Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

As someone who drinks coffee every day and enjoys experimenting with different brewing methods, I’ve had the pleasure of trying various espresso machines over the years. Some were good, some were decent, and others didn’t quite make the cut. But when I stumbled upon the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I knew I had to give it a try. What drew me in initially was the sleek design and the promise of a highly customizable experience, which seemed like a perfect fit for my personal coffee preferences.

After using the machine for several weeks, I thought I’d share my experience—what I liked, what I didn’t, and how this machine really stacks up when it comes to daily use.

What Makes the Breville Barista Touch Impress Stand Out?

From the first moment I powered up the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I noticed that it wasn't just another standard coffee machine. The main draw for me has been the touchscreen interface that allows for total control over each cup of coffee. I’ve used a few machines with screens before, but none have been as intuitive or easy to navigate as this one. The setup is simple, and the machine walks you through the process of setting everything up in no time, even if you’re a first-timer with espresso machines.

Another feature that I appreciated is the automatic tamping system. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time trying to perfect the tamping pressure and consistency with manual tampers, this was a pleasant surprise. The Breville Barista Touch Impress handles it for me, ensuring that each shot of espresso is as consistent as the last. It takes the guesswork out of the equation and gives me more time to enjoy my coffee rather than worry about technique.

Using the Breville Barista Touch Impress on a Daily Basis

One of the things that stands out to me after using this machine daily is how quickly it heats up. When I’m running late for work or just trying to get my caffeine fix as soon as possible, waiting for a machine to warm up can be a real drag. But with the Breville Barista Touch Impress, it’s ready to brew in under 3 seconds. It’s a small detail, but it really adds to the overall convenience and efficiency of the machine.

The grind size and coffee strength are customizable, which is a huge plus for me since I like a strong, rich espresso in the morning. With this machine, I can adjust the grind size to my liking and ensure I get the perfect cup every time. The BrewIQ™ technology helps achieve the right balance for each cup, so I don't have to spend time fine-tuning things constantly.

The Milk Frothing Experience

One of the aspects that really made me a fan of this machine is the milk frothing system. As a lover of lattes, the texture of the milk is just as important as the quality of the espresso itself. The Breville Barista Touch Impress doesn’t disappoint. The steam wand produces smooth, velvety microfoam that’s perfect for pouring into a latte or cappuccino. It’s so easy to create beautiful frothy milk with this machine, and I’ve even been able to dabble in latte art—a skill I’ve always wanted to master.

I’ve also found that the auto-steam feature ensures the milk is heated to the perfect temperature without being scalded. For someone who is particular about milk texture, this has been a game-changer. The milk is always silky and creamy, not too hot, not too cold.

Cleaning and Maintenance Made Easy

In the past, keeping a coffee machine clean and well-maintained has been a bit of a hassle. The Breville Barista Touch Impress makes this process so much easier than I expected. One of my favorite features is the auto-clean cycle for the milk frother. After making my cappuccinos or lattes, the machine automatically cleans the steam wand to prevent milk residue buildup.

The drip tray is easy to remove and clean, and the portafilter comes out with ease for a quick rinse. Even after extended use, I haven’t found any coffee residue that’s tough to remove, which I’ve encountered with other machines in the past. Additionally, the touchscreen interface provides clear prompts when it’s time for more thorough cleaning or maintenance, which I appreciate.

How the Breville Barista Touch Impress Fits into My Daily Routine

Over time, I’ve noticed that my daily coffee ritual has become much more enjoyable with the Breville Barista Touch Impress. I no longer feel like I’m rushing through the process to get my coffee. The machine offers both convenience and precision, giving me the ability to create café-quality coffee without needing advanced barista skills. Whether I’m making a morning espresso shot to start the day or a frothy cappuccino in the afternoon, I’m consistently impressed by the quality.

I also enjoy the personalization options. The ability to adjust everything from the grind size to the milk texture means I can always tweak my drinks depending on my mood. Whether I’m looking for a super-strong shot of espresso or a light and fluffy latte, the Breville Barista Touch Impress delivers with ease.

The Price Point: Worth the Investment?

Now, let’s talk about the price. The Breville Barista Touch Impress is certainly an investment, and it’s not the most budget-friendly option on the market. However, considering the high-quality build, the advanced features, and the ability to consistently brew amazing coffee, I believe it’s well worth the cost. For me, it’s more than just a machine; it’s an upgrade to my morning routine. It saves me money that I would have spent on coffees from cafés, and it gives me the satisfaction of brewing something professional-quality at home.

That said, if you’re just looking for a simple coffee maker that gets the job done, this might be overkill. But for those who love the process of brewing coffee and enjoy experimenting with different flavors and techniques, this machine offers a lot of value.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look

Pros

• Ease of Use: The touchscreen interface makes it incredibly user-friendly.
• Consistency: Automatic tamping and precise controls ensure great results every time.
• Customization: Adjust grind size, coffee strength, and milk frothing to suit your preferences.
• Milk Frothing: Produces velvety microfoam for high-quality lattes and cappuccinos.
• Cleaning: The auto-clean feature for the steam wand is a major time-saver.

Cons

• Price: It’s a premium machine, which might be out of reach for some buyers.
• Counter Space: While not massive, the machine requires a bit of space.
• Water Reservoir: Needs frequent refilling for multiple cups in a row.

Conclusion: A Reliable Coffee Companion

Overall, I’m genuinely happy with my decision to invest in the Breville Barista Touch Impress. It has elevated my at-home coffee game to a level I didn’t think was possible without a professional espresso machine. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality, convenience, and customization it provides make it a solid investment for anyone serious about their coffee.

If you’re a coffee lover who enjoys experimenting with different drinks or simply wants to enjoy café-quality espresso at home without the hassle, this machine will not disappoint. It’s a bit of a splurge, but for someone like me who values great coffee and the ability to craft drinks to my exact specifications, it’s been well worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How easy is it to use the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is extremely user-friendly. The touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation, and the machine guides you through the setup process. Even if you’re a beginner, you can quickly get the hang of it, and the automatic tamping system takes care of one of the trickiest parts of espresso making.

Q: How does the milk frothing work?
A: The milk frothing system is simple yet effective. It creates silky microfoam that’s perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. The steam wand is easy to use, and the auto-steam feature ensures your milk is heated to the perfect temperature without overheating. It’s great for both beginners and more advanced users.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress worth the price?
A: While the Breville Barista Touch Impress is on the pricier side, it offers great value considering its high-quality build, consistency, and advanced features. If you love coffee and want a machine that produces café-quality drinks at home, it’s a solid investment.

Q: How often do I need to clean the machine?
A: Cleaning the Breville Barista Touch Impress is straightforward. It has an auto-clean cycle for the milk frother, and the drip tray and portafilter are easy to remove and clean. The touchscreen also provides reminders for more in-depth cleaning when necessary, making it easy to maintain.

Q: Can the Breville Barista Touch Impress make different types of coffee?
A: Yes! You can make a variety of coffee drinks with the Breville Barista Touch Impress, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. The machine offers great customization options for grind size, coffee strength, and milk texture, allowing you to adjust your drinks to your liking.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Touch Impress to heat up?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress heats up very quickly, taking less than 3 seconds to be ready for brewing. This is one of the standout features that makes it convenient for busy mornings.

Q: Is the machine large? Does it fit on a small countertop?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is compact for an espresso machine, but it still requires a bit of counter space. It’s not overly large, but if you have limited counter area, you’ll need to ensure there’s enough room for the machine and any accessories.