Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to espresso machines that promise the best quality shots with minimal effort. When it comes to Breville’s espresso machines, two models stood out: the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro. Having had the opportunity to use both over a period of time, I’ve developed a clear preference for the Barista Express Impress, mainly due to its features that make it easier to brew consistently great coffee at home.

In this article, I’ll dive into a comprehensive comparison between these two machines, focusing on their design, ease of use, coffee quality, and other key factors. I’ll also share my personal perspective on the features that stood out to me and why the Barista Express Impress won me over in the end.

What Makes the Breville Barista Express Impress Stand Out?

If you’re like me and enjoy your morning espresso with the least amount of fuss, the Barista Express Impress is likely to be your best friend. One of the most noticeable features of this machine is its automatic tamping system. As someone who’s been brewing espresso for a while, I can tell you that tamping is one of the trickiest aspects of making espresso. Getting the right pressure each time isn’t always easy, and I’ve certainly struggled with it in the past. The Barista Express Impress solves this problem by automatically tamping the coffee grounds with the perfect pressure, ensuring a consistent puck for every shot. This simple yet effective feature took a lot of guesswork out of my espresso-making process.

In contrast, the Barista Pro requires more manual intervention. While it’s not a dealbreaker, tamping manually can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a rush or if you haven’t mastered the technique. So, if you’re someone who values consistency and convenience, the Barista Express Impress stands out as the better option.

Design and Build: A Closer Look at Both Machines

When it comes to design, both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro have that sleek, professional look that Breville is known for. The brushed stainless steel construction of both models adds a premium feel to your kitchen countertop, which I really appreciate. Both machines are solid and well-built, ensuring durability and longevity.

However, the Barista Express Impress takes a slight lead in terms of overall design. The Impress model comes with a more modern interface, including an intuitive LCD screen that makes it easier to adjust settings like grind size, shot time, and temperature. I found that this added a level of sophistication that the Pro lacks. The Pro, on the other hand, uses traditional dials and buttons, which, while functional, don’t offer the same level of control and precision as the Impress.

For me, the extra digital features on the Barista Express Impress were not only helpful but also made the brewing process feel more effortless and enjoyable. If you’re someone who enjoys having precise control over every aspect of your espresso, the Impress is a better option.

Coffee Quality and Consistency: Which One Delivers Better Espresso?

The true test of any espresso machine is the quality of the coffee it produces, and here is where the Barista Express Impress really shines. I’ve used both machines extensively, and I found that the Impress consistently delivered richer, more flavorful shots of espresso. The built-in grinder in both models is a fantastic feature, as it ensures fresh coffee grounds for each shot. But the real difference comes in the consistency of the grind.

The Barista Express Impress has a slightly more refined grinder that delivers a more even, uniform grind, which directly contributes to better extraction and improved flavor. In my experience, this consistency made a noticeable difference in the quality of the espresso. The crema on each shot was thicker and more velvety, and the flavor was well-balanced.

While the Barista Pro also produces good espresso, the grind was not as uniform, and I occasionally noticed slight inconsistencies in the extraction. Although these differences might not be as noticeable to a casual coffee drinker, for someone like me who is quite particular about their espresso, the Barista Express Impress delivered a more reliable and satisfying cup every time.

Ease of Use: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

When I think about how easy a machine is to use, the automatic tamping system on the Barista Express Impress immediately comes to mind. For anyone who’s ever had trouble getting the perfect tamp, this feature is a game-changer. It’s one of those small conveniences that makes a big difference in the overall experience. I also appreciated the digital controls that make it easier to fine-tune the settings and ensure a consistent result.

The Barista Pro, in comparison, requires more hands-on involvement. You’ll need to tamp the coffee manually, which, as I mentioned earlier, can be a bit tedious. While some coffee enthusiasts enjoy the process of tamping and find it part of the fun, I personally found it to be a little more time-consuming and prone to errors. This extra step also means there’s more room for inconsistency, which can be frustrating if you’re aiming for perfection.

That being said, the Barista Pro does offer more manual control for those who want it. For example, you can adjust the grind size with greater precision, which might appeal to more experienced users who prefer to experiment with different settings. But for me, the simplicity and reliability of the Barista Express Impress made it a better choice.

Price Considerations: Is the Barista Express Impress Worth the Extra Cost?

While the Breville Barista Pro is priced more affordably than the Barista Express Impress, I believe the additional cost of the Impress is well worth it. The extra features, such as the automatic tamping system and the more advanced grinder, make it a much more convenient and user-friendly machine. If you’re someone who enjoys making espresso regularly and values consistency, the extra investment will pay off in the long run.

The Barista Pro is still a solid option if you're looking for a more budget-friendly machine, but after using both, I felt that the Barista Express Impress offered a more complete and satisfying espresso-making experience. The money spent on the Impress felt justified, especially given the time and effort saved thanks to its convenience features.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Which One is Easier?

Both the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro are relatively easy to maintain, which is crucial for anyone who uses an espresso machine regularly. Both machines have removable drip trays, water filters, and cleaning brushes, making the cleaning process simple and straightforward. However, the automatic tamping system on the Impress reduces the mess and cleanup required around the portafilter, which was a big plus for me.

The Pro, while still easy to clean, does require a bit more attention to detail due to the manual tamping process. You’ll need to clean the tamper more frequently, and the portafilter may require a little more care to ensure it’s free of excess grounds. Overall, the Barista Express Impress is slightly easier to maintain, particularly for those who appreciate a tidier espresso-making process.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

After using both machines extensively, I found that the Breville Barista Express Impress is the clear winner for me. While the Barista Pro is still an excellent machine that produces great coffee, the Barista Express Impress offers greater convenience, consistency, and ease of use. The automatic tamping feature alone makes a significant difference, and the enhanced grind consistency ensures that you get a quality espresso shot every time.

For anyone who enjoys espresso but doesn’t want to spend too much time on the details, the Barista Express Impress provides a perfect balance of simplicity and performance. The Barista Pro is a great option for those who prefer more manual control, but if you’re looking for a machine that makes the process as seamless as possible, I highly recommend giving the Barista Express Impress a try.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro?

The main difference between the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro is the automatic tamping feature on the Impress model. The Barista Express Impress has a built-in tamping system that ensures a consistent tamp with every shot, while the Barista Pro requires manual tamping. Additionally, the Impress offers a more modern digital interface and slightly better grind consistency, making it easier to use and more consistent in its results.

2. Is the Breville Barista Express Impress suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Breville Barista Express Impress is great for beginners. Its automatic tamping feature takes the guesswork out of tamping coffee grounds, which is often a tricky part for new espresso makers. The digital controls are intuitive, and the machine is designed to simplify the brewing process, making it more user-friendly for people just starting with espresso.

3. Can I adjust the grind size on the Barista Express Impress?

Yes, the Barista Express Impress has an adjustable grind size setting that allows you to fine-tune the coarseness of your coffee grounds. This feature is useful if you want to experiment with different types of coffee beans or adjust the grind to suit your taste preferences. The Impress gives you good control over the grind consistency, contributing to a better espresso shot.

4. How long does it take to make a cup of espresso with the Barista Express Impress?

The Barista Express Impress is relatively quick. Once the machine is preheated, it takes about 1 to 2 minutes to grind the coffee and pull a shot of espresso. The automatic tamping feature helps speed up the process by eliminating the need for manual tamping, so you can get your espresso more quickly compared to manual machines.

5. Do I need to buy a separate coffee grinder if I get the Breville Barista Express Impress?

No, the Barista Express Impress comes with a built-in conical burr grinder, which ensures you always have freshly ground coffee for your espresso. The grinder is adjustable, allowing you to customize the grind size according to your preferences. This eliminates the need for purchasing a separate grinder, making it a more cost-effective solution for home espresso brewing.

6. Is the Breville Barista Express Impress easy to clean?

Yes, the Barista Express Impress is designed to be easy to clean and maintain. It features a removable drip tray, a water filter, and a cleaning brush, making regular cleaning straightforward. Additionally, the automatic tamping system helps minimize mess around the portafilter. Overall, it is a low-maintenance machine, which is a big plus for everyday use.

7. What kind of coffee beans should I use with the Breville Barista Express Impress?

The Breville Barista Express Impress works well with most types of coffee beans, but for the best results, it’s recommended to use high-quality, fresh beans. Beans that are specifically labeled as "espresso roast" are ideal for espresso machines, but you can experiment with various roasts based on your personal taste. Always grind the beans just before brewing to ensure freshness.

8. How does the Barista Express Impress compare to other espresso machines in its price range?

Compared to other espresso machines in its price range, the Breville Barista Express Impress stands out due to its combination of high-quality features like the automatic tamping system, consistent grind, and user-friendly digital interface. While other machines may offer similar features, the Impress integrates them in a way that makes the brewing process easier and more reliable, especially for those new to making espresso at home.

9. Is the Barista Express Impress worth the extra cost compared to the Barista Pro?

Yes, for those who value convenience and consistency, the Barista Express Impress is worth the extra cost. The automatic tamping system and more precise grinder make it a more reliable machine for producing high-quality espresso with less effort. While the Barista Pro is a solid option for those who prefer more manual control, the additional features of the Impress justify its higher price, especially for beginners or those looking for a more streamlined espresso-making experience.

10. Can I make other types of coffee with the Barista Express Impress?

Yes, while the Barista Express Impress is primarily designed for making espresso, you can also use it to make other coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. The machine comes with a steam wand that allows you to froth milk, making it easy to create coffee drinks similar to those served in coffee shops.