Breville Barista Pro vs Express Impress: In-Depth Espresso Machine Comparison

Summary

Comparison	Breville Barista Pro	Barista Express Impress
Heating System	ThermoJet (3 seconds heat-up time)	Thermocoil (30 seconds heat-up time)
Steam Wand	Four-hole steam wand for superior microfoam	One-hole steam wand
Tamping	Manual	Assisted tamping mechanism
Dimensions	13.9" x 13.5" x 16"	12.9" x 14.9" x 16.1"
Water Tank Capacity	Approximately 67 oz (2 liters)	Approximately 67 oz (2 liters)
Grind Settings	30 settings	25
Display	LCD	Simple
Heat-up Time	3 seconds	45 seconds
Product Page	Breville Barista Pro at Majesty Coffee	Barista Express Impress at Majesty Coffee

Espresso enthusiasts looking to recreate the café experience at home have likely encountered Breville's line of "Barista" espresso machines. The Barista Pro and the newly updated Barista Express Impress each bring unique features to the table, promising quality and convenience for home baristas. The Pro version, with its advanced heating system, ensures a quick start, while the Impress model boasts an assisted tamping feature to streamline the espresso-making process.

With attention to detail in both design and functionality, our choice between the Barista Pro and the Impress model weighs heavily on factors such as performance, usability, and the quality of the final brew. A fixed power cord and positioned waterspout on the Impress model provide a different user experience compared to the streamlined design of the Pro model. These distinctions play a pivotal role, particularly when considering the alignment with personal preferences and the functionality sought by individual users.

Key Takeaways

• The Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress cater to different user preferences with distinctive features.
• Heating system efficiency and the convenience of an assisted tamping feature are key differentiators.
• Design elements and usability contribute significantly to the home espresso experience.

Overview of Breville Barista Pro and Impress

We'll be guiding you through the pedigrees of Breville's prestigious espresso machines, focusing on the nuanced distinctions between the Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress.

Brand History of Breville

Breville, established in 1932, has built a legacy in the kitchen appliance industry, particularly renowned for their innovations in espresso machine engineering. Their products reflect a commitment to quality and user-friendly design, earning them a respected spot in both professional settings and home kitchens.

Differentiating the Barista Lineup

The Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress are testament to Breville's dedication to espresso excellence. Let's dissect the key traits of each model:

• Heating System: The Barista Pro utilizes a ThermoJet heating system, which impressively heats up in 3 seconds, while the Barista Express Impress is equipped with a Thermocoil resulting in a 30-second heat-up time.
• Steam Wand: The Barista Pro is fitted with a powerful four-hole steam wand, enhancing its ability to create premium microfoam. In contrast, the Impress has a one-hole steam wand which is less powerful but still capable.
• Tamping: The Impress boasts an assisted tamping mechanism, simplifying the espresso preparation process, whereas with the Barista Pro, tamping is manual, appealing to those who prefer a hands-on approach.

Both machines emanate from Breville's Barista series, widely esteemed for its barista-grade quality and performance. While the Barista Pro is aimed towards a swift and user-centric experience, the Barista Express Impress focuses on assisting the user in precision and ease of use.

Design and Build Quality

In our analysis, we focus on the tangible aspects that differentiate the Breville Barista Pro from the Barista Express Impress, such as their materials, footprint on your kitchen counter, and practical features like the drip tray and water tank.

Materials and Aesthetics

• Chassis: The Barista Pro boasts a sturdy chassis with a sleek, more angular design.
• Finish: Both models offer a range of color finishes, with the Barista Pro featuring a curved metal backsplash.
• Visual Appeal: While aesthetics are subjective, the Barista Pro's design is consistently reported to look premium and modern.

Dimension and Kitchen Footprint

• Barista Pro Dimensions: 13.9" x 13.5" x 16" (Width x Depth x Height)
• Express Impress Dimensions: 12.9" x 14.9" x 16.1"
• Counter Space: The Barista Pro is slightly larger in width, but both machines manage to fit comfortably under standard kitchen cabinets, ensuring they don't dominate your workspace.

Drip Tray and Water Tank Considerations

• Drip Tray Design: Both the Pro and Impress models feature an accessible drip tray, designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Water Tank Capacity: Details on the water tank capacity are consistent, highlighting the importance of ease of use with both machines having removable water tanks for straightforward refilling.
• Clarity and Accessibility: Transparency of the water tank is an emphasized feature in the Barista Pro, ensuring users can easily monitor water levels.

Features and Technology

In comparing the Breville Barista Pro and the Breville Barista Express Impress, we'll focus on the advancements in their features and technology, which offer a range of benefits from speed to precision in the coffee-making process.

Heating Systems Comparison

• Barista Pro: Utilizes the ThermoJet heating system, which allows for an impressive 3-second heat-up time.
• Barista Express Impress: Takes 45 seconds to heat up, which is significantly longer than the Pro, but still offers rapid startup compared to traditional machines.

Pressure and Temperature Control

• Both models come with PID temperature controllers which ensure the water is at the optimal temperature. This provides temperature stability and precision for a perfect espresso extraction.
• Pressure control is designed to be consistent across both machines, offering a reliable extraction process.

Integrated Grinder Details

• The integrated grinder in each machine ensures that fresh coffee is ground for each cup, maintaining the quality and flavor of the espresso.
• Both have grind size and dose control, but the grinder details such as burr type may vary, affecting the consistency and flavor profile of the coffee.

Display and Control Enhancements

• Barista Pro: Features an intuitive LCD display that gives feedback on grinding and extraction progress.
• Barista Express Impress: While details on its display are less emphasized, it still offers necessary controls for efficient operation.

Each feature and technological advancement in the Breville Barista Pro and Express Impress contributes to the ease and quality of your coffee brewing experience.

Performance and Usability

In our detailed examination of the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Impress, we focus on essential aspects that affect your daily use, namely how these machines brew espresso, their grind consistency, quality of steam production, as well as overall user experience and maintenance requirements.

Espresso Brewing Quality

• Pre-infusion Process: Both models offer a pre-infusion feature to gently soak the grounds for a more even extraction. However, the Barista Pro's infusion is more customizable in flow rate, which can impact the flavor profile of the espresso.
• Pressure Gauge: We note that the Barista Pro includes a pressure gauge. This instrument allows more precise monitoring of the extraction pressure, essential for achieving the ideal espresso shot.

Grind Settings and Consistency

• Adjustable Grind Size: The grind size is pivotal for the right espresso extraction, and both machines offer a range of settings to fine-tune this aspect but the Barista Pro has 30 grind settings.

 

• Dosing Control: With the Barista Express Impress, the tamping process is more intuitive thanks to an innovative tamping system, ensuring consistency with less effort. The Barista Pro requires a more hands-on approach for tamping, which could be a plus for those who prefer a more manual touch.

Steaming Performance and Latte Art

• Milk Frothing Capability: The Pro boasts a more powerful steam wand that gets you high-quality milk frothing for latte art. This upgraded wand makes a noticeable difference in the texture and temperature of the milk.
• Steaming Time: It's worth mentioning that the Barista Pro's steam wand heats up faster, which translates to quicker, more efficient milk frothing and, ultimately, better latte art.

User Experience and Cleaning

• Ease of Use: The Express Impress has a design that simplifies the brewing process, making it exceptionally user-friendly, especially for beginners in espresso making.
• Cleaning Alert System: Both machines are equipped with cleaning indicators, but the Barista Pro offers a more sophisticated alert system, ensuring maintenance tasks are timely and thus prolonging the machine's life.

Our approach centers around providing you with factual and useful comparisons, helping you make an informed decision about which equipment aligns best with your coffee brewing preferences and lifestyle.

Capacity and Accessories

When considering the Breville Barista Pro versus the Impress, we notice distinctive differences in the capacity of their bean hoppers and water tanks, as well as variations in the accessories included with each machine.

Bean Hopper Volume

The Breville Barista Pro and the Impress diverge in their bean hopper capacities, which is crucial for those who value having a larger volume for coffee beans. The Barista Pro typically features a hopper that can hold up to 1/2 lb of coffee beans, allowing for extended periods of coffee making without needing to refill.

Water Tank Size Differences

Regarding water capacity, the water tanks also differ in size:

• Barista Pro: Larger tank, with a capacity to hold approximately 67 oz (2 liters) of water.
• Impress: Slightly smaller, the water tank volume is not specified in the provided information.

Included Accessories

Both models come with necessary accessories to get started:

• A 58mm portafilter, to ensure professional-grade espresso extraction.
• Several filter baskets accommodating both single and double shots.
• A notable difference is the type of steam wand included, with the Pro model having a more powerful wand capable of creating finer microfoam.

Using both machines, we can enjoy quality espresso with the convenience of ample hopper size and water capacity, along with useful accessories to hone our barista skills.

Customization and Flexibility

We notice that when it comes to customization, both the Breville Barista Pro and the Impress edition allow for a personalized coffee experience, thanks to their array of programmable settings and adjustable functionalities.

Programmable Settings

• Breville Barista Pro: This machine offers an LCD which provides users with feedback on various settings, including grinding time and shot volume.
• Breville Barista Express Impress: It comes with a feature for assisted dosing and tamping, streamlining the process for consistent shot quality.

Key features like the shot clock help ensure the timing of the espresso extraction is precise, available on both models.

Adjustable Temperature and Pressure

• Breville Barista Pro:
• Utilizes a ThermoJet heating system that significantly reduces heat-up time to a mere 3 seconds.
• The machine boasts the capability to fine-tune the temperature for optimal extraction.
• Breville Barista Express Impress:
• Also offers users the ability to adjust water temperature for a customized brewing experience.

Both machines are equipped with a pre-infusion feature which gradually increases the pressure to gently expand the ground coffee, resulting in an even extraction. Additionally, they have a hot water outlet which can be used for making an Americano or pre-heating cups.

Maintenance and Longevity

In focusing on the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress models, it's crucial to understand their maintenance and longevity. We explore the ease of cleaning, the durability of the machines, and the built-in alerts that guide users in maintaining their espresso machines.

Cleaning and Descaling Process

The Breville Barista Pro and Impress models both require regular cleaning and descaling to maintain optimal performance. Their procedures are:

• Cleaning Alert: Both machines notify users when cleaning is needed. This feature ensures timely maintenance is carried out.
  
  
• Drip Tray Indicator: A 'full' indicator helps keep the workspace tidy, signaling when it's time to empty the tray.
  
  
• Descaling: Periodic descaling is critical for both machines to prevent mineral build-up. Use the manufacturer's recommended descaling solution and follow the guided process, usually accessed via the machine's menu.
  
  

Durability and Maintenance Alerts

We prioritize the longevity of our espresso machines through:

• Durability: Both the Barista Pro and Impress boast robust build quality, designed to withstand frequent use.
  
  
• Maintenance Alerts: Regular alerts for part replacement and maintenance checks help prolong the lifespan of the machine.
  
  
• Internal Fuse/Thermal Sensors: These components protect against overheating, contributing to the machines' durability. Sleep mode also conserves energy and reduces wear and tear during periods of inactivity.
  
  

In the Market Comparison

Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to establish that the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Impress are two standout models in Breville's lineup, with key differences that cater to varying user preferences and needs.

Comparison With Other Breville Models

• Breville Barista Touch: We note that the Barista Touch stands apart with its touchscreen controls and automated features, which streamline the brewing process. It's slightly more expensive, showcasing a balance of convenience and quality.
• Value: As for value, the Barista Pro and Impress offer substantial capabilities at their respective price points. The Barista Impress typically positions itself as a more cost-effective option with compelling features.
• Breville Barista Touch vs. Impress: Comparing the Barista Touch Impress with the standard Barista Pro, the Barista Express Impress version includes a commercial style steam wand and fast heat-up time, which can significantly enhance user experience.

Comparison With Competitor Espresso Machines

• Price Comparison: When we compare prices with competitor machines such as the Rocket Espresso Professionale or the Evoluzione V2, our Breville models generally come in as more accessible, making them attractive to a wider audience.
• Cheap Alternatives: While discussing affordability, Breville offers cheaper alternatives like the Bambino Plus, which still provides quality but at a lower price point.
• Performance: In terms of performance, the commercial style steam wand on the Impress rivals that of higher-end models like the Rocket Espresso line, although the latter may offer more customizability for the experienced barista.

Our analysis has shown that Breville stands out in offering a range of machines that cater to various price points and feature preferences, while maintaining a consistent baseline of quality and performance.

Final Verdict

In comparing the Breville Barista Pro and the Impress, we have carefully considered the features that stand out and directly impact performance.

Pros and Cons Overview

Breville Barista Pro:

• Pros:
  
  
• Fast heat-up time of just 3 seconds using the thermocoil heating system.
• Equipped with a high-quality burr grinder for consistent espresso grinding.
• Greater control over espresso extraction with adjustable settings.
• Cons:
  
  
• Higher upfront cost could be a potential barrier for some users.
• Slightly larger dimensions might not suit smaller kitchen spaces.

Breville Barista Express Impress:

• Pros:
  
  
• Still speedy with a heat-up time of 45 seconds.
• Integrated grinder reduces the need for separate equipment.
• Slightly more compact, making it a better fit in tight spaces.
• Cons:
  
  
• Marginally slower than the Barista Pro at heating up.
• Grinder quality is consistent but has less customization options.

Best For Whom

• Breville Barista Pro:
  
  
• Ideal for those who prioritize speed and precision — from the rapid heat-up to the fineness of the grind, the Pro is built for efficiency and quality in espresso extraction.
• Enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to experiment with brew ratios and distribution to customize their espresso will find the Pro's features more aligned with their needs.
• Breville Barista Express Impress:
  
  
• Perfect for home baristas who value convenience but do not want to sacrifice espresso quality.
• Those with limited space who require a compact machine with the essential features for high-quality espresso making, like a reliable group head with no pressure issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

When considering the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress, it's essential for us to address frequently asked questions to help discern the subtleties and functionality that distinguish these models.

What are the primary differences between the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress?

• Heat-Up Time: The Breville Barista Pro boasts a ThermoJet heating system that reaches optimal temperature in just 3 seconds, whereas the Barista Express Impress has a Thermocoil with a 30-second heat-up time.
• Steam Wand: The Pro features a four-hole steam wand that creates superior microfoam compared to the less powerful one-hole steam wand on the Express Impress.
• Display and Controls: Users interact with an intuitive LCD on the Barista Pro, which enhances programmability, while the Express Impress utilizes an analog pressure gauge.

How does the Breville Barista Pro compare to the Barista Touch in terms of functionality?

• The Barista Pro is similar to the Barista Touch but lacks the integrated touchscreen interface that simplifies the brewing process.

Can you highlight the features that justify the cost difference between the Barista Pro and the Barista Express Impress?

• Grinder Settings: The Barista Pro offers more grinder settings—30 in total—giving us finer control over the grind size, essential for perfecting espresso shots.
• Advanced Heating System: The Pro heats up significantly faster and may produce more consistent results due to its ThermoJet technology.

What are the advantages of choosing the Breville Barista Pro over other Breville espresso machines?

• Speed: With its rapid heat-up time, the Barista Pro minimizes waiting, thus streamlining our coffee-making process.
• Customization: Enhanced grind settings and programmable features on the Pro allow us to tailor our espresso shots to personal preference.

In terms of ease of use and quality of coffee, how does the Barista Express Impress compare to the Barista Pro?

• While both machines are designed to be user-friendly, the Barista Pro's LCD and faster heat-up time offer a more efficient brewing experience.
• The Barista Pro may edge out the Express Impress in producing a high-quality coffee due to its more precise temperature control and superior steam wand.

Are there any significant upgrades in the Breville Barista Pro that are not available in the Barista Express Impress model?

• Interface: The Pro's LCD is a noticeable upgrade over the analog gauges of the Express Impress, offering clearer feedback and control.
• Performance: The faster heat-up time and enhanced steam wand on the Pro can be considered significant upgrades that contribute to a better overall coffee experience.