Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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As an espresso enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of using both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro. Each machine offers unique features and benefits, making them standout choices for different types of coffee lovers. Here, I'll share my personal experiences and insights to help guide your decision on which machine might be the best addition to your kitchen.

Design and Build Quality

Having both machines on my kitchen counter, the first thing that strikes you is their aesthetic appeal. The Barista Pro has a slightly more polished finish, giving it a more premium look, while the Impress has a brushed finish that is very stylish in its own right. Both are solidly built, with a sturdy feel that assures you of their durability

Heating Efficiency

In my morning routine, the quick heat-up time of the Barista Pro is a game changer. The ThermoJet heating system gets the machine ready in just three seconds, a boon for those hectic mornings when every minute counts. The Impress, with its Thermocoil system, takes a bit longer but is still quite efficient, especially if you're not often in a rush

Grinder and Grind Settings

Both machines are equipped with integrated conical burr grinders, a feature I appreciate for the freshness it brings to each cup. The Pro offers more grind settings, which allows me to experiment with different beans and brewing styles. However, the Impress is no slouch; its 25 settings are sufficient for most needs and provide consistently good results

Dosing and Tamping

The automatic dosing and tamping system of the Impress is a standout feature. It takes out much of the guesswork associated with making a great espresso, especially for beginners or those who don't want to fiddle with settings each morning. This system ensures a perfect tamp every time, leading to a reliably delicious espresso with minimal effort

Milk Frothing Capabilities

As someone who enjoys a creamy cappuccino, the Pro's advanced steam wand is impressive. It heats up quickly and provides powerful steam to produce velvety microfoam. The Impress also does a decent job, but it requires a bit more patience and technique to get the same quality of froth

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Both machines are relatively easy to use. However, the Impress with its streamlined, automated features is particularly user-friendly. Its cleaning cycle is simple and infrequent, which suits my busy lifestyle. The Pro, while not difficult to maintain, does require a bit more hands-on interaction during setup and cleanup

My Recommendation

After extensive use, if I had to recommend one, it would be based on your specific needs and coffee making experience. The Barista Pro offers more control and customization, which I find thrilling as an avid coffee maker. It allows for a more hands-on approach to perfecting your espresso, which can be incredibly rewarding.

However, for those new to espresso making or who prefer convenience, the Barista Express Impress is incredibly appealing. Its automated grinding and tamping significantly reduce the steps needed to brew, making it very accessible, especially on busy mornings or when entertaining guests.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro depends largely on what you value most in your coffee-making experience—speed and precision with the Pro, or convenience and ease with the Impress. Both machines offer excellent build quality, great features, and the ability to make superb espresso, making them both worthy contenders for your coffee ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How fast do the Breville Barista Express Impress and Pro heat up?
A: The Barista Pro is known for its quick heating time, taking just three seconds thanks to its ThermoJet heating system. The Barista Express Impress, on the other hand, uses a Thermocoil system and takes a bit longer, though it is still efficient for most home uses

Q: What are the grinder capabilities of each machine?
A: Both machines feature integrated conical burr grinders. The Barista Pro offers 30 grind settings, providing more flexibility to fine-tune your espresso shots. The Barista Express Impress has 25 grind settings, which is ample for standard home brewing needs and still allows for significant customization

Q: Can you manually adjust tamping on the Barista Express Impress?
A: No, the Barista Express Impress features an automatic dosing and tamping system which adjusts the coffee dose and tamps it automatically. This system is designed to offer consistency and ease of use, particularly beneficial for beginners or those who prefer a straightforward process

Q: Which machine is better for making milk-based drinks?
A: The Barista Pro is generally better for milk-based drinks due to its more advanced steam wand that heats up quicker and provides stronger steam. This allows for better control over milk texture and is ideal for making smooth, creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos

Q: What maintenance is required for these machines?
A: Both machines require regular cleaning, but the Barista Express Impress has a simpler maintenance routine with its automatic cleaning cycle. The Barista Pro requires more frequent manual cleaning to maintain optimal performance, especially if used heavily

Q: Which machine is better for a beginner?
A: The Barista Express Impress is particularly suited to beginners due to its automated features that simplify the espresso-making process, such as the intelligent dosing and automatic tamping. It's designed to reduce the complexity and potential for error, making it easier for someone new to espresso making