If a BES878 or SES878 grinder motor runs while the portafilter receives nothing, first check bean feed, hopper lock, upper-burr seating and the dry grind outlet. Keep water away from every grinder component.
This symptom differs from a grinder that will not start and from a loud mechanical jam. Beans can bridge above the burrs, an unlocked hopper can interrupt feed, or retained compacted grounds can block the chute while the motor remains audible. Empty the hopper before removing the upper burr and preserve its numbered grind setting for reassembly.
Follow the checks in order and change only one condition at a time. Run a short rinse or test after each action, so the result identifies the cause instead of hiding it. The procedures below stay within the cleaning, refitting and user-menu operations described by the manufacturer.
Models covered
Safety first
- Switch off and unplug before removing the hopper or upper burr. Grinder parts must remain completely dry; keep fingers and tools away from the lower burr whenever power is connected.
What the symptom may indicate
Checks in the right order
- Check hopper lock and bean movement
Stop grinding, confirm the hopper is turned fully to its locked position and gently level the beans from above with the grinder stopped.
- Empty and remove the hopper
Run only the brief emptying operation described by Sage, switch off and unplug, then unlock and lift away the empty hopper. Keep all parts dry.
- Brush burrs and outlet dry
Note the upper-burr setting, unlock and lift it, then use the supplied grinder brush on the upper burr, lower burr and grind outlet. Do not rinse them.
- Refit and test a small dose
Return the upper burr to its recorded setting and lock it, lock the hopper, add a small quantity of dry beans and test one manual dose while observing feed.
Stop and get qualified help when
- Stop if the motor strains, there is a burning smell, the burr will not unlock with its normal handle, a foreign hard object is visible, or the grinder still runs without output after dry cleaning.
- Stop using the machine and contact the manufacturer’s service team if water reaches the plug or electronics, a breaker trips, there is a burning smell, the casing is damaged, or the same fault returns after the documented checks.
Next step
Repair, replace a part, or arrange a diagnosis?
Use the checks and stop conditions above to choose the least costly safe next step. A symptom alone never proves that the appliance has failed.
Resolve it without buying anything
Complete the 4 safe checks in order. If normal operation returns and no warning sign remains, no replacement is indicated.
Replace only the confirmed part
If the checks isolate a worn or blocked component, match its complete reference to the exact appliance model before ordering.
This guide does not identify a replacement part. Do not order a generic component from the symptom alone.
Arrange a diagnosis before replacing the appliance
Stop at any warning sign listed above. A qualified diagnosis should confirm that repair is unsafe, unavailable or uneconomical before an appliance replacement is considered.
Stop and get qualified help when : 2
Compare replacement appliances on AmazonPaid Amazon search. Results are suggestions, not a diagnosis or a recommendation to discard the appliance.Sources used
- Sage — The official Barista Pro manual separates steam, grinder blockage, abnormal noise and dose-setting checks for BES878 and SES878.
- Sage — Sage documents removal and cleaning of the Barista Pro hopper and upper conical burr, without opening the appliance body.
Last checked: 29 August 2026