Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

As a passionate coffee lover and home brewing enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for espresso machines that offer both convenience and top-tier quality. After hearing about the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Known for its advanced technology and exceptional performance, this machine promised to elevate my coffee experience. After spending several weeks with it, here’s my comprehensive review.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup

Unboxing the Breville Barista Touch Impress was a satisfying experience. The machine’s sleek design immediately impressed me, with its modern lines and premium materials. It’s clear that Breville put thought into both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the machine. Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to the detailed manual and easy-to-use interface.

The intuitive touchscreen was one of the first features that caught my attention. In just a few taps, I could select from a range of coffee drinks and customize each one to my liking—perfect for anyone who enjoys experimenting with coffee styles and flavors. The touchscreen made setup feel more modern and accessible compared to traditional espresso machines.

My Experience with the Breville Barista Touch Impress

With years of experience using different espresso machines, I had high expectations for the Breville Barista Touch Impress. From my first cup, it was clear that this machine was a cut above the rest. The quality of the espresso was exceptional, and I was equally impressed by how user-friendly the machine is, even for complex drinks.

One of the standout aspects is how the machine simplifies the espresso-making process without compromising on control. Whether I’m craving a quick espresso or a beautifully textured latte, the Breville Barista Touch Impress delivers both speed and quality. The fast heat-up time and the ability to save customized drink profiles make it especially convenient for entertaining friends and family.

Seamless Integration into My Daily Routine

The Breville Barista Touch Impress has effortlessly become a part of my daily coffee routine. Most mornings, I start with either a flat white or a double shot of espresso, and this machine ensures my coffee is ready with minimal effort. The built-in grinder is a huge bonus, eliminating the need to measure beans separately and reducing the mess on my counter.

The automatic tamping feature is another significant time-saver. It ensures consistent pressure for every shot, which results in smooth, balanced espresso. I no longer have to worry about uneven tamping, and the machine handles this process perfectly every time.

On weekends, I love experimenting with different grind sizes, milk textures, and shot strengths. The machine’s flexibility allows me to adjust these settings based on the coffee beans I’m using or simply depending on my mood.

Standout Features of the Breville Barista Touch Impress

One of the most impressive features of the Breville Barista Touch Impress is the steam wand. Although I initially found manual milk frothing intimidating, this machine made the process simple. The steam wand produces perfect microfoam, ideal for cappuccinos and lattes. I’ve even started practicing latte art, something I never thought I’d be able to do at home.

The built-in grinder is another game-changer. Before owning this machine, I used a separate grinder, which added extra steps to my routine. With the Breville Barista Touch Impress, everything is streamlined into one unit. The grinder’s precision enhances the quality of the espresso, and being able to adjust the grind size based on the type of beans I’m using allows for a more customized coffee experience.

Why the Breville Barista Touch Impress is Worth the Investment

In my opinion, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is worth every penny. For anyone who takes their home brewing seriously, this machine will elevate your experience. While it’s priced higher than entry-level espresso machines, its quality, versatility, and ease of use make it a valuable investment—especially considering how much I used to spend at coffee shops.

This machine is perfect for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts alike. The balance between control and automation makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of skill level.

Performance and Ease of Use

The Breville Barista Touch Impress stands out for its exceptional performance and ease of use. The built-in grinder ensures freshly ground coffee for every shot, contributing to the overall quality of the espresso. The automatic tamping feature simplifies one of the trickiest parts of espresso-making, providing consistent pressure and better extractions.

The steam wand also adds a professional touch to your home brewing setup. It produces a silky, smooth microfoam, which is ideal for creating high-quality lattes and cappuccinos. Although I’m no expert in latte art, I’ve had fun creating patterns with the microfoam, adding a café-like experience to my mornings.

Customization Options with the Breville Barista Touch Impress

Customization is one of the major selling points of the Breville Barista Touch Impress. You can store up to eight personalized coffee settings, which is perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers or when you have guests. Setting up individual profiles is quick and easy, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred coffee drink with just a tap on the touchscreen.

I’ve experimented with a wide range of drinks, from bold espressos to frothy flat whites. The ability to adjust everything from shot strength to milk texture ensures I can always brew a drink that’s perfectly suited to my taste.

Cleaning and Maintenance Made Simple

Maintaining the Breville Barista Touch Impress is incredibly easy compared to other machines I’ve used. One of my favorite features is the automatic cleaning cycle for the steam wand, which saves me time and effort after making milk-based drinks.

The Breville Barista Touch Impress also alerts me when it’s time to clean or descale, ensuring it stays in peak condition. The removable drip tray and water tank make cleaning straightforward, and overall, I’ve found the maintenance process far less tedious than I expected for a machine of this caliber.

Conclusion: Why the Breville Barista Touch Impress Stands Out

The Breville Barista Touch Impress is a standout espresso machine that combines quality, convenience, and customization in one sleek package. Its user-friendly touchscreen interface, automatic tamping, and high-performance steam wand make it a joy to use, whether you’re brewing a simple espresso or crafting a more complex drink like a cappuccino or flat white.

The ability to save personalized profiles enhances the machine’s convenience, especially when brewing for multiple people. While it carries a premium price tag, its performance, reliability, and feature set make it a worthwhile investment for any coffee enthusiast.

If you’re in the market for a top-tier espresso machine that consistently delivers café-quality coffee with minimal effort, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions: Breville Barista Touch Impress

Q: How quickly does the Breville Barista Touch Impress heat up?
A: The machine heats up in just 3 seconds, allowing you to brew coffee almost immediately after switching it on.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: Yes, the machine allows you to bypass the built-in grinder and use pre-ground coffee by adding it directly to the portafilter.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress offer automatic milk frothing?
A: No, the machine uses manual milk frothing, but the steam wand produces professional-quality microfoam that’s perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.

Q: Is cleaning the Breville Barista Touch Impress difficult?
A: Not at all. The machine features an automatic steam wand cleaning cycle and reminds you when it’s time to clean the drip tray or descale the machine.

Q: How many coffee profiles can be stored on the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: You can store up to eight personalized coffee profiles, making it ideal for households or offices with multiple coffee preferences.

Q: Does the machine come with a water filter?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress comes with a water filter to improve the taste of your coffee and extend the machine’s longevity.

Q: What is the capacity of the water tank?
A: The water tank holds up to 2 liters (67 ounces) and is easy to remove for refilling or cleaning.