Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

As a long-time coffee enthusiast, I’ve always had a passion for espresso. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various espresso machines, from manual to fully automatic. So, when I came across the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I was intrigued by its promises of precision, ease of use, and consistent results. After using it for several weeks now, I’ve gathered enough insights to share my experience. Here’s what I think about this espresso machine, from the perspective of someone who has truly put it to the test.

The Breville Barista Touch Impress caught my eye primarily because of its Impress Piston feature, which automates the tamping process—something I’ve always struggled with when making espresso. The convenience of having a machine that does the hard work for you was a major selling point. But how does it perform overall? I’ll walk you through my experience in greater detail and explain whether it lives up to the hype. Learn How to change the brew temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express

Design and Build Quality

From the moment I unboxed the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I could tell that it was built with care. The design is sleek, modern, and surprisingly compact given the features packed into it. It doesn’t dominate my kitchen counter like some other espresso machines I’ve used in the past. The stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and the touchscreen display adds a contemporary flair.

Setting it up was straightforward, and I appreciated how easy it was to get started. I quickly noticed that Breville put thought into making this machine user-friendly, even for those who aren’t professional baristas. The touch interface is clear and intuitive, with icons that guide you through the different settings and functions. Learn How to steam milk on the Breville

First Impressions: Ease of Use and Convenience

The first time I used the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I was genuinely impressed by how quickly it heated up and was ready to brew. There’s something about an espresso machine that heats up to the perfect temperature in under a minute that makes it feel incredibly convenient. The PID temperature control ensures that the water is always at the right temperature for brewing, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past. Many espresso machines can fluctuate in temperature, but this one stays consistent, making a noticeable difference in the taste of my coffee.

One feature I found especially helpful was the automatic tamping system, which adjusts the tamping pressure for you. In the past, I’ve spent a fair amount of time perfecting my tamping technique to ensure a uniform extraction, but with the Impress Piston, I no longer have to worry about that. It’s a huge relief, and the results speak for themselves—every shot I’ve pulled has been consistent and flavorful. Know How to steam milk on the Breville Barista Express

Coffee Quality: A Perfect Espresso Shot Every Time

What stands out the most about the Breville Barista Touch Impress is the quality of the coffee. For someone like me, who appreciates a well-pulled shot of espresso, this machine is a game-changer. The 15-bar pump pressure ensures that the coffee is extracted with the perfect balance of strength and smoothness. The result is always a rich crema and a full-bodied espresso that I’ve enjoyed every single time.

I’ve tried both single and double shots, and both come out excellent. The machine’s grind settings are highly adjustable, so I can fine-tune them to get the exact flavor profile I want. Whether I’m in the mood for a more intense shot or a milder one, the Breville Barista Touch Impress delivers.

For those who enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, this machine doesn’t disappoint either. The steam wand works wonderfully for frothing milk, and I’ve been able to create velvety foam for lattes and cappuccinos. I’ve never been the most skilled when it comes to frothing milk, but this machine makes it easier. The steam wand has a manual frothing option that allows for more control, or I can let the machine do the work for me. Either way, the results have been fantastic. When Using a single basket with a Breville or Sage home espresso machine

Customization: Tailoring Your Coffee to Your Preferences

One of the features I’ve come to appreciate is the level of customization available. The Breville Barista Touch Impress allows me to adjust just about every aspect of the brewing process, from the grind size to the shot time to the milk texture. If I’m in the mood for something specific, I can tweak the settings to suit my taste.

I especially enjoy being able to save my preferred settings. If I make a cup of coffee that’s just right, I can store that combination of grind size, shot time, and milk texture so I can replicate it later. This level of control makes it easy to experiment and find what works best for me.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping It Simple

Cleaning an espresso machine can be a hassle, but the Breville Barista Touch Impress has made this process much easier. The machine comes with an auto-rinse feature that helps clear out the brewing components after each use, keeping things hygienic and reducing the time I spend cleaning. The self-cleaning steam wand is another thoughtful touch that makes maintaining the machine much simpler. I’ve found that the machine stays in great condition with minimal effort, which is something I truly appreciate.

A Great Machine for Coffee Lovers

The more I use the Breville Barista Touch Impress, the more I realize how well-suited it is for someone like me who loves coffee but doesn’t necessarily have the time or patience to master every aspect of espresso making. The convenience and precision offered by this machine have made it easy to enjoy high-quality coffee every day without spending hours learning the ins and outs of espresso.

It’s also a fantastic option for people who are looking to step up their coffee game at home. While it’s not the most affordable espresso machine on the market, I find that the performance and quality it offers justify the price. In fact, given all the features it offers—especially the Impress Piston tamping system and the ability to customize just about every aspect of the brewing process—I believe it’s an excellent investment for anyone serious about their coffee.

Comparing to Other Espresso Machines

While the Breville Barista Touch Impress is certainly a premium option, I think it holds up well against other machines in its price range. For example, I’ve used the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus and the Gaggia Anima Prestige, and while they both produce decent coffee, neither has the same level of automation or customization that the Breville Barista Touch Impress offers. The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is a great machine for the price, but I found the coffee quality to be slightly less consistent. The Gaggia Anima Prestige is a solid option, but it lacks the precision and advanced features that set the Breville machine apart.

When you factor in the Impress Piston and the PID temperature control, the Breville Barista Touch Impress comes out on top in terms of consistency and overall coffee quality.

Conclusion: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress Right for You?

Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the Breville Barista Touch Impress. It offers a fantastic combination of high-quality coffee, ease of use, and customization options that make it a great choice for anyone serious about their coffee. While it might not be the most affordable option on the market, it certainly provides great value for the price. If you’re looking for a machine that consistently delivers great results with minimal effort, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try. It’s been a great addition to my kitchen, and I can’t see myself going back to my old machine anytime soon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Impress Piston feature in the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The Impress Piston is an innovative tamping system that automatically adjusts the pressure and tamping force to ensure a consistent and precise extraction every time. This feature removes the guesswork from tamping and helps achieve the ideal shot of espresso.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress easy to use for beginners?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the machine comes with preset options for drinks like espresso, cappuccino, and latte, making it easy for beginners to enjoy high-quality coffee without much experience.

Q: Can I customize the coffee settings on the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: Absolutely! The Breville Barista Touch Impress allows you to adjust various aspects of the brewing process, including grind size, shot time, milk texture, and more. You can save your preferred settings for easy access in the future.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Touch Impress to heat up?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress heats up quickly, typically in under a minute, allowing you to brew coffee without much wait time.

Q: How do I clean the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The machine is easy to clean with an automatic rinse cycle that clears out the brewing components after each use. Additionally, the steam wand has a self-cleaning function to make milk frothing and maintenance hassle-free.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress suitable for making lattes and cappuccinos?
A: Yes, the steam wand on the Breville Barista Touch Impress froths milk beautifully, making it perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. It’s user-friendly, and the results are consistently excellent.

Q: How does the Breville Barista Touch Impress compare to other espresso machines?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress stands out in its category due to features like the Impress Piston tamping system, precise PID temperature control, and its ability to customize coffee settings. It offers more automation and precision compared to many other machines in the same price range, making it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Q: What is the price range of the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is considered a premium espresso machine, and its price typically falls in the higher-end range for home espresso makers. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, the quality and features make it a worthwhile investment for serious coffee lovers.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress work well with different types of coffee beans?
A: Yes, the machine works well with various types of coffee beans. You can adjust the grind size to suit different beans and preferences, allowing you to explore a wide range of coffee flavors and intensities.