Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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Choosing between espresso machines can feel overwhelming, especially when you're deciding between two solid options like the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro. Having used both, I understand the appeal of each. The Barista Pro, however, stands out for coffee lovers who appreciate speed, customization, and professional-quality espresso. In this article, I’ll walk you through the differences and my own experiences with these machines, helping you determine which one might be the right fit for your kitchen.

First Impressions: Design and Aesthetic Appeal

When I first unboxed the Breville Barista Pro, I was immediately impressed by its design. The sleek, modern look with a digital display was a pleasant upgrade from the classic design of the Barista Express Impress. The Pro’s layout is minimalist and intuitive, making it easy to access every function. The interface is well-lit and responsive, guiding me through each step. Meanwhile, the Barista Express Impress looks and feels more traditional, which may appeal to those who love the “old-school” espresso machine vibe.

From a design perspective, the Barista Pro integrates smoothly with a modern kitchen aesthetic. The Impress is slightly bulkier with buttons that may take time to get used to, especially without a digital display. For me, the streamlined appearance of the Pro adds a touch of sophistication to the coffee-making ritual each morning.

User-Friendliness: Barista Express Impress vs Pro

If you’re new to espresso making, you may appreciate the user-friendly features of the Barista Express Impress. This model was clearly designed with beginners in mind, offering automated dosing and tamping. These features simplify the process, so you don’t have to guess at the amount of coffee or apply the perfect tamp pressure. For anyone just getting started with espresso, this machine is forgiving and quick to learn.

However, for those like me who enjoy the process and want more control, the Pro is a game-changer. The learning curve is slightly steeper, but the freedom it provides to tweak each variable—such as grind size and brew time—is a big advantage. Over time, I found that the Pro’s flexibility allowed me to refine my skills and develop a deeper understanding of how to make a perfect shot.

Espresso Brewing Experience: Breville Barista Pro’s Precision

Using the Breville Barista Pro feels a bit like stepping into a real café. The Pro’s ThermoJet heating system is a standout feature, heating the machine to the ideal brewing temperature in just 3 seconds. This speed lets me jump straight into brewing without waiting, which is particularly convenient during busy mornings. This system also ensures that my shots are extracted at the optimal temperature, resulting in more consistent flavor.

In contrast, the Barista Express Impress takes longer to heat up, and I sometimes find myself waiting around, especially when brewing multiple shots. While it’s not a dealbreaker, the slower heating system can be a factor if time is important to you. The Pro’s rapid heating has become one of my favorite features, allowing me to get that perfect morning shot without delay.

Steaming Milk: A Pro’s Approach to Cappuccinos and Lattes

If you’re a fan of milk-based drinks, both machines perform well, but the Pro excels in this area. The steam wand heats quickly and produces microfoam that’s ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it, but once I did, I found it easy to create silky microfoam that could rival a café-quality latte. For anyone interested in latte art, the Pro provides the precision and control needed to develop those skills.

The Barista Express Impress has a capable steam wand but takes a bit longer to reach steaming temperature. While it’s effective, the wait time and lower pressure don’t produce the same quality of foam as the Pro. If you’re primarily drinking milk-based drinks, this is a factor worth considering. The Pro’s ability to deliver café-quality froth quickly has definitely elevated my morning routine.

Grind Settings and Control: Flexibility with the Breville Barista Pro

One of the features that makes the Barista Pro truly feel like a professional machine is the range of grind settings. It offers 30 grind settings, allowing me to find the ideal grind for different coffee beans. I enjoy experimenting with various coffees, and the Pro gives me the freedom to adjust the grind size to get the most out of each bean’s flavor profile.

The Impress, on the other hand, has fewer grind settings, and its automated dosing can limit flexibility. It’s convenient for beginners but may feel restrictive for users who want to explore different grind sizes and extraction times. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting or fine-tuning your espresso, the Pro’s extensive grind options are a huge advantage.

Espresso Flavor Profile: Getting the Best Out of Every Bean

As someone who loves experimenting with coffee, I appreciate the depth of flavor that the Barista Pro can achieve. Its manual tamping and dosing give me control over the espresso’s extraction, and with practice, I’ve been able to tailor each shot to my taste. The results are rich and full-bodied, with a depth that’s challenging to achieve with more automated machines. For those who are passionate about exploring coffee’s nuances, the Pro allows for a more refined espresso experience.

The Barista Express Impress produces quality espresso but is designed to make the process easier rather than customizable. It’s great for consistency, which is a huge plus if you’re just looking for a reliable, no-fuss shot every day. For households with multiple coffee drinkers, especially if some are newer to espresso, the Impress may be the better choice due to its simplicity and automatic dosing feature.

Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping Your Machine in Top Condition

Regular maintenance is essential for both machines, but the Pro’s digital display includes a maintenance reminder, which I’ve found incredibly helpful. It guides me through each cleaning step, from descaling to emptying the drip tray. The Barista Pro’s interface also makes tracking water filter changes simple, ensuring that my espresso continues to taste fresh.

Cleaning the Barista Express Impress is slightly less intuitive since there’s no display to guide users through maintenance steps. It does, however, include alerts for cleaning and descaling, though I found it less user-friendly. For anyone new to espresso machines, the Impress’s cleaning routine might feel a bit more manual, whereas the Pro’s display makes it straightforward and easy to stay on top of.

Price Considerations: Breville Barista Pro Offers Greater Value for Espresso Lovers

Both the Barista Pro and the Impress are premium machines, but they’re targeted at slightly different audiences. The Pro is an excellent choice if you’re serious about coffee and see yourself advancing your skills. While it comes at a higher price, the additional customization and features are well worth it for anyone passionate about espresso.

The Impress, on the other hand, offers good value if you’re looking for something more beginner-friendly and affordable. It’s a quality machine that delivers great espresso without requiring advanced skills. For households with multiple users of varying experience levels, the Impress’s simplicity and reliability make it a solid investment.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

In the end, I highly recommend the Breville Barista Pro if you’re ready to take your espresso-making to the next level. It offers an impressive balance of functionality, precision, and speed, allowing coffee enthusiasts to enjoy a more professional experience at home. With its quick heating, extensive grind settings, and advanced steam wand, the Pro is a machine that encourages growth in your coffee journey.

While the Breville Barista Express Impress has its merits, especially for beginners, the Pro’s flexibility and customization make it the better option for those who are ready to experiment and refine their espresso craft. The Pro provides a fulfilling coffee-making experience for those who want to dive deeper into the art of espresso, while the Impress caters to users seeking simplicity and consistency.

Ultimately, if you’re serious about espresso and want a machine that can keep up as you grow your skills, the Breville Barista Pro is the perfect choice.

FAQ

Q: Which is better for beginners, the Breville Barista Express Impress or the Pro?

A: The Breville Barista Express Impress is generally better suited for beginners. It includes automatic dosing and tamping, which helps new users achieve consistent espresso shots without needing to adjust settings manually. The Pro, while more flexible, may require more practice and knowledge to get the best results, making it ideal for users with some experience or those who want to learn more about espresso making.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Pro heat up faster than the Express Impress?

A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro uses a ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to heat up in just 3 seconds. This is significantly faster than the Barista Express Impress, which takes about 30-45 seconds to heat. The Pro’s rapid heating is convenient, especially for those who are often in a rush and want a quick shot of espresso.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro more customizable than the Barista Express Impress?

A: Absolutely. The Barista Pro offers more customization options, including 30 grind settings and the ability to manually adjust tamp pressure and dosing. This flexibility allows users to fine-tune their espresso to their specific taste. The Barista Express Impress, with its automatic dosing and tamping, is designed more for consistency than customization, making it easier to use but offering less control.

Q: Which machine is better for making lattes and cappuccinos?

A: The Breville Barista Pro is generally better for making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It has a faster heating steam wand and produces high-quality microfoam, ideal for latte art and creamy textures. While the Barista Express Impress also has a steam wand, it takes longer to heat up and may not produce the same level of microfoam as the Pro, which can impact the quality of milk-based drinks.

Q: How do the maintenance requirements compare for the Barista Pro and the Express Impress?

A: Both machines require regular maintenance, but the Pro has a digital display that guides users through cleaning and descaling steps, making it slightly easier to maintain. The Express Impress doesn’t have a digital display, so users may need to rely on the manual for detailed instructions. Both machines, however, include alerts for cleaning and descaling, ensuring you stay on top of regular maintenance.

Q: Which machine is better for experienced users?

A: Experienced users will likely prefer the Breville Barista Pro. It provides more control over the espresso-making process, from grind size to brew time, and lacks the automatic dosing and tamping of the Impress, allowing users to experiment and fine-tune their shots. This makes it a better choice for those with some espresso experience who want a more hands-on approach.

Q: Do both machines come with a built-in grinder?

A: Yes, both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro come with built-in conical burr grinders. However, the Pro offers more grind settings, giving users a greater range to find the perfect grind for different beans. This is beneficial for anyone who enjoys experimenting with different types of coffee.

Q: Can I make a double shot of espresso with both machines?

A: Yes, both machines allow you to pull double shots. The Pro’s interface makes it easy to adjust between single and double shots, while the Impress also supports double shots with its automatic dosing feature, providing consistent results for both single and double extractions.

Q: Which machine is more durable and built to last?

A: Both machines are well-built and durable, with stainless steel construction that ensures longevity. With regular maintenance, both should last a long time. However, the Pro’s design and components feel slightly more robust, which may appeal to users who want a high-performance machine for the long term.

Q: How do the prices of the Barista Express Impress and Pro compare?

A: Generally, the Barista Pro is slightly more expensive than the Express Impress due to its advanced features, like the digital display, faster heating system, and greater customization options. The Impress is more affordable and offers good value for beginners, but for those seeking a more advanced machine, the Pro’s price can be justified by its added features.

Q: Can the Barista Express Impress make as good an espresso as the Barista Pro?

A: Both machines are capable of producing quality espresso, but the Barista Pro offers more control over the brewing process, which can enhance the flavor profile for those who have the skill to fine-tune their settings. The Barista Express Impress is more consistent with its automatic features, so beginners can achieve great-tasting espresso without much adjustment.

Q: Which machine is better for small kitchens?

A: Both machines have a similar footprint, but the Barista Pro’s sleeker design may make it feel less bulky. If counter space is a concern, the Pro may be a slightly better choice due to its more compact and streamlined build, though the difference is minimal.