Breville Barista Touch Impress
- Intuitive touchscreen for easy operation.
- Built-in grinder for fresh coffee grounds.
- Automatic milk frothing for perfect textures.
Pros
- Touchscreen Display: The intuitive touchscreen is incredibly easy to use, making it simple to customize your drinks.
- Automatic Tamping: This feature ensures perfect tamping pressure every time, leading to consistent espresso shots.
- Customizable Profiles: You can save up to eight personalized coffee settings, perfect for households with different preferences.
- High-Quality Microfoam: The steam wand produces excellent milk foam, ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos.
- Built-in Grinder: The integrated grinder delivers fresh grounds, and the grind size is adjustable for different brewing styles.
Cons
- Price: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is on the expensive side, so it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
- Size: It’s a bit bulky, so it requires sufficient counter space in your kitchen.
As a coffee enthusiast, I've always been on the lookout for the perfect espresso machine that combines ease of use with exceptional performance. The Breville Barista Touch Impress caught my attention, promising a seamless blend of technology and traditional espresso-making. After several weeks of daily use, I'm excited to share my comprehensive review of this impressive machine.
Unboxing the Breville Barista Touch Impress
The Breville Barista Touch Impress arrived in a well-packaged box, ensuring all components were secure. Inside, I found the espresso machine itself, a stainless steel milk jug, a 54mm portafilter, single and double wall filter baskets, a cleaning kit, and a water filter. The inclusion of these accessories meant I had everything needed to start brewing right away.
Design and Build Quality of the Breville Barista Touch Impress
The machine boasts a sleek stainless steel finish that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Its compact design belies the array of features packed within. Measuring approximately 16.4 inches in height, 12.9 inches in width, and 14.1 inches in depth, it fits comfortably on my countertop without occupying excessive space. The build quality feels robust, with a solid weight that speaks to its durability.
Touchscreen Interface: A User-Friendly Experience
One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Touch Impress is its intuitive touchscreen interface. The high-resolution display guides users through each step of the coffee-making process, from grinding to extraction to milk frothing. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it provides clear instructions and minimizes the learning curve. The interface also allows for customization, enabling me to save up to eight personalized coffee settings, ensuring consistency with every brew.
Integrated Grinder and Impress Puck System
The machine comes equipped with a built-in conical burr grinder featuring 30 grind settings. This level of adjustability allowed me to fine-tune the grind size to match different coffee beans, ensuring optimal extraction. The Impress Puck System is another noteworthy addition. This assisted tamping mechanism applies consistent pressure, resulting in a uniform puck and reducing mess—a feature I found both convenient and efficient.
ThermoJet Heating System: Quick and Efficient
Time is often of the essence in the morning, and the Breville Barista Touch Impress doesn't disappoint. Its ThermoJet heating system brings the machine to the optimal extraction temperature in just three seconds. This rapid heat-up time meant I could enjoy my espresso without unnecessary delays, a significant advantage over other machines I've used in the past.
Milk Frothing with Auto MilQ Technology
As someone who enjoys milk-based beverages like lattes and cappuccinos, the milk frothing capabilities of an espresso machine are crucial. The Breville Barista Touch Impress features the Auto MilQ steam wand, which automatically textures milk to the desired temperature and consistency. What impressed me further was its ability to handle alternative milks such as oat, almond, and soy, adjusting the frothing parameters to suit each type. This versatility ensured I could cater to various preferences, whether for myself or guests.
Performance and Coffee Quality
The true test of any espresso machine lies in the quality of the coffee it produces. With the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I consistently achieved rich, full-bodied espresso shots adorned with a thick crema. The machine's precise control over extraction parameters, combined with the integrated grinder and tamping system, contributed to this consistency. Milk-based drinks were equally impressive, with the Auto MilQ system delivering silky microfoam that enhanced the overall experience.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining the Breville Barista Touch Impress proved to be straightforward. The machine provides prompts for cleaning cycles, and the removable drip tray and water tank facilitate easy rinsing. The included cleaning kit contains tools to keep the group head and steam wand in optimal condition. Regular maintenance, as guided by the machine, ensured longevity and consistent performance.
Pros and Cons of the Breville Barista Touch Impress
Pros:
User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen provides clear guidance, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
Integrated Grinder: The built-in grinder with multiple settings allows for precise control over grind size.
Rapid Heating: The ThermoJet system ensures minimal wait time before brewing.
Versatile Milk Frothing: Auto MilQ technology caters to both dairy and alternative milks with ease.
Consistent Quality: Delivers high-quality espresso shots and milk-based beverages consistently.
Cons:
Price Point: With a retail price around $1,500, it represents a significant investment.
Size Consideration: While compact, it's essential to ensure adequate counter space, especially under cabinets.
Comparing the Breville Barista Touch Impress to Other Models
In comparison to other models in Breville's lineup, the Barista Touch Impress stands out for its combination of automation and user control. While the Barista Express Impress offers assisted tamping without a touchscreen, and the Oracle Touch provides more automation at a higher price point, the Barista Touch Impress strikes a balance that caters to a wide range of users. about
Final Thoughts on the Breville Barista Touch Impress
The Breville Barista Touch Impress has elevated my home coffee experience, offering a harmonious blend of technology and traditional espresso-making. Its user-friendly interface, combined with advanced features like the Impress Puck System and Auto MilQ technology, make it a standout choice for those seeking café-quality beverages at home. While the investment is considerable, the quality and convenience it delivers justify the cost for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Touch Impress
In conclusion, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is a remarkable espresso machine that caters to both novices and seasoned baristas. Its thoughtful design, advanced features, and consistent performance make it a worthy addition to any kitchen. If you're looking to elevate your coffee game and enjoy a variety of beverages with ease, this machine is well worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Breville Barista Touch Impress
Q: What makes the Breville Barista Touch Impress different from other Breville espresso machines?
A: The Barista Touch Impress combines automation with customization. It features an intuitive touchscreen, the Impress Puck System for assisted tamping, and Auto MilQ technology for perfect milk frothing. It strikes a balance between ease of use and manual control, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts.
Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! The machine's touchscreen interface guides users through every step of the coffee-making process, making it easy to learn. Additionally, features like assisted tamping and automatic milk frothing reduce the complexity of creating high-quality beverages.
Q: How long does the Breville Barista Touch Impress take to heat up?
A: Thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, the machine heats up and reaches the optimal brewing temperature in just three seconds, making it one of the fastest on the market.
Q: Can the Breville Barista Touch Impress handle alternative milk options?
A: Yes, the Auto MilQ technology is designed to froth both dairy and alternative milks, such as oat, almond, and soy, adjusting settings to achieve the best texture and consistency for each type.
Q: Is it possible to customize coffee drinks with the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: Yes, you can fully customize drinks, including grind size, extraction time, milk temperature, and froth consistency. The machine also allows you to save up to eight personalized coffee profiles.
Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress come with a grinder?
A: Yes, it includes a built-in conical burr grinder with 30 adjustable settings, allowing for precise grind size control for different coffee beans.
Q: How easy is it to clean and maintain the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The machine is very user-friendly when it comes to cleaning. It features cleaning prompts for regular maintenance and includes a cleaning kit. The removable water tank and drip tray simplify the cleaning process.
Q: What is the price range of the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The machine typically retails around $1,500, depending on the retailer. While it’s an investment, its features and performance justify the cost for those passionate about high-quality coffee at home.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: Yes, the machine allows you to use pre-ground coffee by bypassing the grinder. This is useful if you prefer decaf or have a specific blend you want to use.
Q: How much space does the Breville Barista Touch Impress require?
A: The machine has a compact design, measuring approximately 16.4 inches in height, 12.9 inches in width, and 14.1 inches in depth. Ensure you have sufficient counter space, especially if you plan to place it under a cabinet.
Q: What warranty does the Breville Barista Touch Impress come with?
A: Breville typically offers a one-year limited warranty for their espresso machines. However, it’s always best to confirm the warranty details with the retailer or Breville directly.
Q: Can the Breville Barista Touch Impress make multiple drinks in succession?
A: Yes, the machine is designed to handle multiple drinks efficiently, thanks to its ThermoJet heating system and built-in grinder. However, cleaning the milk frother between uses is recommended to maintain performance and hygiene.