Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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When I first started exploring espresso machines, I was overwhelmed by the number of options available. Both the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express stood out to me, and after much research and reading, I decided to give both machines a try. Having spent a significant amount of time with both, I have formed a clear opinion on which one works better for me.

After using both, I found that the Breville Barista Pro is the machine that truly suits my needs. It offers a more refined, modern experience that just feels right. Sure, the Barista Express is great, but when compared to the Pro, the differences really shine through. Let me share my personal experience with both, so you can get a better idea of which might be the better fit for your kitchen and coffee preferences. 

Design and Build Quality

Both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express are built to last, with high-quality stainless steel exteriors that feel robust and durable. But the Barista Pro wins me over with its more contemporary design. Its sleek, polished look feels much more modern and streamlined compared to the Barista Express, which carries a more traditional design with a bit more bulk.

The Pro's compact footprint is another aspect that I appreciate. It fits perfectly into my kitchen without occupying too much space, even though it houses the grinder and all the necessary components in one machine. The Barista Express is slightly larger and bulkier, which, depending on your kitchen space, could be a factor worth considering. 

Performance and Heating System

The key difference that stands out between the two machines is the heating system. The Barista Pro features Breville’s innovative ThermoJet technology, which allows the machine to heat up incredibly fast. In just three seconds, the Pro reaches the ideal brewing temperature, which is fantastic for those times when I’m in a rush and need a quick espresso shot. On the other hand, the Barista Express takes longer to heat up—about 45 seconds—which feels like a lot of time when you're trying to get your coffee fix in a hurry.

From a practical standpoint, this makes the Barista Pro much more convenient for daily use. I don’t have to wait around for the machine to warm up, and I can go straight into brewing without any delays.

Espresso Quality

Both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express do an excellent job of brewing espresso. However, the Pro’s PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control gives it an edge when it comes to temperature stability and consistency. The precise temperature control helps ensure that every shot I pull is perfectly extracted, with a balanced and rich flavor profile.

The Barista Express is certainly no slouch when it comes to espresso, but I have noticed that, on occasion, the shots can be a little less consistent. This isn’t a huge issue, but for someone who enjoys making coffee with a high level of precision, the Barista Pro is definitely the more reliable option. 

Grinder: Integrated and Convenient

Both machines feature an integrated burr grinder, which I find essential for getting the freshest coffee possible. The Barista Pro has a grinder with 30 different grind settings, which gives me greater flexibility when adjusting the grind size based on the beans I’m using and the type of coffee I want to brew. The Barista Express offers a similar grinder, but with fewer grind settings, which limits the level of customization you can achieve.

In terms of the grinding process, I find the Pro’s grinder to be slightly quieter and more consistent in terms of output. It delivers a fine grind consistently, which I find makes a noticeable difference in the quality of my espresso shots. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different coffees and brew methods, the Barista Pro’s versatility in this area will make a big difference.

Steam Wand and Milk Frothing

A standout feature of both machines is the steam wand, which allows you to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. The Barista Pro steam wand provides excellent steam pressure, which makes it easier for me to create microfoam and perfect textures for my milk-based drinks. Whether I'm making a cappuccino or a flat white, I can easily achieve the creamy, velvety texture I’m after.

The Barista Express also has a steam wand, but I find the steam pressure isn’t quite as strong, which sometimes leads to a less-than-perfect froth. For anyone who enjoys making fancy lattes or cappuccinos with intricate foam designs, the Barista Pro’s steam wand will definitely be more reliable.

Ease of Use and Display

One of the things I absolutely love about the Barista Pro is the intuitive LCD screen that guides me through the entire process. From grinding to brewing to frothing, everything is displayed clearly, so I always know what to do next. The user interface is simple and easy to understand, making it ideal for beginners or those who want a more hands-off experience.

On the other hand, the Barista Express relies on a more traditional manual setup. It doesn’t have an LCD screen, so everything is controlled through knobs and buttons. While this is still perfectly functional, it can be a bit more cumbersome for someone who isn’t used to working with manual espresso machines. The lack of an intuitive display means there’s a bit more trial and error involved, especially when you're first starting out.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is another area where the Barista Pro shines. It has a more user-friendly cleaning system, with easy-to-remove components such as the drip tray, water tank, and coffee puck tray. Additionally, it has built-in maintenance alerts that let me know when it's time to clean or descale the machine.

The Barista Express, while still relatively easy to maintain, doesn’t have the same level of convenience. The cleaning process feels a bit more involved, as you have to manually monitor when to clean the grinder and perform other maintenance tasks. This is a small inconvenience, but it’s something that I prefer to avoid with the Pro’s automatic reminders.

Value for Money

There is a noticeable price difference between the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express. The Pro is more expensive, but for me, the extra investment was well worth it. The speed, ease of use, and added features (like the ThermoJet heating system and LCD display) justify the higher price tag.

While the Barista Express is still a solid machine that provides excellent value, the Barista Pro’s performance and convenience make it the better choice for those who are serious about espresso and want a machine that delivers consistently high-quality results without a lot of fuss.

Final Thoughts

After using both machines extensively, I can confidently say that the Breville Barista Pro suits my needs much better than the Barista Express. While both machines are excellent in their own right, the Pro’s modern design, rapid heating system, precise espresso extraction, and user-friendly interface make it the more attractive option.

For anyone looking to take their coffee game to the next level, the Barista Pro offers a superior, more refined experience. It's the perfect machine for anyone who values convenience without sacrificing quality. If you're a home barista, a coffee enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good cup of espresso, I highly recommend giving the Breville Barista Pro a try. It’s an investment that I believe will significantly enhance your coffee experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express?
A: The main difference is the Barista Pro's ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just three seconds, while the Barista Express takes about 45 seconds. Additionally, the Barista Pro has a more advanced LCD display and offers more grind settings for greater customization.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro easier to use than the Barista Express?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is more user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive LCD display that guides you through the process. The Barista Express requires more manual adjustments, which can be more challenging for beginners.

Q: Can the Barista Pro make the same quality espresso as the Barista Express?
A: Both machines make excellent espresso, but the Barista Pro offers more consistency due to its PID temperature control, ensuring better extraction and flavor consistency in every shot.

Q: Which machine is better for making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos?
A: The Barista Pro has a stronger steam wand, making it easier to create silky microfoam and achieve better textures for lattes and cappuccinos. The Barista Express has a good steam wand, but it’s not as powerful.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro worth the higher price?
A: If you value speed, consistency, and convenience, the Barista Pro justifies the extra cost. Its faster heating, improved features, and ease of use make it a more reliable choice for regular coffee drinkers.

Q: How long does it take for the Barista Pro to heat up?
A: The Barista Pro heats up in just three seconds, which is significantly faster than the Barista Express, which takes around 45 seconds.

Q: How often do I need to clean the Breville Barista Pro?
A: The Barista Pro has built-in maintenance alerts to remind you when it’s time to clean or descale the machine. Regular cleaning of the drip tray, portafilter, and steam wand is recommended after each use for optimal performance.