Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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When it comes to making coffee at home, the Breville Barista series has long been a go-to for enthusiasts and casual coffee drinkers alike. Two popular models within this line are the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro. Both are outstanding machines, offering great features for making espresso, but after using both models, I can confidently say that the Breville Barista Express Impress stands out as the superior choice. In this article, I’ll explain why the Impress is better and highlight the key features that make it a top contender in the world of home espresso machines.

I’ve been an avid coffee drinker for years and, over time, I've experimented with a variety of espresso machines. I’ve always appreciated the convenience of a semi-automatic machine, but it wasn’t until I tried the Breville Barista Express Impress that I truly felt like I had found a machine that could consistently make great espresso with minimal effort. The Barista Pro is also a solid machine, but after spending some time with both, the Impress stood out for its ease of use and consistent results. Whether you're a beginner or someone with a bit of experience, the Impress really simplifies the espresso-making process.

The Design and Build Quality

Both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro have sleek, modern designs that fit well in most kitchens. However, when I compare the overall build quality of both models, I found the Impress to have a more refined feel. The Impress is designed with a higher quality stainless steel body, making it a bit more durable and robust than the Pro.

In terms of size, the Impress is slightly larger, but the extra room allows for better placement of features like the drip tray and portafilter holder, making it a more convenient option for those who want easy access to their accessories. The Barista Pro, on the other hand, has a more compact design, but this can make some tasks feel cramped.

I personally appreciate the sturdier feel of the Impress; it gives off a sense of reliability that I didn’t find as strongly with the Barista Pro. If you're someone who enjoys the tactile satisfaction of using a well-built machine, the Impress will likely feel more satisfying to use day in and day out.

User-Friendly Features: Ease of Use

One of the most noticeable differences between the two models is the level of automation they offer. The Barista Express Impress has a standout feature that the Pro lacks: the auto tamping mechanism. This feature makes it so much easier to achieve the perfect espresso shot. The Impress automatically tamps the grounds, which not only saves time but also ensures a consistently high-quality espresso every time. This is a major advantage for people who may not be experts in tamping or those who want to speed up the process without sacrificing quality.

While the Barista Pro does have a built-in conical burr grinder, which is great for freshness, it still requires manual tamping, which can lead to inconsistency for beginners. The Impress, with its automatic tamping system, removes this hurdle entirely, giving it a clear edge in ease of use.

As someone who has spent countless mornings tamping espresso grounds just right, I can tell you that the Impress's automatic tamping system has been a game changer. The consistency it offers has made my espresso routine much more pleasant and has helped me focus more on the enjoyment of the coffee rather than the technicalities of the brewing process.

Grind Control and Freshness

When it comes to grinding fresh coffee beans, both the Barista Pro and Impress do an excellent job. Both machines feature Breville’s 30 grind settings that allow you to adjust the grind size depending on your preferences and brewing method. However, what sets the Impress apart is the added auto dosing system.

The auto dosing system in the Barista Express Impress automatically adjusts the amount of coffee ground based on the amount needed for your espresso shot. This means you don’t have to worry about over or under-dosing, which can sometimes happen with manual machines. It provides a level of consistency that’s hard to achieve with the Barista Pro, which requires you to manually adjust the dose each time.

This small but important feature makes the Impress a much more reliable choice for those who want a streamlined experience, ensuring that the right amount of coffee is always used for the perfect shot.

In my experience, the auto dosing system has really improved the consistency of my coffee, and I no longer have to second-guess the grind size or amount of coffee. For someone who values a bit of automation and ease, this feature is truly a highlight.

Steam Wand: Frothing and Milk Texture

Another important feature of any espresso machine is the steam wand, which is responsible for creating that smooth, creamy microfoam that’s essential for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. Both the Barista Pro and Impress are equipped with a powerful steam wand, but once again, the Impress has a slight edge.

The Impress comes with a 1-hole steam wand that allows for more precise control over the milk frothing process. It creates smoother and more consistent microfoam, which is essential for those who enjoy milk-based drinks. The steam wand is also easier to handle, making it more accessible for beginners and intermediate users who may still be refining their frothing skills.

In comparison, the Barista Pro has a steam wand with more holes, which can make it more challenging to create a perfectly smooth and velvety texture. While the Pro still does a good job at frothing milk, it’s a little less consistent and can sometimes require more practice to perfect.

I’ve used both machines for making lattes and cappuccinos, and I can say that the Impress’s steam wand provides smoother, silkier milk foam every time. This is particularly important if you love making artful coffee drinks like lattes with a nice thick microfoam. If you’re someone who enjoys making these drinks often, the Impress's wand makes the process easier.

The LCD Display: Navigating the Controls

Both the Barista Pro and Impress feature an LCD screen that provides real-time feedback on the brewing process, which is a nice touch. However, I find the Impress’s display to be slightly more intuitive and easier to navigate.

The Impress provides more detailed information on the brewing parameters, such as grind size, dose, and water temperature. The display also allows you to easily monitor and adjust settings as needed, ensuring that you’re always in control of the brewing process. The Barista Pro’s LCD is certainly functional, but I prefer the additional features and clarity of the Impress’s interface.

For someone like me, who enjoys experimenting with various espresso setups, having access to all this information at a glance has been extremely useful. It helps me make adjustments on the fly without fumbling around for manuals or instructions, which keeps my coffee-making process seamless.

Maintenance: Cleaning and Upkeep

When it comes to maintaining an espresso machine, both the Barista Pro and Impress are designed for easy cleaning. The Impress has a removable drip tray and cleaning cycle that makes the process hassle-free. You can quickly rinse and wipe down most components, keeping your machine in top condition.

While the Barista Pro is also easy to clean, the Impress takes it a step further with its more efficient and thorough auto-cleaning features. For example, it has an auto backflush system, which helps keep the internal components in good shape without requiring too much effort from the user.

As someone who doesn’t want to spend too much time cleaning after each use, I’ve found the Impress's cleaning features to be incredibly convenient. It makes the whole experience more enjoyable, knowing that I don’t have to worry about complex upkeep.

Price: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?

The Breville Barista Express Impress typically comes at a slightly higher price point than the Barista Pro, but in my opinion, the extra cost is well worth it. The features like automatic tamping, auto dosing, and the more refined steam wand make the Impress a more versatile and user-friendly machine.

While the Barista Pro is still an excellent choice and a bit more affordable, the Impress offers several upgrades that justify its price. Whether you’re an experienced barista or a beginner, the Impress offers a better overall experience that ensures you can enjoy great espresso with minimal effort.

For those who use their espresso machine daily and want to get the most out of their coffee-making experience, the investment in the Impress pays off in the long run. It’s the kind of machine that, over time, will only improve your coffee-making routine and make it feel more natural.

Conclusion: Why the Impress is the Better Choice

After comparing both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro, it’s clear that the Impress is the superior choice. The automatic tamping and dosing system, combined with a more refined steam wand, make it easier and more consistent to produce high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks. Additionally, the Impress’s user-friendly features, superior build quality, and easier maintenance make it the ideal choice for anyone who values convenience and precision in their coffee brewing process.

If you’re looking for a more streamlined and automated espresso machine that still offers professional-level results, the Breville Barista Express Impress should be your top pick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro?

A: The main difference is the auto tamping system in the Barista Express Impress, which automatically tamps the coffee grounds for a consistent espresso shot. The Barista Pro requires manual tamping, making the Impress easier to use, especially for beginners. Additionally, the Impress offers an auto dosing system, while the Pro requires manual adjustments.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Express Impress easy to clean?

A: Yes, the Breville Barista Express Impress is very easy to clean. It features a removable drip tray, cleaning cycle, and an auto backflush system that helps maintain the machine with minimal effort, making it more convenient than some other espresso machines.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Express Impress make better espresso than the Barista Pro?

A: The Breville Barista Express Impress provides more consistent results thanks to its automatic tamping and auto dosing system, which eliminates variables that can affect espresso quality. While both machines make great espresso, the Impress offers a more consistent and user-friendly experience.

Q: How important is the steam wand for frothing milk on these machines?

A: The steam wand is a crucial feature for making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The Impress has a more refined 1-hole steam wand, which makes it easier to create smooth, silky microfoam compared to the Barista Pro, which has a wand with multiple holes. This difference can impact the texture and consistency of your milk frothing.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Express Impress worth the extra cost compared to the Barista Pro?

A: Yes, the Impress justifies its higher price point with features like automatic tamping, auto dosing, and a more precise steam wand, which improve both the ease of use and consistency. If you're looking for a more streamlined and reliable espresso machine, the extra cost is worth it.

Q: Can I make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with both the Barista Pro and Impress?

A: Yes, both machines are capable of making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. However, the Impress offers a more consistent milk frothing experience thanks to its improved 1-hole steam wand, which provides better control over creating smooth, velvety milk foam.

Q: Are the Breville Barista machines easy to use for beginners?

A: The Breville Barista Express Impress is particularly beginner-friendly due to its auto tamping system and auto dosing features, which help reduce errors. The Barista Pro is still beginner-friendly but requires more manual adjustments, particularly when tamping the coffee grounds. Overall, the Impress is easier to use for those new to making espresso at home.