Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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Note: The Breville Barista Express Impress and Barista Pro are two espresso machines that are often compared by coffee lovers trying to decide which is best for their home setup. I've had the opportunity to use both of these machines extensively, and while both are impressive in their own right, I find myself leaning towards the Barista Pro as my preferred choice. 

My Journey with Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

My journey with espresso machines began years ago, and like many people, I started with a basic, entry-level machine. Over time, my appreciation for a great cup of espresso grew, and I decided it was time for an upgrade. I looked into various Breville models and ultimately found myself choosing between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro. It wasn't an easy decision because both machines had a lot to offer, but after using each one, the differences became clearer.

Design: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

Design might not be everything, but when you look at these two machines, it's apparent that Breville put a lot of thought into their aesthetics. The Barista Express Impress has a more classic look. It's substantial, with a stainless steel body that speaks to its durability and tradition. It's also quite similar in appearance to the original Barista Express, with some modern tweaks, like the assisted tamping mechanism. 

On the other hand, the Barista Pro feels a bit more modern and sleek. The addition of a digital LCD display instantly makes it feel like a product of this generation. For me, I found myself gravitating towards the Pro's digital display, which offered a lot of functionality in a straightforward way. The Pro also comes in different finishes, including colors that add a bit of flair to the kitchen. As someone who likes having my appliances match, I appreciated that variety.

User Experience: The Simplicity of the Breville Barista Pro

One of the main reasons I lean towards the Barista Pro is the user experience. The digital LCD screen offers clear prompts, from showing grind time to helping set up the right shot temperature. The first time I used the Pro, I felt confident that I could get the perfect shot without too much guesswork. It streamlines a lot of the details that tend to intimidate beginners.

On the flip side, using the Barista Express Impress can feel a bit more hands-on. The analog display and manual dials have their charm, and I admit they can be enjoyable if you're in the mood for a more artisanal, step-by-step process. There's something satisfying about watching the pressure gauge rise as the espresso flows. However, for consistency and ease of use, I found myself preferring the simplicity of the Pro.

The Heating System: Why Breville Barista Pro Stands Out

In terms of heating, the Barista Pro uses Breville's ThermoJet technology, which means the machine heats up in only three seconds. This was a game-changer for me. I can't count how many times I've rushed through the mornings, trying to squeeze in an espresso before starting the day. The Pro is ready to go almost as soon as I am.

With the Barista Express Impress, the heating system is the more conventional thermocoil, and it takes about 30 to 45 seconds to heat up. It isn't exactly long, but in a world where every second counts during the morning rush, those extra moments do add up. When I switched to the Pro, it was genuinely nice to not have to wait and to just get brewing right away. 

Grinding and Tamping: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

Both machines come with integrated grinders, and this is something that makes Breville stand out from other brands. The grinder on the Barista Pro has more grind settings compared to the Express Impress. This level of control made it easier to dial in the perfect shot, especially when I wanted to experiment with different beans.

One of the interesting features of the Barista Express Impress is the assisted tamping. I found this feature very helpful during my first uses, as it helped to make sure I wasn't applying too little or too much pressure while tamping. This automatic consistency is great if you're just starting and aren't confident about your tamping skills yet. However, over time, I felt I wanted more control, and the manual tamping that comes with the Barista Pro allowed me to adjust to my liking.

Frothing and Steaming: Differences Between the Barista Express Impress and Pro

If you love milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, the steam wand on your espresso machine is an important feature. The Barista Pro has a four-hole steam wand, which means it can produce a richer microfoam and do so quicker than the Express Impress. This is one area where I genuinely noticed a big difference between the two machines. 

When using the Express Impress, the one-hole steam wand did its job, but it required more time and a bit more skill to get the same kind of microfoam that I could achieve more easily with the Pro. Since I like my lattes with that silky texture and sometimes even try my hand at latte art, the Pro felt like the more satisfying choice in this regard.

Maintenance: Comparing Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

No matter how good an espresso machine is, maintenance will always be a part of the process. In my experience, cleaning both machines was relatively straightforward, but the Barista Pro's digital interface helped make it even simpler. The screen alerts you when it’s time to perform maintenance like cleaning the filter or descaling the machine. With the Barista Express Impress, it’s easy to miss these signals unless you're checking regularly. The convenience of being reminded with a clear notification on the Pro was something I found quite beneficial.

Price Considerations: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

Cost is definitely a factor when choosing an espresso machine. The Barista Pro tends to cost a bit more than the Barista Express Impress, but I think it’s worth considering what you’re getting for the price. For me, the Pro's faster heat-up time, intuitive interface, and better milk steaming were worth the extra expense. That said, if you’re more budget-conscious or prefer a more manual process, the Barista Express Impress can still make a fantastic cup of espresso.

Who Should Choose Which Machine?

I think the choice between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Pro really depends on what you're looking for in an espresso machine. If you like the hands-on, manual experience and prefer a classic design, the Express Impress could be the better option. It's also more forgiving with features like assisted tamping, making it perfect for beginners who want to ease into espresso-making without too steep of a learning curve.

However, if you’re someone who values speed, consistency, and ease of use, the Pro has a lot to offer. I personally found myself reaching for the Pro most often simply because of the convenience it offers. The digital interface, ThermoJet heating, and more versatile steam wand make it a joy to use, especially on those mornings when I don’t have time to play barista but still want a great cup.

Personal Favorite: Breville Barista Pro

While both machines have their merits, the Breville Barista Pro ended up being my personal favorite. I love the way it fits seamlessly into my routine, offering a fast, high-quality shot with very little hassle. It’s almost like having a professional espresso setup in the comfort of my own home, without the intimidation factor.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

In conclusion, the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro are both exceptional machines, and choosing between them ultimately depends on what kind of experience you want. The Barista Express Impress is ideal for those who appreciate a more manual approach and want some additional assistance with their technique. However, the Barista Pro excels in speed, user experience, and overall versatility, making it the better option if you want a hassle-free yet customizable espresso-making experience.

For me, the Barista Pro was the clear winner, with its balance of technology, user-friendliness, and superior brewing capabilities. While it may come at a higher price, the value it adds to my daily coffee ritual makes it an investment that’s well worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which machine is better for beginners, the Barista Express Impress or the Barista Pro?A: The Barista Express Impress is a great choice for beginners due to its assisted tamping feature, which helps ensure consistency and reduces the learning curve. However, the Barista Pro is also beginner-friendly, thanks to its intuitive digital display that guides users through the process.

Q: How fast do these machines heat up?A: The Barista Pro uses ThermoJet technology, which allows it to heat up in just three seconds. The Barista Express Impress, on the other hand, has a thermocoil heating system and takes around 30 to 45 seconds to reach the desired temperature.

Q: Can both machines make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos?A: Yes, both machines are capable of making milk-based drinks. The Barista Pro, with its four-hole steam wand, produces richer microfoam more quickly, making it ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. The Barista Express Impress has a one-hole steam wand, which also works well but requires more skill and time to achieve the same texture.

Q: Is the price difference between the Barista Express Impress and Barista Pro justified?A: The Barista Pro is more expensive, but the additional features, such as the faster heat-up time, digital display, and better steam wand, justify the price for those who value convenience and versatility. The Barista Express Impress is still an excellent machine, particularly for those who are more budget-conscious or prefer a manual approach.

Q: How easy is it to clean these espresso machines?A: Both machines are relatively easy to clean. The Barista Pro has a digital interface that provides reminders for maintenance, such as cleaning the filter or descaling, which makes it easier to keep track of necessary upkeep. The Barista Express Impress requires more manual monitoring, but overall, both machines are designed with user-friendly cleaning processes in mind.

Q: Which machine is better for someone with a busy schedule?A: The Barista Pro is ideal for those with a busy schedule, thanks to its rapid heat-up time and user-friendly interface. The ThermoJet heating system means you can have your espresso ready in seconds, which is perfect for mornings when time is limited.