Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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As a coffee lover, I’ve spent years experimenting with different espresso machines, trying to find the one that fits perfectly into my routine while delivering consistent, high-quality coffee. During my search, I came across two popular models from Breville—the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro. Both are highly praised, but after using both machines extensively, I found that the Barista Express Impress truly stands out. While the Barista Pro is undoubtedly a great machine, there are subtle features in the Barista Express Impress that make it my preferred choice. In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with these machines, highlighting why the Barista Express Impress holds the edge, from design to performance and ease of use.

Design and Build Quality: The Subtle Distinctions

When I first unpacked both machines, I immediately noticed a difference in their design. The Barista Pro is a bit more compact, and its sleek appearance definitely makes it a great fit for smaller kitchens. If you have limited counter space, the Barista Pro might be more appealing simply due to its smaller footprint.

However, I prefer the Barista Express Impress for its sturdier, more robust feel. It’s a little bigger, but it exudes a sense of professionalism that I really appreciate. The stainless steel body gives both machines a premium look, but there’s something about the extra size of the Barista Express Impress that feels more substantial. Plus, the Impress model includes an integrated tamper, which I found incredibly convenient. The built-in tamper ensures an even press every time I make espresso, a feature that I didn’t realize I’d rely on as much until I started using it regularly.

Performance: Achieving the Perfect Shot

In terms of performance, both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress deliver fantastic espresso. Both machines are capable of brewing a delicious shot with rich crema, but the Barista Express Impress wins in terms of consistency. The Barista Pro is a great machine, but after using the Impress for a while, I realized how much easier it was to get a perfect shot with the Impress.

What makes the Barista Express Impress stand out is the advanced Impress™ Puck System, which includes automatic tamping and pressure control. This feature has been a game-changer for me. As someone who isn’t always the most precise when it comes to tamping, having the machine do it for me has significantly improved my results. I no longer need to worry about tamping inconsistently or with the wrong pressure, which is especially beneficial when I’m rushing in the mornings.

On the other hand, the Barista Pro does require more manual intervention to achieve a consistent shot. While it still offers great results, I found that I had to focus more on getting the grind and tamp right with the Pro, which can sometimes be a bit challenging for beginners. With the Impress, I feel more confident that I’ll get a consistent shot every time, which is a big plus for my daily routine.

The Grinder: A Critical Component

As someone who loves fresh espresso, the grinder is one of the most important aspects of any espresso machine for me. Both the Barista Pro and Barista Express Impress come with high-quality conical burr grinders, which are essential for getting a consistent grind. However, I’ve found that the Barista Express Impress has a slight edge in this area.

The Barista Pro grinder is great and offers a wide range of grind sizes, but the Barista Express Impress takes it up a notch. The grind consistency on the Impress is noticeably better, especially when I’m dialing in for the perfect espresso shot. I also like how the Barista Express Impress allows me to fine-tune the grind more precisely. This consistency in grind size is something I’ve come to appreciate, as it contributes to better extraction and a smoother espresso shot.

Additionally, the Impress has a more efficient grinder, which means less static buildup and fewer messes when transferring the grounds. The grinder in the Pro works well, but the Impress feels more seamless and user-friendly, and it’s easier to keep clean over time.

Steaming and Frothing: Creating Cafe-Quality Drinks at Home

When it comes to frothing milk, both machines are equipped with excellent steam wands capable of creating velvety microfoam. As someone who enjoys making lattes and cappuccinos at home, I’ve put both the Barista Pro and Barista Express Impress through their paces in this area. While both machines do a great job, I found that the Barista Express Impress offers a little more control.

The Barista Pro has a steam wand that can deliver great microfoam, but the Barista Express Impress has a more precise steam pressure system, which gives me a little more flexibility in controlling the texture of the milk. The Impress allows me to create a thicker, more luxurious froth with less effort, while still being forgiving enough for beginners. I noticed that the Barista Pro can sometimes struggle with achieving that perfect microfoam for a latte art finish, while the Barista Express Impress consistently gives me better results.

The Impress’ steam wand is also easier to clean, which is a huge plus for me, as I don’t always have the time to clean my machine after every use. The frothing experience on the Barista Express Impress feels smoother and more streamlined overall.

Ease of Use: More Intuitive Controls

Both machines are user-friendly, but after using both, I found the Barista Express Impress to be more intuitive. The Barista Pro is equipped with a color touchscreen, which is certainly a nice touch and allows for easy adjustments. However, I found that the Impress is more straightforward, especially with the clear pressure gauge and tamping system.

With the Barista Express Impress, there’s no guesswork. The pressure gauge visually guides me through the espresso-making process, and the automatic tamping system ensures that I get it right every time. This ease of use is particularly helpful when I’m making coffee in a rush or when I’m entertaining guests. The Impress takes out the guesswork and makes it easier for me to enjoy a consistently high-quality shot without needing to fiddle with settings constantly.

While the Barista Pro is also easy to operate, I appreciate the simplicity of the Impress model. It gives me the right balance of control and convenience, without overwhelming me with too many options.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Low Effort, High Reward

One thing I’ve come to appreciate about both the Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress is how easy they are to clean. Both machines feature removable drip trays, water tanks, and other components that make cleanup a breeze. That said, the Barista Express Impress has a slight advantage when it comes to maintenance.

The Barista Express Impress includes an automatic cleaning cycle that helps keep the machine in top shape with minimal effort. It’s a great feature, especially when I don’t have the time or energy to deep-clean the machine after every use. The Barista Pro requires a bit more hands-on cleaning, which isn’t a deal-breaker, but the extra convenience of the Impress’ cleaning cycle definitely appeals to me.

Final Thoughts: A More Refined Experience

After spending time with both the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress, I can confidently say that the Impress is my top choice. It’s not just the automatic tamping and enhanced grinder that make it stand out—it’s the overall refined experience. From its precision steam wand to the easy-to-use controls, the Barista Express Impress provides a more consistent, reliable espresso-making process. While both machines are fantastic, the Barista Express Impress offers just a bit more in terms of performance, consistency, and ease of use, making it the better choice for those who want to step up their home espresso game without too much hassle.

If you’re someone who loves high-quality espresso but doesn’t want to spend too much time fussing with settings and techniques, I highly recommend giving the Barista Express Impress a try. It’s a well-rounded machine that truly delivers the perfect shot every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the main difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro?
A: The main difference lies in the Impress™ Puck System on the Barista Express Impress, which includes automatic tamping and pressure control, making it easier to achieve consistent espresso shots. The Barista Pro requires more manual intervention, especially when tamping. Additionally, the Impress features a more advanced grinder and improved steam wand performance.

Q: Is the Barista Express Impress harder to use than the Barista Pro?
A: Not at all! The Barista Express Impress is actually more user-friendly. It simplifies the espresso-making process with features like automatic tamping and a clear pressure gauge. It helps beginners and those looking for consistency get great results without too much effort.

Q: How does the grinder performance compare between the two machines?
A: While both machines have high-quality grinders, the Barista Express Impress has an upgraded burr grinder that offers better consistency and more precise control. This results in more uniform grounds, which helps achieve better extraction and espresso shots.

Q: Does the Barista Express Impress make better coffee than the Barista Pro?
A: Both machines make excellent coffee, but the Barista Express Impress provides a bit more consistency and ease of use due to its automatic tamping system and superior grinder. These features contribute to a better overall espresso experience.

Q: Can I create latte art with the Barista Express Impress?
A: Yes! The Barista Express Impress has a steam wand that delivers great microfoam, making it ideal for creating latte art. Its precise steam pressure system allows for better control, helping you achieve smooth, velvety froth for lattes and cappuccinos.

Q: Is cleaning the Barista Express Impress difficult?
A: No, cleaning the Barista Express Impress is fairly easy. The machine has an automatic cleaning cycle, making maintenance more convenient. Both the Barista Pro and the Impress are designed to be user-friendly when it comes to cleaning.

Q: Is the Barista Express Impress worth the extra price compared to the Barista Pro?
A: If you’re looking for more consistent espresso shots, better ease of use, and advanced features like automatic tamping and a superior grinder, the Barista Express Impress is worth the extra cost. It provides a more refined and user-friendly experience, making it a solid investment for those serious about home espresso.