The Breville Barista Impress and the Barista Pro are two standout all-in-one espresso machines from Breville, but they target different users. The main differences are in their heating systems, user interfaces, and price: the Barista Pro features a lightning-fast 3-second ThermoJet heat-up system and an intuitive LCD screen for more granular control, while the Barista Impress offers a more straightforward, button-based experience at a lower price point.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which of these popular espresso machines is the right fit for your morning routine.
Breville Barista Impress
The Barista Impress is designed to give beginners a confident start in the world of home espresso. It bundles a high-quality conical burr grinder and a powerful espresso maker into a single, compact unit, focusing on ease of use and consistent results without a steep learning curve.
- What it is: An all-in-one, semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder aimed at entry-level home baristas.
- Key features: Integrated conical burr grinder, dual-wall filter system for consistent extraction, manual milk frother with adjustable steam control, and intuitive button-and-dial controls.
- Price: Around $700 - $800.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12.5" x 12.5" x 13".
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel exterior with high-quality internal components.
- Style: Sleek brushed stainless steel with a minimalist, compact profile that fits well in smaller kitchens.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine. Very user-friendly for beginners. Compact footprint saves counter space. Consistently produces great espresso with minimal setup.
- Cons: Slower heat-up time compared to the Pro. Less control over grind size and dose. The manual steam wand requires some practice to master.
This machine is ideal for coffee lovers who want delicious espresso without the fuss and extensive manual adjustments that more advanced machines require.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes810.html
Breville Barista Pro
The Barista Pro ramps up the performance and control for the serious home barista. Its most impressive feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which gets the machine ready to brew in just three seconds. Combined with a guided LCD interface, it allows for greater precision and experimentation.
- What it is: A high-performance, all-in-one espresso machine designed for enthusiasts who want more control and a faster workflow.
- Key features: ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up). Intuitive LCD interface for guided brewing. Advanced dose-control conical burr grinder. More powerful steam wand for professional-quality microfoam.
- Price: Around $1,000 - $1,200.
- Dimensions: Approximately 13.2" x 12.6" x 14".
- Materials/Construction: Premium stainless steel build that feels robust and professional. Comes in stainless steel and black stainless steel options.
- Style: A modern and technical look, dominated by the clear LCD screen. Slightly larger but still countertop-friendly.
- Pros: Extremely fast heat-up time. LCD display makes it easy to adjust and track brewing progress. Greater control over grind and shot parameters. Creates superior microfoam for latte art.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. The advanced features may be overwhelming for absolute beginners. Has a slightly larger physical footprint.
The Barista Pro is the perfect choice for someone passionate about coffee who wants to fine-tune their shots and create cafe-quality milk-based drinks quickly.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes920.html
Breville Barista Impress vs. Barista Pro Comparison
Technology & User Interface
This is the most significant point of difference. The Barista Impress uses a straightforward system of physical buttons and dials, making it simple to operate. You choose your grind amount and pull your shot with minimal input.
The Barista Pro, on the other hand, boasts a modern LCD display. This screen provides real-time feedback on grind size, dose, and extraction time, guiding you through the process for a more controlled and repeatable brewing experience. At the heart of the Pro is its ThermoJet heating system, which brings water to the optimal temperature in just 3 seconds - a huge advantage for anyone in a hurry in the morning. The Impress uses a more traditional thermocoil system, which takes a bit longer to heat up.
Grinder & Brewing Control
Both machines feature integrated conical burr grinders, but the Pro's is more advanced. It offers much finer control over grind size and automatically doses the correct amount of coffee, giving you the precision needed to dial in the perfect shot. The Impress offers good grind quality but with fewer adjustment steps, which is perfect for new users but might feel limiting for enthusiasts looking to experiment.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to last with Breville's signature stainless steel construction. They feel solid, durable, and look premium on any countertop. The Barista Pro's finish and materials feel slightly more refined, reinforcing its position as the higher-end model. While both are built for longevity, the Pro’s build feels a touch more robust to handle its more frequent use by espresso lovers.
Price & Value
The Barista Impress generally costs around $700-$800, while the Barista Pro is priced between $1,000-$1,200. The Impress offers exceptional value for someone starting their home espresso journey, packing great features into an affordable package. The Pro justifies its higher cost with superior speed, more precise controls, and a better user interface. For a committed coffee enthusiast, the upgrades in the Pro provide long-term value by allowing skill progression and better coffee. For a casual user, the Impress delivers everything you need at a much friendlier price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines make excellent espresso, but they excel for different kinds of coffee drinkers.
Choose the Barista Impress if:
- You're new to making espresso at home and want a machine that's easy to use.
- You have a smaller kitchen or limited counter space.
- Your budget is under $1,000 and you want the best all-in-one experience for the price.
- You value simplicity and consistency over granular control and speed.
Choose the Barista Pro if:
- You're an aspiring home barista who wants to experiment with grind settings and brewing techniques.
- You want your espresso machine ready to go instantly in the morning.
- You love a tech-forward approach with a guided digital interface.
- You plan to make a lot of milk-based drinks and want superior control over milk texture for latte art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Barista Impress and Pro?
The main differences are the user interface, heating system, and level of control. The Barista Pro has an LCD screen and a faster ThermoJet heating system, offering more precision. The Barista Impress uses simpler buttons and dials and takes longer to heat up but is more straightforward for beginners.
Which Breville machine heats up faster?
The Barista Pro heats up significantly faster, taking only three seconds to reach brewing temperature thanks to its advanced ThermoJet heating system. The Barista Impress uses a slower thermocoil system that takes approximately 30 seconds or more.
Is the Breville Barista Pro worth the extra money?
If you're serious about honing your barista skills, value speed, and will use the advanced features for control, then yes. For those who just want a great, simple shot of espresso without much fuss, the excellent Barista Impress offers better value.
Are both machines good for beginners?
The Barista Impress is purpose-built for beginners with its intuitive design. The Barista Pro can be used by beginners, and its LCD screen helps guide the process, but the sheer number of options can create a slightly steeper learning curve initially.
Do both machines have a built-in grinder?
Yes, both machines are "all-in-one" models with integrated conical burr grinders. The Barista Pro's grinder allows for more precise adjustments to grind size and dosage compared to the Impress.
How do the user interfaces compare?
The Barista Pro has a bright, clear LCD screen that provides real-time feedback and guided instructions, offering a more modern feel. The Barista Impress relies on classic, tactile buttons and a pressure gauge, which is more analog and direct.
Can you make latte art with both machines?
Yes, both have steam wands capable of creating frothed milk. However, the Barista Pro has a more powerful steam wand that can create finer, silkier "microfoam," which is essential for detailed latte art.
What is the build quality of Breville espresso machines?
Both machines feature excellent build quality with brushed stainless steel housing, which is a hallmark of the Breville brand. They feel sturdy, durable, and are designed to last for years with proper care.
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