Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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it comes to making espresso at home, few brands have captured the hearts of coffee lovers like Breville. Among their range of machines, the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro stand out as two of the most popular choices. Although these machines may appear similar at first glance, they are designed for different types of users and come with their own set of advantages and challenges. After using both machines extensively, I’m here to give you a comprehensive comparison of the Breville Barista Express Impress vs. Pro. Spoiler alert: I believe the Barista Pro is the superior choice.

My Experience with the Breville Barista Express Impress and Pro

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro, and I have to admit, it’s been quite an experience. Like many coffee enthusiasts, I was initially drawn to the Breville range because of its reputation for delivering quality coffee with relatively user-friendly machines. The decision between the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro wasn’t easy, as both machines come with their own set of appealing features. After using them for daily espresso shots, lattes, and cappuccinos, I’ve developed a clearer understanding of which machine works best for different needs.

For context, I’ve always loved making coffee at home and had been using the original Barista Express for a while before trying both the Barista Express Impress and Pro. As someone who enjoys both the art of coffee making and a simple, consistent cup, I’ve been able to evaluate these machines based on practical experience, not just on paper specs.

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you notice about these two machines is their design. Despite being the newer model, the Barista Express Impress uses an older chassis, which is essentially the same as the original Barista Express. While it still features the solid, all-metal build that Breville is known for, the design feels somewhat dated compared to the Barista Pro. The Barista Pro, on the other hand, comes with a more modern, angular design and a sleek curved metal backsplash that looks visually appealing and contemporary. Additionally, the Barista Pro is available in a variety of stylish colors, including the striking Damson Blue, which gives it a more sophisticated aesthetic.

In terms of usability, the Barista Pro has an edge. The control knobs and grind adjustment settings feel smoother and more refined compared to the Impress, which makes a significant difference in the overall user experience. The layout is more intuitive, and the build quality just feels a touch more premium.

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: Heating Time and Convenience

Another significant area where these two machines diverge is in their heating time. The Breville Barista Pro heats up in an impressive 3 seconds. Yes, you read that right – 3 seconds. This is thanks to its advanced heating system that makes it incredibly quick and efficient, allowing you to start brewing your espresso almost immediately.

The Barista Express Impress, while still relatively fast, takes a longer 45 seconds to heat up. This delay, though not a dealbreaker for most casual coffee drinkers, could be a slight inconvenience if you're in a rush or if you're preparing multiple drinks in quick succession. From a convenience perspective, the Barista Pro is the clear winner here, especially if you’re looking for speed without sacrificing quality.

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: User Interface and Controls

it comes to user experience, the Barista Pro really shines. It comes with a digital display that makes navigation simple and easy. From adjusting the brew temperature to programming shot times, the touchscreen interface allows you to fine-tune your brewing process with just a few taps. It also provides a convenient display of the water temperature and the status of the machine, so you always know what’s going on.

In contrast, the Barista Express Impress relies on a more traditional setup, with buttons that require specific button holds or presses to activate certain features. While it’s not difficult to use, it does lack the same level of ease and intuitiveness that the Barista Pro offers. If you're someone who prefers a more modern, user-friendly experience, the Barista Pro definitely takes the lead in this category.  

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: Espresso Brewing

it comes to making espresso, the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro each bring something different to the table. The Barista Pro is all about precision and control. As the user, you have complete control over the grind size, tamping pressure, and brew time. This makes it ideal for more experienced coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment and perfect their espresso recipes.

On the other hand, the Barista Express Impress simplifies the brewing process, especially for those new to espresso-making. Thanks to its intelligent dosing and tamping system, the Impress takes away some of the guesswork involved in dialing in the perfect shot. You simply grind, tamp, and the machine ensures that the dose is correct before you brew. This can be especially beneficial for beginners or people who want a consistent, hassle-free cup of espresso every time.

However, if you're looking for more hands-on control over every aspect of your espresso, the Barista Pro will likely offer a better experience. For those who enjoy experimenting with different coffee beans and grind sizes, this machine allows for greater customization and flexibility.

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: Steaming Performance

Steaming milk is another area where the Barista Pro truly excels. Thanks to its advanced heating system, it only takes 3 seconds to reach the steaming temperature after brewing, and just another 40 seconds to steam the milk. This makes it incredibly efficient if you’re preparing multiple lattes or cappuccinos in quick succession.

In contrast, the Barista Express Impress takes 30 seconds to reach steaming temperature, and another 75 seconds to steam the milk. While this isn’t a huge deal for making one or two drinks, the longer wait time could be frustrating if you’re serving multiple guests or making several drinks in a row.

Both machines can produce high-quality steamed milk that’s perfect for latte art, but if speed is important to you, the Barista Pro is far superior in this area.

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: Durability and Maintenance

After using both machines for several months, I’ve found that both the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro are built to last. The metal construction feels solid on both models, and I haven’t encountered any significant issues with durability. However, the Barista Pro does have a slight advantage here, thanks to its more advanced heating system and updated components. The Impress may have slightly more wear over time due to the older heating technology.

As for maintenance, both machines are relatively easy to clean, with removable drip trays and water tanks that make daily upkeep simple. The Barista Pro, however, has a more sophisticated cleaning cycle that helps to keep things running smoothly, which I found helpful. You’ll still need to clean the steam wand and the portafilter, but the Barista Pro’s self-cleaning feature does help maintain overall machine hygiene with less effort.

Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro: Price Considerations

The price difference between these two models is an important factor for many people. The Barista Pro tends to be a little more expensive than the Barista Express Impress, but in my experience, the extra investment is worth it if you're after a quicker, more streamlined experience. For those on a tighter budget, the Barista Express Impress still provides excellent value, especially for those who don’t need all the extra features the Pro offers.

Ultimately, it depends on how much you value convenience, control, and speed. If you're just getting started with espresso and want something that takes care of most of the work for you, the Barista Express Impress is a great choice. If you're someone who wants more control over your coffee-making process and is willing to pay a little more for a faster, more efficient machine, the Barista Pro is well worth the investment.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

After spending considerable time using both machines, I can confidently say that the Breville Barista Pro offers a more refined and convenient experience, especially for those who value speed and precision. It’s the better option for anyone who plans to use it regularly and wants to enjoy the flexibility of making high-quality espresso and steamed milk quickly.

That being said, the Barista Express Impress is a fantastic machine as well, particularly for beginners or those who prefer simplicity in their coffee-making routine. It’s user-friendly, consistently delivers great coffee, and provides excellent value for its price point.

Both machines are solid choices, but if you’re looking for a more modern, efficient espresso machine that offers faster brewing times, better steaming, and a more intuitive interface, I’d recommend the Breville Barista Pro. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced coffee enthusiast, this machine will likely serve you well for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the main difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and Barista Pro?
A: The main difference lies in the heating time and user interface. The Barista Pro heats up in just 3 seconds and features a digital display, making it faster and more convenient. In contrast, the Barista Express Impress takes around 45 seconds to heat up and has a more traditional control setup.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro worth the extra money compared to the Barista Express Impress?
A: It depends on your preferences and needs. The Barista Pro offers quicker heating times, better steaming capabilities, and a more modern design, making it ideal for those who want efficiency and flexibility. The Barista Express Impress, while still a great machine, is more suited for beginners who want a simpler, hassle-free espresso experience.

Q: How long does it take to make a cup of espresso with the Barista Pro?
A: The Barista Pro can produce a shot of espresso in under a minute, thanks to its 3-second heat-up time and efficient brewing process. The actual brewing time can vary depending on the grind size and dose, but it’s generally faster than the Barista Express Impress.

Q: Can I make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with these machines?
A: Yes, both the Barista Express Impress and Barista Pro can steam milk to create lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. The Barista Pro, however, has a quicker steaming process, allowing you to prepare multiple drinks more efficiently.

Q: Which machine is better for beginners?
A: The Barista Express Impress is a better choice for beginners due to its user-friendly features like automatic tamping and dosing, which takes the guesswork out of brewing. The Barista Pro, while also suitable for beginners, offers more flexibility and control, which may require a bit more learning.

Q: Do both machines have a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, both the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro have integrated grinders. The Barista Pro features a more refined and smoother grind adjustment, but both machines are capable of grinding fresh beans directly into the portafilter.

Q: How often do I need to clean the Breville Barista Pro or Barista Express Impress?
A: Both machines require regular cleaning to maintain performance and hygiene. Daily maintenance involves emptying the drip tray, rinsing the portafilter, and cleaning the steam wand. The Barista Pro has a more sophisticated self-cleaning feature that helps simplify maintenance compared to the Barista Express Impress.

Q: Is the Barista Pro easier to use than the Barista Express Impress?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is easier to use due to its intuitive touchscreen display and faster heating time. The digital interface makes it simpler to adjust settings and monitor the brewing process, while the Barista Express Impress has a more traditional control setup that might require more manual intervention.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Barista Pro or Barista Express Impress?
A: While both machines have built-in grinders, you can use pre-ground coffee if preferred. However, for the freshest and most flavorful espresso, it’s recommended to use freshly ground beans.

Q: How durable are the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express Impress?
A: Both machines are built with high-quality materials and are durable. However, the Barista Pro may have a slight advantage in terms of longevity, thanks to its updated components and advanced heating system. Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure that both machines last for years.