Coffee lovers, welcome to our review of the Breville Barista Express Impress. It’s a game-changer for home espresso enthusiasts and those new to manual coffee-making.

Using it over the weekend was quite an experience, delivering café-quality coffee right in our kitchen. The smart dosing system really impressed us, as it made sure our shots were just right without the usual trial and error.

One thing we appreciated was the assisted tamping, which added a neat professional touch. It ensures the coffee grounds are compact, just like a real barista would do.

The machine’s powerful steam wand also helped us craft smooth microfoam for our lattes, adding that perfect finishing touch.

Overview of Breville the Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine

This espresso machine is a sturdy, brushed stainless steel appliance that feels right at home in the kitchen. We’ve been using it for a short while, and the built-in grinder with 25 settings really stands out, allowing us to adjust the grind to our liking.

The assisted tamping feature is easy to use and gives a consistent result every time.

The machine heats up quickly and maintains a stable temperature for brewing. The microfoam steam wand works well for those who appreciate latte art, creating velvety milk foam.

One thing that isn’t ideal is the machine’s weight, which makes it a bit challenging to move around. Despite this, its solid build and thoughtful features make brewing enjoyable and effective, crafting good espresso shots with ease.

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Intelligent Dosing

We recently tried out our new espresso machine with its smart dosing feature, and it impressed us. The machine calculates how much coffee is needed each time, ensuring a consistent brew without any extra effort.

This feature is handy because we don’t have to guess, making our coffee-making process much smoother and less time-consuming.

It auto-corrects the dose as needed, which is perfect for those of us who are new to making espresso at home or even if we’re just fine-tuning our morning routine.

Yet, one small drawback is that it might take a few uses to fully understand how to adjust it to our personal preferences. Overall, this feature is a significant step towards making a delicious cup every time.

Precision Measurement

Using the Barista Express was a satisfying experience for those who value precision in their morning coffee routine. The machine uses assisted tamping to ensure the coffee is evenly compressed, which helps make consistently smooth and flavorful espresso shots.

We noticed that this feature greatly reduces the chance of human error, especially for someone who is not a pro.

On the downside, the manual settings require some experimentation. Getting the exact grind size and tamp you want might take a few tries.

The included Razor™ precision trimming tool helps a lot in making sure each dose is precise. This tool is definitely a useful addition, making adjustments easier for us. Despite the learning curve, once you get it right, the payoff in terms of taste is worth it.

Assisted Tamping

Assisted tamping is a major feature of this espresso machine. The process is smooth and replicates what a professional barista might do.

We noticed that the tamp comes out with just the right amount of pressure. It maintains a consistent 10kg pressure, creating a clean puck surface every time. This makes it much easier for us to prepare espresso without making a mess. There’s a small twist at the end, giving it that polished look.

While it might take a bit to get used to at first, we’ve found that the learning curve is minimal. It saves time and effort, making our coffee routine smoother. For anyone stepping up from a fully manual setup, this is definitely a helpful addition that feels like an upgrade.

Thermocoil Heating System

We recently experienced the Thermocoil Heating System on this espresso machine, and it definitely made a difference. This feature quickly heats the water, ensuring that our coffee was always at the perfect temperature.

It heats up fast, so we didn’t have to wait long for our morning brew. This system supports consistent thermal performance, which significantly contributes to making a great espresso shot.

On the downside, the system can be quite noisy when starting up, which isn’t ideal if others are still sleeping. Also, though it heats efficiently, we noticed that it uses quite a bit of power.

Overall, this heating system is a key asset of the Barista Express, making our espresso-making experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Microfoam Steam Wand

Using the Microfoam Steam Wand was a standout experience. It’s a manual wand, and we found that it allows us to achieve the kind of creamy, smooth texture that’s perfect for homemade lattes or cappuccinos.

This feature is ideal for anyone interested in latte art because it can produce that velvety consistency needed for shaping designs.

While it’s powerful, it can require a bit of practice to master. At first, managing the steam pressure can be a bit tricky, so there might be some learning involved.

Still, the level of control it offers makes crafting each cup a rewarding process. It’s great for those who don’t mind spending a little time perfecting their drink.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Using this espresso machine has made our coffee routine much more enjoyable. The smart dosing system is a standout feature, automatically adjusting the coffee for a perfect brew. It takes the guesswork out of making espresso which saves us time each morning.

Additionally, the assisted tamping, with its barista twist, ensures a polished puck every time. This adds a professional flair to our homemade espresso.

We also appreciate the built-in grinder. With 25 grind settings, there’s a lot of flexibility to get the coffee just right. This helps us explore different flavors without needing separate equipment.

The steam wand for frothing milk is another highlight. It’s great for crafting creamy lattes or letting us practice latte art right at home.

Cons

Despite its many strengths, this coffee machine has some drawbacks. For starters, setting it up and mastering all the features takes a bit of time and effort. It’s not overly complicated, but there is a learning curve. We found ourselves needing to experiment to get everything just right.

Another downside is the price. It’s on the higher end, so it might not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Also, while the build quality seems solid, some customers have expressed concerns about durability over time.

Navigating around the size of the machine is something to consider as well. It takes up a decent amount of counter space, which may be a nuisance in smaller kitchens.

Customer Reviews

After trying the Barista Express, we’ve seen why it has a solid reputation. Many users praise how easy it is to set up and use. The built-in grinder and assisted tamping feature make brewing a breeze. Espresso lovers note how quick it heats up, turning mornings into a smoother experience.

Not all reviews are glowing, though. A few users mentioned previous models had issues, but they remain loyal due to the great coffee flavor. Regular cleaning is key to keeping it in top shape.

The machine seems to have won over many coffee enthusiasts. It’s important to consider personal needs and routines before deciding if this espresso maker is the right fit.

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Conclusion

After spending some time with the Barista Express, we appreciate its ability to make barista-quality coffee at home. The integrated grinder and assisted tamping make preparation a breeze.

While it takes some practice to perfect every cup, the journey is enjoyable for coffee enthusiasts.

On the downside, the price may be a bit steep for some. However, considering its features and performance, it’s a worthwhile investment for those serious about their coffee.

Our experience has been largely positive, with the machine delivering consistent results and easy maintenance.

This is a solid choice for anyone looking to elevate their daily coffee routine without the hassle of going out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Breville Barista Express and the Barista Pro?

In our experience, the two models bring different strengths to the table. The Barista Express offers a more manual approach with hands-on grinding and tamping, which is great for those who enjoy controlling the espresso process.

On the other hand, the Barista Pro boasts a faster heat-up time and a more intuitive display. It suits individuals who appreciate quick and efficient coffee-making without sacrificing flavor.

How long does the Breville Barista Express take to warm up before use?

From our testing, it generally takes around a minute to reach the proper temperature. This is relatively quick and allows us to enjoy our espresso without a long wait. The efficient heating system contributes to this short warm-up period.

Can the Breville Barista Express Impress model brew regular coffee, or is it solely for espresso?

In our use of the product, it’s mainly designed for espresso, cappuccino, and latte. While it excels at these drinks, we haven’t found it to be the best choice for regular coffee. Other brewing methods are likely better suited for a conventional cup of joe.

What features distinguish the Breville Barista Express Impress from the Barista Pro?

The Impress model caught our eyes with its assisted tamping feature. This is a standout for those of us who might struggle with achieving the perfect tamp each time.

Additionally, its smart dosing automatically adjusts the coffee amount, making it easier to prepare a consistent shot. The Barista Pro focuses on speed and ease with a more advanced display but lacks the hands-on control that some of us appreciate in the Impress.

Is there a significant taste difference in the coffee produced by the Breville Barista Express compared to other Breville models?

We’ve noticed that the Breville Barista Express delivers a strong, rich espresso, thanks to its precise temperature controls. Each Breville model brings something unique, with subtle differences in flavor profiles based on features like pressure settings and process automation. Taste is subjective, but we found the Express to deliver consistently satisfying results.

Why are Breville coffee machines, specifically the Barista Express, considered to be expensive?

While Breville machines come with a higher price tag, they bring professional-grade features to home coffee brewing. The build quality, design, and thoughtful features such as the integrated grinder and temperature controls justify the investment for many enthusiasts.

For those of us who take our coffee seriously, getting café-quality results at home makes the cost worthwhile.