Breville Barista Pro

Pros

• I have been using one already for the 10+ years, but it’s now coming to the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Looking at what’s available in the price range, it seems to have the best features, mainly thermojet so there is no wai...
• also I know the barista pro came with a tool you can use to poke the holes in it clear-I’d imagine that model does too.
• If you absolutely insist on a machine with a built-in grinder, Barista Pro is the best of the lot.
• A Bambino Plus or Barista Pro will let you learn the fundamentals fast without fighting the machine. Heat up quick, forgiving, and you can get to “this tastes good” pretty reliably.
• I still prefer manually frothing the milk with the pro because I have more control. Oh, and the larger water tank and drip tray on the pro are also a bonus.

Cons

• Barista Pro has bad built-in grinder -> they are now fitted with Baratza burr, are they still bad?
• So, I own the Breville Barista Pro with the built in Baratza grinder and no matter how perfect I dial in a shot, it just doesn't taste the best.
• Even though it's a Baratza, the motor power isn't really recommended for medium roasts. If you want it to last for years, it's better to stick with dark roasts since the beans are more porous and softer to grind. ... now that I see it st...
• I bought my Barista Pro and two weeks later I had to get a flat burr grinder because I prefer medium roasts. The built-in grinder isn't very good; it struggles quite a bit and is somewhat inconsistent—it’s really only recommended for dar...
• I have the barista pro, just cause I wanted something for counter aesthetic as well.