Breville Barista Pro BES878 vs ECM Classika PID
As of June 13, 2026, the Breville Barista Pro BES878 ($850) is about $849 cheaper than the ECM Classika PID ($1699).
If you're newer to espresso or watching the budget, the Breville Barista Pro BES878 is the easier place to start — it sits in the prosumer tier and costs less. The ECM Classika PID is a enthusiast-tier machine that rewards you if you plan to grow into it. The Breville Barista Pro BES878 uses a fast-heating thermoblock while the ECM Classika PID uses a single boiler; that drives how fast it heats and whether you can steam and brew at once. At today's prices the Breville Barista Pro BES878 saves you about $849 (99.9%), a meaningful gap worth weighing against the features above. The Breville Barista Pro BES878 is MAP-priced (everyone lists the same number), while the ECM Classika PID shows real retailer variation — it can be worth waiting for a dip. Remember the all-in cost: the Breville Barista Pro BES878 has a built-in grinder (ready to brew near $970), whereas the ECM Classika PID still needs a separate grinder, pushing a complete setup to about $3014.
Price history
Key differences
- Tier: Breville Barista Pro BES878 — prosumer; ECM Classika PID — enthusiast
- Boiler / architecture: Breville Barista Pro BES878 — semi-auto ThermoJet; ECM Classika PID — single boiler PID
- MSRP: Breville Barista Pro BES878 — $900; ECM Classika PID — $2200
- Current price: Breville Barista Pro BES878 — $850; ECM Classika PID — $1699 (99.9% gap)
- Retailer spread: Breville Barista Pro BES878 — 0%; ECM Classika PID — 11.8%
- Built-in grinder: Breville Barista Pro BES878 — yes; ECM Classika PID — no
| Breville Barista Pro BES878 | ECM Classika PID | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest now | $849.95 | $1699.00 |
| Cheapest at | wholelattelove | wholelattelove |
| MSRP | $900 | $2200 |
| Savings | save $50 vs MSRP | save $501 vs MSRP |
| Tier | prosumer | enthusiast |
| Type | semi-auto ThermoJet | single boiler PID |
| Retailers tracked | 1 | 2 |
| Price spread | 0% (MAP-tight / near-zero dispersion) | 11.8% (high dispersion) |
| Complete setup from | $970 | $3014 |
Which is cheaper, the Breville Barista Pro BES878 or the ECM Classika PID?
The Breville Barista Pro BES878 is cheaper at $850, about $849 less than the ECM Classika PID at $1699 (as of June 13, 2026).
How big is the price difference between the Breville Barista Pro BES878 and ECM Classika PID?
About $849 (99.9%) at today's prices — the Breville Barista Pro BES878 is $850 and the ECM Classika PID is $1699.
Is the Breville Barista Pro BES878 or ECM Classika PID better for a beginner?
The Breville Barista Pro BES878 is the friendlier first machine — it sits in the prosumer tier and costs less, while the ECM Classika PID is a enthusiast-tier pick better suited once you know what you want.
Does either the Breville Barista Pro BES878 or ECM Classika PID have a built-in grinder?
The Breville Barista Pro BES878 has a built-in grinder; the ECM Classika PID does not, so you'll need a separate grinder (a complete setup runs about $3014).
Prices last updated June 13, 2026. The cheaper pick is highlighted; “complete setup” adds a recommended grinder + essentials (see each product’s setup builder). Confirm the final price at the retailer.