Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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When it comes to home espresso machines, Breville has established itself as a leader, offering a range of models that cater to both novices and seasoned baristas. Among their offerings, the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro stand out. In this article, I'll delve into a detailed comparison of these two machines, highlighting their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Learn How to change the brew temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express

Having used both machines in my home for a while now, I can confidently say that these espresso makers cater to different kinds of coffee enthusiasts. Whether you're someone who enjoys a casual cup in the morning or you’re a bit more of a coffee connoisseur who likes to perfect their brew every time, these machines can both serve you well. That said, my experience has led me to prefer the Breville Barista Pro for its advanced features and overall ease of use. I’ll break it down further so you can see why I feel this way.

Design and Build Quality

Breville Barista Express Impress

The Barista Express Impress has a design that’s fairly classic, maintaining the overall appearance of the earlier Breville espresso machines, with a brushed stainless steel finish. This aesthetic makes it look sleek, but it doesn't offer much in the way of modern flair. That being said, it still has a solid feel and would look good in almost any kitchen. How to steam milk on the Breville Review

I do appreciate the functionality of the machine; it’s compact and straightforward. The built-in grinder is easy to use, and the layout of the buttons is pretty intuitive, even though it lacks some of the more sophisticated features that newer models like the Pro offer. One thing to note is that the grinder itself has a bit of a learning curve. At first, it wasn’t as consistent as I would’ve liked, but after a few adjustments, I figured out the perfect grind setting for my taste.

Breville Barista Pro

In comparison, the Barista Pro offers a much more modern feel. The sleek design is clean and contemporary, with a more polished stainless steel finish and a larger LCD display that gives the whole machine a high-tech vibe. The touchscreen interface on the Pro really enhances the user experience, providing more precise control over settings like brew temperature and shot time.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Pro’s design is not just about aesthetics – it’s designed for convenience. The grinder is quieter than the one on the Barista Express Impress, and I found it to be more precise, producing a more even grind consistently. For anyone who has used the Barista Express Impress before, this is a welcome upgrade. Did you know How to steam milk on the Breville Barista Express

Heating System and Performance

Breville Barista Express Impress

One of the standout features of the Barista Express Impress is its Thermocoil heating system. While this system works well for occasional use, I found that it can be a bit sluggish when making multiple drinks in quick succession. It takes about 45 seconds to heat up, and in the mornings when I’m in a hurry, I’d sometimes find myself waiting a bit longer than I’d like for the machine to reach the right temperature.

That said, it’s more than adequate for someone who typically prepares one or two cups a day. It’s reliable enough for casual coffee drinkers, and the temperature consistency was generally pretty good for my regular lattes and espressos. With Using a single basket with a Breville or Sage home espresso machine review

Breville Barista Pro

In contrast, the Barista Pro features the ThermoJet heating system, which heats the machine up in just 3 seconds. As someone who often finds themselves running late for work, I can tell you that this is a game-changer. It’s fast, efficient, and perfect for anyone who wants to get their espresso fix in a hurry.

Even when I’ve had several guests over for coffee, the Pro has consistently delivered quick and precise results. The ThermoJet system means that there’s no need to wait around while the machine heats up, making it a great choice for those who want speed without sacrificing quality.

User Interface and Controls

Breville Barista Express Impress

The interface of the Barista Express Impress is functional but basic. There’s a set of buttons for manual control, which I initially thought would be straightforward, but the lack of a digital display made it a bit harder to fine-tune my settings. If you’re a beginner, you may need to take a little extra time learning how to adjust the settings for optimal results. The shot timer, temperature, and grind size weren’t as easily adjusted as I’d hoped.

It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but if you prefer a more user-friendly experience with clearer guidance, you might find yourself missing some of the added convenience of the Pro.

Breville Barista Pro

The Barista Pro’s interface is a huge improvement. The digital screen provides a clear, simple way to manage everything from grind size to shot timing. The control is intuitive and responsive, and having the ability to adjust the temperature and track shot times in real time makes the brewing process more precise. It’s also much easier to monitor when maintenance is required, like when it’s time to descale or clean the machine.

I really appreciate this upgrade, as it made the whole experience of making espresso more streamlined and efficient. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s definitely a step up from the basic buttons of the Barista Express Impress.

Grinding and Dosing

Breville Barista Express Impress

The grinder on the Barista Express Impress is solid, but it lacks the precision of more modern grinders. It offers 16 grind settings, which is nice, but I found it to be a bit imprecise at times. Depending on the coffee beans I used, I had to experiment a bit to find the perfect grind size for different brewing styles.

Though it might be more than enough for many people, for someone like me who likes a bit more control over my grind, it felt like there was room for improvement. Still, it does the job and provides a fresh cup every time.

Breville Barista Pro

The Barista Pro shines in this area. With 30 grind settings, I felt I had much more control over the grind, allowing me to experiment more with different beans and brewing styles. Whether I was making a quick espresso shot or a more delicate pour-over, the grinder performed consistently well. It’s quieter too, which I appreciated, as I’ve found that grinding beans on some machines can get a little noisy in the morning.

Steaming Performance

Breville Barista Express Impress

The steam wand on the Barista Express Impress has a single hole, which works fine for producing microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. However, it does take a little more practice to get the hang of frothing milk to perfection. I was able to get good results, but it took some time to learn the right technique, especially if you want to achieve the silky texture that’s characteristic of a great cappuccino.

Breville Barista Pro

On the other hand, the Barista Pro has a four-hole steam wand, which makes a huge difference in terms of efficiency and performance. Steaming milk is faster and more consistent, allowing me to create the perfect microfoam with less effort. Whether I’m making a latte, cappuccino, or a flat white, the steam wand on the Pro is a noticeable upgrade. For anyone who enjoys milk-based espresso drinks, this is a real benefit.

Price and Value

Breville Barista Express Impress

The Barista Express Impress is priced more affordably compared to the Pro. It’s a great option if you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend too much on an espresso machine. While it lacks some of the advanced features of the Barista Pro, it’s still a solid performer that will meet the needs of many casual coffee drinkers.

Breville Barista Pro

The Barista Pro is priced higher, but I find that the added cost is worth it for the enhanced features and superior performance. From the faster heating system to the more precise grinder, it offers better value for serious coffee enthusiasts who want to take their espresso game to the next level. If you make coffee frequently or entertain guests often, the Pro will serve you better in the long run.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

After a thorough comparison, it's clear to me that the Breville Barista Pro is the better option, especially for those who value speed, precision, and an intuitive user experience. While the Barista Express Impress is a great starting point for beginners or those on a budget, the Pro’s advanced features, such as its faster heating system, superior grinder, and better steam performance, make it the more versatile and long-term investment.

Whether you're brewing a quick morning espresso or experimenting with milk frothing techniques, the Barista Pro provides consistent results and a smoother, faster process. If you’re like me and appreciate a machine that can keep up with both casual and more intense coffee habits, the Barista Pro is worth the upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the main difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Breville Barista Pro?
A: The main difference lies in their heating systems, user interfaces, and grinder performance. The Barista Pro has the faster ThermoJet heating system (heats up in 3 seconds compared to the 45 seconds of the Barista Express Impress), a more precise 30-setting grinder, and a digital interface that makes it easier to adjust settings and monitor your brew. The Barista Express Impress is more basic, with a manual interface and a slower heating system.

Q: Is the Barista Pro worth the higher price?
A: If you're a frequent coffee drinker or someone who enjoys experimenting with different coffee styles, the Barista Pro is worth the investment. Its fast heating time, more accurate grinder, and enhanced steam performance make it a more efficient and consistent machine. For casual coffee drinkers or those just starting out, the Barista Express Impress offers great value at a lower price.

Q: Can the Barista Express Impress make good lattes?
A: Yes, the Barista Express Impress can make excellent lattes. It features a steam wand that can froth milk well, but it requires a bit more practice and skill to perfect the milk texture. If you’re patient and take the time to learn, you can get great results, though the Barista Pro’s four-hole steam wand is more efficient and easier to use for milk-based drinks.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Pro to heat up?
A: The Breville Barista Pro heats up in about 3 seconds thanks to its ThermoJet heating system. This is a major advantage for those who want to make their coffee quickly without waiting for the machine to reach the right temperature.

Q: Is it difficult to clean the Breville Barista Pro?
A: No, the Breville Barista Pro is relatively easy to clean. It has a self-cleaning cycle and provides clear prompts on the digital screen for when it’s time to clean or descale the machine. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping it in good working order, but the process is straightforward, especially when compared to more complicated machines.

Q: Does the Barista Pro come with a grinder?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro includes an integrated conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings. This allows you to adjust the grind size to your preference, offering better control over the coffee extraction process compared to the Barista Express Impress, which has a grinder with 16 settings.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Barista Pro?
A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Barista Pro. While the built-in grinder provides great convenience for freshly ground beans, the machine has a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee if you prefer.

Q: What is the steam performance like on the Breville Barista Express Impress?
A: The steam wand on the Barista Express Impress is a single-hole type, which works well for most milk-based drinks. However, it requires some skill and practice to achieve the perfect microfoam. If you’re a beginner, it may take a little time to master. For those who make lattes and cappuccinos often, the Barista Pro’s four-hole steam wand may be a better choice for quicker and more consistent results.

Q: How easy is it to use the Breville Barista Pro for beginners?
A: The Breville Barista Pro is fairly easy for beginners to use, especially thanks to its digital interface. The machine provides real-time feedback on things like brew temperature and shot time, making it easier to learn and adjust as you go. While it offers more advanced features than the Barista Express Impress, its intuitive controls make it accessible for newcomers to espresso machines.

Q: What is the lifespan of the Breville Barista Pro?
A: With regular care and proper maintenance, the Breville Barista Pro can last for many years. It's built with quality materials, and Breville offers good customer support should you need assistance. Regular cleaning and descaling will help extend its lifespan and ensure that it continues to perform at its best.

Q: Can I make other types of coffee drinks with the Breville Barista Pro?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Pro can be used to make a wide range of coffee drinks, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. With the right skills, you can also experiment with other variations, as the machine allows you to adjust grind size, shot timing, and milk frothing to suit different beverages.