Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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As a coffee enthusiast, I always believed that my daily cup of coffee should be nothing short of perfection. After years of exploring different types of coffee makers, I finally narrowed it down to two contenders that fit my needs for a home espresso setup: the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro. I’ve spent quite a bit of time with both machines, and I'm here to share my hands-on experience in a genuine, no-nonsense comparison. While both machines have a lot to offer, I must admit, the Breville Barista Pro came out on top for my specific needs.

Let’s dive into my experience with each model and explore why the Barista Pro became my go-to espresso machine.

The Initial Setup: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Barista Pro

The moment I took both of these machines out of their boxes, I knew I was dealing with two well-crafted products. The Breville Barista Express Impress had a familiar, classic design with a traditional analog pressure gauge and a sturdy stainless steel build. It felt like I had a professional-grade espresso machine in my kitchen, which was exciting but also a bit intimidating.

On the other hand, unboxing the Breville Barista Pro felt like stepping into the future. The Pro's digital LCD screen and modern design were a clear indication that this machine was all about ease of use. It came in a variety of colors, so I was able to choose one that matched my kitchen perfectly. Right from the start, I felt that the Pro would be a more user-friendly option, but I still gave both machines a fair shot.

Getting Started: The Learning Curve and Ease of Use

Breville Barista Express Impress: A Hands-On Experience

When I first started using the Barista Express Impress, I found myself going through a bit of a learning curve. The manual nature of adjusting grind size, tamping, and shot volume required practice to get it right. The assisted tamping feature was certainly a helpful touch, as it ensured I used the proper pressure each time. However, there was still an element of guesswork involved when it came to finding the perfect grind setting for my beans.

I appreciated the classic feel of the manual controls, but I did spend a lot of time fine-tuning. It felt rewarding when I nailed a perfect shot, but honestly, on some busy mornings, I wished it were a bit simpler.

Breville Barista Pro: Intuitive and Fast

The Barista Pro, on the other hand, made getting started far less daunting. The ThermoJet heating system was a game-changer. The fact that it heats up in only 3 seconds compared to the Express Impress’s 45 seconds is a small difference on paper, but in practice, it’s huge—especially when I’m half-asleep and just want my coffee ASAP.

The LCD screen was another big advantage. It walked me through the brewing process step by step, allowing me to make easy adjustments to grind size, temperature, and shot length. I found that this digital assistance saved me time and reduced the number of bad shots I made early on. If you’re new to making espresso at home, this ease of use can make the learning process much more enjoyable.

Brewing the Perfect Shot: The Real Difference

Espresso Quality from the Barista Express Impress

I have to admit, when I got it right, the Breville Barista Express Impress produced an incredible shot of espresso. The machine has 25 grind settings, and once I found the sweet spot, I was able to consistently brew strong, rich espresso. The assisted tamping feature made a significant difference as well. I knew I could depend on even pressure every time, which minimized channeling and kept the shot well-balanced.

However, achieving this level of consistency did require practice. I found myself spending more time on adjustments to achieve the ideal flavor compared to the Barista Pro. If you love the process of dialing in your shots manually and don’t mind the time spent tinkering, you’ll appreciate the level of control that the Express Impress offers.

Espresso Quality from the Barista Pro

The Breville Barista Pro, on the other hand, offered me more precision without the same amount of trial and error. It comes with 30 grind settings, which allowed for finer adjustments and more control over the extraction process. The ThermoJet heating system provided the right temperature for my espresso almost instantly, which made it easy to pull consistent shots one after another without waiting for the machine to catch up.

The coffee produced by the Barista Pro was on par with what I’d get at my favorite local coffee shop. The shots were well-rounded, with good crema and no noticeable bitterness. I have to give the edge to the Barista Pro here because the convenience factor of the digital feedback paired with consistent results ultimately made my mornings easier and my espressos better.

Grinding and Dosing: Which One Does It Better?

Grind Settings with the Breville Barista Express Impress

The Barista Express Impress has an integrated conical burr grinder, which was a huge plus for me. Grinding fresh beans just before brewing makes a noticeable difference in flavor. With 25 grind settings, I found that the machine could handle a wide range of beans and roasts quite well. That said, the adjustments were all manual, and it did take some time to get a feel for the perfect grind for different types of beans.

The Barista Pro Takes the Lead

The Breville Barista Pro also features a conical burr grinder, but it ups the ante with 30 grind settings. The extra grind options gave me more room to fine-tune, which helped extract more flavor depending on the roast. The digital interface also simplified the process of adjusting grind time, ensuring that I could achieve a consistent dose every time. The result was less waste and more consistent flavor in each cup.

Steaming Milk: The Ultimate Test for Lattes and Cappuccinos

Barista Express Impress: Traditional Steaming

I love a good latte, and both machines have steam wands that let you froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, or whatever you like. With the Barista Express Impress, the steam wand is single-hole, which requires some finesse to get silky, microfoam milk. It’s possible to create beautiful latte art, but it took quite a bit of practice for me to get it right. I would often get either too many bubbles or not enough froth, and it could be a little frustrating.

Barista Pro: More Power, Better Results

The Breville Barista Pro has a four-hole steam wand, which significantly increased the steam power. This meant that I could froth milk faster and more consistently. The microfoam produced was smoother and silkier, making it easier for me to create latte art. This might not seem like a big deal to everyone, but for those of us who enjoy cappuccinos or flat whites, the difference is noticeable.

Daily Maintenance and Cleaning: The Reality

Keeping Up with the Barista Express Impress

Cleaning the Barista Express Impress was not difficult, but it did take time. The assisted tamping system needs regular attention to make sure there isn’t coffee grounds buildup, and descaling the machine is a manual process. The lack of digital alerts for when it’s time to clean means I had to keep a mental note of maintenance schedules.

Why the Barista Pro Stood Out for Maintenance

The Barista Pro was easier to maintain, largely thanks to the LCD display, which alerts you when it’s time for maintenance. The auto-purge feature for the steam wand meant that I didn’t have to worry as much about milk residue, which was a major plus in terms of both cleanliness and convenience. Cleaning out the drip tray and water reservoir was also straightforward, and the removable parts were easy to access.

Product Review Conclusion

In my experience, both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro have plenty to offer depending on your needs. The Express Impress is perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on experience and want to learn the intricacies of espresso making. It has the look and feel of a traditional espresso machine and provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment when you get it right.

However, for me, the Breville Barista Pro stood out as the better choice. Its ease of use, intuitive digital interface, quick heat-up time, and precision in both brewing and milk steaming made my daily coffee-making routine much smoother. It’s a more modern machine that caters to those who want quality coffee without the hassle, and that was exactly what I needed. The Barista Pro may have a slightly higher price point, but the convenience and consistency it provides are well worth the investment in my book.

FAQs

Q: Which machine is better for beginners?

A: The Breville Barista Pro is likely the better option for beginners due to its intuitive digital display and ease of use. It’s easier to learn on, and the feedback it provides can help speed up the learning process.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Express Impress difficult to use?

A: The Breville Barista Express Impress isn’t overly difficult to use, but it does have a steeper learning curve compared to the Barista Pro. It’s great for those who enjoy the hands-on aspect of espresso making.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?

A: The Barista Pro heats up in just 3 seconds, thanks to the ThermoJet heating system. The Barista Express Impress, by contrast, takes about 45 seconds to heat up.

Q: Which machine is better for making lattes?

A: Both machines can make lattes, but the Breville Barista Pro’s four-hole steam wand makes steaming milk faster and produces better microfoam, which is ideal for lattes and other milk-based drinks.

Q: Is the assisted tamping feature necessary?

A: The assisted tamping on the Barista Express Impress helps ensure consistent pressure during tamping, which can be especially useful for beginners. However, if you’re comfortable tamping manually, it may not be a game-changing feature for you.

Q: Are both machines easy to clean?

A: Yes, both machines are relatively easy to clean. However, the Barista Pro has an edge due to its auto-purge feature and digital maintenance alerts, which make keeping the machine in optimal condition much simpler.