Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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If you're reading this, you're probably like me: a passionate coffee lover on the hunt for a great espresso machine that can deliver that perfect cup at home. I spent months researching different models before deciding to dive into the Breville ecosystem. Eventually, I found myself torn between two of Breville's most popular machines: the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro. After much thought, I took the plunge and purchased both so that I could make a well-informed decision—and now I'm here to share what I learned to help you do the same.

I've spent several weeks with both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro, brewing countless shots and foaming my fair share of milk. I want to give you a balanced view of the differences between these two machines from a real-world perspective, in the hope that it helps you find the right one for your kitchen. And, spoiler alert—I did end up preferring one over the other. Read on for the details!

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro – Design and Usability

When I first set up both machines, I was struck by their very distinct personalities in terms of design and usability. The Breville Barista Pro has a sleek, contemporary look. Its bright digital display and matte finish lend it a sophisticated appearance that instantly adds a modern touch to your kitchen. Meanwhile, the Barista Express Impress keeps that classic espresso machine look that is just as charming but feels a bit more old-school.

From a usability standpoint, the Barista Pro's digital interface definitely makes the entire coffee-making process more intuitive. It guides you step-by-step through the brewing experience, from grind size to extraction time. As someone who loves a hands-on approach, I found myself drawn to the level of precision this digital interface offered. The Barista Express Impress, on the other hand, is quite manual in comparison. It gives you more of a feel for the traditional espresso-making process, which some might find endearing.

If you ask me, there's no denying that the Barista Pro has a certain convenience factor that can't be ignored, especially if you’re someone who’s still finding their way with espresso-making techniques.

Which Heating System Makes a Difference?

The heating system is where I saw the biggest contrast between the two machines. The Barista Pro boasts Breville's ThermoJet technology, which means it can heat up to the optimal temperature in just three seconds. Yes, three seconds. I can’t tell you how many times that made a difference when I was groggy-eyed and needed my caffeine fix, stat.

The Barista Express Impress, while still great, requires about 45 seconds to heat up. This isn't terrible, but I did find myself feeling impatient from time to time. If you're someone who values speed, especially during those hectic weekday mornings, the Pro definitely has the edge.

The Art of Espresso - Brewing Experience Comparison

Brewing espresso is a personal ritual. It's an art that takes time and practice to perfect. The Barista Pro embraces that process, giving you full control. You manually grind, dose, and tamp the coffee grounds, which means you have all the power to make adjustments and fine-tune your shot until it's exactly how you like it. For someone who wants to dive deep into the art of espresso and master every aspect of the shot, the Pro is a perfect companion.

The Barista Express Impress, however, simplifies the process a bit. It has an assisted tamping feature and a smart dosing system that guides you on how much coffee to use, making it easier to get consistent results. When I had friends over who wanted to try their hand at making a shot, I noticed that the Impress was far less intimidating for them. It’s a machine that’s really well-suited for beginners or anyone who prefers a more straightforward coffee-making experience

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro - Milk Steaming Performance

Now, let’s talk about milk frothing—something that’s crucial if you're a latte or cappuccino fan like me. The Barista Pro’s steaming wand works in tandem with the ThermoJet heating system, allowing it to steam milk in under 40 seconds. The steam power is enough to give you that perfect microfoam that’s essential for latte art.

The Barista Express Impress takes a bit longer to steam milk—around 75 seconds—and it has less steam pressure than the Pro. That means it takes a bit more finesse to achieve the microfoam needed for latte art, but I was still able to create decent foam after a bit of practice. For someone who likes to make multiple milk-based drinks back-to-back, the Barista Pro is much more efficient. But for a casual cappuccino on the weekend, the Impress does the job just fine.

Built-In Grinder - Is More Always Better?

Both machines come with built-in grinders, which is a huge plus. The Barista Pro, however, has 30 grind settings, whereas the Barista Express Impress has fewer settings. In my experience, having the extra grind options was really helpful for fine-tuning the grind size to fit different types of beans I was experimenting with. I love to switch things up with different origins, and some beans can be quite finicky in terms of grind size.

For someone who isn't too interested in making those micro-adjustments and just wants a consistent shot of espresso, the fewer grind settings on the Impress might actually be a benefit rather than a drawback. It makes the decision-making process simpler and gets you to your coffee quicker.

The Day-to-Day Maintenance of Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

One aspect that often goes overlooked when choosing an espresso machine is maintenance. Keeping your machine clean is key to ensuring your shots remain flavorful, and both machines come with maintenance reminders. However, the digital display on the Barista Pro makes it easier to keep track of when it's time to clean. It provides clear prompts for when a cleaning cycle is due, and I found it much more user-friendly.

The Barista Express Impress, without the digital prompts, relies on indicator lights that aren't quite as intuitive. While it's by no means a dealbreaker, the Barista Pro just made the process a bit more seamless for me, and I appreciated that.

Price vs Performance - Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

Here’s the part where most people hesitate: the price. The Barista Pro is undeniably more expensive than the Barista Express Impress. If you’re on a budget or just starting out in the world of espresso, it might be tempting to go with the Impress and call it a day—and honestly, you wouldn’t be making a bad decision at all.

That said, if you see yourself making espresso regularly, and you value speed, precision, and customization, I would recommend investing in the Barista Pro. It truly feels like a machine that’s built for coffee enthusiasts who want to grow in their skills. It’s also more future-proof; as you become more experienced, you won’t outgrow it.

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro – Final Thoughts on Value

At the end of the day, both of these machines are fantastic options, and Breville has truly done a great job catering to different types of users. If I had to choose just one, the Breville Barista Pro would be my choice, mainly due to its versatility and the level of control it provides. However, the Barista Express Impress is not to be underestimated; it’s more approachable and ensures a consistent cup with minimal hassle—a great entry point for anyone new to espresso-making.

My recommendation boils down to this: if you’re new to espresso and value ease-of-use, go with the Barista Express Impress. But if you’re an enthusiast like me who loves tinkering and perfecting your craft, the Breville Barista Pro will be your best companion.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro are both stellar machines, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Barista Pro shines with its speed, precision, and ability to accommodate a more advanced user. It's perfect if you want to customize every aspect of your coffee experience and value efficiency.

The Barista Express Impress, however, is a more affordable and beginner-friendly option that takes a lot of the guesswork out of making espresso at home. It still delivers a great coffee experience, just with a bit more of an automated touch, making it ideal for those just starting their espresso journey. The choice really comes down to where you are on your coffee journey and what you value most in your home espresso setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The Breville Barista Express Impress is better for beginners due to its assisted tamping feature and smart dosing system, which simplify the espresso-making process. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process, making it easier for those who are new to espresso.

Q: How long does each machine take to heat up?

A: The Breville Barista Pro heats up in just three seconds thanks to its ThermoJet technology, while the Barista Express Impress takes around 45 seconds to reach the optimal brewing temperature.

Q: Is the milk frothing capability different between the two machines?

A: Yes, the Barista Pro has a faster and more powerful steam wand, allowing you to steam milk in under 40 seconds. The Barista Express Impress takes around 75 seconds and has less steam pressure, making it slightly less efficient for frothing milk.

Q: Are there significant differences in the grinder settings?

A: The Barista Pro offers 30 grind settings, allowing for more precise adjustments to grind size. The Barista Express Impress has fewer grind settings, which may be more than adequate for beginners but might limit customization for more experienced users.

Q: Which machine is more budget-friendly?

A: The Barista Express Impress is more budget-friendly compared to the Barista Pro. It’s a great option for those who want a solid espresso machine without breaking the bank.

Q: What are the main benefits of the Barista Pro over the Barista Express Impress?

A: The main benefits of the Barista Pro include faster heat-up time, more grind settings, a digital display for easier maintenance, and more powerful steaming capabilities. It’s better suited for those who want to fine-tune every aspect of their espresso-making process.

Q: Is the Barista Pro worth the extra cost?

A: If you value speed, control, and customization, the Barista Pro is worth the extra cost. It’s built for coffee enthusiasts who want to grow in their skills and have more control over the brewing process.

Q: Which machine requires less maintenance?

A: Both machines require regular maintenance, but the Barista Pro’s digital display makes it easier to keep track of cleaning cycles and maintenance tasks, making it slightly more convenient in terms of upkeep.