July 10, 2026 — A consumer has reported receiving a significant electric shock from the external casing of a Breville Barista Express Pro espresso machine, model BES878BSS. The incident, which occurred while the machine was switched off but plugged in, highlights potential internal electrical faults in the appliance.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On June 7, 2026, a consumer was cleaning behind their Breville Barista Express Pro espresso machine (model BES878BSS, serial A1BUAESA210600313, batch code 2106), which was approximately five years old and had been purchased on May 30, 2021. While reaching behind the unit, their chest came into contact with the machine’s outer metal casing, resulting in a strong electric shock. The consumer described the sensation as comparable to a forceful blow to the chest.
At the time of the incident, the espresso machine was plugged into a properly grounded kitchen outlet, as it had always been, and was switched off. The consumer reported wearing shoes, standing on a tile floor, and using a dry paper towel for dusting, emphasizing that no water or liquid was involved in the incident.
The machine had been in normal use for its entire five-year lifespan with no prior incidents. The consumer noted that a properly functioning grounded appliance should not deliver a shock through its external casing, suggesting a possible internal electrical fault such as a compromised ground connection or a live electrical component contacting the chassis. Although no medical attention was required, the incident was described as alarming. The consumer immediately unplugged the machine and has not used it since.
The incident was reported to Breville, case number [REDACTED]. The unit is currently being sent to the manufacturer for diagnostic inspection. The consumer reported that Breville’s proposed solution was to have them ship the unit for diagnosis, after which they would provide a repair quote and charge for the fix, despite the machine having delivered an electric shock. This report has been filed to ensure the incident is on record and to help identify any potential pattern of similar occurrences.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises significant safety concerns regarding the potential for electric shock from the Breville Barista Express Pro espresso machine and potentially similar appliances.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is a severe electric shock. As experienced by the consumer, an electric shock can range from a startling sensation to a forceful impact. Depending on the voltage, current, duration, and path of the current through the body, electric shocks can cause muscle spasms, burns, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and even death. The fact that the shock occurred while the machine was *switched off* indicates a serious underlying electrical fault that bypasses the primary power switch.
- Long-Term Risks: Repeated exposure to minor shocks can cause nerve damage over time. More critically, an undetected internal electrical fault, particularly one involving a compromised ground connection or live wire contacting the chassis, poses a significant risk of fire if the insulation further degrades or if there’s an internal short circuit.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using, cleaning, or coming into contact with the metal casing of an affected machine could be at risk. This includes adults, and potentially children if they interact with the appliance. Individuals with pacemakers or other medical implants could be particularly vulnerable to serious harm from an electric shock.
- Property Damage Potential: An internal electrical fault carries a substantial risk of overheating, sparking, and ultimately, electrical fire. This could lead to extensive damage to the appliance itself, surrounding countertops, kitchen cabinetry, and potentially the entire home.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Breville Barista Express Pro espresso machine, model BES878BSS, or any similar Breville espresso machine:
- Immediate Steps:
- Do not use the machine if you suspect any electrical malfunction, hear unusual noises, smell burning, or have experienced any shocks, however minor.
- Immediately unplug the machine from the wall outlet. Do not touch the machine while unplugging it if you suspect it is live. Use the plug body, not the cord.
- Do not attempt to repair the machine yourself. Electrical repairs should only be performed by qualified professionals.
- How to Check If You Own the Affected Product: Verify your machine’s model number, typically found on a label on the underside or back of the unit. The reported model is BES878BSS.
- Prevention Measures:
- Regularly inspect power cords for any signs of damage, fraying, or wear.
- Ensure the outlet is properly grounded. If you have any doubts about your home’s electrical wiring, consult a qualified electrician.
- Avoid using appliances that show any signs of electrical issues (e.g., flickering lights, burning smell, tripping breakers).
- When cleaning, always unplug appliances to completely de-energize them, especially when cleaning hard-to-reach areas or behind the unit.
- Reporting Procedures:
- If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about your Breville appliance, contact BREVILLE USA directly at their consumer support team: 1-866-273-8455 (Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm PST) or visit www.brevilleusasupport.com.
- You should also report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify patterns and prompt safety actions.
Manufacturer’s Response
On July 9, 2026, BREVILLE USA provided the following statement regarding the incident:
“At Breville, we design and manufacture our products with consumers’ safety in mind. We take every complaint seriously and investigate whenever possible. Breville has contacted the end consumer, and we are awaiting the unit’s return for review. The Barista Pro™ and its component parts were tested and certified by UL Laboratories for fire and electrical safety. We encourage consumers with any additional inquiries or comments to contact our USA consumer support team at 1-866-273-8455 Monday through Friday between 8am – 5pm (PST) or visit www.brevilleusasupport.com 24 hours a day.”
It is noted that Breville’s initial proposed solution to the consumer was to have the unit shipped to them for diagnosis, after which they would provide a repair quote and charge the consumer to fix the machine, despite the electric shock incident. The company is currently awaiting the unit’s return for a full review.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
Licensed to practice law ONLY in California.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.