Today, we’re comparing two popular espresso machines from Breville: the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Barista Express Impress. The Impress is a new addition in 2024 and builds on the features of the classic Barista Express, which has been around since 2009. If you’re considering these machines, here’s a breakdown of their key similarities and differences to help you decide.
Breville’s Recent Advancements in Espresso Machines
In the past few years, Breville (known as Sage in some regions) has significantly advanced in the coffee and espresso world. They’ve introduced some innovative features and products, and with their recent acquisition of Baratza and Lelit, they’re showing a solid commitment to high-quality coffee gear. Breville has even incorporated ideas inspired by competitors, elevating the functionality of the Impress model in ways that make it stand out.
Design and Dimensions: How the Barista Express and Impress Compare
Both machines look similar at first glance, with a few slight adjustments:
- Height: The Impress model is about half an inch taller than the Barista Express, so measure your space carefully if placed under cabinets.
- Width and Depth: Both machines are about the same in depth, though the Impress adds an extra inch to accommodate its new features.
- Aesthetic Differences: The drip tray design has small changes, but overall, the water tank, bean hopper, and general look are very similar.
Main Difference: Tamping, Polishing, and Dose Control
The biggest differences between the two models are tamping, polishing, and dose control, which make the Impress more convenient and less messy.
Barista Express
- Grinding and Tamping: After grinding, you’ll need to tamp the grounds manually with the magnetic tamper.
- Mess: Grounds may spill over the portafilter, requiring additional cleanup.
Barista Express Impress
- Automated Tamping and Polishing: The Impress model includes built-in tamping, polishing, and dose control, making the process much cleaner.
- Dose Adjustment: The Impress features a small gauge with a green happy face to show when you’ve reached the optimal dose. The machine remembers this setting if the dose is low, ensuring consistency. This is especially useful when switching coffee beans with different densities.
Hands-On Comparison: Testing the Tamping Systems
Here’s how each machine performs in practice:
- Barista Express: Grounds tend to spill onto the counter, typical for a traditional manual espresso machine.
- Barista Express Impress: The Impress significantly minimizes mess with its tamping and dose control features. The built-in tamping and polishing create a more consistent espresso puck and make for easier cleanup.
Steam Wand and Milk Frothing
Both machines feature a manual steam wand, so you must practice steaming milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The steam wand doesn’t automate frothing like Breville’s higher-end models (such as the Oracle). However, both models are a great way to practice and perfect your latte art skills.
Optional Accessory: Breville Dosing Funnel for the Barista Express
Breville offers a dosing funnel if you already own the Barista Express and want to reduce the mess. This funnel attaches to the portafilter and directs grounds neatly into it. This small addition gives the Barista Express some of the Impress model’s benefits by keeping coffee grounds contained and simplifying tamping.
Final Thoughts: Which Model Is Right for You?
Both the Breville Barista Express and Barista Express Impress are excellent choices, but each has its advantages:
Choose the Impress if:
- You prefer a cleaner setup with less mess.
- You like automated tamping and polishing for consistent espresso.
- You’re willing to invest a bit more for these convenient features.
Choose the Barista Express if:
- You enjoy a more traditional espresso-making experience.
- You don’t mind a bit of extra cleanup.
- You’re looking for a quality machine at a lower price point.
In my opinion, the Impress is the way forward. Breville has integrated great features into this model, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Barista Express eventually phases out in favor of the Impress.
Conclusion: Solid Choices for Espresso Lovers
Whether you’re looking for a cleaner workflow with the Barista Express Impress or prefer the traditional experience of the Barista Express, both machines deliver excellent coffee. To see them in action or learn more, visit us at ECS Coffee in Burlington or Ancaster, Ontario, or shop online at ecscoffee.com.
Remember to subscribe to our channel for more coffee insights and comparisons. This is Neil from ECS Coffee. Thanks for reading, and happy brewing!
FAQs on Breville Barista Express vs. Barista Express Impress
What are the main differences between the Breville Barista Express and Barista Express Impress?
The key differences lie in the tamping, polishing, and dose control features. The Impress has built-in tamping, polishing, and dose control, making the process cleaner and more consistent. The Barista Express requires manual tamping, which can result in a bit more mess.
Does the Breville Barista Express Impress have an automatic steam wand?
The Barista Express and Express Impress have manual steam wands, allowing users to practice steaming milk and creating latte art. Breville’s higher-end machines, like the Oracle, have automated steam wands.
How does the dose adjustment feature work on the Barista Express Impress?
The Impress model features a dose gauge with a green happy face indicator. When the dose is too low, the machine will remember this for subsequent use and adjust the amount to reach the ideal dose. It’s beneficial to change coffee beans, which may vary in density.
Can I reduce mess with the Barista Express?
Yes, Breville offers a dosing funnel that attaches to the portafilter of the Barista Express. This funnel helps contain coffee grounds and reduces mess, providing a similar benefit to the Impress model’s built-in dose control.
Which model is best for beginners?
Both models are beginner-friendly, but the Barista Express Impress may be better for a more accessible, cleaner workflow. The built-in tamping and dose control features simplify the process and reduce cleanup, making it more convenient for those new to espresso-making.