ProCook Barista Elite review: a premium bean-to-cup coffee machine that gives Sage a run for its money

ProCook's expansion into the small electrical appliance market is undoubtedly one of the best moves the kitchen brand has made. We've seen it launch everything from the best stand mixers to the best ice cream makers, but there's something about its recent foray into coffee machines that really ticks all the right boxes.

The new lineup includes four coffee machines that cover everyone from complete beginners to seasoned baristas. After we received a taste (quite literally) of the ProCook Pod Machine a few weeks ago, I was super excited to try the top-tier bean-to-cup model.

Keep reading to find out how the ProCook Barista Elite measures up to the best bean-to-cup machines, and whether it can compete with some of the big-name brands out there.

ProCook Barista Elite review: price and availability

The ProCook Barista Elite is priced at £599 (approximately $700) and is exclusively available through ProCook’s website or in-store.

The last impressive bean-to-cup machine I encountered in this price range was the Ninja Luxe Café, so it’s exciting to see another top brand delivering similar quality at a comparable price. Many other contenders, including the Sage Barista Touch and De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, are priced closer to £1,000, making the Barista Elite’s price point especially attractive.

There's also a mid-level version of the ProCook Barista Elite for £399, which alternatively features a black and white display screen.

ProCook Barista Elite review: unboxing and set up

Setting up the ProCook Barista Elite was refreshingly simple, especially compared to other models. The instruction manual walks you through the physical setup, from plugging it in to filling the tank and understanding what each part does.

Upon unboxing, I found a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, single and double filter baskets, a stainless steel tamper, a two-litre detachable water tank, a bean hopper, a 460ml milk jug, a cleaning brush and a pin. Each component felt well-made and high-quality, which is impressive given the price point.

After filling the water tank and attaching the bean hopper, I turned the machine on. The LCD screen guided me through the rinsing process before I could make my first brew.

Whilst this was all very straightforward, I was a bit disappointed that there was no option to install a water filter. For those living in hard water areas like me, this would have been a welcome addition to help prolong the machine's lifespan. It’s a minor downside, but worth noting.

ProCook Barista Elite review: design and features

One standout feature of the ProCook Barista Elite is its integrated display screen. It shows each customisable drink option and walks you through the brewing process, offering instructions like which filter to use. However, it's not a touchscreen, which is something I had to explain to my mother after she eagerly started tapping away thinking it was the latest iPad-coffee machine hybrid.

With each brew option, you can adjust grind time, water volume, steam pressure and water/milk temperature to suit your preferences, which can all be saved automatically. The machine offers a solid variety of drinks, including latte, cappuccino, americano, espresso and flat white, providing users with plenty of choice.

Another highlight is the integrated conical burr grinder, which offers an impressive 30 grind settings to match your desired coffee strength and flavour profile. I enjoyed experimenting with this feature, and I liked that I could switch between grind settings without having to empty the container first.

The machine boasts a 15-bar pump that applies 9-bar pressure during extraction to enhance flavour and minimise bitterness. Additionally, its dual thermoblock system efficiently heats water to the ideal temperature, as well as allowing you to extract coffee and froth milk simultaneously.

The milk frother is activated by pushing a lever forward, whilst pushing it back dispenses hot water. This took a little getting used to since my previous machines handled this automatically. However, the LCD screen prompts you if you forget to adjust it, which made it easier to learn. The milk frother is also equipped with a heat sensor, ensuring your milk reaches the perfect temperature in minutes.

In terms of design, the ProCook Barista Elite is one of the sleekest bean-to-cup machines I've seen. It looks fantastic on the kitchen counter, and I particularly liked the spacious top surface that neatly stores accessories. There's even a dedicated groove for the tamper, which is a thoughtful addition.

ProCook Barista Elite review: performance

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found the ProCook Barista Elite incredibly intuitive to use. The coffee extraction process is impressively smooth, and every cup I made tasted fantastic. The menu offers a comprehensive selection of options without being overwhelming, and I especially appreciated how hot the espressos were each time.

The large two-litre water tank was another plus, meaning I wasn’t constantly refilling it. Whilst I'd still recommend emptying and refilling it when possible, especially due to the lack of a filter, it was certainly helpful for having guests over or one of those days when ceffeine was much needed!

The only real hiccup I experienced was with the side lever that controls the milk frother and hot water tap. Since my previous machines didn’t have this feature, I often turned it the wrong way at first. Unfortunately, when I corrected the mistake, the machine would reset the coffee setting, requiring me to grind the beans again.

This initially resulted in some waste, but once I got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing. Whilst this isn't necessarily a design flaw, it’s something to be aware of to avoid unnecessary waste.

Lastly, the milk frother produced some of the smoothest milk I’ve tested in a while. I tried it with both dairy and plant-based milk, and it handled both brilliantly, complementing each coffee type perfectly.

ProCook Barista Elite review: verdict

The ProCook Barista Elite impresses with its intuitive design, high-quality components and excellent coffee results – especially for such an appealing price point. Whilst the absence of a water filter and the slightly tricky control lever require some adjustment, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise fantastic machine. With smooth coffee extraction, effective milk frothing and easy set up, it’s an excellent option for those seeking a versatile and affordable bean-to-cup coffee experience.

ProCook Barista Elite review: alternatives to consider

The most obvious competitor to recommend here is the Sage Barista Touch. The two machines look very similar, but Sage’s model does offer a few extra features and design refinements that help justify its higher price. If your budget allows, it’s definitely worth considering.

If you’re aiming for a similar price point, my top recommendation would have to be the Ninja Luxe Café. Both machines share a lot of similarities, but the Ninja’s build quality gives it an edge. The hands-free frothing is also something I didn’t realise I’d missed so much until I switched to using the ProCook Barista Elite.