Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

As someone who loves coffee, I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect espresso machine. Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of machines, from manual ones that require a lot of attention to simpler automatic options. But recently, I found a game-changer that has transformed my coffee routine—the Breville Barista Touch Impress.

When I first came across the Barista Touch Impress, I was immediately drawn to its sleek, modern design and the promise of producing high-quality espresso drinks with minimal effort. After several months of daily use, I feel confident in saying that it’s lived up to those promises and then some. In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on the machine, highlighting its features, performance, and why it’s quickly become my go-to coffee maker.

Sleek and Intuitive Design

The first thing that caught my eye when I unpacked the Breville Barista Touch Impress was its design. Unlike some other espresso machines that can feel clunky or overly complicated, this one has a streamlined, modern look that fits well with any kitchen decor. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a professional feel, while the intuitive touchscreen makes the whole experience easy to navigate.

I’ve always been a fan of machines that don’t require too much effort to operate, and the Barista Touch Impress fits that bill perfectly. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is user-friendly, and it’s easy to customize every aspect of the brewing process—from the grind size to the milk texture. The display is clear, and I’ve never had trouble understanding or accessing the different settings.

Simplified Espresso Brewing with the "Impress" System

As someone who enjoys making espresso at home, one of the things I always struggled with was tamping the grounds evenly. It’s easy to mess up, leading to inconsistent shots and less-than-ideal flavor. The Breville Barista Touch Impress has an innovative feature called the "Impress" system, which has completely eliminated this issue for me.

The system automatically distributes and tamps the coffee grounds to an optimal level of pressure, ensuring an even and consistent extraction. What I’ve noticed is that the espresso shots I pull are significantly better, with a smooth crema on top, which is usually a good indicator of a quality espresso. This feature alone has made the Barista Touch Impress worth it for me, especially since I’m not always in the mood for the meticulous process of tamping manually.

Coffee Freshness with the Built-In Grinder

Another key feature that stands out with the Breville Barista Touch Impress is its built-in conical burr grinder. As I’ve learned from experience, the freshness of the coffee grounds makes a big difference in the flavor of the final cup. Freshly ground beans just taste better, and the Breville grinder ensures that I get a perfect grind every time.

What I appreciate most about the grinder is how customizable it is. With a simple dial, I can adjust the grind size depending on the type of coffee I’m making. Whether I’m brewing a fine espresso shot or a coarser grind for a longer drink, the machine provides consistent results every time. This level of control is something I didn’t expect to find in a machine at this price point, and it’s been a game-changer for me.

Easy Milk Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos

I’ve always been a fan of milk-based drinks, especially lattes and cappuccinos, so I was curious to see how the Breville Barista Touch Impress handled milk frothing. The steam wand is powerful and easy to use, and the automatic milk frothing feature takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process.

What I love is that the machine allows me to adjust the milk temperature and froth texture to my exact preferences. I can make silky lattes with smooth, velvety milk or opt for a thicker, airier froth for a cappuccino. The consistency is impressive, and the milk always comes out just how I like it—creamy, rich, and perfectly textured.

Consistent Performance Every Time

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about the Breville Barista Touch Impress is its consistent performance. I’m someone who values reliability, especially when it comes to my morning coffee. The machine heats up quickly, and once it’s ready, the espresso shot pulls smoothly with rich, flavorful results. The machine maintains a steady temperature throughout the brewing process, which I’ve found to be essential for getting the most out of the coffee grounds.

There’s no guessing with this machine. Every time I make coffee, it’s exactly how I want it. Whether I’m making a single espresso shot, a double, or a milk-based drink, the results are consistently great.

Quick to Clean and Maintain

As much as I love the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I was initially worried about the cleaning and maintenance. Espresso machines can be a hassle to clean, and I didn’t want to end up spending hours scrubbing every part after each use. Fortunately, Breville has made this process much easier.

The machine features a self-cleaning steam wand, which I’ve found incredibly convenient. After making a cappuccino or latte, I simply run the wand through the cleaning cycle, and it’s ready to go for the next use. The drip tray and coffee puck container are easy to remove and clean, and the overall design of the machine makes it simple to wipe down.

It’s clear that Breville has thought about ease of use and maintenance with this model, and it’s something I truly appreciate, especially since I use the machine daily.

Why It’s Worth the Investment

When it comes to buying an espresso machine, I always weigh the cost against the features and performance. The Breville Barista Touch Impress is definitely an investment, but I’ve found it to be worth every penny. It’s an all-in-one machine that combines ease of use with professional-quality results, and that’s something I haven’t found in other machines at this price range.

It offers everything I need to make a wide variety of coffee drinks, and it does so consistently well. Plus, the built-in grinder, customizable milk frothing, and automatic tamping features make it incredibly user-friendly, which has been especially valuable to me as someone who enjoys coffee but isn’t a trained barista.

Final Thoughts

After months of using the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I can confidently say it’s the best espresso machine I’ve ever owned. It’s made my coffee routine easier, more enjoyable, and more consistent. If you’re someone who enjoys high-quality espresso drinks at home but doesn’t want to spend hours mastering complicated techniques, this machine offers a fantastic solution.

Whether you’re new to espresso machines or a seasoned coffee lover, the Breville Barista Touch Impress strikes the right balance between convenience and quality. It’s a machine that delivers great-tasting coffee with minimal effort, and it’s become an indispensable part of my daily routine.

While there are many espresso machines on the market, the Breville Barista Touch Impress stands out for its ease of use, consistent performance, and exceptional value. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient machine that can make café-quality drinks from the comfort of your home, this one is certainly worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Touch Impress to heat up?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress heats up very quickly. It takes just a few seconds for the machine to be ready for brewing, which is great for those mornings when you’re in a rush.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress easy to use for beginners?
A: Yes, absolutely. The machine has an intuitive touchscreen display that guides you through each step of the coffee-making process. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for those who are new to making espresso at home.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress come with a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, the machine has a built-in conical burr grinder. It provides fresh and consistent coffee grounds with every use, and the grind size is easily adjustable to suit your preferences.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The machine is very easy to clean. It features a self-cleaning steam wand, and both the drip tray and coffee puck container are simple to remove and clean. The touchscreen also provides helpful reminders for regular maintenance.

Q: Can I adjust the milk texture and temperature for different drinks?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress allows you to customize the milk texture and temperature to suit your preference. Whether you’re making a silky latte or a frothy cappuccino, you can adjust the settings for perfect results.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress come with any warranty?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress comes with a limited warranty, which varies depending on the region of purchase. Be sure to check the specific terms when you buy the machine.

Q: How does the "Impress" system work?
A: The "Impress" system automatically distributes and tamps the coffee grounds to an optimal level of pressure before extraction. This ensures an even, consistent shot of espresso without needing to manually tamp the grounds.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress suitable for making multiple drinks at once?
A: While the machine is designed to make single and double shots of espresso efficiently, you can also make multiple drinks one after another. However, it is ideal for single-serve use or small batches at a time.