Breville Barista Pro (BES878 / BES878BSS) is a more modern semi-automatic espresso machine with integrated grinder, ThermoJet heating (3-second heat up), 30 grind settings, an LCD display that shows grind, dose, shot and temperature feedback.
Breville Barista Express (BES870XL / variants) is a long-standing model with integrated grinder, more manual interface, 18 (or more) grind settings, Thermocoil heating system, volumetric dosing and manual milk texturing.
You indicated you prefer the Express, so we’ll look at why it still is a smart choice versus the newer Pro model.
Let’s make long story short: If you want a reliable, capable espresso machine with excellent control and don’t need the flashy display or ultra-fast warmups, go with the Breville Barista Express. The Pro adds speed, a more informative display, and more grind flexibility—but for many users, the Express gives everything you need at lower cost and with a more proven track record.
Why Do I Recommend the Breville Barista Express?
- Better value for what you actually use — The Express gives you core features (grinder, dosing, volumetric shots, milk texturing) at a lower price point.
- Simplicity & reliability — It has fewer “bells & whistles” that can break or distract; many users find it easier to maintain.
- Proven model with broad support — Because it’s been around for years, there is an ecosystem of spare parts, community tips, and well-understood quirks.
- Performance is still very good — For “normal” home espresso tasks, the Express achieves high quality shots if tuned properly.
Detailed Comparison & Recommendation
| Feature / Spec | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Barista Express | Which Is Best & Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating / Warmup | ThermoJet heating system—3-second heat up. | Thermocoil / Thermoblock heating—takes longer to warm up. | Pro wins for speed; Express fine if you don’t mind waiting a little. |
| Grinder & Grind Settings | Integrated burr grinder with 30 precision grind settings, dose control. | Integrated burr grinder, fewer grind settings (e.g. ~18 or so). | Pro wins for fine tuning and flexibility; Express is sufficient if you rarely tweak heavily. |
| User Interface / Display | LCD display shows grind, dose, temperature feedback—more feedback & control | More manual dials / analog controls; less real-time feedback | Pro is better for users who want more guidance; Express appeals to those who prefer simplicity. |
| Milk Steaming / Frothing | Manual steam wand, good performance; same as Express in milk texturing capabilities | Manual steam wand, well regarded for microfoam when used right | Tie, assuming both are used properly. |
| Shot Control / Volumetrics | Volumetric shot control + manual override | Volumetric dosing + manual shot override | Tie; both allow flexibility. |
| Dimensions / Footprint | Slightly larger or deeper footprint. | Slightly more compact in some dimensions. | Express slightly easier to fit in tighter spaces. |
| Check Best Seller | Check Breville Barista Pro Best Price | Check Breville Barista Express Best Price | Express wins in value. |
What Are The Major Differences
- Warmup speed: Pro warms in ~3 seconds (ThermoJet), Express is slower via Thermocoil.
- Grind control depth: Pro has 30 precision settings versus fewer on Express.
- User feedback and interface: Pro adds an LCD display with real-time info; Express is more manual.
- Size / Footprint: Pro may be slightly bulkier; Express is marginally more compact.
- Cost: Pro is more expensive, paying for extra features; Express is more affordable for most use cases.
Check Barista Express Limited Time Deal Here
What Users Are Saying
| Feature / Feedback | Barista Pro Users | Barista Express Users |
|---|---|---|
| Speed & Convenience | “Heat up is genuinely fast; the display gives helpful feedback.” | “Takes a bit to get going, but once warmed, shots are steady.” |
| Grinder Behavior | “More flexibility with 30 settings; but sometimes overkill.” | “I miss having more grind settings, but what I have is stable and familiar.” |
| Reliability / Simplicity | “More components, more that might need adjustment.” | “Simpler design means fewer surprises; many users have long running Express machines.” |
| Recommended Best Seller | Check Breville Barista Pro Best Price | Check Breville Barista Express Best Price |
Fair Advice to Consider
- If you enjoy tweaking every parameter (grind, dose, feedback) or want that LCD guidance, the Pro might appeal.
- If you prefer to learn by doing, or want a machine that’s easier to maintain over years, Express is safer.
- Space matters: measure your counter; if room is tight, Express might fit better.
- Consider resale / parts: Express has been around longer—spares, guides, community support are abundant.
- Think about how often you’ll use the machine: if daily, the speed of Pro may justify cost. If occasional, Express’s slower warmup is negligible.
Quick Comparison Between Breville Barista Pro vs Express
| Feature / Spec | Barista Pro | Barista Express |
|---|---|---|
| Heating System | ThermoJet – 3 sec heat-up | Thermocoil – ~30–60 sec heat-up |
| Grinder Settings | 30 precision settings | ~18 settings |
| Display / Interface | LCD with grind, dose, temp feedback | Manual knobs and buttons |
| Milk Steaming | Manual wand, strong steam | Manual wand, strong steam |
| Dimensions | Slightly larger, deeper footprint | Slightly more compact |
| Price | Check Breville Barista Pro Best Price | Check Breville Barista Express Best Price |
Final Verdict
For most users, I recommend the Breville Barista Express. It delivers excellent espresso performance, plenty of control, and reliability at a more accessible price. The Barista Pro brings speed and extra feedback, which are great—but often features you’ll appreciate only occasionally. If I were buying for home use now, with limited space and desire for simplicity, I’d pick the Express every time.