Models covered
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.
Before checking Sage Barista Pro BES878 / Breville
- 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 this symptom can mean on Sage Barista Pro BES878 / Breville
4 checks for Sage Barista Pro BES878 / Breville, starting with Check hopper lock and bean movement
- 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.
When to stop checking Sage Barista Pro BES878 / Breville
- 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
What the Sage Barista Pro BES878 / Breville checks lead to
The 4-check path for “Barista Pro grinder runs but no ground coffee comes out” starts with “Check hopper lock and bean movement” and separates a resolved condition, an identified part and a case requiring service.
No purchase after a successful check
Follow the Sage Barista Pro BES878 / Breville controls in order. If “Check hopper lock and bean movement” and the remaining checks restore normal operation with no warning, stop without replacing anything.
Escalate only on the documented warning signs
For “Barista Pro grinder runs but no ground coffee comes out”, use the stop conditions above rather than the symptom by itself. Professional confirmation should precede any decision to replace Sage Barista Pro BES878 / Breville.
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