Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

As a passionate coffee enthusiast, I have always been on the hunt for the perfect espresso machine. I am sure many of you can relate—whether you’re someone who loves an occasional cappuccino or an everyday espresso connoisseur, a great home espresso machine can make a world of difference. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Breville Barista Touch Impress, a machine that promises a balance between convenience and quality. I was curious to see if it could really live up to its hype. After spending several weeks experimenting with it, here’s my honest review.

Unboxing the Breville Barista Touch Impress

Right from the start, the Breville Barista Touch Impress felt like a high-quality machine. The packaging was neat and included everything I needed to get started: the machine itself, a portafilter, single and dual wall filter baskets, a stainless steel milk jug, cleaning tools, and a water filter. The sleek stainless steel design made a great first impression. It looked like something you’d find at a professional cafe, but compact enough to fit comfortably on my kitchen counter.

Setting up the machine was straightforward. I appreciated how the touchscreen interface guided me step-by-step through the initial settings—from selecting water hardness to adjusting grind levels. I was already impressed with how intuitive everything felt. In just a few minutes, I had it ready to brew.

Breville Barista Touch Impress: The Grinder and Tamping Experience

One of the most critical aspects of brewing a good espresso is having consistent grounds. The Breville Barista Touch Impress takes care of this with its built-in grinder, which offers 25 different grind settings. I found this particularly helpful, as I enjoy experimenting with different beans and adjusting the grind to get the best flavor out of each one.

Another standout feature was the assisted tamping system. For those who are not familiar, tamping is the process of pressing coffee grounds evenly into the portafilter before brewing, and it can make or break an espresso shot. The assisted tamping feature of the Breville Barista Touch Impress provides a perfect tamp every time, without any guesswork. I’ve used other machines where tamping felt inconsistent and challenging, but this machine made it foolproof—a huge plus for beginners and even seasoned coffee lovers looking for convenience.

Brewing Espresso with the Breville Barista Touch Impress

The first shot of espresso I brewed with the Breville Barista Touch Impress was impressive—no pun intended. The ThermoJet heating system heats the water in about three seconds, which meant I could start brewing almost immediately. No waiting around, especially on those mornings when caffeine was desperately needed.

The touchscreen makes the brewing process so much easier than other machines I’ve used in the past. You can select from a variety of preset drinks—espresso, flat white, cappuccino, latte—or customize your own. I loved how I could adjust the shot volume, milk texture, and temperature to craft my perfect cup. And the best part? You can save your preferences for future use.

Customizing Your Brew with the Breville Barista Touch Impress

One of the things I value most about a home espresso machine is how much control it gives me over the brewing process. The Breville Barista Touch Impress really stands out in this regard. While it offers great presets for someone who doesn’t want to mess around too much, it also allows full customization.

Want a double shot with a specific grind size and a hotter milk texture for your latte? No problem. The machine’s interface lets you tailor each step and then save your recipe. I created a couple of custom profiles—one for my morning latte and one for an afternoon macchiato—which I can now access with just a tap. It’s hard to overstate how convenient this is for anyone with a favorite way to prepare their coffee.

Milk Frothing with the Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

Milk-based drinks are an essential part of my coffee routine, and the Breville Barista Touch Impress really shines in this department. The automatic steam wand delivers consistent microfoam, ideal for latte art or simply making a rich, velvety cappuccino. I’ve tried manual steam wands in the past, and I know how hard it can be to get the milk just right. The automatic wand on the Breville Touch Impress took the guesswork out of the equation—I ended up with perfect, creamy microfoam every time.

Another great feature is the adjustable milk temperature and texture settings. The level of customization means you can make anything from a classic flat white with velvety smooth milk to a frothier cappuccino. And after each use, the steam wand cleans itself, making the maintenance a lot less of a chore.

A Comparison: Breville Barista Touch Impress vs. Barista Express Impress

If you’re trying to decide between the Breville Barista Touch Impress and other models like the Barista Express Impress, I think it comes down to how involved you want to be in the coffee-making process. The Barista Express Impress leans more towards a hands-on experience—you need to manually tamp and froth your milk, which can be rewarding but also time-consuming.

On the other hand, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is ideal for those who want a mix of control and convenience. The touchscreen interface, automatic steam wand, and assisted tamping feature make this model easier to use without sacrificing the quality of the coffee. I personally prefer the Breville Barista Touch Impress simply because I don’t always have the time or energy for a fully manual coffee-making session. It provides me with the best of both worlds—high-quality coffee without the fuss.

User-Friendly Features in the Breville Barista Touch Impress Review

The user-friendly features of the Breville Barista Touch Impress deserve special mention. From the step-by-step guided setup to the automated cleaning cycle, it’s clear that Breville put a lot of thought into making this machine accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or someone just starting their coffee journey, the machine adapts to your needs.

The water tank is easy to fill, and the drip tray has a nifty “Empty Me!” indicator that lets you know when it’s time to take care of it. The built-in maintenance reminders for descaling and cleaning mean you’re less likely to forget important maintenance, ultimately extending the life of the machine.

Maintaining the Breville Barista Touch Impress

Let’s talk about maintenance. Cleaning an espresso machine can often be a daunting task, but the Breville Barista Touch Impress makes it as simple as possible. The machine notifies you when it’s time to run a cleaning cycle, and all the removable parts—the water tank, drip tray, and portafilter—are easy to detach and clean.

Descaling is something every coffee machine needs eventually, and the Breville Touch Impress prompts you when it’s time. The cleaning tools that come with the machine are convenient, and the entire process is guided, which is a relief for anyone intimidated by coffee machine upkeep. Regular cleaning not only keeps the coffee tasting fresh but also ensures the machine runs smoothly for years.

Why I Prefer the Breville Barista Touch Impress - Final Review Thoughts

I’ve used several espresso machines over the years, ranging from entry-level models to more high-end options. The Breville Barista Touch Impress strikes a beautiful balance between ease of use, customization, and quality. The touchscreen interface is a game changer, making the process simple without sacrificing the control that true coffee enthusiasts crave.

The convenience of the automatic steam wand, the ability to save custom coffee profiles, and the assisted tamping feature all add to the experience. It’s not just about the coffee—it’s about the joy of making it. And for me, this machine makes that experience enjoyable each time.

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Barista Touch Impress

All in all, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is an excellent investment for anyone serious about their coffee. Whether you’re someone who wants to elevate your morning coffee ritual or a coffee aficionado who likes experimenting with different brew methods, this machine has something to offer. The combination of intuitive features, user-friendly automation, and high-quality output makes it one of the best options available in the market today.

While it may come with a higher price tag, the convenience, consistency, and overall coffee quality make it worth the investment. It’s hard to beat the Breville Barista Touch Impress when it comes to delivering that perfect cup of coffee day in and day out—with minimal effort on your part. For those who value quality and convenience, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress easy to use for beginners?

A: Yes, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is very user-friendly. The touchscreen interface provides step-by-step guidance, and the automatic features, such as assisted tamping and milk frothing, make it easy for beginners to get consistent results without needing a lot of prior experience.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Touch Impress to heat up?

A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress uses a ThermoJet heating system that heats up in about three seconds. This means you can start brewing almost immediately, which is great for those busy mornings when you need coffee fast.

Q: Can I customize the drink settings on the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

A: Absolutely! The Breville Barista Touch Impress allows for extensive customization. You can adjust grind size, shot volume, milk texture, and temperature. You can also save your personalized settings, which is perfect if you have a specific way you like your coffee.

Q: How often do I need to clean and descale the Breville Barista Touch Impress?

A: The machine will notify you when it needs cleaning or descaling. Typically, it depends on how frequently you use it. Regular cleaning of the drip tray and portafilter is recommended, while descaling may be required every few months depending on your water hardness.

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

A: If you value high-quality coffee and convenience, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is definitely worth the investment. It offers advanced features that make the brewing process easy while delivering consistent, café-quality results at home.

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

A: Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee. The machine comes with both single and dual wall filter baskets, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee if you prefer. However, for the best flavor, freshly ground coffee is recommended.

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

A: The automatic steam wand on the Breville Barista Touch Impress is one of its standout features. It creates consistent microfoam that’s perfect for latte art, and you can adjust the milk texture and temperature to