In this review, we will explore the Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine, a high-end home espresso maker designed to deliver café-quality drinks.
From its integrated burr grinder and PID temperature control to its manual milk texturing, this machine lets you create specialty coffee quickly and consistently.
What Is Breville Barista Express Impress?
The Breville Barista Express Impress is an innovative espresso machine designed for home baristas. It combines advanced features with user-friendly design. This machine simplifies espresso making while delivering cafe-quality results.
The Impress™ Puck System
The Impress™ Puck System is a standout feature of the Breville Barista Express Impress. This intelligent system combines a built-in grinder with assisted tamping. It automatically calculates the correct dose and applies a consistent 22lbs of pressure.
Here are some key points about the Impress™ Puck System:
- Designed to use the right dose of freshly ground beans (18g).
- Reduces the guesswork in espresso preparation.
- Ensures a perfect puck every time.
- Saves time and effort for busy mornings.
This system not only simplifies the process but also improves the quality of your espresso. It helps create a consistent and flavorful shot every time. The design is thoughtful, making it easier for anyone to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home.
The 4 Keys To Cafe-quality Coffee
The Breville Barista Express Impress focuses on four essential elements for cafe-quality coffee. These elements ensure that each cup is rich and satisfying. They include:
| Key Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Freshly Ground Beans | Uses a built-in grinder for fresh coffee every time. |
| Temperature Control | Ensures precise temperature control during brewing. |
| Optimal Water Pressure | Delivers the right pressure for a perfect extraction. |
| Microfoam Milk | Creates true microfoam milk essential for latte art. |
These four keys work together to create a perfect espresso. Freshly ground beans maintain flavor and aroma. Precise temperature control and optimal water pressure enhance extraction. Finally, the ability to create microfoam milk allows for beautiful latte art.
Breville Barista Express Impress Features
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is a popular choice for coffee lovers. Its features make it easy to use and ideal for making quality espresso at home. This review will highlight some key features of the machine.
Size And Design
The Breville Barista Express Impress is designed to fit perfectly in your kitchen. Its dimensions are 12.9″ W × 14.9″ D × 16.1″ H. This compact size makes it suitable for most home kitchens.
The machine features a stainless steel construction. This material offers both durability and a sleek appearance. It adds a modern touch to your kitchen decor. Here are some key aspects of its size and design:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.9″ W × 14.9″ D × 16.1″ H |
| Material | Stainless steel construction |
| Design | Compact and sleek |
This combination of size and design allows the Breville Barista Express Impress to fit seamlessly into your kitchen. It does not sacrifice functionality for looks, making it a practical choice.
Intuitive Controls & Feedback
The Breville Barista Express Impress features intuitive controls. Using the machine is straightforward, even for beginners. It includes a simple button control that allows you to brew single or double shots with ease.
One notable feature is the pressure gauge. This gauge provides immediate feedback on extraction pressure. It helps you know if you are achieving the perfect espresso. The machine also has:
- Adjustable volumetric shot control.
- Customizable brew temperature.
- Clear display for easy reading.
These features enhance the brewing experience. They allow you to adjust settings to match your taste preferences. The controls are designed for both novice and experienced users.
Water Tank & Bean Hopper Capacity
One key aspect is the water tank and bean hopper capacity. These components play a vital role in daily coffee preparation. Let’s explore how they enhance your espresso-making experience.
Water Tank
The water tank of the Breville Barista Express Impress has a 2L capacity. This size is suitable for multiple daily uses. It allows users to brew several cups without frequent refills.
The water tank works with the machine’s Thermocoil heating system. This system ensures a precise water temperature of 200°F. Consistent water temperature is crucial for extracting the best flavors from coffee grounds. Here are some highlights of the water tank:
- 2L capacity suitable for multiple daily uses.
- Easy to fill and remove for cleaning.
- Thermocoil heating system ensures precise 200°F water temperature.
This design promotes a seamless brewing experience. You can focus on your coffee rather than constantly refilling the tank.
Bean Hopper
The bean hopper of this espresso machine holds up to 250g of coffee beans. This capacity allows for many coffee brews before needing a refill. The integrated conical burr grinder ensures fresh grounds for each cup.
This machine also offers 25 precision grind settings. You can adjust the grind size based on your taste preferences. The intelligent auto dose correction feature ensures the perfect dose for consistent espresso shots. Here are some features of the bean hopper:
- 250g integrated conical burr grinder.
- 25 precision grind settings with intelligent auto dose correction.
- Ensures perfect dose for consistent espresso shots.
The combination of the large bean hopper and adjustable grind settings makes it easy to customize your coffee. You can enjoy a rich espresso experience every time.
Brewing Performance And Drink Quality
This machine combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. It ensures every cup delivers an exceptional taste and rich aroma. Let’s explore its precision extraction, brewing system, and milk frother capabilities.
Precision Extraction
The precision extraction feature of the Breville Barista Express Impress is impressive. It starts with a low-pressure pre-infusion. This process gently expands the coffee grounds. Following this, the machine uses a 9 bar extraction.
The result is a full-bodied espresso with a rich flavor and creamy caramel crema. This crema enhances the coffee’s aroma and taste.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for even extraction.
- 9 bar extraction for enhanced flavor.
- Full-bodied espresso with rich taste.
- Crema adds aroma and texture.
The machine features a 15 bar Italian pump with Thermocoil. This system maintains consistent heat. The PID temperature control ensures that the water is at the right temperature.
Brewing System
The brewing system of the Breville Barista Express Impress is designed for efficiency. It incorporates advanced technology to simplify the brewing process.
The 15 bar Italian pump provides powerful pressure. The Thermocoil heating system allows quick heat-up times. Users can enjoy coffee without long waits.
- Assisted tamping for consistent results.
- 15 bar Italian pump for powerful extraction.
- Quick heat-up with Thermocoil technology.
This brewing system is suitable for all coffee lovers. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a milder brew, this machine delivers. The design keeps the user in mind, making it easy for anyone to operate.
Milk Frother
The milk frother on the Breville Barista Express Impress is a standout feature. It allows users to create smooth microfoam easily. This is ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos at home.
The manual steam wand gives users control over the frothing process. It can create quick texturing, which is important for latte art. Users can achieve the perfect consistency for their drinks.
- Manual steam wand for full control.
- Smooth microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Quick texturing for beautiful latte art.
With this milk frother, anyone can become a home barista. It enhances the overall coffee experience. The Breville Barista Express Impress combines technology and ease of use, making it perfect for all coffee enthusiasts.
Daily Use, Cleaning, And Maintenance
Cleaning and care are also straightforward, ensuring your machine stays in top shape. This review focuses on how the machine performs daily, along with tips for keeping it clean and well-maintained.
Ease Of Use
The Breville Barista Express Impress offers several features that make it user-friendly. Simple one-touch button controls for espresso shots allow anyone to brew coffee quickly. The machine also includes:
- Assisted tamping and auto dose, which make brewing effortless.
- Intelligent dosing that remembers the last grind and tamp for perfect results every time.
These features work together to make the brewing process smooth. The intuitive design means less guesswork, making it suitable for beginners and experienced baristas alike.
The removable water tank and drip tray simplify the cleaning process. This design helps you maintain the machine without extra effort. Here’s a quick look at the ease of use:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| One-touch controls | Quick access to espresso shots |
| Assisted tamping | No skill needed for perfect tamping |
| Intelligent dosing | Consistent results every time |
Overall, the machine is designed for efficiency and ease. Users can enjoy coffee without complicated steps or processes.
Cleaning & Care
The Breville features stainless steel portafilter and steam wand that rinse easily. Regular cleaning helps maintain flavor and quality. Here are some key maintenance tips:
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth regularly.
- Rinse the portafilter and steam wand after each use.
- Empty the drip tray and clean the water tank weekly.
These simple steps keep the machine clean and functional. The durable materials used reduce maintenance time, letting you spend more time enjoying coffee. For deeper cleaning:
- Run a cleaning cycle using a suitable cleaning tablet once a month.
- Descale the machine every few months to prevent build-up.
Following these tips ensures your machine remains in excellent condition. Enjoying coffee becomes a daily pleasure with a well-maintained espresso machine.
Is Breville Barista Express Impress Right For You?
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is a popular choice for coffee lovers. But is the Breville Barista Express Impress right for you? Understanding its pros and cons can help you decide.
Pros
The Breville Barista Express Impress offers several advantages that make it appealing to many users. Here are the standout features:
- Built-in Grinder: Enjoy fresh coffee with the integrated conical burr grinder. It grinds beans just before brewing, enhancing flavor.
- User-Friendly: Clear controls and an intuitive interface make it easy for beginners. You can make espresso quickly.
- Steam Wand: The steam wand creates rich, creamy froth for lattes and cappuccinos. Perfect for milk-based drinks.
- Customizable Settings: Adjust grind size, shot volume, and temperature. Tailor your coffee to your taste.
- Durable Build: Made with high-quality materials, it is built to last. This machine can handle daily use.
These features make the Breville Barista Express Impress a strong contender for anyone wanting to brew quality espresso at home.
Cons
Despite its many advantages, the Breville Barista Express Impress has some drawbacks. Here are the main concerns:
- Price: It is more expensive than basic machines. Consider your budget before purchasing.
- Learning Curve: New users may take time to master settings. Practice is needed for perfect espresso.
- Size: This machine requires counter space. Ensure you have enough room in your kitchen.
- No Built-in Scale: Lacks a built-in scale for precise measurements. Users must use separate scales for accuracy.
These factors may influence your decision. Consider them carefully before purchasing.