Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

The Breville Barista Touch Impress is an espresso machine that truly stands out in the world of at-home coffee making. As someone who enjoys the ritual of preparing the perfect cup, I was excited to give this machine a try, especially considering its promise of blending ease of use with precision. After weeks of testing it out, I’m ready to share my thoughts. Spoiler alert: the Breville Barista Touch Impress is better than many others out there, and here’s why. 

Unboxing and First Impressions

I still remember the day the Breville Barista Touch Impress arrived. As soon as I opened the box, I could see that this wasn’t just any regular espresso machine. The sleek, stainless steel finish and the clear touch screen display gave it a professional and yet approachable look. It was pretty apparent that Breville focused on quality, and every piece felt solid and well-designed.

Setting up the machine was straightforward, even for someone who isn't an espresso machine expert. The touch screen walked me through the entire process step-by-step, which was perfect because I often find that initial calibration can be intimidating. The attention to making this accessible was impressive.

Brewing Experience with the Breville Barista Touch Impress

If I had to choose one word to describe using the Breville Barista Touch Impress, it would be effortless. Once the setup was complete, making my first shot of espresso was practically foolproof. The machine has a built-in grinder that adjusts automatically, which means you don’t need to worry about dialing in the grind to get a perfect extraction.

The grind size, dose, and tamp pressure are all set intelligently by the machine. Breville’s "Impress Puck System" is a game changer—it tamps down the coffee with precision, ensuring a consistent puck every time. This feature alone made me feel like I could trust the machine to deliver high-quality espresso, even on my sleepy mornings.

Breville Barista Touch Impress Review: Interface and Ease of Use

I can’t talk about the Barista Touch Impress without mentioning its interface. The large color touch screen guides you through every step of the coffee-making process. Want a cappuccino, a flat white, or just a straight shot of espresso? Simply tap your choice on the display, and it will guide you through every stage of preparation.

The customization options are where the magic really happens. You can modify the coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature for each drink—and the machine will remember your preferences. This makes it incredibly easy for every family member to have their ideal coffee without much hassle. In my house, this has made mornings a lot smoother since everyone gets their coffee their way. 

The Impress Puck System vs Manual Machines

The Impress Puck System was a revelation for me. I’ve used manual machines before where tamping the coffee puck evenly was a constant struggle. Too much pressure, and you risked over-extraction; too little, and you were left with watery espresso. Breville’s smart tamping system gets it right every time.

In the past, I would spend several minutes adjusting the grind, weighing out the dose, and ensuring the right tamp pressure. With the Barista Touch Impress, all that guesswork is removed. The system uses intelligent dosing to ensure you get the correct amount of coffee grounds, and the tamp is consistent—all at the push of a button.

How Does the Milk Frothing Work on the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

For many, the quality of the milk frothing is the true test of a good espresso machine. I was eager to see if the Breville Barista Touch Impress lived up to the hype in this area. And let me tell you, it delivered.

The automatic steam wand on this machine froths milk to perfection. You have a variety of options to control the temperature and texture of the milk, which allowed me to make everything from a silky flat white to a rich, frothy cappuccino. The milk frothing was not only customizable but also consistent—something that I’ve found can be tricky on lower-end machines.

The Barista Touch Impress even offers the option to froth manually if you’re someone who wants to master the barista art. I tried both methods, and while manual frothing gave me more control, the automatic wand was so good that I found myself relying on it more often. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Another aspect that makes this machine better than others I’ve used is the ease of cleaning. I’m not a fan of coffee machines that require extensive daily cleaning routines, and thankfully, Breville seems to understand this. The Barista Touch Impress makes cleaning incredibly straightforward. The touch screen gives reminders for regular maintenance like descaling, and the parts are easily accessible.

The drip tray, portafilter, and steam wand all come apart without a hassle, and cleaning them is simple. Plus, the machine has a feature that purges the steam wand automatically after each use, which means there’s less risk of buildup—something that can affect both taste and hygiene if ignored.

Breville Barista Touch Impress Review: How It Compares to the Competition

Now, when it comes to comparing the Breville Barista Touch Impress to other espresso machines I’ve used, it’s clear that it’s in a league of its own. I’ve had experience with the Barista Express, and while that machine was fantastic, the Touch Impress has elevated the user experience to another level. The automated grinding, dosing, and tamping system makes a significant difference.

The closest competitor that I’ve tried is the De’Longhi La Specialista. While that machine also aims for a blend of automation and manual control, it lacks the intuitive ease of the Breville interface. The Breville’s touch screen and the way it guides you through each step just make the entire process seamless. The extra automation in the Barista Touch Impress saves time and takes out a lot of the guesswork—a benefit you’ll appreciate during hectic mornings.

Price and Value

There’s no denying that the Breville Barista Touch Impress is an investment. It’s not a budget option by any means, but if you’re serious about coffee, the price is more than justified. The automation features, build quality, and customization options combine to create a machine that feels like it’s worth every penny.

For those who may be deterred by the price, consider how much you might spend buying coffee out every day. This machine offers cafe-quality drinks at home, and over time, it could easily pay for itself. Plus, the satisfaction of crafting your own perfect espresso at home can’t be overstated. 

Breville Barista Touch Impress Review: Long-Term Use and Reliability

After using the Breville Barista Touch Impress for several weeks, I’ve had a chance to see how it performs over time, and I have to say, it’s holding up incredibly well. The machine consistently produces excellent shots of espresso without much need for recalibration or troubleshooting. The durability of the components is evident—nothing feels cheap or prone to breaking, which gives me confidence in its long-term reliability.

The Impress Puck System continues to perform flawlessly, and the automatic features don’t seem to diminish with regular use. In fact, I’ve grown even more appreciative of the automation now that I’ve experienced how much time it saves, especially when I’m in a rush before work.

The Ideal User for the Breville Barista Touch Impress

I think it’s worth mentioning who this machine is best suited for. The Breville Barista Touch Impress is perfect for someone who loves coffee but doesn’t necessarily want to deal with the complexities of a fully manual espresso machine. If you appreciate high-quality coffee but don’t want to become a barista to achieve it, this machine provides the ideal balance between control and convenience.

On the other hand, if you’re a coffee purist who loves experimenting with every detail, from grind size to tamping technique, you might find the automation features take away some of the fun. That said, the manual options are still available for those moments when you want to get hands-on.

Breville Barista Touch Impress Review: Addressing Common Concerns

I’ve seen some concerns online about the size of the machine and the price point, and I think they’re worth addressing. Yes, the machine is larger than some compact models, and it does require a dedicated spot on your counter. For me, the size is a non-issue because it’s still relatively sleek and modern-looking, and I don’t mind allocating space for something I use every day.

The price is a more significant consideration, but for what you’re getting—automation, customization, quality build, and the ability to make a variety of coffee drinks—I think it’s worth it. Compared to going out for coffee every day, this machine has saved me both money and the hassle of standing in line at a cafe.

Should You Buy the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

If you’re still on the fence, here’s my honest take: the Breville Barista Touch Impress is an excellent investment if you’re someone who values convenience, quality, and consistency. It strikes a beautiful balance between offering enough control for personalization while automating the more challenging aspects of espresso making.

I’ve come to really enjoy my morning coffee ritual, and this machine has made it even better. There’s something satisfying about making a perfect flat white or espresso shot without much fuss—and knowing I can make it just the way I like it, every single time. Plus, friends and family have been thoroughly impressed with the drinks I’ve been able to make for them.

It’s not the cheapest option, and it’s not the most manual, but for an everyday coffee lover like me, the Breville Barista Touch Impress hits the sweet spot. I can confidently recommend it for anyone looking to elevate their at-home coffee game without spending countless hours learning the intricacies of a completely manual setup.

Product Review Conclusion

In conclusion, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is, quite simply, the best at-home espresso machine I’ve used to date. It manages to bridge the gap between convenience and control, allowing both novice and experienced users to enjoy high-quality coffee without the steep learning curve. The intuitive design, combined with smart automation features like the Impress Puck System and automatic steam wand, takes much of the work—and the error—out of making coffee.

Whether you’re someone who wants a quick and reliable espresso in the morning or a person who loves experimenting with coffee styles, the Breville Barista Touch Impress caters to both needs seamlessly. Its consistent performance, ease of use, and thoughtful design make it a standout product in a crowded field. If you’re on the fence about whether it’s worth the investment, my answer is a resounding yes.

This machine has truly impressed me, and I think it will do the same for anyone who values a high-quality coffee experience—all from the comfort of their kitchen.

Frequently asked questions and their answers for the Breville Barista Touch Impress:

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

A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is designed with beginners in mind, featuring a touch screen that guides users through each step. The interface makes it incredibly simple to choose drinks, and the Impress Puck System automatically grinds, doses, and tamps the coffee, eliminating much of the guesswork. This machine makes learning how to prepare espresso accessible to everyone.

Q: What is the Impress Puck System, and how does it make a difference?

A: The Impress Puck System is a feature that automatically tamps down the coffee grounds with the correct pressure. This ensures a consistent puck every time, which is crucial for an optimal espresso shot. It takes away the uncertainty of manual tamping, which can lead to uneven extraction if done improperly. This consistency significantly improves the quality of the coffee for both beginners and experienced users.

Q: Can I customize my coffee with the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

A: Absolutely. The machine allows you to customize a wide range of options, including coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature. You can save these customizations for different drinks, which is especially handy if multiple people in your household have different preferences. This customization flexibility is one of the standout features of the Barista Touch Impress.

Q: How does the milk frothing compare to other espresso machines?

A: The automatic steam wand on the Breville Barista Touch Impress delivers excellent results. It froths milk to your chosen texture and temperature, making it easy to create a variety of milk-based drinks, from flat whites to lattes and cappuccinos. The milk frothing quality is consistent and comparable to what you'd expect from a professional cafe. There’s also a manual frothing option for those who prefer more control.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress difficult to clean?

A: Not at all. The Breville Barista Touch Impress is designed for easy maintenance. The machine reminds you when it’s time to clean or descale, and all components are easily accessible for cleaning. The steam wand automatically purges after use, which minimizes buildup. Most parts, like the drip tray and portafilter, can be removed and cleaned without any hassle, making overall upkeep straightforward.

Q: How does the Breville Barista Touch Impress compare to other similar machines?

A: Compared to similar machines, the Breville Barista Touch Impress stands out due to its combination of automation and ease of use. It offers more intuitive control than models like the De'Longhi La Specialista, which still require manual adjustments for grind size and tamping. The Barista Touch Impress's automated features save time and help ensure a consistent coffee quality, making it ideal for those who want great coffee with minimal effort.

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

A: While it is an investment, the Breville Barista Touch Impress offers a lot of value for the price. The combination of high-quality build, smart automation, and customizable features makes it feel like a premium machine. If you frequently buy coffee from cafes, the savings add up over time. Plus, the ability to enjoy cafe-quality drinks from home is a huge convenience and a luxury worth considering.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee if you prefer, though the machine is really designed to deliver optimal results using freshly ground beans from its built-in grinder. Freshly ground beans generally produce a more flavorful and aromatic shot of espresso, but the option to use pre-ground coffee adds some flexibility if you’re in a pinch.

Q: How much space does the Breville Barista Touch Impress take up?

A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is not the most compact espresso machine, but it’s also not overly bulky. It requires a bit of counter space, but its sleek design helps it blend into most kitchens nicely. If you have a moderately sized kitchen, you should be able to accommodate it comfortably.

Q: Who is the ideal user for the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is perfect for someone who loves high-quality coffee without wanting to deal with the complexity of a fully manual machine. It’s great for users who want the option of both convenience and control. If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for consistently good espresso with minimal fuss, this machine is an excellent choice. However, it might not be ideal for someone who wants complete manual control over every aspect of the brewing process.