Breville 878 Coffee Machine

Last updated: October 2, 2026

The Breville 878 is the Barista Pro, a semiautomatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder. It is aimed at people who want to grind, dose, tamp and steam at home without buying a separate grinder. The appeal is a relatively quick workflow; the trade-off is that you still need to learn espresso and adjust the grind as beans age.

It can be a good all-in-one setup for daily espresso and milk drinks, but it is not a push-button coffee maker. Before buying, consider whether you want to learn the process, have room for a substantial countertop machine, and will make enough coffee to justify the price.

What the Breville 878 is

The Barista Pro combines a conical burr grinder, espresso brewer and steam wand in one appliance. It uses a 54 mm portafilter and includes pressurized and standard filter baskets. The pressurized basket is more forgiving of preground coffee or an imperfect grind; the standard basket gives you more control but depends on a suitably fine, consistent grind.

Its display and controls guide you through basic settings, including grind adjustment and shot programming. They do not measure every variable or guarantee a good shot. You still need to dial in the dose and grind, and use the result in the cup to decide what to change.

How it performs at home

See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine

The Pro heats quickly compared with many traditional espresso machines, so it suits rushed mornings better than a machine that needs a long warm-up. The integrated grinder also saves counter space and removes the need to match a separate grinder to the machine. But the grinder is not a shortcut around practice: a shot that runs too fast or tastes sour may need a finer grind, while a slow, harsh shot may need a coarser one or a different dose.

The steam wand can make textured milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It takes some practice to create smooth microfoam, and steaming is still a hands-on step. The machine is best for one or two drinks at a time, rather than making a queue of milk drinks for a crowd. If you mostly drink black coffee, you may be paying for a steam wand you rarely use.

Expect regular upkeep: empty the drip tray and used-coffee container, wipe the wand after steaming, and clean the grinder and brew parts as needed. Neglect can lead to stale grounds, clogs or poor-tasting coffee. Like other espresso machines, it also needs periodic descaling according to the manual and your water conditions.

Barista Pro and alternatives

The Pro makes the most sense when you want espresso and milk drinks, value a tidy all-in-one footprint, and are willing to learn. If you want more flexibility to replace or upgrade the grinder separately, look at a separate espresso machine and grinder setup. That route can be a better long-term fit, though it can cost more and requires room for two appliances.

Who should buy it—and who should skip it

Choose the Barista Pro if you make espresso regularly, enjoy adjusting your recipe, and want one machine for grinding, brewing and steaming. It is also a reasonable fit for a small kitchen where two separate appliances would be awkward, as long as you have enough counter depth for the machine and space to work in front of it.

Skip it if you expect café drinks at the touch of a button, dislike cleanup, or mostly make large mugs of coffee. A drip brewer is cheaper and simpler for that job. If espresso sounds appealing but you want less grinding and tamping, compare automatic espresso machines. They reduce hands-on work, but do not assume every model steams milk automatically; check the specific machine’s milk system.

The cheaper option can be entirely adequate if you only make occasional espresso. A basic espresso machine paired with a grinder capable of fine adjustment may suit a beginner who wants to spend less upfront. Avoid choosing by machine price alone, though: an unsuitable grinder can make it difficult to pull consistent shots, and replacing it later adds cost.

What to check before buying

Check the current price against other machines in your area, since discounts can change the value equation. Confirm what comes in the box and whether the included baskets match how you plan to brew. If you already own a grinder, the built-in one may be redundant; a machine without an integrated grinder could be a better use of your budget.

Also think about your beans. Fresh beans and a willingness to adjust the grind help the Pro show what it can do. If you prefer preground coffee and do not want to troubleshoot shots, the pressurized basket offers a more forgiving starting point, but a simpler coffee maker may be a better match for your routine.

FAQ

Is the Breville 878 the Barista Pro?

Yes. “878” is commonly used to refer to the Breville Barista Pro.

Can it use preground coffee?

Yes. Use the pressurized basket for a more forgiving result. For the best control, use freshly ground coffee and the standard basket.

Is the Barista Pro good for beginners?

It can be, if you are willing to practice grinding, dosing and steaming. Its display helps with the workflow, but it does not remove the learning curve.

Does it make regular drip coffee?

No. It is designed for espresso and espresso-based drinks. If you mainly want a pot of coffee, buy a drip brewer instead.