Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878DBL, Damson Blue

We had our original Barista Express for ten years. It finally pooped out on us (maybe could have been fixed but we decided it was time for a new one). We got the pro thinking it probably wouldn't be much different but that the digital aspects would be nice.This is definitely a superior machine! It's so much faster than the regular express, the drip tray is larger, and the tank holds more water. It even beeps at you if the water is low so you don't forget to fill it. The speed alone makes it so worth it! I'd say it takes minutes off each drink, which doesn't sound like much, but if you're trying to hurry out the door you can definitely tell! Getting a good froth in the milk is easier too, and the design of the wand seems to clean better and have less build up.If this is something you plan to use 1+ times per day then then it's definitely worth it!

This is a very well-engineered Espresso machine that is a great place for any beginner, and even the intermediate barista. This is probably one of the best machines you can get under the $1000+ range from my research.Like any espresso machine, it takes a lot of coffee and trial and error to get used to it. This is because you need to find the optimal pull time and grind size for each bean that you use. I highly recommend Nicoletti Old School Roast for latte-based drinks. For those, I use an internal burr of 4 and grind size of 9 or 10.You can find excellent tutorials on YouTube specifying how to perfect the espresso pull for your bean of choice. The video "How to Dial In Breville Barista Pro" by Lifestyle Labs makes it very easy. However, you can also just use the preset values to get decent results. I wish that Breville had an official course on how to use it for complete beginners, because I was totally lost when I received mine.After a lot of trial and error, I now am making oat milk lattes that taste exponentially better than anything I can buy at a coffee shop, for a fraction of the price. I currently use Elmhurst Oat Milk and Elmhurt Barista Edition because it's the only oat milk on the market that isn't filled with gums or oils.My oat milk lattes are on par with any whole milk latte from the local coffee stores. Needless to say, I'm very happy with this machine.Pros- Easy to use, intuitive interface- Very easy to clean- Very easy to descale/service- Visually appealing- All necessary components in one chassis- One button push for excellent single or double shot drinksCons- Can't steam milk and pull espresso at the same time (all pros recommend doing this, so it's a bit silly that this unit can't).- Steam takes significant time to generate. It also spits out water first, watering down your milk. Whereas Higher end espresso machines will instantly shoot steam that is pre-heated in a chamber)- Grinder is not as precise as many high end grinders; There are no half sizes so it is difficult to fine tune at a certain point. My understanding is that it's not as powerful either and beans often get stuck in the hopper so you often need to tap on the hopper to make sure all the beans grind.

The media could not be loaded. This was an amazing purchase and at a steal of a price at 20% off the original price. This machine grinds, brews and steams your milk for that perfect latte. Now I'm honing in my expresso skills and this is the machine that can do it all.UPDATE 2 months later:This is still fun and exciting making that perfect ☕️I have purchased many accessories that aren't required but highly recommended. Get a dosing funnel first and foremost. I picked one sold from Cafe Home Shop for $13.98 p/n B08JPXXT9R. I went with plastic over stainless for the simple fact I didn't want metal on metal and potentially scratching either the portafilter, basket or funnel. It fits tight on the breville Portafilter but not my after market bottomless one (although it still fits, just not as snug)2nd is get a puck screen. This is a inexpensive way to keep the group head clean (less flushing & descaling means less pump wear and tear) I went with one sold by Jokmae "2Pcs 1.7mm & 1.0mm Thickness 53.5mm Espresso Puck Screen" which offers 2 sizes in a combo pack. I use both based on the type bean I am currently using.3rd is get a scale to weigh your beans so you're not guessing and wasting coffee. I typically weigh 18g - 20g and grind only the amount I need to preserve the coffee freshness. Yes the Barista pro has a timer with preset values for single and double shot but ultimately I was trying different beans and grind sizes so weigh it don't waste it. 😉Those are must have in my opinion and should've been included with this machine but unfortunately they're not.Now some other accessories that are great to have but not a must have.1- Bottomless Portafilter2- knock box/tamping station3- Coffee Distributor & Tamper puck style 2 in 1 tool4- Replacement Steam Lever sold by CREMA COFFEE PRODUCTS5- clear doublewalled glasses for viewing all the beautiful creme layers. I chose Glass Coffee Mugs Set of 4, Clear Coffee Mug 15 Oz sold by Mfacoy6- container for storing coffee. I chose "Planetary Design Airscape Stainless Steel Coffee Canister" as you don't trap air like a sealed container but rather push it out with its innovative design.These are nice accessories to have but not required.All in all the Barista pro has been the single best investment I've made in a long time. Daily Starbucks trips for my wife and I each at around $7-$12 was adding up. This way we can make the same coffee (or better) and to our liking for much cheaper in the longer run