Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

Unboxing and Setup

Unboxing the Breville Barista Touch Impress felt a bit like opening a present I’d been waiting all year for. Everything inside was thoughtfully organized: the machine itself, portafilter, various filter baskets, milk jug, and cleaning tools. Instructions were clearly laid out, and before long I found myself following the setup guide step-by-step. I appreciated that Breville made the initial setup process as straightforward as possible. Within about twenty minutes, I had the machine plugged in, the water reservoir filled, and the integrated conical burr grinder adjusted to my starting grind setting.

One of the things I noticed right away was the machine’s touchscreen interface. It guided me through a sort of “welcome” procedure, ensuring I rinsed the internal components and ran a test shot. While I’m no stranger to espresso machine setups, the guided process was reassuring. Instead of fumbling with unfamiliar buttons or guessing which knob did what, I just followed the on-screen prompts. By the time I was done, I felt confident that the machine was ready and calibrated for my first real espresso shot. 

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is a stunner. The brushed stainless-steel exterior exudes both modernity and durability. Its overall build quality feels top-notch—nothing wobbles, nothing creaks, and all the components fit together snugly. The machine manages to straddle that delicate line between looking like a serious piece of coffee equipment and still feeling approachable for the everyday user.

I particularly like how the water reservoir is easy to remove and fill, and the drip tray’s large capacity means less frequent emptying. The sleek, minimal lines of the machine give it a high-end café vibe, and the thoughtful design details—like the magnetic tamper storage and concealed compartments for tools—make me feel like I’m working with a well-engineered piece of equipment. When you invest in a premium espresso machine, you want it to last for years, and the Breville Barista Touch Impress certainly feels up to that challenge.

The Interface: A Touch of Modern Convenience

If there’s one feature that makes the Breville Barista Touch Impress stand out right away, it’s the touchscreen interface. Rather than relying on a handful of buttons and dials that demand a learning curve, you get a bright, intuitive screen that walks you through just about every step. From adjusting grind size and dosage to selecting from a range of pre-programmed coffee recipes, the interface demystifies the entire espresso-making process. Even as someone comfortable with coffee terms and procedures, I found it refreshing to have such clarity and guidance. 

The screen also displays helpful maintenance reminders, cleaning steps, and even troubleshooting tips. No more hunting through a thick manual just to figure out why your shot might be running long or how to run a cleaning cycle. It’s all right there in front of you. For newcomers to espresso, this guidance can be invaluable. For more experienced coffee enthusiasts, it’s a nice time-saver.

Automated Tamping: The “Impress” Feature That Stole the Show

The headline feature of this machine is right in its name: the Impress system. This built-in automated tamping tool is designed to take the guesswork out of one of the trickiest parts of making espresso at home. Proper tamping ensures an even extraction, and if you tamp too hard or too unevenly, your shot will suffer. The Impress system measures and then tamps your grounds consistently every single time. You insert the portafilter, let the machine dose the grounds, and then press a lever that smoothly and evenly tamps them.

The difference this made in my daily routine was huge. Instead of fretting over whether I was applying enough pressure or tamping at an angle, I could trust the machine. My shots grew more consistent, and I began to taste a more balanced flavor profile in my espresso. On top of that, the Impress tool reduces mess and wasted grounds. Overall, it’s a clever feature that addresses one of the most common pitfalls of manual espresso brewing, making it more approachable for everyone. 

Coffee Quality: Smooth, Rich, and Aromatic

Of course, no matter how fancy the features are, the true mark of a great espresso machine lies in the taste of the coffee it produces. I’m happy to report that the Breville Barista Touch Impress did not disappoint. My first shot came out with a rich, tawny crema that looked like something I’d get at a specialty café. The flavor was smooth and balanced, with a depth that made my usual morning cup feel like an afterthought.

Over the following weeks, I experimented with different beans, from dark roasts to single-origin light roasts, and I was consistently impressed with the results. The built-in grinder produces a uniform grind, and the machine’s PID temperature control ensures that water reaches the perfect temperature for extraction. The milk steaming wand also deserves praise. Its automatic texturing feature made it easy to produce velvety microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, and when I felt more adventurous, I could switch to manual mode to fine-tune the milk’s texture.

Fine-Tuning and Customization

While the Breville Barista Touch Impress aims to simplify the espresso-making process, it doesn’t leave enthusiasts behind. Quite the opposite, actually. I found that I could still tweak various settings to my heart’s content. Grind size, shot volume, milk temperature, and milk foam level are all adjustable via the touchscreen interface. Once I dialed in the precise settings that showcased my beans’ best flavors, I could save them as my own custom profile. The next morning, a couple of taps on the screen, and I’d have my ideal latte ready in minutes.

This level of customization was a pleasant surprise. Many machines that promise ease of use often sacrifice versatility, but that wasn’t the case here. Instead, the Breville Barista Touch Impress feels like a machine that can grow with you. Beginners can rely on the pre-programmed settings, while more experienced brewers can delve deeper, refining each step of the process.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Espresso machines can be fussy, and daily maintenance is often a chore. But Breville seems to have thought this through. Cleaning the Barista Touch Impress felt straightforward. The removable drip tray, the accessible water tank, and the automated cleaning cycles all make the process less tedious. The machine also uses a built-in cleaning system to purge water through the group head and steam wand, helping to keep these areas free from residue.

The touchscreen interface provides reminders and instructions when it’s time for a more thorough cleaning or descaling. This takes the guesswork out of when and how to perform essential maintenance tasks. While I still had to do a bit of manual cleaning—like wiping down the steam wand and brushing out the portafilter—the machine is significantly easier to maintain than some other espresso makers I’ve owned in the past.

Aesthetics and Kitchen Integration

Aesthetically, the machine blends easily into a modern kitchen. I found that it complemented my stainless-steel appliances nicely. Even if your kitchen style leans more rustic or minimalist, the Barista Touch Impress likely won’t clash. Its footprint is reasonable, and while not tiny, it’s far from the hulking presence that some commercial-style machines impose.

Noise level was also something I paid attention to. Yes, there’s a bit of sound from the grinder and the pump, but it never felt intrusive. I’ve used far noisier machines. This makes a difference if you’re an early riser who doesn’t want to wake the whole household every time you pull a shot.

Learning Curve and Approachability

If you’ve never made espresso before, the learning curve with the Breville Barista Touch Impress is gentle. The touchscreen instructions and pre-set recipes guide you through every step, making it possible to get decent results from day one. For those who’ve dabbled in espresso before, the transition to this machine is almost seamless. You’ll probably pick up on the intuitive interface in no time and start fine-tuning your shots with ease.

I also appreciate that the machine doesn’t feel intimidating. Yes, it’s a sophisticated piece of equipment, but the combination of automated tamping, guided recipes, and simple user interface makes it welcoming. You don’t need to be a barista to appreciate it. Over time, as you grow more confident, you can delve deeper into customization and experimenting with various beans and milk textures.

Reliability and Consistency

One of the main reasons I started looking into a new espresso machine was consistency. My previous setup produced great espresso occasionally, but just as often I’d get sour or weak shots that left me frustrated. The Breville Barista Touch Impress, on the other hand, delivers a reliably good espresso shot almost every time. Once I had my favorite beans dialed in, I knew that I’d wake up to a great cup of coffee each morning. That reliability is worth a lot, especially when I’m busy and don’t have time to fiddle with settings.

The machine’s internal sensors and automation features seem to really pay off here. By ensuring proper dosage, tamp pressure, temperature, and extraction time, the machine removes much of the guesswork that often plagues home espresso making. I found this to be a major selling point. Good coffee should be accessible, not an occasional coincidence.

Comparisons to Other Machines I’ve Used

I’ve tried machines that cost less and machines that cost more. Some were simpler, some were more complicated, but none hit the sweet spot quite like the Breville Barista Touch Impress. Less expensive machines often lack the precision or the ease of use that this one offers. More expensive machines can yield incredible results, but they often demand a steeper learning curve, more maintenance, and more manual effort. This machine finds a pleasing balance between those extremes, providing café-quality results with minimal fuss.

Over time, I’ve come to see the Breville Barista Touch Impress as my go-to espresso solution for daily use. It’s not just a gadget; it feels like a partner in my morning routine. Rather than stressing about grind settings or dosing on a bleary-eyed morning, I can rely on the machine’s automated features to handle the details, freeing me to enjoy my coffee.

Price and Value Proposition

There’s no denying that this is a premium machine, and it comes with a price tag to match. For those who only occasionally dabble in espresso, it might feel like an unnecessary expense. But for someone who starts their day with a cappuccino or a latte, or who entertains guests who appreciate a good shot of espresso, the Breville Barista Touch Impress may justify its cost through the convenience, consistency, and quality it delivers.

Think about all those coffee shop visits you might skip. Or consider the frustration and wasted coffee that comes from using a less reliable machine. When measured against those factors, the value starts to become apparent. It’s an investment, but one that can pay off if you’re serious about enjoying great coffee at home.

Who Is It For?

The Breville Barista Touch Impress caters to a wide range of coffee lovers. Beginners will appreciate the hand-holding features and the easy learning curve. Intermediate users will love how they can refine their technique and gradually move from automated settings to custom profiles. Even seasoned espresso enthusiasts might find value in the consistent results and time-saving features. I see it as a machine that can grow with you, meeting you where you are on your coffee journey and encouraging you to explore deeper flavors and techniques as you gain confidence.

Final Thoughts on the Breville Barista Touch Impress

After spending considerable time with the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I can say that it’s one of the most balanced espresso machines I’ve ever used. It manages to be both approachable and sophisticated, offering enough automation to streamline the espresso-making process without stripping away the joy of crafting a perfect shot. The Impress system, in particular, made a big difference in my daily routine, providing consistency and confidence in a process that often stumps home baristas.

From the first day I brought it into my kitchen, I found myself looking forward to using it every morning. It doesn’t feel like a chore or a complicated piece of machinery that I have to wrangle with. Instead, it enhances my morning ritual, delivering consistently excellent espresso and silky-smooth milk foam that transforms my lattes into something truly special. If you’re looking for a machine that’s elegant, reliable, and capable of evolving with your coffee expertise, I think the Breville Barista Touch Impress is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is designed to be user-friendly, with its intuitive touchscreen interface and automated features like the Impress tamping system. These make it easy for beginners to get started and produce high-quality espresso without much prior experience.

Q: Can I customize the coffee settings on this machine?
A: Absolutely. The machine allows for fine-tuning of grind size, shot volume, milk temperature, and foam texture. You can also save your customized settings as profiles for quick access in the future.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress have an integrated grinder?
A: Yes, it comes with a built-in conical burr grinder that allows you to adjust the grind size for optimal coffee extraction.

Q: How does the Impress tamping system work?
A: The Impress system automates the tamping process to ensure consistent pressure and even distribution of coffee grounds, removing the guesswork and improving the overall quality of your espresso.

Q: Is it easy to clean and maintain?
A: Yes, the machine includes automated cleaning cycles for the group head and steam wand, and the touchscreen provides reminders for maintenance tasks like descaling. The removable drip tray and water reservoir also make cleaning more manageable.

Q: What types of coffee drinks can I make with this machine?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress supports a variety of drinks, including espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. The touchscreen interface offers pre-programmed recipes for these drinks, and you can customize them to suit your preferences.

Q: How does it compare to other Breville machines?
A: The Barista Touch Impress is a step up from simpler models due to its advanced features, such as the touchscreen interface and Impress tamping system. It combines the automation of Breville’s high-end machines with the flexibility of manual customization.

Q: Is it noisy when in use?
A: While there is some noise from the grinder and pump, it’s relatively quiet compared to other espresso machines. It’s unlikely to be disruptive, even in quieter households.

Q: What kind of milk steaming capabilities does it offer?
A: The machine features an automatic steam wand for frothing milk to your preferred texture and temperature. It also has a manual mode for those who want to experiment with latte art or achieve a specific froth texture.

Q: Is it worth the price?
A: For coffee enthusiasts who value consistency, ease of use, and premium results, the Breville Barista Touch Impress offers excellent value. Its combination of automation and customization makes it a worthy investment for those who regularly enjoy café-quality coffee at home.