counter real estate. The Express is a bit more imposing, but its size contributes to its robust, built-to-last feel.
Performance & Features
This is where the two machines diverge most significantly. The Barista Pro's ThermoJet heating system is its defining feature, heating water to the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. The Barista Express's Thermocoil system is no slouch, but it takes around 30-45 seconds to get ready. For a busy morning routine, this time difference is substantial.
The Barista Pro also features a more consistent built-in grinder and an LCD screen with a shot timer, providing precise feedback to help you dial in the perfect espresso. The Express relies on a physical pressure gauge, which is excellent for learning the fundamentals of extraction pressure but is less precise than a digital timer.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built with Breville's signature high-quality standards, featuring brushed stainless steel housings that are durable and easy to clean. The core components, including the portafilter and integrated grinders, are stout and designed for consistent, long-term use.
The materials themselves are very similar, but the Barista Pro feels slightly more refined in its finishing touches and overall assembly. The Barista Express has a classic, almost industrial sturdiness, while the Pro has a more polished, modern build.
Price & Value
The Barista Express typically costs about $100-$150 less than the Barista Pro. For that lower price, you get a machine that is fundamentally just as capable of producing excellent espresso. Its value proposition is extremely high, offering an all-in-one package that can last for years.
The Barista Pro's higher price tag is justified by its superior speed and convenience. The instant heat-up time and intuitive digital interface aren't just minor perks, they fundamentally change the daily user experience. If your budget allows, the jump in price delivers a significant upgrade in usability.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, the two machines cater to slightly different tastes. The Barista Pro, with its clean lines and digital display, aligns perfectly with modern, minimalist kitchens. It looks sleek, uncluttered, and contemporary.
The Barista Express, with its prominent pressure gauge and analog dials, has a more traditional, "prosumer" vibe. It looks like a serious piece of coffee hardware and appeals to those who appreciate a more mechanical aesthetic. Both are versatile and look great on a countertop, but your preference for digital slickness versus analog charm will be the deciding factor.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are fantastic choices that produce top-tier home espresso, but they are designed for different users.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You're working with a slightly tighter budget and want the best bang for your buck.
- You enjoy the hands-on, analog process of making espresso and want to learn by feel.
- You don't mind waiting 30-45 seconds for your machine to heat up.
- You appreciate a classic, robust appliance aesthetic with physical gauges and dials.
Choose the Breville Barista Pro if:
- Speed and convenience are your top priorities, and a 3-second heat-up time is a must.
- You prefer a modern digital interface that guides you through the process with timers.
- You have limited counter space and need a more compact machine.
- You're willing to invest more for an upgraded user experience and a sleeker look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Barista Express and Barista Pro?
The main differences are the heating system and the user interface. The Barista Pro uses a ThermoJet system for a 3-second heat-up, while the Barista Express uses a Thermocoil system that takes around 30-45 seconds. The Pro also features an LCD screen for guidance and shot timing, whereas the Express has an analog pressure gauge.
Is the Barista Pro worth the extra money?
For many users, yes. If you make coffee every morning and value speed and convenience, the near-instant startup time and intuitive digital display of the Barista Pro are worth the premium. If you are on a budget or enjoy a more traditional brewing process, the Express offers better value.
Which Breville espresso machine is better for beginners?
The Barista Pro is generally easier for beginners. Its LCD display provides clear, real-time feedback on grind time and shot duration, simplifying the process of dialing in a great shot of espresso. The guided interface removes much of the guesswork associated with learning.
Do both machines have a built-in grinder?
Yes, both the Barista Express and Barista Pro feature an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder. This allows you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter moments before extraction, which is essential for high-quality espresso.
Can you make lattes and cappuccinos on these machines?
Absolutely. Both models are equipped with a powerful manual steam wand that allows you to texture milk for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and other milk-based drinks. The Pro's steam wand is slightly more powerful, allowing for a faster texturing process.
Which machine is smaller?
The Barista Pro is slightly smaller, with dimensions of 12.5" x 12.5" x 14.5". This makes it a better fit for kitchens where counter space, particularly height under cabinets, is a concern.
How difficult is maintenance and cleaning?
Both machines have similar maintenance routines. They require regular backflushing, cleaning of the grinder, and periodic descaling. Both machines have automated alerts to let you know when it's time for a cleaning cycle.
What comes in the box with these machines?
Both typically include a 54mm portafilter, single wall and dual wall filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, a razor dose trimming tool, a cleaning kit, and a water filter. This provides everything you need to start brewing right out of the box (except for coffee beans).
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