Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

When I first set out to find the perfect espresso machine, I wanted something that combined ease of use with professional-level results. After testing out a variety of machines, I came across the Breville Barista Touch Impress—and let me tell you, it has completely transformed my coffee routine. If you’ve been searching for a home espresso machine that balances automation with control, this might just be the product for you.

I’ve always enjoyed a good cup of coffee but never considered myself a coffee snob—until I started using this machine. It’s one of those products that seems to effortlessly elevate your experience without making you feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or someone who takes their espresso seriously, the Breville Barista Touch Impress brings a level of sophistication to your home kitchen without being intimidating.

First Impressions: Sleek and Modern Design

Unboxing the Breville Barista Touch Impress was an experience in itself. The machine immediately stood out with its sleek, brushed stainless steel exterior, making it a centerpiece in my kitchen. The design feels premium and compact without sacrificing functionality. I was impressed by how well it fit into my countertop space while still looking professional.

What caught my attention right away was the intuitive touchscreen interface. Unlike other machines that require you to fumble through buttons and knobs, this machine’s touchscreen allows you to select drinks, customize options, and fine-tune your coffee experience with just a few taps. It’s a game-changer for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned espresso enthusiast.

User-Friendly Features for Effortless Brewing

Breville is known for its thoughtful features, and the Barista Touch Impress truly delivers. From the moment I turned it on, I realized how simple it was to get started. The machine comes equipped with step-by-step on-screen instructions that guide you through the process, which is perfect if you’re new to making espresso.

One of the standout features is the “Impress Puck System,” Breville’s latest innovation for automatic tamping. If you’re unfamiliar with espresso-making, tamping is the process of compacting the coffee grounds in the portafilter to ensure consistent extraction. Traditionally, this step requires skill and precision, but the Impress system takes care of it for you. It automatically tamps the coffee with the correct amount of pressure, ensuring you get a perfect puck every time. I loved how consistent and clean the results were—no more messy coffee grinds all over the countertop!

Another incredible feature is the automatic milk frothing system. You simply place your milk jug under the steam wand, select your preferred milk texture and temperature on the touchscreen, and let the machine do the rest. The results? Silky, smooth microfoam that rivals your favorite café. Whether you’re making lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, this feature makes it effortless to get barista-quality milk.

Customization: Tailor Your Coffee to Perfection

What really sets the Breville Barista Touch Impress apart is its level of customization. I’ve always been particular about my coffee, and this machine allows me to tailor every element to my liking. You can adjust the coffee strength, milk temperature, and milk texture—all through the touchscreen interface.

The machine comes with a variety of pre-programmed drinks, including espresso, latte, cappuccino, and more. If you prefer to experiment, you can save your personalized drink settings for future use. I loved being able to create my ideal flat white and save it so that it’s just a tap away the next morning.

The grinder also plays a huge role in delivering fresh, high-quality espresso. The Breville Barista Touch Impress features an integrated conical burr grinder with adjustable grind size. Freshly ground beans make all the difference, and having a grinder built into the machine eliminates the need for separate equipment. The grind size adjustment is simple, and it lets you fine-tune your espresso shots to perfection.

Consistent, Café-Quality Espresso Every Time

One of my biggest complaints with other espresso machines has always been inconsistency. Some days, the shots pull perfectly; other days, they taste off. The Breville Barista Touch Impress solves this issue with its automated tamping and pre-infusion system.

The pre-infusion feature gently soaks the coffee grounds before full extraction, ensuring an even and balanced espresso shot. Combined with the automatic tamping, this machine produces consistent results every single time. I found myself impressed with how smooth and rich the espresso tasted—no bitterness, no uneven extraction.

Why the Automatic Milk Frothing is a Game-Changer

As someone who loves a good latte, the automatic milk frothing system quickly became one of my favorite features of the Breville Barista Touch Impress. In the past, I’d struggle to achieve the right milk texture using a manual steam wand, often resulting in milk that was either too foamy or not foamy enough. This machine takes all the guesswork out of the process.

It’s a simple feature, but the quality of the microfoam is impressive. The milk is heated to the perfect temperature, and the froth is velvety, just the way it should be. Whether I’m making a cappuccino, a flat white, or even a hot chocolate, the milk always turns out smooth and creamy. This has been a huge time-saver, and I no longer have to worry about any milk splattering or inconsistent steam pressure.

Maintenance Made Simple

One area where espresso machines often fall short is maintenance. Let’s face it: no one wants to spend hours cleaning a machine after making a cup of coffee. Thankfully, the Breville Barista Touch Impress makes maintenance quick and easy.

The machine provides on-screen cleaning prompts and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the cleaning process. From descaling to purging the steam wand, everything is straightforward and hassle-free. The removable drip tray and water tank are also easy to clean, which I really appreciated.

After using the machine for several months now, I can confirm that keeping it clean isn’t a chore. The built-in cleaning cycles are a huge time-saver, and you don’t need to take the machine apart or do anything complicated. If you’re someone who’s used to cleaning your espresso machine by hand every time, this feature will feel like a real luxury.

How It Compares to Other Machines

When comparing the Breville Barista Touch Impress to other espresso machines I’ve tested, it stands out for its ease of use, automation, and consistency. Many machines in this price range require a steep learning curve or compromise on performance, but the Barista Touch Impress strikes the perfect balance.

I’ve tried products like the Breville Barista Pro and some other semi-automatic machines, and while they’re excellent, they lack the level of automation that the Barista Touch Impress offers. The touchscreen interface and Impress Puck System take this machine to the next level, making it a superior choice for those who want professional results without the manual effort.

Ideal Use Cases for the Breville Barista Touch Impress

One thing I’ve noticed since owning this machine is just how versatile it is. It’s not just for those who want a simple espresso shot—it’s great for anyone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks.

If you’re someone who prefers the basics, the espresso function is spot on. But if you’re someone who loves experimenting with different types of coffee, the Barista Touch Impress has you covered. I’ve made everything from classic lattes to iced drinks, and each one has been just as good as the last. The machine is quick, efficient, and consistently delivers the results I want.

Additionally, if you entertain guests regularly, this machine is fantastic for making multiple drinks at once. The speed at which the Barista Touch Impress produces espresso and froths milk makes it an excellent choice for gatherings. You won’t be left standing in front of the machine for too long, and your guests will be impressed with the quality of coffee served.

Why the Breville Barista Touch Impress Is Worth Considering

Let’s be honest: a high-quality espresso machine is an investment. The Breville Barista Touch Impress isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it’s worth every penny. Here’s why:

1. Ease of Use: The touchscreen and step-by-step instructions make this machine accessible to anyone, regardless of experience.
2. Automation: Features like the Impress Puck System and automatic milk frothing take the guesswork out of making espresso.
3. Customization: Tailor your coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature to suit your preferences.
4. Consistency: Get café-quality espresso every time, without the inconsistency of manual machines.
5. Durability and Design: The sleek, premium design ensures this machine will look beautiful and perform reliably for years to come.

Final Thoughts

After using the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I can confidently say it’s one of the best espresso machines I’ve ever owned. It delivers professional-quality coffee with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.

If you’re someone who values convenience but doesn’t want to compromise on quality, this machine is a game-changer. The automation, intuitive interface, and attention to detail make it a standout product in a crowded market. While there are other great options out there, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is better in terms of ease, consistency, and overall experience.

For me, it’s been a joy to use every day, and I can’t imagine going back to my old machine. If you’re ready to upgrade your coffee game, this is the product to consider. Trust me—it’s worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How easy is it to use the Breville Barista Touch Impress for beginners?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is designed with beginners in mind. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the machine guides you through each step of the process with clear, on-screen instructions. Whether you’re making espresso or frothing milk, everything is straightforward and easy to follow.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress require manual tamping?
A: No, the Breville Barista Touch Impress features the Impress Puck System, which automatically tamps the coffee grounds with the correct amount of pressure. This takes the guesswork out of tamping and ensures a consistent, professional-quality shot every time.

Q: Can I adjust the coffee strength or milk texture?
A: Yes, the machine allows for full customization. You can adjust the coffee strength, milk temperature, and milk texture directly through the touchscreen interface, giving you full control over your coffee-making experience.

Q: How is the milk frothing system?
A: The milk frothing system is fully automated, allowing you to select your preferred texture and temperature. The result is smooth, silky microfoam that’s perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.

Q: How easy is the Breville Barista Touch Impress to clean?
A: Cleaning is very simple with the Breville Barista Touch Impress. The machine has built-in cleaning prompts that guide you through the cleaning process, and the drip tray and water tank are easy to remove and clean. The steam wand is also easy to purge after use.

Q: Can I save my custom coffee settings for future use?
A: Yes, you can save your custom drink settings for future use. If you find a combination of coffee strength and milk texture that you love, the machine allows you to save it so you can quickly replicate it at any time.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress suitable for large households or entertaining guests?
A: Absolutely! The Breville Barista Touch Impress is quick and efficient, making it a great choice for large households or entertaining guests. It can make multiple drinks in quick succession, and the automatic milk frothing and espresso functions streamline the process, so you won’t be left waiting for your turn.

Q: Does the machine come with a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress has an integrated conical burr grinder with adjustable grind sizes, allowing you to grind your coffee beans fresh for each shot. This eliminates the need for a separate grinder, simplifying the espresso-making process.

Q: How does the Breville Barista Touch Impress compare to other espresso machines?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress stands out for its combination of ease of use, automated features, and consistent results. While other machines may require more manual effort or have a steeper learning curve, the Barista Touch Impress makes it easier to get café-quality coffee at home without compromising on performance.