Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve always been on the hunt for a way to replicate the rich, creamy espresso from my favorite café in the comfort of my home. I’ve tried various machines over the years, but none seemed to provide the balance between automation and personalization that I was looking for. That was until I came across the Breville Barista Touch Impress. After using it for a few months, I can confidently say this espresso machine has become a game-changer for me.

The Breville Barista Touch Impress has become my go-to device for crafting high-quality coffee at home. Not only does it simplify the espresso-making process, but it also offers enough customization to give me complete control over the final result. In this review, I’ll dive into the features that make this machine stand out, share my experiences with it, and highlight both its pros and a few minor cons I’ve noticed along the way.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my attention was the Breville Barista Touch Impress’s sleek and modern design. With its brushed stainless steel exterior, it immediately adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. The machine feels sturdy, and every part from the buttons to the dial operates smoothly. I’ve owned other espresso machines in the past that felt flimsy or had cheap plastic parts, but the Barista Touch Impress feels robust and well-built. Its compact size is also a bonus; it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, which is important for my relatively small kitchen.

User-Friendly Interface

One of the most impressive features of the Breville Barista Touch Impress is the touchscreen interface. It’s incredibly intuitive, and I was able to get started with minimal instruction. The display is clear and responsive, and it guides me through the process of brewing a cup, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk. There are several preset options like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, which is perfect for anyone who prefers a quick coffee without having to adjust every setting.

However, what sets it apart for me is the level of customization available. I can adjust the grind size, brew time, milk temperature, and even the amount of milk froth. As someone who enjoys experimenting with different brewing methods, this level of control has been a real treat. I’ve been able to perfect my espresso shots, making them just the right strength and flavor. It’s like having a professional barista at home but with the flexibility to adjust everything to my personal taste.

Integrated Grinder and Tamping System

Another standout feature of the Barista Touch Impress is the integrated grinder. Having a grinder built into the machine means that I don’t have to worry about getting the grind right before brewing; it’s all automated. The grinder comes with 30 different grind settings, and I found that the consistency of the grind was impressive. Whether I was brewing a single shot or a double shot, the grind was always uniform, which is key to making great espresso.

The automatic tamper feature is another part of the system that makes this machine so user-friendly. The Impress™ Puck System gently tamps the grounds with consistent pressure, ensuring that I get a perfectly packed puck every time. This means I don’t have to worry about uneven tamping or under-extraction, which can often lead to disappointing coffee. I’ve noticed that the results are much more consistent compared to my previous machines.

Espresso Quality

When it comes to the quality of espresso, the Breville Barista Touch Impress doesn’t disappoint. The temperature control is precise, which is essential for extracting the full flavor from the coffee grounds. I’ve brewed countless shots with this machine, and each one has been rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The crema is smooth and thick, with a lovely golden hue – a clear indicator that the espresso is of a high standard.

Whether I’m in the mood for a strong, bold shot or a lighter, more mellow one, the Barista Touch Impress allows me to fine-tune the parameters to get the exact flavor profile I’m craving. I also love how it remembers my settings, so when I want to brew a quick shot, I don’t have to adjust everything from scratch.

Milk Frothing Capabilities

I’m particularly fond of the milk frothing capabilities on this machine. The steam wand produces rich, silky microfoam, which is perfect for creating smooth lattes and cappuccinos. It works exceptionally well with different types of milk, whether I’m using cow’s milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat milk. I’ve found that it’s easy to get the frothing technique right thanks to the machine’s intuitive controls and settings.

One feature that I appreciate is the automatic milk texturing. I can choose between different milk frothing options, such as "flat," "cappuccino," or "latte," and the machine adjusts the steam pressure accordingly. This makes it easy to get the ideal milk texture without having to worry about over or under-frothing, which can often be a challenge with manual steam wands.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining an espresso machine can sometimes feel like a chore, but Breville has made it relatively painless with the Barista Touch Impress. The machine has built-in prompts that guide me through the cleaning process, and it also runs cleaning cycles to ensure the internal components remain in top condition. Most of the parts, like the drip tray, portafilter, and milk jug, are easily removable and dishwasher safe, making the whole process even more convenient.

Despite the automated cleaning cycles, I still take time to clean the machine regularly by hand, particularly the portafilter and steam wand, to keep everything in tip-top shape. The machine has remained in great working order, and I’ve noticed that it doesn’t require as much maintenance as some of the more manual machines I’ve used in the past.

Final Thoughts

The Breville Barista Touch Impress has certainly impressed me with its performance and ease of use. As someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee but doesn’t have the time or patience for a manual espresso machine, this one strikes a great balance between automation and customization. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coffee lover, this machine offers something for everyone.

I’ve been able to recreate café-quality drinks at home, and I’m confident that this espresso machine will continue to be an integral part of my morning routine for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress easy to use for beginners?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is designed with beginners in mind. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the machine offers preset options for popular drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The automatic features, such as the grinder and tamper, also make it easy to achieve consistent results without needing prior barista experience.

Q: How does the milk frothing work on the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The milk frothing system on the Barista Touch Impress is automatic, producing smooth, velvety microfoam. You can select different milk textures based on the type of drink you're making, such as flat, cappuccino, or latte. It works well with both dairy and non-dairy milk, like oat or almond milk, providing excellent froth every time.

Q: Can I customize the grind size on the Barista Touch Impress?
A: Yes, the Barista Touch Impress comes with a built-in grinder that allows you to choose from 30 different grind settings. This feature lets you adjust the grind size to suit your preferences, whether you want a coarser grind for a milder shot or a finer grind for a stronger, more intense espresso.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: Cleaning the Breville Barista Touch Impress is relatively straightforward. The machine provides automatic cleaning prompts, and many parts, such as the portafilter, drip tray, and milk jug, are dishwasher-safe. Regular maintenance is simple, but it's important to clean the portafilter and steam wand manually to ensure long-term performance.

Q: Does the Barista Touch Impress come with pre-programmed drink options?
A: Yes, the Barista Touch Impress has several pre-programmed drink options, including espresso, cappuccino, flat white, and latte. These presets make it easy to prepare your favorite drinks with just a few taps, but you can also adjust settings such as grind size and milk texture for a more personalized touch.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress worth the investment?
A: While the Breville Barista Touch Impress is on the higher end in terms of price, many users, including myself, find that it’s worth the investment. The combination of automated features, ease of use, and the ability to create high-quality espresso and milk-based drinks makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned coffee lovers.