You may have been looking at espresso machines and trying to decide which one makes the most sense for the price. To do that you want to know what each one can and can’t do.
Credit: Breville USA
The Breville Barista Pro is fairly well automated for an espresso machine, but high-end espresso machines like the Barista Pro are still complicated to operate so you want to familiarize yourself with the manual and read this review and summary of how to use it.
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About Breville Breville, an Australian-based kitchen appliance company, has been around since 1932. Given how long they have been in business they are clearly doing something right. People all over the world are fans of their products and their range of espresso and coffee machines is highly rated.
Breville makes several small appliances including several espresso machines. You can see our review of the Breville Barista Espress here .
Breville Barista Pro Detailed Description If you want to make quality third wave coffee quickly and easily, the Breville Barista Pro is a good choice. From grinding of the beans to the end result is fast and effective. Most consider the aroma, texture, and flavors to be outstanding.
Coffee Grinder Credit: Breville
It all starts with the grinder and Breville makes this process accurate and simple. It offers dose control and a single-button operation.
The entire process is done to perfection in less than a minute. The machine uses a conical burr grinder that is accurate and efficient. The dose control takes the guesswork out of creating the perfect brew and every time.
Just add your favorite coffee beans to the hopper and select your grind.
Optimized Water Pressure Another standout feature of the Breville Barista Pro is the low-pressure pre-infusion.
This helps to draw out maximum flavor from the beans and ensuring optimal espresso extraction. The pressure starts off slowly and gently while pre infusion gradually increases. This allows for even and optimal flavor extraction. It allows you to make third-wave specialty coffee.
Rapid heating Breville Barista Pro has a unique heating system they call ThermoJet. What is impressive is that it only takes 3 seconds to get up to the right temperature for ideal extraction. This makes the process fast and easy and enhances flavor. The digital temperature control PID is a huge help.
Although most people want hot beverages, this machine also allows for instantaneous transition from espresso for cold delicious delights. This gives you more options if you want specialty coffee at home.
Precise espresso extraction and temperature control Speed on an espresso machine is no good without accuracy and consistency. Thanks to the Breville PID digital temperature control PID. Control PID delivers water at the perfect temperature. The Thermojet heating system achieves impressive results.
The innovative Thermojet heating system is fast and efficient and the temperature control on their espresso machine means that there is little to no margin for error. The temperature is automatically controlled for precise espresso extraction and amazing results. Optimum extraction temperature is essential for the perfect blend.
Steam Wand One part of the perfect brew that is a challenge to many is getting the froth texture and consistency right. Once again, Breville makes this tricky aspect a cinch.
The powerful steam wand on this espresso machine has plenty of power and delivers the texture required for quality microform and even latte art. Even an amateur will soon have the skills to make the perfect cup, just like the professionals.
User-Friendly Interface Credit: Breville
The Barista pro espresso machine sports an LCD display. This makes it easier to use and improves the accuracy of your brew.
The display is intuitive and will guide you through the process from start to finish.
It even uses progress animations to help you through the grinding and extracting process so that you can do it without thinking.
Having a unit that offers LCD display with grinding is a major plus and delivers the right amount every time.
Looks Yes, looks are important on an espresso machine. While performance is paramount, no one wants an ugly machine on the counter. As espresso machines go, the Barista Pro is modern and stylish.
While not the smallest option it looks good in a brushed stainless steel finish and looks the part of a serious coffee machine.
Colors The Barista Pro also comes in other colors besides stainless steel. These other colors are: Black Truffle , Sea Salt , Damson Blue , Black Stainless Steel , Oyster Shell , Royal Champagne , Smoked Hickory , and Red Velvet Cake .
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Road Test You do not need to be a qualified or experienced barista to produce top-quality third wave specialty coffee or espresso. You also do not have to spend a lot of time to get precise espresso extraction and to create third wave specialty coffee exactly the way you want it.
The Breville Barista Pro espresso machine works as promised. It has an intuitive LCD interface that is intuitive. This takes the guesswork out of making your beverages.
It also has dose grinding control that allows you to get the levels right and works at the flick of a switch. The dose control delivers what is needed. It soon reaches the optimum extraction temperature and you will espresso to steam in seconds. The entire process is fast and painless, ensuring optimal espresso extraction.
The results are great quality at the right temperature. The thermojet heating system archives the ideal results. Pre infusion gradually increases. Water pressure is optimized and milk texturing and latte art could not be easier. Control PID delivers water at the perfect temperature.
The machine is efficient and does not make a lot of noise.
Provided you use decent beans or ground coffee it enables creation of delicious beverages or espresso in no time and with little effort. You can have coffee on demand in no time.
Out of the box, it is easy to set up and you will get used to it quickly. The build is solid and if looked after, it will last a long time.
The only downside is that cleaning might be a bit trickier than on some other models, but the process is simple once you get used to it and does not take too long. No need to be a barista.
What Is Great About It?
Extremely user friendly
Intuitive interface
Faster heat up time
Achieves the optimum extraction temperature
Precision temperature control with innovative Thermojet heating system
Low-pressure pre-infusion
Dose control delivers with precision
Integrated intelligent built-in grinder
Conical burr grinder
Digital (PID) pressure control
Powerful steam wand
Adjustable grind control
Stylish modern design
Quality versatile grinder
Not as noisy as many other options
Durable materials
Good build quality
Easy to set up
Latte art is easy
Extracting progress animations
2 cup volumetric control
What Is Not So Great About It?
Slightly tricky to keep clean
Not the cheapest espresso machine on the market
No pressure gauge
Short Warranty (2 Years) – Buy an extended warranty (see extended warranty options on Amazon)
Improvements What Breville has done with the Barista Pro is to improve on the already popular and successful Barista Express. If you want coffee on demand, you want to look at this machine.
The LCD makes it much easier to use.
The coffee machine has a faster heating time thanks to an upgraded thermal coil. It achieves the optimum extraction heat rapidly. The thermojet heating system achieves amazing results. Also impressive is the way the powerful steam wand performs.
Many users also reported that the Pro is quieter than the Express model. This is important for that early morning brew with all the flavors when the rest of the house is still asleep.
The bean hopper and built-in grinder are another plus.
It can be argued that the Pro is also more durable. The materials and workmanship are good and you can expect many years of brewing enjoyment from your investment.
What would make it better? It is not the most compact espresso machine on the market. Although feature-rich it takes a fair amount of counter space in your kitchen.
Not everyone can easily operate it. Given that you will probably use it daily keep than in mind.
That being said, the functionality, build quality, display, and other important factors add to the size of the device.
The price might be a bit prohibitive for some. It is a few hundred dollars more than the Express model that it replaces. While it does have advanced features and greater benefits it might be out of the price range of some consumers.
Some users that want specialty coffee at home and all the flavors loved the Express or other models of espresso machines miss the pressure gauge which is lacking on the Barista Pro.
This should be easy enough to get around once you get used to operating the Barista Pro.
FAQs Does Breville Barista Pro have a cup warmer? Yes, the Breville Barista does have a cup warmer. While it is effective, the machine needs to have been on for some time in order to keep your cup warm.
How long does a Breville Barista last? This will all depend on how often you use it and how well you look after the machine. If used for normal daily use and kept clean, you can expect your Breville Barista Pro to last between 5 and 10 years.
In some cases, you might get even more life out of the machine, provided it is well cared for. Regular cleaning, flushing, descaling, and general maintenance will help to extend the life of the machine.
What does the Breville Barista come with? The Barista Pro comes with all the accessories that one would need to enjoy full use of the machine.
Stainless steel milk jug
Dual-wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cup, for pre-ground coffee)
Single wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cup, for grinding coffee beans)
Water filter and filter holder
A cleaning disc
Cleaning tablets
Cleaning brush
The Razor™ precision dose trimming tool
Steam wand and filter basket cleaning tool
Instruction booklet
How to clean Breville Barista Pro One of the complaints people have about this machine is that it is slightly more difficult to clean than some of the other espresso machines on the market. While this might be true it is not a major challenge provide you know how to do it.
Keeping your machine clean will extend its life while also ensuring there is no compromise to the flavors.
There are obvious things that need to be cleaned regularly.
Milk Jug The milk jug should be cleaned after every use. Wipe the exterior of the machine and ensure it is always clean and dry.
Fortunately, Breville will alert you about the other aspects that need to be cleaned for optimal maintenance.
Drip Tray The drip tray will tell you when it is full and an “empty me” indicator will be displayed. Remove the tray and empty it out.
Naturally, you can clean it before it is full, particularly if you are not using it for a few days.
Use warm soapy water and a clean with a soft cloth. Ensure you rinse it and dry it before putting the parts together and reattaching.
Behind the drip tray is a storage tray that can also be wiped down with a moistened soft cloth.
Portafilter and Filter Baskets These can simply be rinsed using hot water. Do this after every use. The unit comes with a cleaning tool that will help clear any blocked holes. Ensure all coffee oil is rinsed off. If it is difficult to get clean it can be soaked for 20 minutes using the cleaning tablets and then thoroughly rinsed.
Steam Wand It is important that the steam wand is always kept clean. This is a quick and easy process and best done after every use.
Simply wipe the wand with a damp cloth and do a quick purge. This is done by switching the dial to steam ensuring that the wand is over thedrip tray. Allow it to steam for a few seconds. Thereafter, turn the dial back to default.
If the steam wand is clogged, you might need a bit more effort. Fortunately, your Breville Barista Pro comes with a special tool that makes this task a breeze.
To use it, you need to use the thick needle on the tool. If this does not do the trick, use the spanner on the same tool to loosen and remove the tip of the wand.
Then soak the tip in hot water and use the needle after it has soaked for a while. Be sure to tighten again when you reattach the wand tip.
A clogged or dirty tip will ruin the frothing experience and lead to poor results.
Flushing The Machine This does not have to be done too often and the Breville Barista Pro will tell you when it needs to be done. A “Flush Alert” will pop up. The average user can expect to need to do this every 4 to 6 weeks or so.
Everything needed comes with the package.
Here is the process:
Place the single cup wall filter basket in the portafilter
and pop a cleaning disk in
On top of the disk, pop a cleaning tablet
Ensure the portafilter is locked into the group head
Ensure the drip tray is empty
Fill with water to the MAX level
Go into the menu and select the Flush option
Press the “1 Cup Button”
The process will take roughly 5 minutes and the device will alert you when complete.
The purpose of the flush or backflush is to give the group head a deep clean. Removes the oil residue and any other impurities that might be present.
The machine comes with 2 cleaning tablets. Additional tablets can be purchased online in packets of eight.
Descaling An essential part of your cleaning routine is descaling the machine. Over time, mineral deposits build
up. These can slow the water flow and the temperature as well as alter the taste of the coffee. Neglecting this, as with all cleaning processes, can reduce the lifespan of your machine.
Again, the Breville Barista Pro will tell you when this needs to be done, taking the guesswork out of this important process.
The frequency will largely depend on the water you use in the machine. If your water is hard you will have to descale more often. Don’t ignore the descaling alert.
Unfortunately, the machine does not come with a descaler agent. Breville sells their own in powder or liquid form. While these are recommended there are generic alternatives with the same ingredients.
Here is a brief rundown of the process:
Ensure drip tray is empty and attached
Disconnect the water tank and remove the filter
Next top the tank up to the line marked “Descale” and add the agent you have purchased for descaling (follow instructions according to the agent you selected)
Take the portafilter off the group head
Select the “Descale” option on the menu (though the Grind amount dial)
Select “1 Cup”
Follow instructions displayed – you need to do some manual changes and might need to top the water up
When complete, set the steam dial back to default
Again, empty and reattach the drip tray and empty
Rinse the water tank, top-up to “Max” and reattach
Run the rinse cycle (1 Cup button)
Empty and clean the drip tray and exterior of the machine
The entire process will take roughly 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Remember to refer to the user manual or the Breville website for detailed instructions if necessary.
Compared to Other Products Compared to the predecessor, the Breville Barista Express, the Pro stands up very well. It is faster and more efficient. The digital display makes it more user-friendly, and it also makes a bit less noise.
The Barista Express, being an older model, is less expensive. While they are both excellent options it is probably worth investing in the latest technology. If you look after the machine, it will last you many years so the convenience and added features are worth paying for.
Is it better or worse than similarly priced products? Other products in this price range compare well but none are dramatically better.
The De’Longhi EC9335R is a great option for a few more dollars. It is a stylish, versatile, and efficient machine with a lot to offer. This popular option is fast and has great technology.
If you want something a bit more compact that still makes outstanding espresso and cappuccino, the Breville Bambino or the Bambino Plus (see our review of them here ) are worth considering, the Bambino being the smaller of the two.
They lack some of the technology and sophistication of the Barista Pro, but both make excellent beverages while taking up very little counter space. They are slightly less expensive than the Pro.
Who should buy it and who shouldn’t? Anyone wanting a quality espresso machine should consider the Breville Barista Pro. There is so much to love about this machine and those that have used it tend to love it.
The only people that might want to avoid it are those on a super-tight budget or those with very limited counter space.
If you are a perfectionist and want a pressure gauge you will be disappointed that this model does not have that feature. Most people will not be put off by this.
Verdict The buying public has spoken and the rave reviews on this machine speak for themselves. It is a top-seller and very highly rated. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Our own investigations back this up.
This is an easy-to-use machine that is fast and effective. The learning curve is short.
It delivers the right amount and makes the perfect espresso, coffee, cappuccino, and other full flavor beverages with minimal hassle and fuss. As good as you would find in leading coffee shops.
Hand texture microfoam milk takes some effort but is easy once you get the hang of it.
It looks good, works well, and is pretty affordable compared to much more expensive espresso machines, but we recommend that you buy an extended warranty since Breville only provides a warranty of 2 years.
The downsides are minimal, and it is well worth investing in if you want quality with speed and ease.
See Breville Barista Pro here on Amazon with the latest pricing, discounts, and extended warranty options .
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