Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

I've always been a bit of a coffee enthusiast. There's just something about starting the day with the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso, topped with silky microfoam, that sets the right tone. That's why I was beyond excited to try out the Breville Barista Touch Impress. For someone who enjoys the intricacies of coffee making, but also appreciates convenience, this machine seemed like a perfect fit. In this review, I’ll walk you through my firsthand experience using this espresso maker and why I think it’s one of the best out there.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Breville Barista Touch Impress

When the Breville Barista Touch Impress arrived, I was instantly impressed with how it looked coming out of the box. The design is sleek and sophisticated, featuring a modern stainless-steel exterior that feels premium. Setting it up in my kitchen was like having my own little corner coffee shop. The unboxing experience was straightforward, with all the accessories neatly packed. Inside, there were the essentials: the machine itself, a stainless-steel milk jug, a tamper, a cleaning kit, and some filters. Everything about the presentation suggested that this machine was serious about coffee.

Touchscreen Convenience: Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

The first thing that caught my attention was the touchscreen interface. This is one of the standout features of the Breville Barista Touch Impress, and it’s no surprise why it has become a popular addition to modern home espresso machines. The touchscreen is bright and easy to use, even for someone who's groggy in the early morning. It walks you through each step of making your coffee, from grinding to extraction to frothing. I loved how customizable it was—I could set everything just the way I liked, including drink strength, milk texture, and temperature. What’s more, it lets you save your preferences for up to eight different beverages, which is a lifesaver for a multi-person household.

Grinding and Tamping: A Smooth and Effortless Process

The Breville Barista Touch Impress comes with an integrated grinder that features 25 grind settings. I appreciated this, as having so many options gave me control over my coffee's flavor, depending on the beans I used. The assisted tamping feature is another key innovation that takes the guesswork out of the tamping process. I used to struggle with getting the right pressure manually, but with the Impress system, it's as if the machine knows precisely what I need. The tamping arm uses gentle but firm pressure, resulting in an even and compact puck—consistency is key for perfect espresso extraction, and Breville seems to have mastered this art.

Making the Perfect Espresso with Breville Barista Touch Impress

When it comes to the quality of espresso, the Breville Barista Touch Impress delivers on all fronts. I’ve used manual espresso machines before, and while it’s a satisfying process, it takes time, and the results can be inconsistent. With the Touch Impress, it was like magic: smooth, rich espresso with a generous crema every single time. The secret, I believe, lies in the ThermoJet heating system, which brings the water to the optimal temperature in just a few seconds. No waiting around, no guessing—just perfectly hot espresso that’s ready when you are.

Milk Frothing and the Art of Microfoam

As much as I love a good espresso, I’m equally passionate about milk-based drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos. The steam wand on the Breville Barista Touch Impress works wonders, allowing me to achieve a silky, smooth microfoam that’s ideal for latte art. The automatic steam wand adjusts itself to reach the correct temperature and texture, which makes the experience both foolproof and professional. I’ve had a blast practicing my latte art with this machine, something I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do at home. Honestly, this machine makes even a beginner feel like a barista.

Comparisons: Breville Barista Touch Impress vs Barista Express Impress

Of course, the Breville Barista Touch Impress isn’t the only game in town. I also have some experience with the Breville Barista Express Impress, another quality machine from Breville. The main difference between the two comes down to user experience. The Barista Express Impress offers a more manual experience, whereas the Barista Touch Impress gives you more automation, thanks to the touchscreen. Both machines have the same assisted tamping system, which is one of Breville's best innovations for those who might be intimidated by the process. If you’re someone who enjoys a hands-on approach, the Barista Express Impress might be the better option for you. However, if you’re like me and want to combine the art of espresso making with ease of use, the Touch Impress wins hands down.

The Intuitive Features: Why Breville Barista Touch Impress Stands Out

What truly stands out about the Breville Barista Touch Impress is the balance it strikes between automation and customization. I’ve always felt that coffee-making should be a personal experience—something you can tailor to your exact taste. This machine allows you to do just that. You can adjust every parameter, from grind size to milk frothiness, ensuring that every cup is exactly as you want it. The fact that it also remembers multiple custom profiles means my entire household can have their preferred drinks ready at the touch of a button—whether it’s my flat white or my partner’s extra-hot cappuccino.

Cleaning and Maintenance: A Hassle-Free Experience

Maintenance is a significant consideration when investing in an espresso machine, and thankfully, the Breville Barista Touch Impress makes it as easy as possible. The machine provides reminders for cleaning and descaling, so you never forget. The drip tray is removable and slides out easily for quick disposal of water and coffee grounds, while the steam wand has a self-cleaning feature that activates after each use. I’ve owned machines in the past that made cleaning feel like a chore, but Breville has definitely made maintenance simple and straightforward.

The Price Tag: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress Worth It?

Now, I know the big question: is the Breville Barista Touch Impress worth the price? At around $1,500, it’s definitely an investment. But when I break it down, I think about how much I was spending at local coffee shops. Between my love for flat whites and my partner’s need for that perfectly crafted latte, we were spending quite a bit each week. In just a few months, the cost of the machine pretty much pays for itself—not to mention the priceless feeling of brewing a perfect cup at home whenever I feel like it. The sheer quality of the espresso, combined with the customizable features and ease of use, makes this a fantastic investment for anyone serious about their coffee.

Downsides: What I Didn't Love About the Breville Barista Touch Impress

Of course, no machine is without its flaws. If I had to nitpick, I’d say that the water tank could be a bit larger. With heavy use, especially when steaming milk, it needs to be refilled more often than I’d like. Additionally, while I love the automation, I can see how some might feel that the process is too hands-off—especially for those who enjoy the ritual of crafting espresso manually. For me, though, these are minor inconveniences in an otherwise fantastic machine.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

So, what’s my final take on the Breville Barista Touch Impress? Honestly, I’m in love. This machine has transformed my home coffee experience, offering quality that rivals some of the best coffee shops I’ve been to. The combination of advanced features, such as the intuitive touchscreen, assisted tamping, and the automatic steam wand, makes it an ideal choice for someone like me—someone who loves coffee but doesn’t always have the patience or skill to get every detail right manually. While it’s a significant investment, the results are worth every penny.

If you’re looking for a way to make barista-quality coffee from the comfort of your home, without dealing with the complexities of a fully manual setup, I wholeheartedly recommend the Breville Barista Touch Impress. It’s a machine that respects both the art and convenience of coffee making, allowing you to create cafe-quality beverages at the press of a button, or dive into customizing every element of your drink. For me, this balance is what makes it the ultimate home espresso experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How easy is it to use the Breville Barista Touch Impress for a beginner?

A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is incredibly beginner-friendly. The intuitive touchscreen guides you through each step, from grinding to extraction to milk frothing, making the process easy to understand even for someone with no prior espresso-making experience. Plus, the assisted tamping feature ensures that the espresso puck is compact and consistent, which is often challenging for beginners.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress require frequent maintenance?

A: The machine is designed to be low-maintenance. It comes with reminders for cleaning and descaling, which helps you stay on top of upkeep without much hassle. The drip tray and water tank are easy to remove, and the steam wand has an automatic cleaning function after each use, making it simple to keep the machine in good condition.

Q: Can I make different types of coffee drinks with the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

A: Absolutely! The Breville Barista Touch Impress allows you to make a wide variety of coffee drinks, including espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and more. The automatic steam wand makes frothing milk easy, allowing you to create a range of milk-based drinks at the touch of a button.

Q: How customizable are the coffee settings on the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

A: The machine offers extensive customization options. You can adjust grind size, shot strength, milk temperature, and milk texture to create your ideal cup. You can also save up to eight custom profiles, which is great for households with multiple coffee drinkers who prefer different settings.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress worth the high price tag?

A: While it is a significant investment, the value lies in its combination of automation and customization, making it ideal for both novices and experienced coffee enthusiasts. The cost can be justified if you regularly enjoy high-quality coffee drinks at home, especially considering how much you could save compared to frequenting coffee shops.

Q: How does the Breville Barista Touch Impress compare to the Barista Express Impress?

A: The main difference between the two models is the level of automation. The Barista Touch Impress features a touchscreen and guided interface, making it more automated and beginner-friendly, while the Barista Express Impress offers a more manual experience for those who enjoy the traditional process. Both machines share the same assisted tamping feature, but if convenience is a priority, the Touch Impress stands out.