Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

As someone who’s passionate about crafting the perfect espresso, I’ve spent considerable time using both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro. Over the course of my coffee journey, I’ve come to appreciate the nuanced differences between the two, and after thorough use, I have a clear favorite. The Barista Pro, in my opinion, offers a more refined and user-friendly experience, making it the better choice for those looking to elevate their home brewing routine. 

Initial Impressions: Out of the Box

When I first unpacked the Breville Barista Pro, I was immediately impressed with its sleek, modern design. The machine is compact yet solid, and the brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium feel. The size was just right for my kitchen countertop, not too bulky but large enough to house all the essential components like the grinder and steam wand.

In comparison, the Barista Express Impress has a more traditional look. While it’s sturdy and well-built, it doesn’t have quite the same modern appeal. It felt a little larger, and I noticed that some of the design choices, like the positioning of the steam wand, felt a little more awkward compared to the Pro.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the Barista Pro was a breeze. The intuitive digital display walked me through the setup process, guiding me in selecting grind sizes, adjusting shot timings, and even recommending optimal brewing temperatures based on the coffee beans I used. It made the whole process feel less intimidating, and I appreciated how clear the machine’s interface was. As someone who doesn’t like to waste time figuring out complicated machines, this feature was a huge plus.

On the other hand, the Barista Express Impress takes a more manual approach to setup. While it’s still straightforward, it required a bit more time to adjust and understand its features. For instance, I found the grind size adjustment dial to be slightly less precise, and I often had to experiment to get the right consistency for the perfect shot of espresso. This is fine for those who enjoy a bit of trial and error, but I preferred the Pro’s ease of use. 

Brewing Performance

When it comes to brewing espresso, the Barista Pro truly shines. The ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds, is a game changer. I was able to start brewing my espresso almost immediately after turning the machine on, which I found especially useful when I was in a rush. It also ensures the temperature stays consistent throughout the brewing process, something I noticed immediately in the quality of my shots.

The Pro’s built-in grinder, which I found to be both efficient and quiet, helps achieve a fresh grind every time. I particularly liked how easy it was to adjust the grind size and quantity, which allowed me to experiment and dial in the perfect shot. The steam wand was also fantastic, producing silky smooth microfoam for my lattes and cappuccinos. If you’re someone who enjoys the art of milk frothing, the Barista Pro makes it simple yet rewarding.

The Barista Express Impress, while a solid performer, didn’t have quite the same speed or consistency. The heat-up time, although relatively quick at 45 seconds, felt longer in comparison. And while it also has an integrated grinder, I noticed that the grind wasn’t always as uniform, which sometimes affected the espresso shot’s flavor. The automatic tamping system, though convenient, didn't quite match the precision I could achieve by tamping manually on the Pro.

Milk Frothing and Texturing

One area where the Barista Pro outshines the Barista Express Impress is with its steam wand. I found the steam power on the Pro to be much more robust, which allowed me to texture milk perfectly every time. Whether I was making a cappuccino or a flat white, the Pro made it incredibly easy to achieve that velvety texture that is the hallmark of a well-pulled espresso drink. The steam wand is also more responsive and quicker, making the overall process much smoother.

On the other hand, the Barista Express Impress has a steam wand that’s functional but feels a little less refined. While it still creates decent microfoam, it’s a bit more challenging to control, and I often found myself having to work a bit harder to get the same results. If you’re someone who takes pride in your latte art or just loves perfectly textured milk, I would suggest opting for the Barista Pro. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are essential aspects of owning any espresso machine, and I appreciate that both machines come with built-in reminders for regular upkeep. The Barista Pro has a more user-friendly approach to maintenance, with easy-to-follow prompts on the digital display. The removable drip tray and the easy-access grind tray made cleaning less of a hassle. Plus, the water tank is conveniently located and easy to refill, which is a small but important detail for daily use.

While the Barista Express Impress also comes with cleaning reminders, its design isn’t as intuitive in terms of maintenance. For example, removing the drip tray and cleaning the grinder could be a bit more cumbersome due to its bulkier design. The power cord is fixed, making it harder to move the machine around for cleaning, which could be a drawback if you’re someone who likes to keep things tidy.

Durability and Longevity

Both machines are built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy components. I’ve had the Barista Pro for a while now, and it has shown no signs of wear or malfunction. The grinder remains sharp, the steam wand still works like a charm, and the overall feel of the machine has maintained its premium quality. I’m confident that it will continue to perform reliably for years to come.

The Barista Express Impress, while also durable, hasn’t had quite the same staying power in terms of performance. The tamping system, in particular, seems prone to occasional misalignment, and I noticed that the grinder needed more frequent calibration to maintain consistent results.

Final Thoughts

After spending ample time with both the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress, it’s clear to me that the Barista Pro is the better choice. From its faster heat-up time to its superior steam wand and more intuitive interface, the Pro provides an overall more enjoyable and efficient experience. The ability to experiment with different grind sizes and shot volumes gives you the flexibility to tailor every cup to your preferences, making it a machine that grows with you as your barista skills evolve.

While the Barista Express Impress offers a more automated experience, I prefer the level of control the Pro offers. If you’re new to espresso and just want consistency, the Impress might be a better fit, but if you’re looking for a machine that grows with you and provides room for creativity, I highly recommend the Barista Pro. It’s a reliable, user-friendly espresso maker that will consistently deliver excellent results, making it a great investment for any home coffee enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express Impress?
A: The main differences between the Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress lie in their design, heat-up times, and user interface. The Barista Pro has a more modern design with a digital display and faster heat-up time (3 seconds), while the Barista Express Impress features a more traditional design and takes around 45 seconds to heat up. The Pro also offers more customization options for grind size, shot timing, and milk frothing.

Q: Which machine is easier to use for beginners?
A: The Breville Barista Express Impress is a better option for beginners due to its more automated features. The Impress has an automatic tamping system, making it easier for those new to espresso making to get consistent results without needing to manually tamp the coffee. The Barista Pro, while still user-friendly, offers more customization and control, which may require a bit more experience to fully appreciate.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro faster than the Barista Express Impress?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is faster. It uses the ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing you to start brewing almost immediately. The Barista Express Impress takes about 45 seconds to heat up, which is still quick but not as fast as the Pro.

Q: Can the Barista Pro make good latte art?
A: Absolutely! The Barista Pro’s steam wand is powerful and precise, allowing you to create silky smooth microfoam perfect for latte art. It’s a great choice if you enjoy experimenting with different milk textures and designs.

Q: Do I need to manually tamp my coffee with the Barista Pro?
A: No, the Barista Pro allows you to adjust the grind size and dose manually, but tamping is not automated. If you prefer full control over the tamping process, this is a benefit. However, if you prefer a more automated approach, the Barista Express Impress includes an automatic tamping system.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Barista Pro?
A: The Breville Barista Pro is relatively easy to clean. It has built-in prompts to remind you when it needs cleaning, and the drip tray and water tank are easy to remove and clean. The steam wand also requires occasional cleaning, but overall, maintenance is straightforward.

Q: Can the Barista Pro handle different types of coffee beans?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro can handle a variety of coffee beans. The adjustable grind size and dosing options allow you to tailor the grind and brew to suit different types of beans. Whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roasts, the Barista Pro gives you flexibility in how you prepare your espresso.

Q: Is the Barista Pro more expensive than the Barista Express Impress?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is generally more expensive than the Barista Express Impress, reflecting its advanced features, such as the faster heat-up time, improved steam wand, and digital display. However, the Pro offers more customization and flexibility, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to take their coffee-making experience to the next level.

Q: What kind of maintenance is required for the Barista Pro?
A: Regular maintenance for the Barista Pro includes descaling the machine, cleaning the group head, and ensuring the steam wand is cleaned after every use. The machine provides helpful prompts when it's time for a cleaning, making it easy to keep the machine in good working order.