Should You Get the Breville Barista Pro? My 1.5 Year Review

[@HijabsandAprons]

ALL MY COFFEE STUFF + DISCOUNTS: www.hijabsandaprons.com/coffee I hope my review was helpful for you all! One aspect I forgot to cover was the tamper that comes with the machine. I likely forgot about it because I deliberately replaced it ASAP after getting my machine. I do not like it at all. The Breville tamper is plastic, too lightweight, and leaves the edges of the espresso puck untouched/untamped. So I highly recommend getting a heavier, durable tamper (traditional or palm tamper) that fits snug in the 54mm portafilters. ✌🏼Peace

[@brianhawthorne7603]

The Breville tamper is designed to work with the weird portafilter basket that has sloped edges at the top and then straight edges below. It seems to be their attempt to idiot-proof tamping. The tamper is too small in the top slopes section (which is why they provide a weird “razor” tool to scrape the sides), and it is too big to fit into the straight walled section, presumably to keep you from tamping “too much”. I plan to replace the portafilter and basket and tamper all at once!

[@hash5191]

The Dual Boiler is best machine in the range and rivals the best in the business up to the 2-3k level, its way ahead of any of the Breville range bar the other dual boiler ones although they have issues of making them too consumer focused, nothing comes close. I had to go with the Bambino + as the other half doesn't like the size of the DB which was really sad for me.

[@caffeinefix2751]

Sister, you've gone above and beyond with this review. I'm a salesman and technician for these here in Australia and am blown away by the level of insight and the research you've made, and the photography is next level. Keep it up !

[@JohnJarowski]

Your videos are some of the best in this category: Thorough, informative, well crafted, with clear objectives and honest answers.

[@HijabsandAprons]

Thank you so much for watching and for your feedback/compliments!! 🙏🏼 I'm really happy to hear that my work paid off and is helpful 🙂

[@MudbloodWizard]

Wow, really love your composition, typography and aesthetics in general. Glad to discover your channel!

[@NetCreativeMinds]

Thanks so much for your videos on the Barista Pro! I recently purchased one and thanks to your videos I was pulling near perfect shots within 15 minutes. Also on a side note they now include a dosing funnel with the Barista Pro which makes the process much easier.

[@msdixie1972]

I wish. I didn’t get one with mine…. Going to buy one. Just bought it after Christmas 23.

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

Been on the hunt for a serious brew machine, I KNEW it'd be Breville because I trust that brand, and your video helped with my decision. Pick my new Breville Pro up tomorrow and I can't wait to start dialling things in.

[@LiquidArtist-0]

I am ready to get one myself. Could you give us a quick 1 year review ?

[@bradenb]

This is a great comparison. I've also had my Barista Pro for about a year and totally agree with your assessment. I recently switched from steaming after pulling a shot to steaming first and then pulling the shot while doing the standard "swirl" to fully homogenize the milk texture. It's not perfect, but I've found it goes a little bit faster for me.

[@cksiam]

This was such a helpful review, especially for someone looking to buy their first espresso machine. So many other reviews go into so much detail, they're overwhelming.

[@cindysmith1123]

I have the pro (10 months) and just added a niche! It is a game changer!!! Unbelievable taste difference and easy to use! Loved your video!!! Thank you!!!

[@brianhawthorne7603]

Thanks so much. I’ve had mine for 4 months or so, and your video on changing the grinder range saved me! Great content ❤

[@Sminnn]

This was a great review. I want to buy a barista pro and watched many reviews for it but yours has really pointed the finger to the problems that may come up. Thank you!

[@HijabsandAprons]

Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate your comment and feedback on what was helpful 😊

[@CamilleDegors]

This is such a great review! Thank you and Shukran!

[@royatoday]

Thank you this review/ feedback was just what I was looking for. I am just planning to buy and funny enough I was just looking at the exact two models and for the same reasons I was leaning more towards the pro ;) thank you , great video

[@theoriginalcraig]

FANTASTIC review! All of it was TOTALLY helpful!

[@grizzle1629]

Fantastic video. I appreciate the info and you have definitely helped me in my research to find the machine for me. You ROCK!

[@HijabsandAprons]

I'm happy to hear that!! Thanks for watching!

[@circuitbreaker8314]

Such a nice review. I love that its so high quality professionally and what techniques you have to think about

[@tifferz1091]

Pro tip you should fill the hopper all the way for consistent grind. It will also help with the beans being left on the side. It will grind what it's supposed to. You are never going to have every been grid and you should be cleaning it regularly. Getting all the oils out.

[@HijabsandAprons]

I don't store beans in the hopper because I try different beans often and brew decaf in the afternoon. Also, I think it'll be an allegedly "consistent" grind amount until you get to the end of the bag/hopper and realize ~15g is missing from your originally-300g bag 🙃 Regardless of your hopper/single-dose method, always weigh your ground coffee (after grinding..) to determine your dose amount! And yes with this grinder you won't have zero retention but there are grinders out there that get you quite close to it 😊

[@leeshingshyan]

Thanks, genuinely helpful video for someone like me who's looking to get my first espresso machine as a beginner! Appreciate it!

[@HijabsandAprons]

Thank you for watching! I'm happy to have helped 😊

[@suecoelho467]

THANK YOU 😊 for taking the time and care to do a VERY INFORMATIVE and ENJOYABLE video! It helped ME alot

[@SootheSound]

Very helpful video especially about the coffee temperature. One of the reasons I stopped using my Nespresso machine in the past.

[@cerealport2726]

very practical review, I'm still not too sure what I'll buy (express impress, or pro) but you've provided a lot to think about.

[@lifeofdeez7201]

I did not expect my photography to be attacked in here 😅

[@HijabsandAprons]

🤣🤣 thanks for watching and for making me laugh

[@stevetran7213]

Just bought my barista pro. Upgraded from a delonghi EC-702, your video really solidified that I made the right decision going with the barista pro. Great video!

[@chingwa888]

Great video - I went for the Barista Express as a first machine, had it for about 2 years and it SAVED me during lockdown while all my friends and neighbors had to go without a decent coffee for months. I had no idea they sold levers for the steam wand. This is EXACTLY what I need as I usually hold the milk jar with my right hand and have to use my left to turn off the wand and in most cases I am simply not strong enough to close it with the weaker hand at a weird angle.

[@lickasto00]

finally...someone with an honest and UNBIASED review. I'll def stick with the double boiler. I was having a hard time figuring out which one to buy....the pro or the dual boiler. Thanks for the tip and Salamalekom.

[@gailoakley4010]

Thank you for another great review! Your videos are always so helpful and full of information. I love your channel!❤️

[@HijabsandAprons]

Thank you so much for watching! I appreciate the support and am happy to hear that my content is helpful 😊🙏🏼

[@nunesgil-3668]

Thank you for your video! I wont regret at all our barista pro. 2 years after now... at that time I thought it was too much machine and principal $$, but, at a long shot, it just works...

[@janjaylicas3646]

I love how you present your video. I can relate to it easily because of the details in your explanation.

[@HijabsandAprons]

thank you so much for watching and for the feedback! 😊

[@rox9975]

Thank you for this video! I've had the same model for a few years now and have had no issues with it at all. If you do the regular maintenance it just works which is what I like about this model. However if you're a perfectionist like you and me then you will notice some of these annoying things like the heating system which I'm glad you mentioned as I thought I was the only one noticing this. I like to have mine fine tuned as close as possible but I find out that I can only do that after making several shorts in a row because of the heating system. My first 2-3 shots come out perfect after tuning it but once the machine heats up properly, like 4-5 coffees in a row, then it will get stuck and no drip at all. This really doesn't makes sense when you work hard to get it turned and the first few coffee shots come out perfectly. So then you have to tone back and refine your tuning but now the first few shots won't be perfect so you have to make sure you heat it up properly as you mentioned by running water shots a few times. This is my biggest complaint about it. Otherwise it's a great machine for the price.

[@stefal22]

Excellent review with good info and to the point. Thank you for sharing.

[@rejeanpaquet4375]

Many aftermarket bellows are available for the Breville Barista Pro. Pushing a few times on it will clear the hopper and grinder internals.

[@TheNobodyscat]

Great review! Appreciated all the technicalities and your reasoning. Thanks!

[@HijabsandAprons]

Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback! Happy to hear it was helpful 😊

[@SamCableguy]

I went with the barista express impress instead of the pro because the pressure gauge just looks too cool

[@NORWAYORNOWAY]

Thanks for this review and yes, I have had the exact same path (even the same accessories) and ownership experience/satisfaction. I figure I will live with the Pro for 5 years and then upgrade to a Dual Boiler or similar.

[@zwich]

Very similar though as what’s spinning around in my head right now. Great video ❤

[@proINpro]

I've been using the Pro for more than a year now and I'm still enjoying it. The grinder is a good entry grinder especially for medium-darker beans, but in addition to your review, you should know that the 0,5g beans that is trapped on top of the grinder is not all.. the dead space of grinded beans is about 2,5g. In my experience, although I get ~17g of grinded material out if putting in 17g, about 2,5g is old - and then again 2,5g of the newly grinded beans remain in the grinder's dead space. That's why I just ordered a single dose hopper and bellow kit. Cheers

[@bry2k]

Noob here. 😁 What is a "single dose hopper" and "bellow kit". Is it an upgrade for this machine?

[@HijabsandAprons]

Something like this amzn.to/43DZknS It has enough space for just one dose (instead of storing beans in the hopper) and the rippled bellows allow you to pump the last couple beans/chunks through the grinder to minimize retention. Hope that helps!

[@hudsonps4669]

I am just thinking about purchasing my first espresso machine, and gotta say this video was so nice to watch! (Though it did make me consider twice if I want the barista pro because of the grinder issues 😅)

[@HijabsandAprons]

@@hudsonps4669 thank you! hope you love whichever machine you choose!

[@Freeflier1978]

I bought the dual boiler for my first 😂. I already had a DF64 gen2 grinder and was decent at dialing grind sizes for pour overs, moka pots, and joe presso's. I was leaning towards the Pro but the thermo coils were a hard no.

[@HijabsandAprons]

NICE!!! the dual boiler is awesome to use!! i've used it a lot over the years, because one of my best friends has it 😊

[@EO-hb1ug]

Really informative review! Thank you!

[@Kendkend]

What machine do you have now or what would you buy now?

[@Lucas_S91]

I purchased my Barista Pro in the beginning of this year and watched a few of your videos to help me make a decision. I wanted a clean looking, all in one machine, that doesn't take up too much counter space. My experience so far has been mostly similar. I drink espresso most of the times, so I usually run two blank shots to heat up the grouphead, portafilter and cup. The only complaints I've had so far are the slow steam wand, that you mentioned. And I've found the chromed parts on the drip tray and the splash plate are easily scratched by cups or the occasional bump of the portafilter.

[@N0bull]

5:37 No analogy needed, it’s simple,.. Dual Boiler allows you to brew and steam at the same time thus saving you time. ….your DSLR analogy on the other hand is pretty good 😂👍🏼

[@satwantbhandal5844]

What a great review , so informative , I’m still on the fence , do I go barista express impress or pro 🙂‍↔️

[@esmaeelbaz6827]

you don't know how happy I become after hearing Alsalm Alikom ❤

[@CMoffat]

great video! love your editing style.

[@oisimamusic3217]

Can I please ask where you got your replacement wooden group handle from? 😊

[@HijabsandAprons]

Yes, it's from Crema! bit.ly/3wt2fVs

[@Rocodil]

Have you considered the brevile barista express impress? It has a thermo coil system, but different. It will heat up the brew head. Yes the steam wand is less advanced and the grinder has 25 steps instead of 30. But all in all it seems to me the best overall Breville machine.

[@igloosoftware]

THat answered most of questions, only one remain what about the finish black, is this high maintenance, still good after years? thanks!

[@HijabsandAprons]

@@igloosoftware it's looking great even after a few years!

[@HowlingWo1f]

Well, now they have the rubber attachment on Amazon you can pump to push the beans out for single dose.

[@dreamwoodsbutterfly]

Thanks for this. You’ve pretty much answered previous questions asked!

[@seva4012]

A really solid, objective insightful review. Thank you.

[@HijabsandAprons]

Thank you for watching and for the positive feedback!! 🙏🏼

[@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758]

Thank you the review. Would love to know your setting and your choice of beans..

[@hyruleworrier3021]

Has anyone had issues with this machine having pressure issues at high altitudes? I’m in Denver and I just picked one up for $500 at Home Goods but now im hesitant

[@tomasnozka1]

I have no clue what to do. I grind finer and finer and the coffee flows like crazy (14-15) seconds. I tamp as hard as I can😢. Any help appreciated.

[@HijabsandAprons]

Do you measure the dose of ground coffee before you tamp? And have you adjusted your built in grinder's burr setting?

[@tomasnozka1]

@@HijabsandAprons Yes, the dose is correct. And I adjusted my grinder manually after I wrote this question (to 3) and it looks much better already. I will continue today and see if I can repeat my already good result from yesterday! Thanks.

[@aadams5864]

Great and thorough review, thank you!

[@HeatherHawn-d9v]

I have a brand new one out of the box, and when I turn the steam wand on, there is still water coming out instead of just steam. My coffees have been turning out weak/watery tasting so I'm trying to determine if it's me (i'm new haha) or if the steam wand might be defective. I can see in your video that yours still sprays out a little water too even when it turns to steam ... is that pretty standard/normal? it seems to me that if water is being sprayed instead of just steam, it could water down the milk a little.

[@HijabsandAprons]

@@HeatherHawn-d9v Yes it's common for the steam wand to spray water at first after the pump being completely off. For some tips using this machine's steam wand (working around its quirks), you should check out my video on "how to steam milk" As far as tasting watery, it could be your shot is not yielding proper crema, is underextracted (brews too fast) or too large in volume.. among other things! Check/nail the espresso shot first and then troubleshoot the milk if necessary (speaking of which, are you using whole milk? or almond?)

[@HeatherHawn-d9v]

@HijabsandAprons the steam wand continues to spray a little water no matter how long i let it run. I just hit the double shot button and it autoruns the extraction time? I'm using almond milk as I am dairy free, but have thought about trying oat milk since that is the the most similar alternative to cows milk

[@jeffszeto3644]

Clear, high quality, and informative video! Thank you!

[@JBthePAdashC]

I’ve watched your videos and thought “hmmm… they must have fixed that annoying steam/hot water knob on newer models”. Nope! It’s an upgrade! Thank you for this!

[@DianHrozek]

Really nice review ❤

[@JB12132]

I have a love hate relationship with mine. 2 years on I have days in a row where all is as it should be. Then I can have a few days where the machine just goes rogue for the first two pours of the day. Does all you need it to for sure. Does it well too.

[@doronsieradzki192]

Great review. I own a Breville Barista Pro (have it for a month now). The heating issue is annoying, but the machine is perfect in many ways, so I am glad with my choice. Thank you for your great videos!

[@ElegyForTheMasses]

There are many tools available to easily deal with the coffee grinder retention, such as single dose hopper bellows.

[@Majnun74]

I have this BB pro and love it! I wonder if the pro has correct 9 bar pressure?

[@martinv-v5d]

I bought the Barista Pro for $499. Not sure if that’s good price or not? It’s my first espresso machine purchase. Thank you for the video as well

[@HijabsandAprons]

@@martinv-v5d That sounds like an awesome deal! Hope you love it 🙂

[@nickbyng]

Pro is great but upgrading the grinder to Niche Zero standalone one made big a improvement to my coffees

[@stephenkennedy7347]

I turn on my Barista plus for at least 10 mins before I make coffee and always do a clear shot before making the first cup to condition the basket and group head plus heat the cup. Even the second cup is a better temperature the first which just doesn't quite make it. To be fair a professional will espress a couple of shots and dump them at start up. I have made coffee with a friends dual boiler and the same coffee beans produce a slightly richer, smoother coffee but the Barista plus or Pro still makes a "great" coffee for less than half the price of a duel boiler and grinder. Often a coffee from a professional barista at a cafe can be disappointing in spite of the superb equipment they have.

[@mywalk-b3]

Exceptional overview! Thank you!

[@susanjoseph6114]

Is that a white tamper in the back to the right of the machine? I don’t see it listed on your site, could you please share where it’s from? ❤

[@HijabsandAprons]

Ah yes and thank you for checking my site. I'll definitely add it on there! It's the REVO 2 tamper from Artpresso 😊 Unfortunately I don't have a code at this time. www.artpressodesign.com/product/revo-b-tamper-white/

[@susanjoseph6114]

@@HijabsandAprons thank you oh so much!! learning so much from you 🥰

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Leena! Nicely done, cinematic video and review. I particularly liked the part where you showed your decision making process. If you do get a standalone grinder in the future, I would REALLY recommend a Specialita/Manuale over the Sette. The Sette is deafeningly loud. I got rid of mine after 3 months. Btw, which camera and lens do you use? -Tom

[@HijabsandAprons]

thank you so much for watching and for the tip! i use a canon eos R with a 35mm

[@jasoncrowe8138]

A bellows helps with every grinder I've used

[@NoZenith]

Thank you for the thorough yet accessible video. How is the paint holding up? Any chipping at the seams?

[@HijabsandAprons]

No issues yet! 😊

[@NoZenith]

@HijabsandAprons thank you very much for your response. I think I'm going to get the Bambino Plus and then throw my budget for my birthday, Christmas etc for myself into a Niche Zero.

[@HijabsandAprons]

That sounds like an awesome pair! I hope you love them 😊

[@NoZenith]

@HijabsandAprons it seems like the absolute ultimate pairing in ease-of-use, least mess and most versatile ( for those last-minute hands-off kind of days or really dialing something in with a bottomless portafilter) for the $$ and quality output.

[@goldfish8196]

did you upgrade your portafilter and baskets to like an IMS? How about the water shower screen? THANK YOU - loved the video , subscribed

[@HijabsandAprons]

No, this is the bottomless portafilters I have and I use the baskets that came with them: bit.ly/3wt2fVs Shower screen is stock, though! Thank you for watching 😊

[@scottlemk9111]

Could you talk about water management? I haven’t seen it addressed by people using these machines with large water reservoirs. Do you empty and fill fresh daily? If you are making espresso on a daily basis do you use the water left in the reservoir for a couple of days, and then wash the tank with soap and water after 2-3 days or more??

[@FootballFanClips]

Where do I get the handle for the steam??

[@HijabsandAprons]

Here you go! Mine is all steel, but they also have a black/silver option bit.ly/36IrqqF

[@dans9462]

What about the barista express? It has the good heat up system.

[@HijabsandAprons]

Yes it does. I covered it in this video in a brief comparison to the Barista Pro!

[@loupinx4526]

l love your honest review!! thank you!

[@spotellis]

Have you seen the single dose bellow attachment? It reduces the retention on the beans aswell. Seems like the perfect product for you😭

[@danielwarner9651]

I'm considering a black pro as well. Any issues with scratches? I've heard the black finish can come off easily? Thanks!

[@HijabsandAprons]

I don't have any issues with the paint at all!! I guess I'm careful, but not really 😂

[@danielwarner9651]

@@HijabsandAprons thanks, I'm probably in the same camp. Love your Seattle magnet! I'm over on Bainbridge!

[@mcrobert8]

Song title starting at 4:36? i just subscribed

[@sternslaptop]

Where did you get the handle for the steam wand?

[@HijabsandAprons]

It's linked on my site: www.hijabsandaprons.com/coffee

[@amaryusuf7519]

nice review..i'm also considering breville dual boiler in the future as for now i already got my china made gemilai coffee machine😁

[@HomeBaristaCorner]

Great review video! I understand that you're single dose user so I would recommend a dedicated single dose grinder that has a built-in bellow. Hope that helps.

[@luisdavidcuartas139]

Excelente review!! Thanks it help a lot. I’m making the exact decision. But I am deciding between the barista pro and the Diletta Bello Espresso Machine. I heard excellent review about this machine but it’s a little bit more pricey and I have to also buy a nice griner so it’s going to be double of the investment. What will be your suggestion being this my first express machine ? Thanks again 🫶

[@phoenixr6811]

😅😂only photographers got the reference of the cheap nifty 50 lens, awesome review gave me a lot to think about 😊

[@HijabsandAprons]

hahahaa trying to expand my viewership through my background in photography 😅

[@vannie8511]

Been loving your videos…. May I ask where you got your brass looking coffee bean scoop/ bag clip? It’s not listed in your “ coffee stuff” web page. Thank you so much

[@HijabsandAprons]

Thanks so much! Sure thing, here you are: templecoffee.com/products/coffee-scoop-clip

[@bilalsyed1542]

Excellent review! I own a Barista Pro for more than a year now. Grinder and its rentention is a bit frustrating. Planning to get a standalone single dosing grinder. Hope the temperature stability could be better. I keep the machine switched on for atleast 20 mins before i pull my shot. Hope that helps others too.

[@jamilor]

Thanks for the review! I'm interested in the Pro, and I see it has a ThermoJet heating system now. I wonder if that's a recent change from the ThermaCoil system after you bought your machine? It's supposed to heat up in seconds.

[@kavyacreddy]

what would be your feedback between Barista pro vs Express Impress?

[@rtaskyy]

Thanks for this. I think this is the right machine for me because it seems like a good entry that i wont outgrow anytime soon.

[@HijabsandAprons]

i'm so glad you found my review helpful!! hope you enjoy whichever machine you end up choosing 😊

[@firstonein363]

Great info. I appreciate it.

[@ghassab8026]

I’m hesitant to pick the black one because I’m afraid it might pick scratches and ruin the paint, should worry about that ?

[@HijabsandAprons]

Mine hasn't chipped or have any scratches! Though I am generally careful/clean with my stuff...

[@ghassab8026]

@@HijabsandAprons I’m generally careful but you know accidents happen 😅 thanks! ❤️

[@yonicozac]

This video is amazingly done! so clear. thanks!

[@HijabsandAprons]

thank you so much!

[@mayflower_3]

Selam alejkum what are your thoughts on Gaggia RI9380/48 Classic Evo Pro?

[@melbee2211]

Hello, love this video. What were your thoughts on the Breville Oracle when you were deciding on which machine to get (not factoring its expensive price tag)?

[@melbee2211]

Also….I LOVE Coava beans :) I live near a Coava shop in Portland :)

[@noraroberts9293]

How do you think Lelit Anna PL41TEM compares to the Barista pro?

[@axelrod7621]

Very helpful videos Thanks 👍 😊

[@bozerbrett7867]

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is on sale for $400, it has a boiler and a 58mm portafilter, then you would have to get a grinder.

[@rickcarter3183]

Got one 2 months ago sent 2 back trying my third first didn’t work second only got to 50c not happy

[@Senshi_o]

Hey there! Alsalam alaykom, I remember asking you about your thoughts about the Barista pro months ago and by far this is the best review of the machine out there! And by the way since then I’ve made the decision to go with the barista pro for your exact same reasons, And i have to say i absolutely love it! It’s by far not a flawless machine, but the fact that you get a decent grinder and all around good espresso machine for this price point is definitely worth it especially for someone just getting into the home barista world. I would recommend trying RDT as it helped me a little with the retention + getting an IMS basket as it helps getting better more consistent shots (note that you will have to grind finer with it). Thank you for the review and I wish you enjoy the rest of your day. ♥️

[@jaychu3850]

I wanted to know the same thing. I’m torn between the two. What made you get the Touch?

[@kyllerkill]

Wow. My barista pro after a day or two of grinding coffee has at most a .1 gram retention. And usually I’d spot on. I don’t know if I got a good machine or I’m just lucky. But I have never had a problem with retention.

[@kyllerkill]

Who really brews and steams at the same time. Really.

[@HijabsandAprons]

Anyone with a dual boiler lol