Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro

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As someone who’s passionate about coffee, I’ve had the opportunity to try both the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro over time. While both are fantastic espresso machines, I find myself gravitating toward the Barista Pro for several reasons. In this article, I’m going to share my thoughts and experiences with these machines, and I’ll highlight why I believe the Barista Pro is the better option for most coffee enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality: Modern Elegance vs. Classic Functionality

When I first laid eyes on the Barista Pro, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design. It has a modern, polished look that fits right into a contemporary kitchen. The metal finish gives it a professional vibe, and the clean lines make it feel like something you would find in a high-end cafe. The Barista Express Impress, while still well-built, doesn’t quite have the same modern appeal. Its design is more functional and a bit bulkier compared to the Pro.

The Barista Pro is also more compact and easy to fit into my countertop space, which I appreciate. The Barista Express Impress, though still manageable, takes up a little more room and doesn't quite feel as refined in its overall aesthetics. For anyone concerned with design and space, the Barista Pro is definitely a more appealing option in my opinion.

User Interface: Simplicity Meets Technology

One of the standout features of the Barista Pro is the intuitive LCD screen. It’s easy to read and provides helpful feedback during the brewing process. I’ve found it especially useful when I need to adjust the grind size or shot volume. The screen guides me through these adjustments and makes the whole process feel effortless. This is something I really enjoy about the Barista Pro—it’s user-friendly, yet offers enough control for those who want to experiment with their coffee.

On the other hand, the Barista Express Impress has an older, more traditional interface with buttons and an analog pressure gauge. While it works fine, I found myself referring to the manual more often with the Impress because I wasn’t as clear about the settings. I do appreciate the analog feel, but it can sometimes be a bit more cumbersome to fine-tune the settings compared to the digital interface of the Pro.

Heat Up Time: Efficiency That Saves Time

In my daily routine, one of the things I value most is speed, and this is where the Barista Pro shines. Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, the Pro heats up in just 3 seconds. That’s an incredible time-saver when I’m rushing to make my morning coffee. I simply turn it on, and within seconds, I’m ready to brew. It’s a small detail, but having a machine that heats up so quickly makes a big difference, especially on busy mornings.

The Barista Express Impress uses a Thermocoil system, which takes a bit longer to heat up—around 45 seconds. While this is still fairly quick compared to other machines, the difference in speed is noticeable when you’re used to the Pro’s rapid warm-up time.

Grinding and Espresso Quality: Customization and Consistency

Both machines come with a built-in grinder, which I love because it means I don’t have to buy a separate grinder. However, the Barista Pro offers more grind settings—30 in total, compared to the 25 on the Express Impress. This additional range of grind settings gives me more control over the grind size, which is especially important when I want to get the perfect espresso shot.

When it comes to the quality of the espresso itself, I’ve noticed a distinct difference. The Barista Pro’s consistent heat and pressure, combined with the precise grind size, results in a more balanced shot. The ThermoJet system also provides better temperature stability, which ensures that the espresso remains consistent shot after shot.

While the Barista Express Impress also produces good espresso, I find that the Pro has a slight edge in terms of flavor consistency. The additional control it offers makes it easier to dial in the perfect shot, which has made my coffee experience much more enjoyable.

Milk Frothing: A Smooth and Silky Finish

For milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the steam wand on the Barista Pro is a game-changer. It has a 4-hole design, which means it produces powerful steam, creating rich, silky microfoam in no time. I’ve always been a fan of frothy milk for my lattes, and the Pro makes it so easy to create beautiful foam with a velvety texture.

On the other hand, the Barista Express Impress features a one-hole steam wand, which requires a bit more work to get the same quality of foam. It’s not as powerful, and I find that it takes more time to get the texture just right. While it’s still a functional wand, the Pro’s steam wand has a clear advantage for anyone who loves a smooth cappuccino or a latte with silky microfoam.

Maintenance: Convenience and Care

Keeping a coffee machine in top condition is essential for longevity, and both machines have features that make maintenance easier. The Barista Pro has a helpful cleaning cycle that reminds me when it’s time to clean the group head, as well as a descaling reminder. The easy-to-follow instructions on the LCD screen make it simple for me to keep the machine in pristine condition.

The Barista Express Impress, while it also has cleaning reminders, requires a little more effort in terms of cleaning. I’ve found that the Pro’s design, with its easily accessible components and clear maintenance instructions, makes it more user-friendly when it comes to upkeep.

Conclusion: Why I Choose the Barista Pro

After using both the Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro, I can confidently say that the Barista Pro is the better machine for my needs. It’s faster, more precise, and offers greater control over the entire brewing process. From the sleek design to the user-friendly interface, the Barista Pro makes the process of making espresso enjoyable and consistent.

While the Barista Express Impress is still a great choice, especially for beginners, the Barista Pro is better suited for those who want more versatility and consistency in their coffee routine. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated espresso lover, I believe the Barista Pro provides a more satisfying and efficient brewing experience.

If you're looking for a reliable and easy-to-use machine that will help you create high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks, the Barista Pro is a solid investment that will elevate your coffee game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Barista Express Impress and the Barista Pro?
A: The Barista Pro has a more modern design, a faster heat-up time with the ThermoJet heating system, and a more intuitive LCD screen for easier operation. It also offers more grind settings (30 vs. 25) and features a more powerful steam wand for frothing milk. The Barista Express Impress, while functional, has a slower heat-up time and a less advanced user interface.

Q: How fast does the Breville Barista Pro heat up?
A: The Breville Barista Pro uses ThermoJet technology, which allows the machine to heat up in just 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest espresso machines available.

Q: Can I make milk-based drinks with the Barista Pro?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro has a powerful steam wand that creates rich, silky microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. It is more efficient and easier to use than the steam wand on the Barista Express Impress.

Q: Is the Barista Pro suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is user-friendly, especially with its LCD screen and easy-to-follow settings for brewing espresso. The machine’s fast heat-up time, precise control over grind size, and simple cleaning cycle make it a good option for beginners as well as experienced baristas.

Q: How do the grinders differ between the two machines?
A: Both machines come with conical burr grinders, but the Barista Pro offers 30 grind settings, giving you more control over your coffee’s flavor. The Barista Express Impress has 25 grind settings, which still provide decent control but with fewer options than the Pro.

Q: Is the Barista Pro easy to maintain?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is designed for easy maintenance. It has automatic reminders for cleaning and descaling, and the accessible parts make the machine easy to clean. The digital interface also provides clear instructions for maintaining the machine.

Q: Which machine is better for someone who drinks espresso regularly?
A: The Barista Pro is a better option for regular espresso drinkers due to its faster heat-up time, more customizable grind settings, and better temperature stability. It delivers more consistent results for those who enjoy espresso daily.

Q: Does the Barista Pro come with a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro includes a built-in conical burr grinder, making it convenient to grind fresh coffee beans for each espresso shot. This eliminates the need for a separate grinder.

Q: Is the Barista Pro worth the investment?
A: For anyone who values high-quality espresso and a user-friendly experience, the Barista Pro is definitely worth the investment. It offers a faster, more consistent brewing process, and its advanced features make it suitable for both beginners and experienced baristas.