#1: Breville Barista Express Impress
- Automatic dosing and tamping
- User-friendly controls
- Compact design
#2: Barista Pro
- Greater control
- More powerful steam wand
- ThermoJet heating system
When it comes to Breville espresso machines, two models often stand out: the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro coffee machine review . Both of these machines are high-quality, semi-automatic espresso makers, but after having tested both, I found myself leaning more toward the Barista Express Impress. Here's why I think it's the superior choice and how it stacks up against the Pro.
My Personal Experience Using the Breville Barista Express Impress
As someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee but doesn’t want to spend too much time perfecting the process every morning, the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro has been a game changer for me. I’ve used manual espresso machines before, and while they certainly offer more control, they also require more time and precision to get things right. That’s where the Express Impress really shines—it makes the entire process so much more accessible without compromising on quality.
The assisted tamping feature has been especially helpful. When I first started making espresso at home, getting the tamp just right was always a bit of a guessing game. With the Breville Barista Pro vs Express Impress comparison, that guesswork is eliminated. The built-in pressure system ensures that every shot is tamped perfectly, and the result has been consistently great espresso.
User-Friendly Design Makes Espresso Accessible
One of the first things I appreciated about the Breville Barista Pro vs Express Impress comparison is how easy it is to use, especially compared to other machines I've tried. Whether I’m brewing a quick shot before heading out the door or taking my time to experiment with grind size and extraction, the machine makes it simple. Even though I’ve been using espresso machines for a while, the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro espresso machine review offers a blend of convenience and reliability that makes it my go-to, especially on busy mornings.
The built-in grinder is another feature I love. Freshly ground coffee makes all the difference, and the fact that I can do it all in one machine is not only convenient but also saves counter space.
Espresso Quality That Surpasses Expectations
I wasn’t sure how the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro review would compare to higher-end models or manual machines in terms of espresso quality, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The shots I’ve pulled have a rich, full-bodied flavor with a nice crema on top. For someone like me who enjoys a strong espresso, this machine does a stellar job of delivering a satisfying shot without needing too many adjustments.
If you prefer experimenting with different settings to get your espresso just right, the machine offers enough customization to play around with grind size, amount, and extraction time. However, if you're like me and just want a reliable, hassle-free espresso, the default settings do the trick beautifully.
Great for Lattes and Cappuccinos
I’m also a fan of milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, and while the steam wand on the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro coffee machine review isn’t as fast as the one on the Pro model, it still gets the job done well. I’ve been able to create silky, smooth milk foam with ease, and I can even practice a bit of latte art now and then.
The Barista Express Impress heats up fairly quickly, and while it’s not as fast as the Barista Pro, I’ve never found myself waiting too long. For most home users, the difference in frothing time isn’t a major issue.
An Ideal Espresso Machine for Beginners and Enthusiasts Alike
What stands out to me about the Breville Barista Express Impress is how well it balances simplicity and performance. If you’re someone who’s just getting started with espresso machines, this model is forgiving enough to help you learn without getting overwhelmed by too many settings and features. Yet, it’s advanced enough to keep more seasoned espresso enthusiasts satisfied with the quality it delivers.
It’s the type of machine that grows with you. As my skills and preferences have evolved, I’ve appreciated how I can customize my shots more, but the machine’s core features, like the assisted tamping and integrated grinder, still make my life easier on those days when I just want a quick, delicious cup.
In my opinion, the Barista Express Impress is the best choice for someone who wants a balance of ease and quality, whether you're a complete beginner or someone who just wants a reliable machine without sacrificing great espresso with Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro.
Build Quality and Design of Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
Both machines share Breville's signature stainless-steel design, which gives them a sleek and modern look that fits well in any kitchen. The Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro comparison feels slightly more refined in its design, with an easier-to-read control panel and a more user-friendly tamping system.
The Barista Pro is no slouch either—it has a clean look with a high-tech feel, featuring a digital display and faster heat-up time. But I personally prefer the simplicity and intuitive design of the Barista Express Impress, which makes it easier for espresso beginners to master.
Features Comparison: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
One of the first things that caught my attention when comparing the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro was the tamping feature on the Impress. The Barista Express Impress comes equipped with an assisted tamping system, which ensures you get the perfect amount of pressure every time. This is a huge plus for those who might not be comfortable tamping manually.
On the other hand, the Barista Pro boasts a faster ThermoJet heating system, which is definitely an advantage if you're often in a rush. However, I found that the additional speed didn't drastically improve my overall coffee-making experience compared to the convenience of the assisted tamping system in the Express Impress.
Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: Grinding Capabilities
Both machines feature integrated burr grinders, which are essential for freshly ground coffee. The grind settings on both the Breville Barista Pro vs Express Impress comparison are quite similar, offering a decent range of options depending on your coffee preference.
That said, I found the Barista Express Impress's grinding mechanism slightly more forgiving. It was easier for me to find the sweet spot with fewer trial-and-error sessions compared to the Barista Pro, where I had to adjust the grind size more often to get the ideal shot.
Espresso Quality: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
The most important part of any espresso machine is, of course, the quality of the espresso it produces. The Breville Barista Express Impress consistently produced rich, balanced shots of espresso, thanks to its precise dosing and tamping system. The Barista Pro also makes excellent espresso, but I felt like I had to pay more attention to the settings and adjustments.
If you're a coffee enthusiast who enjoys experimenting, the Barista Pro might appeal to you more. But if you're looking for consistency with less effort, the Barista Express Impress wins in this category.
Milk Frothing: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
Both machines come with steam wands that are capable of frothing milk to a professional standard. I noticed that the Breville Barista Pro has a slight edge here, as it heats up faster and allows for quicker frothing. If you're someone who frequently makes lattes or cappuccinos, the faster heat-up time could be a deciding factor.
That said, the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro review still does a commendable job, and the difference in frothing time is not significant enough to be a deal-breaker for me.
Ease of Use: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
For someone like me who appreciates convenience, the Breville Barista Pro vs Express Impress shines. The assisted tamping feature, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes the espresso-making process straightforward and foolproof. The Barista Pro, while offering more control and customization, felt like it required more time and attention to get everything just right.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
Maintaining your espresso machine is key to keeping it functioning well over time. Both the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro offer cleaning cycles and alerts to help with upkeep. The Express Impress has an edge when it comes to cleaning the group head and portafilter, thanks to its tamping system, which reduces the mess left behind after tamping. The Barista Pro requires a bit more manual effort when it comes to cleanup, especially around the group head.
Price and Value: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
When it comes to pricing, the Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro comparison is usually a bit more affordable than the Barista Pro. For the additional cost, you get the ThermoJet heating system and more control with the Pro, but for me, the convenience and ease of use that the Express Impress offers made it the better value overall.
Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
After spending considerable time with both machines, I can confidently say that the Breville Barista Express Impress is the better option for those who want a balance of quality and convenience. The assisted tamping feature, consistent espresso results, and easier cleanup make it the ideal choice for users who want great coffee with less hassle. While the Barista Pro offers advanced features like faster heating and more control, I found that the Barista Express Impress made the espresso-making process smoother and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro
Q: What are the main differences between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro?
A: The main differences are the assisted tamping feature in the Barista Express Impress, which ensures perfect tamping every time, and the ThermoJet heating system in the Barista Pro, which heats up faster. The Barista Pro also has a digital display and more advanced controls, whereas the Express Impress focuses on ease of use with a more manual, tactile experience.
Q: Which machine is better for beginners, the Barista Express Impress or the Barista Pro?
A: The Barista Express Impress is better suited for beginners because of its assisted tamping feature and more straightforward interface. It’s designed to make the espresso-making process simpler, while the Barista Pro offers more customization and control, which might appeal more to experienced users.
Q: Does the Barista Express Impress take longer to heat up compared to the Barista Pro?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro has a ThermoJet heating system that allows it to heat up in just 3 seconds, while the Barista Express Impress takes a bit longer. However, for most home users, the additional heat-up time in the Express Impress is not significant.
Q: Can I make lattes and cappuccinos with both machines?
A: Yes, both the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro have steam wands for frothing milk, making them perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based espresso drinks. The Barista Pro heats up faster, which may be an advantage if you’re making milk drinks frequently.
Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Barista Express Impress compared to the Barista Pro?
A: Both machines have built-in cleaning cycles and alerts for maintenance, but the Barista Express Impress might be slightly easier to clean thanks to its assisted tamping system, which reduces mess around the group head.
Q: Is the Breville Barista Express Impress worth the investment for someone who drinks espresso occasionally?
A: Yes, even for occasional espresso drinkers, the Breville Barista Express Impress offers great value due to its ease of use and consistent quality. It’s a solid investment if you enjoy espresso and want a reliable machine at home without the need for advanced barista skills.
Q: Can the grind size be adjusted on both the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro?
A: Yes, both machines have built-in grinders with adjustable grind settings, allowing you to customize the grind size to suit your taste and the type of beans you’re using.
Q: Is there a big price difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro?
A: Typically, the Barista Pro is priced higher than the Barista Express Impress due to its advanced features like the ThermoJet heating system and digital display. However, the Express Impress offers great value for those who prioritize ease of use and consistent espresso quality.