Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee is pure joy. A strong espresso gets me out of bed on rainy days. Choosing the right machine changes everything about that first cup.
I spent months testing the Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss to see which brews the best shot. Let me share what I found during those early hours in my kitchen.
Breville Bes870xl Review
This classic machine is a heavy favorite for coffee fans. It has a beautiful analog gauge that looks cool on the counter. Turning the dial feels like real coffee crafting.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick look at what I loved and what drove me crazy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great grind control | Slower heat up time |
| Fun analog gauge | Harder to master |
| Solid metal build | Weak steam wand |
My Daily Grind with the Express
After two months of daily use, I really learned the quirks of this machine. The burr grinder gets beans nice and fine, but it makes a loud crunching noise. I often woke up my dog while making my morning cup. Still, pulling a rich shot with thick crema feels like a huge win.
You really have to wait a bit for the steam wand to get hot. It tests your patience when you just want hot milk fast. Yet, wiping down that shiny drip tray is calming. It makes you feel like a true pro at a local cafe.
Recommendation
This is perfect if you love a hands-on, old-school feel and have time to spare. It is not good if you rush out the door and need your coffee in two minutes flat.
Breville Bes878bss Review
This newer model trades old dials for a sharp digital screen. It heats up so fast that it feels like magic. I grabbed this one because I was tired of waiting on busy Mondays. The bright display guides you through every step of the brew process. It really takes the guessing out of your early morning routine.
Pros and Cons
Let us break down the high points and the few letdowns I noticed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Super fast heating | Digital screen can glare |
| Better steam power | Lacks the classic gauge |
| Easy grind tuning | Costs a bit more |
Speeding Through The Morning
Using this machine for a few months totally changed my coffee habit. The new heating unit gets hot in exactly three seconds. I could barely grab my mug before it was ready to go. The steam wand also makes super smooth milk foam very fast.
The digital screen is handy, but I missed the old pressure dial. It feels a bit like using a smart phone instead of a classic tool. Even so, the taste is always spot on and sweet. Cleaning it is just a quick flush and a simple wipe.
Recommendation
This one is perfect for busy folks who want quick, cafe-quality drinks without the fuss. It is not good for purists who want to watch a physical needle move as pressure builds.
Detail Comparison for Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss
Putting these two machines side by side reveals some big differences. The choice really comes down to how you like to spend your morning. Let us look closely at how they stack up in the kitchen.
Brew Quality & Flavor Extraction: Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss
Both machines pull a wonderful shot with deep, rich flavor. They both use steady low pressure to start the brewing. The real taste difference in the cup is very hard to notice.
| Feature | Breville Bes870xl | Breville Bes878bss |
| Taste Profile | Great rich crema | Smooth and sweet |
| Pre-infusion | Yes, low pressure | Yes, low pressure |
Rating: Breville Bes870xl: 9/10 | Breville Bes878bss: 9/10
Brew Speed & Temperature Control: Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss
Speed is where you see a huge gap between the two. The newer model gets hot in just three seconds flat. The older one makes you wait a solid minute before it is ready.
| Feature | Breville Bes870xl | Breville Bes878bss |
| Heat Time | About 45 seconds | Just 3 seconds |
| Temp Tech | Thermocoil block | ThermoJet system |
Rating: Breville Bes870xl: 7/10 | Breville Bes878bss: 10/10
Ease of Use & Programmability: Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss
Buttons and dials make the older model feel very manual. The newer model has an LCD screen with clear, easy menus. You can pick your grind size and time right on the bright display.
| Feature | Breville Bes870xl | Breville Bes878bss |
| Interface | Buttons and dial | LCD screen menu |
| Grind Steps | 16 settings | 30 settings |
Rating: Breville Bes870xl: 8/10 | Breville Bes878bss: 9/10
Build Quality & Durability: Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss
Both machines wrap heavy stainless steel around strong inner parts. They both sit firmly on the counter without sliding around. You can feel the quality when you lock the heavy portafilter into place.
| Feature | Breville Bes870xl | Breville Bes878bss |
| Body Material | Stainless Steel | Brushed Steel |
| Weight | 23 pounds | 20 pounds |
Rating: Breville Bes870xl: 9/10 | Breville Bes878bss: 9/10
Cleaning & Descaling Process: Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss
Taking care of an espresso maker can be a boring chore. Both alert you when they need a good scrub to stay fresh. The screen on the newer one gives much clearer steps on what to do.
| Feature | Breville Bes870xl | Breville Bes878bss |
| Clean Alert | Blinking light | LCD message |
| Drip Tray | Easy to empty | Easy to empty |
Rating: Breville Bes870xl: 8/10 | Breville Bes878bss: 9/10
Conclusion
Picking a clear winner in the Breville Bes870xl Vs Bes878bss battle is tough. I love the old-school charm of the first, but the sheer speed of the second won my heart. If you value fast mornings, go with the newer Pro model. You will not regret making that speedy choice.