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Verdict
The Breville Barista Express Impress is a versatile espresso machine that caters to both novices and experienced home baristas. Its intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping features significantly reduce the learning curve, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
The built-in grinder with 25 settings offers a range of grind sizes, though it might take some trial and error to find the perfect setting. The machine’s stainless steel construction ensures durability, while its Thermocoil heating system and microfoam steam wand contribute to a high-quality espresso. However, it’s worth noting that the machine may require recovery time when pulling shots back-to-back, and dialing in the perfect espresso can be a bit tricky. Overall, the Breville Barista Express Impress delivers a balance of automation and manual control, making it a worthy investment for home espresso enthusiasts.
How I Rate this Product
| Features | Rating (Out of 5) |
| Design and Build Quality | 4.5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.3 |
| Performance | 4.2 |
| Unique Features | 4.4 |
| Value for Money | 4.1 |
| Overall | 4.3 |
Overview
The Breville Barista Express Impress is a standout espresso machine that combines functionality and style. Crafted in sleek stainless steel, it’s designed to be a durable and attractive addition to any kitchen. The machine’s key features include an intelligent dosing system and an assisted tamping feature, which simplify the espresso-making process, particularly for beginners.
The built-in grinder offers 25 settings, providing a wide range of grind sizes to suit your taste. However, finding the perfect setting might require some experimentation. The Thermocoil heating system ensures precise temperature control, while the microfoam steam wand allows you to create barista-quality milk texture.
Despite its impressive features, the machine isn’t without its drawbacks. Pulling shots back-to-back can be challenging as the machine needs recovery time. Also, achieving the perfect espresso might take some trial and error due to the machine’s complex settings.
The Breville Barista Express Impress is a high-quality espresso machine that offers a balance of automation and manual control. It’s a worthy investment for those looking to enjoy specialty coffee at home.
Specs
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Breville |
| Model | Barista Express Impress |
| Water Tank Capacity | 2 Liters |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 14.9″D x 12.9″W x 16.1″H |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 14.3 Pounds |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Wattage | 1600 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Model Name | the Barista Express® Impress Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
| Item model number | BES876BSS1BNA1 |
| Accessories | 54mm stainless steel portafilter, 480ml stainless steel milk jug, 1 & 2 cup single and dual wall filter baskets, Water filter holder with filter, the Razor™ precision trimming tool, Cleaning tablets, Allen key, Steam wand cleaning tool, Cleaning disc, Cleaning brush, Descale powder |
| Construction Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Settings | 25 precision grind settings, Preset Single or Double Shot, Auto Dose Correct for the next grind, Hot water, Adjustable brew temperature, Adjustable volumetric shot control |
| Power | 1850 Watts |
| Warranty | 2 year Repair, Replacement (at the sole discretion of Breville) |
| Heating System | 15 bar Italian Pump, Thermocoil system, PID Temperature Control, 1600W Thermocoil–Integrated stainless steel water path accurately controls water temperature |
| Milk Texturing | Manual milk texturing |
| Integrated Burr Grinder | Steel conical burrs |
| Interface | Simple button control |
| Portafilter | High quality 54mm portafilter |
| Tamping | Assisted tamping with 7˚ Barista Twist Finish, Dose Level Indicator & Feedback |
| Grind Settings | 25 precision grind settings |
| Pressure Gauge | Extraction Feedback pressure gauge |
Features
- Intelligent Dosing System: Adjusts coffee levels for the perfect dose.
- Assisted Tamping: Provides consistent pressure for a polished puck.
- 25 Grind Settings: Allows fine-tuning of grind size for optimal flavor.
- Thermocoil Heating System: Controls temperature precisely for great coffee.
- Microfoam Steam Wand: Enhances the look and taste of your cup.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures durability and a sleek look.
- Large Capacity: Handles multiple servings with a 2-liter water tank.
- Easy to Use Interface: Simple button control for easy operation.
- Manual Milk Texturing: Creates preferred milk texture for lattes or cappuccinos.
- Precision Measurement: Auto corrects the next dose for consistent quality.
- Extraction Feedback Pressure Gauge: Provides real-time extraction pressure feedback.
Pros
- Versatile: Suitable for all skill levels.
- Intelligent Dosing: Automates coffee dosing.
- Assisted Tamping: Ensures correct espresso pressure.
- 25 Grind Settings: Offers a wide grind size range.
- Thermocoil System: Provides precise temperature control.
- Microfoam Wand: Enhances cup taste and look.
- Stainless Steel: Offers durability and sleek look.
- Large Capacity: Handles multiple servings.
- Easy Interface: User-friendly operation.
Cons
- Recovery Time: Requires breaks between shots.
- Complex Settings: Perfect espresso can be tricky.
- Price: Higher than some competitors.
- Size: May not fit all kitchens.
- Learning Curve: Requires experimentation.
Unboxing/First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Breville Barista Express Impress, the first thing you notice is its sleek stainless steel design. It’s clear that this machine is built to last, with a sturdy construction that promises durability. The machine comes with a range of accessories, including a stainless steel portafilter and milk jug, which are a nice touch.
The interface is simple and user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons. However, the array of settings might seem overwhelming at first, especially for beginners. The machine is larger than some might expect, so it’s worth considering if you have limited counter space.
Despite the initial complexity, the detailed user manual helps guide you through the setup and operation. Overall, the unboxing experience leaves a positive first impression, setting high expectations for the machine’s performance.
Design
The Breville Barista Express Impress boasts a sleek and modern design that’s sure to complement any kitchen decor. Its stainless steel construction not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and longevity. The machine’s dimensions are 14.9″D x 12.9″W x 16.1″H, making it a substantial presence on your countertop.
The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, featuring simple button controls. The machine also includes a high-quality 54mm portafilter and a built-in grinder, which are conveniently located for easy access.
Despite its size, the design is well thought out, with every element serving a purpose. From the intelligent dosing system to the microfoam steam wand, each feature is designed to enhance the user experience and the quality of the espresso. Overall, the design of the Breville Barista Express Impress is a blend of style, functionality, and user convenience.
Setup Process
Setting up the Breville Barista Express Impress is relatively straightforward, thanks to the detailed user manual included. The manual provides clear instructions on how to assemble the machine and get it ready for its first use.
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You’ll need to install the water filter, fill the water tank, and prime the machine before brewing your first espresso. The built-in grinder also requires calibration, which might take some trial and error to find the perfect grind size for your taste.
While the setup process is generally user-friendly, beginners might find the array of settings and controls a bit overwhelming at first. However, with some patience and practice, you’ll soon get the hang of it.
It’s worth noting that the machine is quite large, so ensure you have ample counter space for it. Also, remember to clean and descale the machine regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain its performance and longevity.
Overall, the setup process for the Breville Barista Express Impress is manageable, but it does require some time and patience, especially for those new to home espresso machines.
User Friendliness: Ease of Use
The Breville Barista Express Impress is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its interface features simple button controls, making it easy to navigate and operate. The intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping feature simplify the espresso-making process, which is particularly beneficial for beginners.
However, the machine’s wide range of settings can be a bit overwhelming at first. Finding the perfect grind size and dose might require some experimentation, which could be a challenge for those new to home espresso machines. But with some patience and practice, users can master these settings to brew espresso to their liking.
The machine’s large size might also be a consideration for some users, particularly those with limited counter space. It’s also worth noting that regular cleaning and descaling are necessary to maintain the machine’s performance, which adds to the overall maintenance effort.
While the Breville Barista Express Impress has a learning curve, its user-friendly features and detailed user manual make it manageable, even for those new to the world of home espresso.
Performance, and Consistency
When it comes to performance, the Breville Barista Express Impress shines. Its intelligent dosing system and precision measurement feature ensure consistent results with every brew. The 25 grind settings allow you to fine-tune your grind size, resulting in optimal extraction and flavor outcome.
The Thermocoil heating system precisely controls temperature, flow rate, and contact time, contributing to the overall quality of the coffee. The machine’s powerful steam wand allows you to hand texture microfoam milk, enhancing the taste and look of your cup.
However, the machine does require a recovery period between pulling shots, which could be a downside for those who want to make multiple servings quickly. Also, achieving the perfect espresso can be a bit tricky and requires some experimentation with the settings.
The machine’s large size might also be a consideration for some, particularly those with limited counter space. Regular cleaning and descaling are necessary to maintain the machine’s performance, which adds to the overall maintenance effort.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind, the Breville Barista Express Impress delivers impressive performance and consistency, making it a worthy investment for coffee lovers.
Taste and Coffee Quality
The Breville Barista Express Impress is designed to deliver third wave specialty coffee at home, and it certainly lives up to this promise. The machine’s intelligent dosing system and precision measurement feature ensure that each cup of coffee is brewed to perfection, resulting in a rich and flavorful espresso shot.
The 25 grind settings allow you to fine-tune your grind size, which can significantly impact the taste and quality of your coffee. The Thermocoil heating system precisely controls temperature, contributing to the overall quality of the coffee.
The machine’s powerful steam wand allows you to hand texture microfoam milk, enhancing the taste of your cup and making it ideal for latte art. However, achieving the perfect espresso can be a bit tricky and requires some experimentation with the settings.
There is a learning curve to mastering the Breville Barista Express Impress, the machine’s advanced features and capabilities make it possible to brew high-quality, flavorful coffee at home.
Maintenance And Cleaning
Maintaining and cleaning the Breville Barista Express Impress is a straightforward process. The machine comes with a range of cleaning tools, including cleaning tablets, a steam wand cleaning tool, a cleaning disc, and a cleaning brush. These tools, along with the detailed instructions provided in the user manual, make the cleaning process manageable.
Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining the machine’s performance and longevity. This includes cleaning the drip tray, emptying and cleaning the coffee puck, and descaling the machine as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The machine also features a ‘clean me’ light that indicates when a cleaning cycle is required, which is a helpful reminder.
However, it’s worth noting that the cleaning process can be time-consuming, especially the descaling process, which requires the machine to be idle for a period of time. This could be a downside for those who use the machine frequently.
The Breville Barista Express Impress requires regular maintenance and cleaning, the process is made easier with the provided tools and clear instructions. Regular maintenance ensures the machine continues to deliver high-quality coffee and extends its lifespan.
Recommended Use
The Breville Barista Express Impress is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy high-quality espresso at home. Its advanced features and capabilities make it suitable for those who appreciate the art of espresso making and want to experiment with different grind sizes and extraction levels.
However, due to its size and the level of maintenance required, it might not be the best choice for those with limited counter space or those who prefer a low-maintenance coffee machine. It’s also worth noting that the machine has a learning curve, so it’s best suited for those who are willing to invest some time in learning how to use it to its full potential.
The Breville Barista Express Impress is recommended for coffee lovers who value quality and consistency, and who are willing to put in the effort to achieve the perfect cup of coffee. It’s a worthy investment that can elevate your home coffee experience.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $899.95, the Breville Barista Express Impress is a significant investment. However, considering its advanced features, high-quality construction, and the quality of coffee it produces, it offers good value for money.
The machine’s intelligent dosing system, precision measurement feature, and 25 grind settings allow you to fine-tune your coffee to your liking, which is a feature often found in more expensive machines. The integrated conical burr grinder and Thermocoil heating system further enhance the machine’s value, delivering consistent, high-quality coffee with each brew.
However, it’s worth noting that the machine requires regular maintenance, which could add to the overall cost over time. Additionally, the machine’s size and the level of expertise required to operate it might not appeal to everyone.
The Breville Barista Express Impress comes with a higher price tag, its advanced features, high-quality construction, and the quality of coffee it produces make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts.
Extras
The Breville Barista Express Impress comes with a range of extras that enhance its value and usability. These include a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, a 480ml stainless steel milk jug, single and dual wall filter baskets, a water filter holder with filter, and the Razor™ precision trimming tool. These extras contribute to the machine’s versatility and allow you to customize your coffee brewing experience.
In addition to these, the machine also comes with a range of cleaning tools, including cleaning tablets, an Allen key, a steam wand cleaning tool, a cleaning disc, a cleaning brush, and descale powder. These tools make the maintenance process easier and help to prolong the machine’s lifespan.
However, it’s worth noting that while these extras add to the machine’s value, they also contribute to its complexity. For those new to espresso making, there might be a learning curve to understand how to use these extras effectively.
The Breville Barista Express Impress offers a range of extras that enhance its value and usability, making it a comprehensive solution for home coffee brewing.
Compare Breville Barista Express Impress with Other Coffee Makers
When compared to other coffee makers in the market, the Breville Barista Express Impress stands out for several reasons. Its intelligent dosing system, precision measurement feature, and 25 grind settings are not commonly found in other models, even within the Breville range. These features allow users to fine-tune their coffee to their liking, a level of customization that is often reserved for more expensive, professional-grade machines.
In comparison to the Breville Barista Express Impress, for example, the Barista Express Impress offers a more hands-on, barista-like experience. While the Precision Brewer Thermal is known for its precision and consistency, it lacks the manual controls and customization options offered by the Barista Express Impress.
Similarly, when compared to other brands in the market, the Barista Express Impress holds its own. Its integrated conical burr grinder, Thermocoil heating system, and microfoam steam wand are features that are often only found in higher-end models.
However, it’s worth noting that the Barista Express Impress may not be the best choice for everyone. Its complexity and the level of expertise required to operate it might not appeal to beginners or those who prefer a simpler, more straightforward coffee-making process.
The Breville Barista Express Impress offers a unique combination of features and customization options that set it apart from other coffee makers in its price range. Its ability to deliver high-quality, specialty coffee at home makes it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts.
| Product | Water Tank Capacity | Material | Model Number | Special Features |
| Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine | 2 Liters | Brushed Stainless Steel | BES876BSS | PID temperature control, Low-pressure pre-infusion, Micro-foam milk texturing |
| Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine | 2 Liters | Brushed Stainless Steel | BES870XL | PID temperature control, Low-pressure pre-infusion, Micro-foam milk texturing |
| Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine | 67 fluid ounces | Brushed Stainless Steel | BES880BSS | PID temperature control, Low-pressure pre-infusion, Micro-foam milk texturing, Touchscreen operation |
| Breville Infuser Espresso Machine | 61 ounces | Brushed Stainless Steel | BES840XL | PID temperature control, Low-pressure pre-infusion, Micro-foam milk texturing |
Should You Buy The Breville Barista Express Impress ?
The Breville Barista Express Impress is a high-quality espresso machine that offers a lot of value for its price. It’s packed with features that allow for a high level of customization, making it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the process of making their own espresso at home.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The machine’s complexity and the level of expertise required to operate it might not appeal to everyone. If you’re a beginner or prefer a simpler coffee-making process, you might find the Barista Express Impress overwhelming. In this case, a more straightforward model, like the Breville Bambino Plus, might be a better fit. It’s simpler to use but still delivers excellent espresso.
Additionally, the Barista Express Impress is a significant investment. While it offers a lot of value for its price, it might not fit into everyone’s budget. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the De’Longhi Dedica. It’s a compact, budget-friendly espresso machine that still delivers a great cup of coffee.
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express Impress is a fantastic machine for those who value customization and enjoy the process of making espresso. It delivers high-quality, specialty coffee at home and offers features usually found in more expensive models. If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking to elevate your home coffee-making experience, the Barista Express Impress is definitely worth considering.
Where To Buy Breville Barista Express Impress?
The Breville Barista Express Impress is widely available for purchase. You can find it at various online retailers, including Amazon, where it’s often available at a competitive price. Amazon also offers the benefit of customer reviews, so you can read about other users’ experiences before making a purchase.
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In addition to Amazon, the Barista Express Impress is available directly from the Breville website. Buying directly from the manufacturer ensures you’re getting a new, authentic product and gives you access to their customer service for any questions or issues.
For those who prefer to shop in person, you can find the Barista Express Impress at home goods stores like Bed Bath & Beyond or kitchen specialty stores like Williams Sonoma. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to check availability.
Remember, when purchasing, consider the warranty and return policy. Espresso machines are an investment, and having a good warranty can provide peace of mind. Always buy from a reputable retailer to ensure you’re covered in case of any issues.
Alternatives
While the Breville Barista Express Impress offers a range of features and high-quality performance, it’s always worth considering alternatives to ensure you’re making the best choice for your needs.
- De’Longhi La Specialista: This machine is a worthy competitor with a built-in grinder, precise extraction, and smart tamping. It also offers a dual heating system for optimal temperature control.
- Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine: A compact yet powerful machine, the Rancilio Silvia is known for its professional-grade components, excellent steam power, and durability.
- Gaggia Classic Pro: This is a great option for beginners, with its simple, user-friendly design. It offers commercial-grade components and the ability to make a variety of espresso-based drinks.
- Breville Bambino Plus: If you’re looking for something more compact or budget-friendly from the same brand, the Bambino Plus could be a good choice. It offers automatic microfoam milk texturing and a fast heat-up time.
Remember, the best espresso machine for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Consider factors such as ease of use, maintenance, size, and the type of coffee drinks you enjoy when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Breville Barista Express Impress easy to use?
Yes, the Barista Express Impress is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It features intuitive controls and a clear LCD display, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users.
How often does the Breville Barista Express Impress need to be cleaned?
Regular cleaning is key to maintaining the performance and longevity of the machine. It’s recommended to clean the machine after every use, with a more thorough cleaning every few weeks or as needed.
Can I make regular coffee with the Breville Barista Express Impress?
The Barista Express Impress is primarily an espresso machine, but you can certainly make an Americano (espresso diluted with hot water), which is similar to regular coffee.
Is the Breville Barista Express Impress worth the price?
While the Barista Express Impress is a significant investment, its high-quality construction, advanced features, and excellent performance can offer good value for money, especially for coffee enthusiasts.
Where can I buy the Breville Barista Express Impress?
The Barista Express Impress can be purchased from various online retailers, including the official Breville website, Amazon, and other home appliance stores. Always buy from reputable sources to ensure you’re getting a genuine product.
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