The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine offers a seamless way to enjoy third wave specialty coffee in the comfort of your home. With its built-in grinder and milk frother, this machine simplifies the espresso-making process, making it easy for anyone to use.
Featuring an intelligent dosing system and precision measurement, the Barista Express Impress takes the guesswork out of brewing the perfect espresso. The assisted tamping mechanism ensures a consistent and polished puck surface, providing a professional-quality coffee experience every time.
I’ve been using the Breville Barista Express Impress for nearly a year now, and it has significantly improved my coffee routine. The fast preparation time is a standout feature, allowing me to get a fresh and perfectly measured puck in about 20 seconds. The resulting espresso is always smooth and creamy, even when using lighter roasts.
The machine’s compact design fits neatly in my kitchen, and the easy-to-use cleaning cycle keeps maintenance simple. One minor drawback is the lack of a low water indicator, but overall, the machine’s performance and reliability make it a great investment for any coffee lover.
Speed and Efficiency
The Breville Barista Express Impress stands out for its quick preparation time. With its integrated grinder, you can get a freshly ground coffee puck in about 20 seconds. This feature is perfect for those who love fresh coffee but want to avoid the hassle of manual grinding and tamping. The machine also offers easy cleaning with a simple push of a button, making it convenient for daily use.
Quality of Espresso
This machine produces smooth, thick, and creamy espresso, even with lighter roasts. The intelligent dosing system adjusts the coffee level automatically, ensuring you get the perfect dose every time. The precision measurement system corrects the dose for the next brew, taking the guesswork out of making espresso.
Design and Usability
The Breville Barista Express Impress features a compact design that fits neatly into small kitchen spaces. All parts and tools are easily accessible, and the sealed hopper lid helps keep your beans fresh. The machine also includes a powerful steam wand for creating microfoam milk, essential for latte art.
Customizable Settings
With 25 grind settings, you can fine-tune your grind size for the desired extraction and flavor. The machine also offers preset single or double shot options, adjustable brew temperature, and customizable volumetric shot control. These features allow you to tailor your coffee to your exact preferences.
Build and Durability
The machine is built to last with its brushed stainless steel finish. It is sturdy and reliable, making it a worthwhile investment for coffee lovers. The easy clean cycle and user-friendly design ensure that maintenance is straightforward, adding to its longevity.
Assisted Tamping
The assisted tamping feature replicates the action of a professional barista, applying consistent pressure for a polished puck surface. This ensures that you get a clean tamp face every time, improving the quality of your espresso.
Thermocoil Heating System
The Thermocoil heating system with PID control precisely manages temperature, flow rate, and contact time. This ensures that your coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature for the best flavor extraction.
User Reviews and Feedback
Users have praised the machine for its speed, quality, and ease of use. Many reviewers have highlighted the convenience of the assisted tamping and the intelligent dosing system. However, some users have noted the lack of a low water indicator and the limited space for larger mugs as areas for improvement.
Customer Support and Warranty
Breville offers excellent customer support and a reliable warranty. Users have reported quick and efficient service when dealing with repairs, making it a trustworthy choice for long-term use.
Overall Value
Despite its higher price point, the Breville Barista Express Impress offers great value for coffee enthusiasts. Its features, build quality, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their coffee.
Pros:
- The smart dosing system ensures you get the perfect amount of coffee every time.
- The integrated grinder with 25 settings lets you fine-tune your coffee just the way you like it.
- The machine’s compact design fits neatly in your kitchen and keeps all tools accessible.
Cons:
- There is no low water indicator, which can catch you off guard.
- Larger mugs don’t fit comfortably under the portafilter.
- The steam wand starts with a few water squirts, which can be a bit messy.
Conclusion
In summary, the Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is a fantastic choice for those who want high-quality coffee with minimal effort. Its smart features and user-friendly design make it suitable for both beginners and experienced baristas.
If you value convenience and consistency in your coffee-making process, this machine is worth considering. Despite a few minor improvements that could be made, the overall performance and durability of the Barista Express Impress make it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How does the assisted tamping feature work?
Answer: The assisted tamping feature replicates a professional barista’s action, applying consistent pressure and a polished finish to the coffee puck.
Question: Can I use larger mugs with this machine?
Answer: No, the machine is designed for regular-sized mugs. Larger mugs do not fit comfortably under the portafilter.
Question: Does the machine have a low water indicator?
Answer: No, this model does not have a low water indicator. You need to manually check the water level.
