Breville Barista Express Impress Review
- jdmeyer83
- Apr 16
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 28
TL;DR: The Breville Barista Express Impress espresso machine is an excellent quality coffee maker, equipped with everything needed to craft any espresso drink you desire. It offers two cup sizes—single and double—with two filters each, single wall and double wall. The integrated burr grinder dispenses the perfect amount of grounds for each setting, while still allowing customization to your preference. The built-in tamper system removes the uncertainty from the quantity and pressure, ensuring a consistent espresso shot every time. Additionally, the steam wand enables you to steam milk for any barista-style beverage you can imagine. It's an ideal starter machine for those looking to create gourmet coffee without needing all the accessories of a fully manual machine. Note that with its single boiler, you cannot brew coffee and steam milk simultaneously. This type of coffee maker requires more maintenance than a typical drip coffee maker or single cup brewer, but with effort, you can enjoy excellent coffee.
Pro’s: ~Easy to use grind/tamp process ~Solid Quality ~Lot’s of accessories for full barista experience ~Easy to use after reading manual or watching the many videos provided on their website ~Large water reservoir ~Self grinding for perfect 1 or 2 cup quantities ~Manual grinding if you want more control over your brew ~Rubber grip with finger loop on steam wand for safe handling when hot | Con’s: ~Single boiler, cannot brew shot and steam at same time ~Very hard to get filter basket out of portafilter ~Instruction Manual is quite large ~A lot of cleaning maintenance compared to traditional coffee makers ~Pricey ~Water filters to maintain |
I consider myself a coffee enthusiast. At home, I have six different coffee makers, ranging from a mason jar for cold brew and a French press to a burr grinder and an SCAA-certified drip coffee maker, and now I've added the Breville Barista Express Impress espresso machine to my collection.
My journey with coffee began like many others, using a second-hand Mr. Coffee-style drip machine and a Keurig. Over the years, I've tried various coffee makers, including an older Breville self-grinding drip coffee maker, which is similar to this Breville model but designed for drip coffee instead of espresso. Currently, I use a Burr grinder, a Technivorm Moccamaster drip coffee maker, a Nespresso Virtuo, a Cuisinart cold brew machine, and a Gevi self-grinding manual espresso machine. I struggled to consistently pour a good shot with the Gevi, so I decided to purchase the Breville for comparison.
Features and Accessories:
The Breville Espresso machine includes four filter baskets for different sizes: two for 1 cup and two for 2 cups. The distinction between them lies in their design: single wall and double wall. My previous Gevi machine didn't offer these options, so I had to learn about them. Essentially, the single wall filter is ideal for very fresh coffee beans, specifically those roasted within the last 30 days, as it generates less pressure, which isn't necessary for fresh beans. Over time, if you use coffee beans that are older than 30 days post-roast or pre-ground coffee, the machine struggles to build pressure. Double wall filters help by allowing pressure to build, resulting in a proper espresso shot. Other components include a milk jug for steaming, a portafilter, a proprietary tool called the Razer (which I'll explain later), a bean hopper, an adjustable burr grinder for whole beans, and several cleaning tools. Additionally, there's a cup warmer on top to preheat your cup before brewing, ensuring the coffee remains hot.
Brew:
After unpacking the machine, I immediately observed that all the tools were made of solid steel and other durable metals, and most of the panels were also metal. There was nothing flimsy about it. I proceeded to read almost the entire instruction manual and cleaned all the parts as recommended.
The first time I used the machine, it performed excellently. Unlike most manual machines, the Breville Barista Express Impress features a built-in grinder and tamper that automatically adjusts the dose for a consistent shot. I placed coffee beans into the hopper and attached the double shot single wall filter to the Portafilter. Following the manual's instructions, I set the grind size to 16 out of 25 to begin. A small "U" shaped holder secures the Portafilter directly beneath the grinder. Utilizing the auto feature, I pressed the Dose button to initiate the grind.
Once the grinder finished, the LED arrow above the Tamp illuminated. I gently pressed down on the tamp lever until I felt a satisfying "click" and heard a beep. It's not exactly a click, but it's hard to describe the sensation. The Dose level indicators then lit up to show if there was too much or too little coffee. My first brew had too much coffee, so I removed the portafilter from under the grinder and used the Razer tool to remove the excess coffee. The Razer tool is a flat metal instrument that you place on top of the portafilter and twist. It lifts the excess coffee, which can be shaken out of the portafilter without disturbing the rest of the puck. Be careful not to tilt the portafilter more than 45 degrees, as tilting too much can cause the entire puck to fall out since it isn't compressed and wet like it is after brewing.
If the coffee dose is too small, the machine's Dose light will illuminate and flash again. By pressing the Dose button once more, it grinds a little more coffee to try to balance the level. The machine will repeat this process as many times as needed to achieve the perfect amount. The Dose level system and tamper system are truly impressive. Although I notice the tamp isn't as firm as when I do it manually on my other machine, and the finished puck is slightly mushy, the system consistently delivers a perfect shot every time, which is what truly matters.
When the Dose Level is centered and the green light illuminates, it's time to insert the portafilter into the brewer to make the shot. The portafilter slid in easily, unlike my other machine, which was quite stiff. I pressed the Double Shot button, and the brewing began. I hadn't realized how old my coffee was, as I under-extracted my shot until I adjusted the grind size to the finest setting. Once I set the grind size to the finest, I consistently poured perfect shots with excellent crema.
If you prefer having more control over your coffee, you can grind and dose it manually. However, I've found the auto dosing to be very effective and don't feel the need to grind manually.
Steam wand/Water spout:
The steam wand enables the creation of micro-foam and heats milk for various sophisticated drinks. Mastering the art of steaming milk requires a lot of practice, but after numerous attempts and watching several online videos, I've learned how to do it correctly. This steam wand is significantly more powerful than my other Gevi model. On the very first use, the pump takes about 30 seconds or more to warm up, but once it starts, the steam is excellent. The 480ml jug is ideal for creating a swirling effect to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
If you prefer Americanos, the Breville Barista Express Impress features a separate spout next to the steam wand that dispenses hot water for you.
My main complaint with this machine is that it has only one boiler, so you can't brew your espresso shot and steam your milk simultaneously. Although this isn't a major problem, espresso shots lose their quality quickly if not consumed or mixed with milk, and coffee beans begin to lose their flavor as soon as they are ground. This requires careful timing to grind your coffee, steam your milk, and brew before the flavor diminishes. Additionally, the water filter needs to be replaced every three months, which adds to the cost. If not replaced, the manual indicates that the machine will likely need more frequent descaling and maintenance.
Clean up:
This machine consists of many components. After brewing each shot, I remove the portafilter and discard the grinds. I then rinse the portafilter and filter basket. I've noticed that the filter baskets are quite challenging to detach from the portafilter. To do this, I rinse and dry them with a towel, then grip one side of the portafilter, pinch the rim, and pull to separate. After using the wand, I wipe it down with a wet rag and pump some hot steam through it to clean the "pipes," as they likely contain milk. Be cautious when handling the wand, as it can be very hot. Finally, there may be water and coffee grinds on the base platform, so once brewing is completely finished, you can pull out the tray, separate all three parts, and wash them with soapy water.
Conclusion:
As this is my second espresso machine, I appreciate being able to compare the two. The Breville Barista Express Impress consistently delivers excellent espresso shots. Its integrated smart grind system and tamper gauge make it incredibly easy to achieve a perfect espresso shot every time. You need fewer accessories with this machine because most features are built-in. The only way to achieve an even more consistently perfect shot might be with a fully automatic espresso machine, but I believe half the fun comes from the brewing process itself. If you're willing to invest a bit more in a machine and want to eliminate the guesswork of grind dose and tamp pressure, the Barista Express Impress is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.
N.X.T. L.V.L. Score
N – Needs Met: 9/10
The machine absolutely meets the needs of someone wanting consistent, high-quality espresso at home with fewer variables to manage. Built-in grinder, tamp system, and shot guidance hit all the marks. The only ding here is the single boiler limitation that prevents simultaneous milk steaming and brewing.
X – X-Factor: 9/10
The integrated grind/dose/tamp system is a definite X-Factor. The Razer tool, Dose level lights, and the unique tamp lever really set this machine apart from others in its class. It turns a somewhat intimidating process into something accessible and repeatable.
T – Technology: 8/10
There's solid tech here — smart dosing, auto tamping, adjustable grinder — but it's not fully automated like higher-end espresso machines. Still, for the price and the hybrid manual/auto experience, it's impressive.
L – Longevity: 8/10
With its durable metal build and Breville's strong reputation, this machine is expected to have a long lifespan. I've been using it consistently for more than 2 years, and with proper cleaning, it functions just as it did when it was new. However, replacing the water filter and possibly descaling are necessary for ongoing maintenance.
V – Value: 8/10
It’s not cheap, but you’re getting a semi-pro setup with features usually found on more expensive machines. Considering the consistent results and reduced need for extra accessories, it justifies the price for enthusiasts.
L – Learning Curve: 7/10
There's a learning curve involved, particularly if you're unfamiliar with espresso or milk frothing. It requires some time to perfect the grind size for your particular coffee beans. The most challenging part will be mastering milk frothing and creating latte art. With plenty of practice, you can become a home barista too.
Total N.X.T.L.V.L. Score: 49/60 = 82% B-
Love what you see with the Breville Barista Express Impress? I had a blast testing this machine and diving deep into what makes it shine. If you’re thinking about getting into home espresso or already have a machine you love, I’d love to hear about it! And if there’s another coffee gadget or espresso machine you want me to review next, feel free to reach out — I’m always up for brewing something new. ☕️
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