Breville Barista Pro Review (2023) – Is It the Best Choice?

As an avid daily espresso drinker and ex-barista, I have tried out many different models in search of one that meets my needs – and I am pleased to report that after extensive research, the Breville Barista Pro appears to be one of the best options available.

Barista Pro has all the features you could want from an espresso maker – precise temperature control for consistent results, adjustable pressure settings for customized extraction strength, a built-in grinder and much more.

In this Breville Barista Pro review I will evaluate each aspect of this exceptional machine, and share my unique views and experiences with this machine so you can decide if it’s right for you – let’s get into it!

Breville Barista Pro Overview

The Breville Barista Pro espresso machine is indeed an all-in-one espresso maker. It is designed for home use without sacrificing the quality of coffee you can get from a professional coffee shop.

If you ask me to name my favourite thing about Pro, it would be very hard to name just one. But I can tell you that, although I like the convenience of the LCD, I miss the pressure gauge found on its brother, Barista Express.

Everything else about these two machines is more or less the same with a few minor differences. Let’s start the review with that display first.

The intuitive LCD shows everything from grind size to shot duration and temperature. Although the gauge was a great feature, I have to admit that the display simplifies the brewing process even further.

Barista Pro also features a built-in conical burr grinder that grinds whole beans on demand. You can adjust the grind size between 30 different settings instead of only 16 (Express).

The Barista Pro espresso machine also comes with a steam wand for frothing milk. It’s a four-hole steam wand. This means better steam distribution and better milk texture (more about this later in the review).

As for the brewing performance, I wasn’t really surprised with the delivery.

The Pro also has a pre-infusion mode that pre-soaks the coffee grounds for optimal extraction and a ThermoJet heating system, which combined with a 15-bar pressure pump delivers exceptional espressos.

ThermoJet heating system is an upgrade from the Thermocoil heating system used in most Breville espresso machines. It is also responsible for a fast heat-up time (only about 3 seconds) and a quick switch between brewing and steaming.

All in all, it is one heck of an espresso machine. And in the rest of my Breville Barista Pro review, I’ll walk you through all aspects and features of it one by one.

Build Quality & Design

I am impressed with its build quality. The whole machine feels sturdy and well-made. Of course, there are a few plastic parts, but nothing that can take away the overall feel of the high-quality machine that you get with Barista Pro.

The Breville Barista Pro is a compact machine with dimensions of 14″ W x 16” D x 16″ H, which means it’ll fit small kitchens. Although it’s a bit smaller, I would say that the compact design doesn’t compromise on quality or functionality.

The unit is as powerful as ever!

As I mentioned earlier in my Barista Pro review, the LCD screen is a standout feature found in front of the machine. It provides all the necessary brewing information such as grind size, grinding time, temperature readings, and a brewing timer.

The power and menu buttons, one-shot and two-shot buttons and a grind dial are clearly labelled on the front of the machine as well.

That said, you don’t have to be a pro to know how to brew a great espresso with Barista Pro. The screen and the entire interface are user-friendly and I’m sure even complete newbies will have fun with it.

One of the areas where Breville Barista Pro pops out from the rest of the flock is the number of different colours on offer – 9 altogether!

You can get it in stainless steel as well as in Red Velvet Cake!

Main Features

If you have read my Barista Express review, you know that the main features of Express and Pro are more or less the same. However, guys from Breville have done a bit better job with this unit in terms of functionality.

Grinder

As a barista, I know that having the right tools is essential for crafting the perfect espresso. One of the important tools is a high-quality burr grinder.

That’s why I was so excited about the Breville Barista Pro.

Not only does it feature that impressive LCD screen that displays important information like grind size, grinding time, temperature readings, and a brewing timer, but it also boasts a built-in grinder.

Keep in mind that the grinder is one of the features of Breville Barista Pro that went through a major upgrade. It’s still a conical burr grinder. The only difference is that this time, you can fine-tune your espresso.

In other words, the grinder on Barista Pro allows you to play with 30 different grind settings. From coarse to fine, you can dial in your espressos the way you like them. This is important because different coffee beans require different grind settings.

What sets the Barista Pro’s grinder apart from other machines with built-in grinders is its ability to dose directly into the portafilter.

More about the grinder and its performance a bit later in my Breville Barista Pro review.

Boiler

Firstly, let me explain what a boiler in an espresso machine is. It is essentially a container that holds water and heats it to a certain temperature.

In the case of the Barista Pro, the boiler is a 2-litre capacity stainless steel water tank that is capable of reaching temperatures up to 207°F. This is the perfect temperature for extracting the most flavour and aroma out of the coffee beans.

A novelty about the boiler in the Barista Pro is that it features ThermoJet technology. This means that it can heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process.

How fast it can heat up, you ask?

It takes only about 3 seconds for Barista Pro to reach the ideal brewing temperature. Compared to other Breville units with Thermocoil heating that usually take 30 seconds to heat up, this is a major upgrade!

Pro Tip: ThermoJet doesn’t heat the brew head and the portafilter so make sure to pull a blank shot to warm them up before brewing your espresso.

Keep in mind that you can’t brew and steam at the same time due to a single boiler setup on Barista Pro. The good news is that the heating system switches rapidly between the two features!

Water Tank

The tank on Breville Barista Pro has a relatively large capacity, holding up to 67 ounces of water. This means that fewer trips are required to refill the tank and more time can be spent brewing and enjoying coffee.

The tank is made of BPA-free plastic, which means that harmful chemicals and toxins are not present in the water.

Just like Express, the Barista Pro tank features a filtration system. It is a charcoal water filter that removes impurities, such as chlorine and other minerals, from the water.

I like that it comes with an alert system that notifies you when the tank is low on water. This is great because it ensures that the machine is never run on an empty tank, potentially causing damage to the equipment.

PID Control

I have long been fascinated with the science behind making the perfect cup of espresso. One of the most crucial components of this process is the PID control system in the Breville Barista Pro.

PID control, or proportional-integral-derivative control, is a sophisticated system that uses feedback to maintain a consistent temperature in the espresso machine.

The PID control in the Breville Barista Pro is particularly impressive due to its accuracy. The system accurately measures the temperature of the water and adjusts it continuously.

This way, the water temperature is always at the optimal level for brewing espresso.

During my review, I was particularly impressed with the ability to control the PID control system and thus, the brewing process. This means that you can experiment with different temperatures and timings and fine-tune your espresso.

Steam Wand

The already mentioned PID controller has another function. In combination with a ThermoJet heating system and a 15-bar pressure pump, the Breville Barista Pro steam wand is a really powerful feature.

What I want to say is that the steam wand on the Pro has more steaming power than, for example, the same feature on the Barista Express or Bambino Plus. A bit more about its ability to froth milk a bit later in my Breville Barista Pro review.

As for the built quality, the steam wand is made of high-quality stainless steel, making it sturdy and durable. The wand is also adjustable in terms of the amount of steam and heat that’s needed for each espresso drink.

Additionally, the wand is equipped with a rubber frothing handle.

What impressed me the most about the steam wand in the Breville Barista Pro is the seamless integration with the machine’s overall design. The steam wand is easy to handle.

Portafilter

Just like the Express, the Breville Barista Pro features a 54mm stainless steel portafilter.

Although it is not a commercial size, the great thing about the entire setup is that it uses a low-pressure pre-infusion function that gradually increases pressure on the coffee grounds in the portafilter to bring out the most flavour and aroma from the beans.

You also get a single and dual filter basket. This means that you can brew both single and double espressos.

Accessories

As for the additional accessories, the Barista Pro also comes with a tamper and a milk jug, a razor dose trimming tool, a cleaning kit, and water filter tablets.

The tamper is used to tamp down the coffee grounds in the portafilter, ensuring that the water flows through the coffee evenly. The milk jug is used to froth the milk for lattes and cappuccinos.

The razor dose trimming tool ensures that the right amount of coffee is used every time, while the cleaning kit keeps the machine in excellent condition. The water filter ensures that the water used in the machine is of the highest quality, promoting the best taste.

All in all, I’m impressed how Breville takes care that you don’t end up wanting anything if you buy the Barista Pro.

But what about the performance of all these amazing features? Don’t worry, the next few parts of my Breville Barista Pro review will shed more light on how well (or not) this machine performs.

Grind Quality

If you will remember what I said at the beginning, the Barista Pro’s conical burr grinder is a bit more advanced than grinders on other Breville machines.

One of the flagship features is that the Pro’s 40mm conical burrs grind beans automatically using the auto grind and dose control features.

This means that with just the press of a button, the machine will grind the exact amount of coffee needed for a single or double shot. This means less waste and maximum freshness.

If you read my review, you know that Express has the same feature. But there is one critical difference between the two machines.

If you are an espresso nerd like me, then you will be relieved to know that the grind settings on Pro are adjustable. You can choose between 30 different grind settings and micro-tune your grind!

If you are a newbie, this means that you can customize the grind based on the specific type of bean or brewing method being used.

I have to say that this is probably one of my favourite features of Barista Pro.

And yea, the Pro also comes with a trademark feature called Dosing Funnel. It is a little attachment that you can place on the portafilter to prevent “spilling the beans”. In other words, it helps to minimize waste and keeps your espresso station clean!

All in all, Breville Barista Pro didn’t disappoint in terms of grinding performance. You might not need to invest in a separate grinder eventually if you get this unit.

Brewing Performance

It’s worth noting that Breville Barista Pro is a semi-automatic espresso machine. This means that you will have a solid dose of control over the brewing process.

However, if you want maximum control, I would recommend a manual espresso machine. On the other hand, if you are looking for a done-for-you coffee, then super-automatic might be a better option.

So how does the Barista Pro perform when it comes to brewing?

I have been thoroughly impressed with its brewing performance. The machine features a Volumetric Control. It allows you to automatically brew a single or double espresso, or manually adjust the volume during the extraction to personalize your brew.

The already mentioned ThermoJet heating system is lightning-fast and brings the water to temperature in a fraction of the time compared to other machines I’ve used.

Combined with the PID control, the heating system keeps the brewing temperature consistent (at 200°F) throughout the entire extraction process.

And just like its brother, the Express, the Pro uses a pre-infusion feature before the actual brewing process starts.

I cannot stress enough how much of a difference the low-pressure preinfusion makes. By allowing the coffee grounds to bloom, the Barista Pro achieves a more balanced and nuanced flavour profile than other machines I’ve used in this price range.

And, when when it is time to start brewing the coffee, the 15-bar Italian pump delivers optimal pressure (about 9-bars) to achieve extraction. The result is a rich and flavorful espresso shot every time.

All in all, the Breville Barista Pro earns its name.

Milk Frothing & Steaming

When I first saw the setup on Barista Pro, I was a little worried that it might be difficult to operate, but it’s quite intuitive. This is great news for you if you are a later art newbie!

All you need to do is turn on the steam wand, place the frothing jug with the milk under it, and then turn the steam dial. Within seconds, the milk begins to froth and expand.

Now, I have to warn you that it takes a bit of time and practice to master the art of creating a microform. However, thanks to Barista Pro’s steam wand design, I’m sure you’ll master it pretty easily.

Unlike the standard one-hole configuration on most home espresso machines, this steam wand has four holes, which means a more even distribution of steam.

Thanks to this design, the milk is heated more evenly, preventing the chance of burned milk, which results in better-tasting cappuccinos and lattes.

Moreover, the four holes in the steam wand also provide better aeration, creating rich and velvety microfoam milk. The aeration reduces large bubbles and promotes the creation of small and fine bubbles that are essential for latte art.

If you love making lattes with intricate designs, with a bit of practice, the Breville Barista Pro is the machine that will get you there.

Maintenance & Cleaning

First and foremost, I just want to stress how important it is to clean the espresso machine after every use. This includes wiping down the steam wand and its nozzle, removing the coffee grinds from the portafilter, and cleaning the drip tray.

Failure to do so may result in clogs, foul odours, and other unpleasant problems.

It’s also essential to descale the machine every three months to remove any mineral buildup that can negatively impact the coffee’s taste and the machine’s functionality.

The good news is that the Breville Barista Pro features a replaceable water filter that helps to prevent scale buildup and, consequently, prolongs the machine’s lifespan.

On top of that, the machine alerts you when it is the ideal time to run the descaling cycle. Speaking of which, there is also an alert that reminds you to flush the machine to remove any oil residue from the group head.

And as for the daily cleaning, it’s super easy. All you need is a soft cloth and cleaning brush (the latter is included in accessories) to gently wipe the exterior of the shiny Breville Barista Pro.

Furthermore, it is recommended to flush the brew head after each use, wipe the portafilter, empty the drip tray, and run a steam wand to make sure that to remove any milk buildup in the nosles.

It’s also essential to check the machine’s parts periodically and replace any worn or damaged components to prevent further damage. Breville offers a range of replacement parts for the Barista Pro, which makes maintenance and repairs easier.

Who Is Breville Barista Pro For?

Breville Barista Pro proves to be a versatile option. I would say that it is for both beginners and advanced users due to its upgraded grinder.

As a beginner, you’ll appreciate the user-friendly features that make it easy for you to pull consistent espresso shots without much hassle. The intuitive controls and built-in grinder allow you to set up your machine quickly and get started on your espresso journey with confidence.

The best thing about Barista Pro is that it comes with all, and I mean all the tools and accessories that you need to become a home barista.

On the other hand, the reason why I would recommend it to seasoned espresso professionals is that the Barista Pro offers a great variety of customizations that enable you to experiment with various coffee beans, grinds, and brewing techniques.

The grinder is a solid update from the unit on the Express. It allows for micro-adjustments, which is critical for achieving that one-of-a-kind cream and taste.

Its impressive micro-foam milk texturing feature allows you to take latte art to the next level, thus enhancing the overall espresso experience.

How Does Breville Barista Pro Compare To Barista Express?

First and foremost, the Barista Pro boasts a faster heat-up time than the Barista Express. While the Barista Express takes around 30 seconds to reach optimal temperature, the Barista Pro can do so in just 3 seconds.

This is mainly due to a difference in the heating technology used in each machine. Express uses Thermocoil while Pro leverages the ThermoJet technology.

On top of that, Barist Pro features a more precise PID controller. This means that the temperature stability is superior as well.

The Barista Pro also has a more advanced display screen than the Express. The LCD screen on the Pro is more intuitive and provides more information than its predecessor.

One area where the Pro and the Express are similar is in the quality of the espresso shots they produce. Both machines have the same 15-bar Italian pump and produce rich, flavorful espresso shots every time.

So if that is your main priority, you can save a few bucks if you go with Express.

In terms of pricing, the Breville Barista Pro is generally more expensive than the Express, reflecting its more advanced features and capabilities.

However, for those who are serious about their coffee-making and want the best possible machine, the added expense may be well worth it.

Breville Barista Pro Review – Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Breville Barista Pro is an excellent espresso machine for home espresso enthusiasts. I would go as far as to say that it is one of the best choices overall.

With a ThermoJet heating system, a handy LCD that slowly guides you on your home coffee-making journey, and the ability to customize your espressos to suit specific tastes this machine is at the top of the game.

It is safe to say that whether you are an avid coffee connoisseur or a beginner, you won’t be disappointed whit the Breville Barista Pro. I know I wasn’t while doing this review.

Ultimately, investing in a quality espresso machine is something you won’t regret, and if you choose wisely then you will have years of delicious cups of coffee whenever you need them.

Thanks for reading my review! I hope it’s been helpful!

Breville Barista Pro Review – FAQs

What makes the Barista Pro different from other espresso machines?

The Barista Pro boasts a built-in conical burr grinder that allows you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter. It also features digital temperature control, ThermoJet heating, and a steam wand for frothing milk.

Is the Breville Barista Pro easy to use?

Yes! The Barista Pro has a user-friendly interface with easy-to-follow controls and an LCD display. Plus, it comes with a handy quick-start guide and a comprehensive instruction manual.

Can I customize my espresso shot with Barista Pro?

Absolutely! The Breville Barista Pro gives you the option to adjust the grind size, dose, and extraction time to your liking. You can also program your own custom settings for a consistent shot every time.

Does Breville Barista Pro come with a warranty?

Breville Barista Pro comes with a two-year limited product warranty. On top of that, you can get Breville Care if you buy directly from the manufacturer. This extends your warranty past the manufacturers.

Is the Barista Pro worth the investment?

In my opinion, absolutely. As someone who values a high-quality espresso shot, the Barista Pro has exceeded my expectations in terms of flavour and ease of use. Plus, it’s a stylish and durable addition to any kitchen.