Breville Barista Pro (BES878) is a semi-automatic espresso machine with integrated grinder, ThermoJet heating (3-second heat up), 30 grind settings, an LCD interface, manual steam wand, and volumetric dosing control.
Breville Barista Touch (BES880) upgrades the interface with a full touchscreen display, automatic milk texturing (Auto-Milk), programmable drink presets, and still includes the integrated grinder and 30 grind settings.
While the Pro gives you more manual control, the Touch brings automation and convenience that many users will appreciate.
Let’s make long story short: If you want a user-friendly, almost “push-button” espresso experience with automatic milk steaming and drink presets, go with Barista Touch. If you prefer to tinker, adjust manually, and want a simpler UI with fewer moving parts, the Barista Pro is appealing—but Touch does much of the hard work for you.
Why Do I Recommend the Barista Touch?
- Touchscreen & presets make it easier for beginners: The Touch’s intuitive menu and drink presets reduce the guesswork in dialing in espresso.
- Automatic milk texturing: The Barista Touch steams milk automatically to your selected texture and temperature, which is a huge convenience for frequent milk-based drinks.
- Same core heating & grinder tech: Both machines use ThermoJet heating for fast readiness, and both incorporate 30 grind settings via a conical burr grinder.
- Better for everyday consistency: Touch’s automation helps avoid inconsistencies in tamping, milk steams, and shot timing especially for busy routines or guests.
Detailed Comparison & Recommendation
| Feature / Spec | Barista Pro | Barista Touch | Which Is Best & Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating / Warmup | ThermoJet – 3 seconds warmup | ThermoJet – also ~3 seconds | Tie—it’s the same fast heating system. |
| Grinder & Grind Settings | Integrated conical burr grinder, 30 grind settings, dose control | Same integrated grinder and 30 settings | Tie in core grinder capability. |
| User Interface / Control | LCD + buttons, more manual control | Full touchscreen UI, presets, customizable settings | Touch wins for ease and convenience. |
| Milk Steaming / Frothing | Manual steam wand; you control texture | Auto milk steaming + manual option, controlled via touchscreen | Touch is more beginner-friendly for milk drinks. |
| Drink Presets & Recipes | None (you set shots manually) | Comes with preset drinks (latte, cappuccino, flat white, etc.), and ability to save custom ones | Touch offers more convenience out of box. |
| Dimensions / Footprint | Slightly deeper / larger footprint | More compact width/depth in some listings | Touch may fit better in tighter spaces. |
| Price | Check Barista Pro Best Price | Check Barista Touch Best Price | Pro is more budget-friendly; Touch is premium convenience. |
What Are The Major Differences
- Barista Touch has a full touchscreen with presets and customization; Pro uses a more manual LCD + buttons interface.
- Touch supports automatic milk texturing, reducing error and time.
- Both use ThermoJet heating and 30 grind settings, so core espresso performance is similar.
- Touch’s smarter interface reduces user mistakes; Pro gives you more direct control.
- Touch may fit better in some spaces due to slightly more efficient layout.
- Pro is less expensive and simpler in design; Touch is feature-rich and more polished.
Check Barista Touch Limited Time Deal Here
What Users Are Saying
| Feature / Feedback | Pro Users | Touch Users |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use / Learning Curve | “Once dialed in, performance is solid… but you’ll spend time tweaking.” | “Touch screen makes it super simple; I rarely mess with manual settings anymore.” |
| Milk / Frothing Behavior | “Manual frothing gives control, but consistency can vary.” | “Automatic milk steaming is great for latte art and consistency.” |
| Reliability / Maintenance | “Fewer electronics to fail; long-term performance good.” | “Complex parts (touchscreen, firmware) introduce more to maintain; but worth it for ease.” |
| Value & Satisfaction | Check Barista Pro Best Price | Check Barista Touch Best Price |
Fair Advice to Consider
- If you make many milk-based drinks (lattes, cappuccinos) daily, Touch’s milk automation is a major plus.
- If you enjoy dialing in and adjusting coffee parameters manually, Pro gives “hands-on” experience.
- Space and budget matter: if price difference is large or your kitchen is small, Pro might be more practical.
- Consider long-term maintenance: touchscreen and auto steam features may need software or part support over time.
- If you often share your machine or have guests, Touch’s simplicity makes it more user-friendly for others.
Quick Comparison Between Breville Barista Pro vs Touch
| Feature / Spec | Barista Pro | Barista Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Heating System | ThermoJet – 3s warmup | ThermoJet – 3s warmup |
| Grinder Settings | 30 precision settings | 30 precision settings |
| User Interface | LCD screen + buttons (manual control) | Full touchscreen with presets/custom |
| Milk Steaming | Manual steam wand only | Auto milk texturing + manual option |
| Drink Presets | None – manual setup | Yes – latte, cappuccino, flat white, more |
| Ease of Use | Great for hands-on baristas | Excellent for beginners and daily users |
| Price | Check Barista Pro Best Price | Check Barista Touch Best Price |
Final Verdict
For most buyers, I recommend Breville Barista Touch. It brings a higher level of usability, convenience through automation, and simplified workflow for making espresso and milk drinks. While the Barista Pro offers excellent control and is a robust machine, Touch’s interface and milk features make it more enjoyable to use daily. If budget and simplicity are top priorities, Pro is still strong—but Touch is the more polished, future-leaning pick.