Breville Barista Touch vs Breville Barista Touch Impress

Breville is known for making high-quality espresso machines that bridge the gap between convenience and professional-level performance. The Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress are two of the brand’s most popular mid-range models, both featuring touchscreens and built-in grinders for an all-in-one coffee-making experience. However, they have key differences that impact usability, coffee quality, and overall value.

This review breaks down both machines in terms of design & build quality, user interface & ease of use, coffee quality & brewing performance, grinder features & performance, milk frothing & specialty drinks, maintenance & cleaning, energy efficiency & noise levels, and value for money.

Breville Barista Touch vs. Breville Barista Touch Impress Comparison Chart

Feature	Breville Barista Touch	Breville Barista Touch Impress
Price	Check the best price on Amazon	Check the best price on Amazon
Dimensions (W x D x H)	32 x 31 x 40 cm (12.6″ x 12.2″ x 15.7″)	Slightly larger due to tamping lever
Weight	~11.5 kg (25.3 lbs)	Slightly heavier due to tamping mechanism
Material	Brushed stainless steel with some plastic components	More plastic components in grinder and tamping system
Display	4-inch color touchscreen	4-inch color touchscreen (same UI but with extra automation options)
Heating System	ThermoJet (3-second heat-up time)	ThermoJet (3-second heat-up time)
Built-in Grinder	Stainless steel conical burr grinder	Same conical burr grinder but with adaptive dosing
Grind Settings	30 manual grind settings	30 manual grind settings
Dosing	Manual dosing	Adaptive dosing correction system
Tamping Method	Manual tamping required	Assisted tamping with 10kg pressure and 7° twist for polishing
Portafilter Size	54mm stainless steel	54mm stainless steel
Pre-Infusion	Yes, low-pressure pre-infusion	Yes, low-pressure pre-infusion
Pump Pressure	15-bar Italian pump	15-bar Italian pump
PID Temperature Control	Yes	Yes
Milk Frothing	Automatic steam wand with adjustable temp & texture	Same automatic steam wand with adjustable temp & texture
Milk Frothing Customization	Yes, adjustable via touchscreen	Yes, same as Barista Touch
Auto-Purge for Steam Wand	Yes	Yes
Water Tank Capacity	2 liters (67 oz)	2 liters (67 oz)
Drip Tray	Standard size	Slightly larger
Custom Drink Profiles	Up to 8 saved drinks	More than 8 saved drinks
Cleaning & Maintenance	Requires regular cleaning of portafilter, steam wand, and grinder	Same cleaning needs but tamping system adds extra cleaning steps
Descaling Alert	Yes	Yes
Energy Efficiency	Auto shut-off and sleep mode	Auto shut-off and sleep mode
Noise Levels	Moderate (grinder and steam wand)	Slightly louder due to automatic tamping
Best For	Users who want manual tamping and full control	Beginners or those who want automation and consistency
Overall Verdict	Best for those who prefer a hands-on espresso-making experience at a lower cost	Best for those who want automation, consistency, and an easier workflow
My individual reviews	Breville Barista Touch review	Breville Barista Touch Impress review

Summary of Key Differences

• The Barista Touch Impress has automatic tamping and adaptive dosing, while the Barista Touch requires manual tamping and dosing adjustments.
• The Impress model is slightly more expensive but offers better shot consistency with less effort.
• Both machines have the same grinder, milk frothing system, touchscreen interface, and heating system, meaning coffee quality is nearly identical.
• The Impress model has more automation, making it better for beginners, while the Barista Touch offers more control for experienced users.

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Design & Build Quality

When investing in an espresso machine, design and build quality are critical. Not only do these factors affect durability and aesthetics, but they also influence usability, workflow, and the overall experience of making coffee at home. The Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress are both premium machines designed for home baristas who want convenience without sacrificing quality. While they share many similarities in design, some key differences set them apart in terms of build materials, functionality, and user-friendly features.

Aesthetic Appeal and Footprint

At first glance, both machines exhibit Breville’s signature brushed stainless steel exterior, which gives them a professional and modern appearance. This sleek finish is designed to blend seamlessly into a contemporary kitchen while still maintaining a presence on the countertop.

• Breville Barista Touch: The brushed stainless steel exterior dominates the design, with some plastic elements incorporated into less visible parts of the machine, such as the water tank and drip tray. The machine has a compact footprint, measuring 32 cm (12.6 inches) in width, 31 cm (12.2 inches) in depth, and 40 cm (15.7 inches) in height, making it relatively easy to fit in most kitchens.
• Breville Barista Touch Impress: The Impress version retains the same general aesthetic and compact footprint, with slight increases in height and width due to the added tamping mechanism. While it remains kitchen-friendly, the tamping lever on the left side makes it a little bulkier than its predecessor.

Both machines are available in a stainless steel finish, but the Barista Touch Impress also comes in some matte color variations, offering more style options for those who want their machine to match their kitchen decor.

Build Materials and Durability

Breville machines are well-regarded for their solid construction, and both models uphold this reputation. However, there are subtle differences in how each machine is built.

Breville Barista Touch:

• The entire front panel, sides, and top are stainless steel, giving it a premium feel.
• Some plastic components are used for parts that don’t require high durability, such as the bean hopper, water reservoir, and certain internal elements.
• The portafilter is stainless steel, providing good heat retention for optimal espresso extraction.
• The drip tray is plastic with a stainless steel cover, which helps with durability but may show wear over time.
• Buttons, including the power button, are tactile and responsive, and the touchscreen feels sturdy.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• The Impress version incorporates more plastic in its grinder and tamping mechanism, particularly in the automated tamping lever and internal dosing components. This slightly reduces its premium feel compared to the original Barista Touch.
• The stainless steel body remains, ensuring durability, but there are more visible plastic elements than on the standard Barista Touch.
• The assisted tamping mechanism includes a lever on the left side, which applies 10 kg of pressure followed by a polishing twist to ensure a consistent puck. This added component is sturdy but introduces an additional moving part that could wear out over time.

While both machines are well-built, the Barista Touch feels more solid overall due to fewer plastic elements. The Impress model’s additional automation features make it slightly more complex, which may lead to more long-term wear in moving parts.

Touchscreen and Control Panel

A major selling point of both models is their touchscreen interface, which replaces traditional buttons and dials with a sleek digital display.

Breville Barista Touch:

• The 4-inch color touchscreen is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate.
• Users can choose from preset coffee recipes (espresso, latte, cappuccino, etc.) and adjust key parameters such as grind size, brew temperature, and milk frothing texture.
• The interface is highly intuitive, making it simple for beginners while still allowing manual customization for experienced users.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• The touchscreen is nearly identical to the one found on the standard Barista Touch.
• The key difference is that it integrates additional automation features, such as guided tamping and dose adjustment, into the interface.
• It still offers the same level of customization and programmability, allowing users to save personalized coffee settings.

Both machines offer one of the best touchscreen interfaces in the home espresso machine market, providing a user-friendly experience that eliminates guesswork.

Portafilter and Brewing Components

The portafilter is a crucial component of any espresso machine, as it directly affects extraction quality. Both the Barista Touch and Barista Touch Impress come with a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, a standard size for Breville’s mid-range machines.

• The stainless steel build ensures good heat retention, helping maintain stable extraction temperatures.
• Both machines include single-wall and double-wall filter baskets, accommodating beginners who need extra help with pressure control while allowing experienced users to fine-tune their shots.
• The brewing process is identical in both machines, relying on PID temperature control to maintain optimal water temperature throughout the extraction.

The key difference is in the tamping process:

• Breville Barista Touch: Requires manual tamping, meaning users must develop their own technique. Inconsistent tamping can lead to channeling, uneven extraction, and poor espresso quality.
• Breville Barista Touch Impress: Features an automated tamping system, which applies a consistent 10 kg of pressure followed by a 7-degree polishing twist to ensure an even puck. This eliminates human error and improves shot consistency.

Drip Tray and Water Tank

Both machines feature a removable drip tray, which catches excess water and coffee residue.

• Breville Barista Touch: The drip tray is relatively small, meaning it needs frequent emptying, especially if you make multiple drinks daily.
• Breville Barista Touch Impress: The drip tray is slightly larger, accommodating the extra workflow of the assisted tamping mechanism.

The water tank in both machines is 2 liters (67 ounces), accessible from the back.

• Refilling the tank requires pulling the machine slightly forward if placed against a wall.
• The water reservoir is transparent, making it easy to see when a refill is needed.

Additional Design Considerations

• Cup Clearance: Both machines have similar spout-to-tray clearance, meaning standard espresso cups fit easily, but taller cups may require angling.
• Bean Hopper: The bean hopper capacity is 250g (8.8 oz) on both models. It’s located on top of the machine and has a secure lid to keep beans fresh.
• Power Cord Storage: Both machines have a built-in cord storage compartment, keeping the countertop tidy.

Overall Verdict: Which Machine Has Better Design & Build Quality?

Breville Barista Touch – Pros & Cons

✅ More stainless steel in the build, fewer plastic components.
✅ Compact and aesthetically pleasing.
✅ Touchscreen is sleek and responsive.
❌ Requires manual tamping, which can be inconsistent.
❌ Small drip tray requires frequent emptying.

Breville Barista Touch Impress – Pros & Cons

✅ Automated tamping ensures better shot consistency.
✅ Touchscreen integrates guided adjustments for dosing.
✅ Slightly larger drip tray.
❌ More plastic in the grinder and tamping components.
❌ Tamping lever adds extra bulk to the machine.

Final Winner: Breville Barista Touch Impress (With Caveats)

The Barista Touch Impress wins in terms of usability due to its assisted tamping and automatic dosing correction. However, the original Barista Touch has a more premium build with fewer plastic elements, making it slightly more durable in the long run.

If you prioritize manual control and a sturdier build, the Barista Touch is the better option. If you prefer ease of use and automation, the Barista Touch Impress is the superior choice.

Certainly! Here’s an expanded User Interface & Ease of Use section with a detailed breakdown of both machines.

User Interface & Ease of Use

One of the standout features of both the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress is their user-friendly touchscreen interface, which simplifies the coffee-making process. These machines are designed to offer a balance between automation and manual control, making them accessible to beginners while still allowing customization for experienced users. However, the Impress model takes ease of use a step further by incorporating automated tamping and adaptive dosing, reducing the amount of skill and effort required to make consistently great espresso.

In this section, we’ll compare the touchscreen interface, guided workflow, customizability, automation features, and overall ease of operation to determine which machine offers a superior experience.

1. The Touchscreen Interface: A Game-Changer for Home Baristas

Both machines feature a 4-inch color touchscreen, replacing traditional buttons and dials with a sleek digital interface. This screen is one of the best-designed user interfaces on any home espresso machine, offering clear instructions and a guided experience that simplifies the coffee-making process.

Breville Barista Touch:

• The touchscreen is highly responsive and well-lit, making it easy to navigate.
• Users can choose from pre-programmed drink options like espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and more.
• Each drink selection offers step-by-step guidance, walking users through grinding, brewing, and milk frothing.
• Customization is straightforward, with adjustable grind size, shot volume, temperature, and milk texture settings.
• Users can save up to 8 personalized coffee settings, making it easy to repeat favorite recipes.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• The touchscreen is nearly identical to that of the Barista Touch.
• The key difference is additional automation features, which are seamlessly integrated into the interface.
• When selecting a drink, the machine automatically adjusts dosing based on previous extractions and guides the user through tamping and brewing.
• The Impress model still allows customization of grind size, shot time, and milk texture, but it adds intelligent feedback on dosing and tamping, helping users achieve consistency without guesswork.
• More personalized drink slots than the original Barista Touch, accommodating a larger variety of saved preferences.

Verdict: Tie

Both machines feature one of the best touchscreen interfaces available, making them extremely easy to use. The Impress version has additional automation integrated into the interface, but both screens are equally intuitive and user-friendly.

2. Automation vs. Manual Control: How Much Effort is Required?

While both machines aim to make coffee-making easier, the Impress model automates more steps, reducing the margin for human error.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Requires the user to manually dose and tamp the coffee puck.
• Offers guidance on grind size and shot volume, but it’s up to the user to ensure the puck is evenly tamped.
• If the dose is too high or too low, the machine does not provide feedback, meaning the user has to adjust manually based on trial and error.
• The automatic milk frothing is a huge help, but the espresso shot quality depends heavily on user technique.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Features assisted tamping, meaning the machine automatically applies 10 kg of pressure, followed by a 7-degree twist to polish the puck. This eliminates inconsistencies in tamping.
• Intelligent dosing system analyzes previous extractions and automatically adjusts the grind amount to optimize the shot. If the machine detects that the dose is incorrect, it will adjust for the next shot.
• The result is a more consistent espresso puck, even for beginners who have little experience with tamping.
• This automation significantly reduces the learning curve, making the Barista Touch Impress a far better choice for new users.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins

The automated tamping and adaptive dosing system make the Impress model significantly easier to use, especially for those who are new to espresso-making. The original Barista Touch requires more skill and practice, which can be rewarding for enthusiasts but frustrating for beginners.

3. Customization and Flexibility

For many coffee lovers, customization is essential. Both machines allow users to adjust coffee parameters to create the perfect cup.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Users can adjust:
  • Grind size (via manual adjustment on the grinder).
  • Shot volume (single or double shot, with adjustable extraction time).
  • Water temperature (to fine-tune flavor extraction).
  • Milk frothing settings (adjust texture and temperature for different drinks).
• Once a drink is customized, it can be saved under one of 8 user profiles, making it easy to recreate later.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Offers all of the same customization features as the Barista Touch.
• Additionally, it has intelligent dosing adjustments, which means the machine automatically tweaks the grind amount to optimize extraction.
• Users can store more than 8 drink profiles, making it more versatile for households with multiple coffee drinkers.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins

While both machines allow for customization, the Impress version offers more automatic adjustments, which means it requires less trial and error. It also allows more drink profiles to be saved, making it better for households with different coffee preferences.

4. Learning Curve: Beginner-Friendly vs. Enthusiast Appeal

A key factor in usability is how long it takes to learn and master the machine.

Breville Barista Touch:

• The touchscreen interface makes it far easier to use than traditional espresso machines, but there is still a learning curve.
• Manual tamping means users must develop a feel for how much pressure to apply.
• If the grind size or dose is off, the machine does not offer correction, meaning users need to experiment.
• Best suited for those willing to learn and improve their barista skills.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• The automated tamping and dosing correction make it much easier to use right out of the box.
• Mistakes are minimized because the machine adapts and corrects dosing automatically.
• More beginner-friendly, but still allows flexibility for those who want to refine their skills.
• Ideal for those who want great coffee with minimal effort.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins

The Impress model is much easier to learn because it eliminates common beginner mistakes (inconsistent tamping and incorrect dosing). The original Barista Touch requires more practice but offers a more traditional experience for those who want to develop barista skills.

Final Verdict: Which Machine is Easier to Use?

Breville Barista Touch – Pros & Cons

✅ Highly intuitive touchscreen interface.
✅ Allows full manual control for users who want to refine their barista skills.
✅ Customizable with 8 user profiles.
❌ Requires manual tamping, increasing the chance of errors.
❌ No automatic feedback on dosing, requiring trial and error.

Breville Barista Touch Impress – Pros & Cons

✅ Same intuitive touchscreen, but with additional automation.
✅ Assisted tamping ensures perfect pressure every time.
✅ Intelligent dosing adjustments reduce user error.
✅ More drink profile storage than the original Barista Touch.
❌ Slightly more expensive.
❌ Less hands-on control for those who want a fully manual experience.

Final Winner: Breville Barista Touch Impress

If your goal is ease of use, consistency, and minimal effort, the Barista Touch Impress is the superior choice. If you prefer more manual control and don’t mind the learning curve, the original Barista Touch still provides an excellent user experience.

Coffee Quality & Brewing Performance

The true measure of an espresso machine lies in the quality of coffee it produces and its brewing performance. Both the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress are built to deliver high-quality espresso with rich flavors, balanced extraction, and a thick crema. However, differences in their tamping process, dosing adjustments, and consistency in extractions affect the final cup.

In this section, we’ll analyze and compare their grinding precision, tamping method, temperature stability, pressure consistency, extraction quality, and overall espresso performance.

1. Coffee Quality: Does One Machine Produce Better Espresso?

At the core, both machines are built on the same espresso technology, but the Impress model introduces automation to improve consistency.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Produces high-quality espresso, but the final shot depends heavily on user skill—especially with tamping and dose control.
• Users manually tamp the coffee, which means inconsistencies in pressure can lead to under-extraction (sour taste) or over-extraction (bitter taste).
• The grind size and dose need to be dialed in manually, requiring some trial and error.
• Once properly dialed in, it can produce café-quality espresso with rich crema and well-balanced flavors.
• More flexibility for experienced baristas, as it allows full control over grind size, dosing, tamping, and extraction time.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Uses the same brewing system, but integrates an assisted tamping system that ensures consistent pressure every time.
• The adaptive dosing technology adjusts the coffee amount based on previous extractions, meaning better consistency from shot to shot.
• With the automatic tamping, it reduces human error, producing more consistent espresso quality—even for beginners.
• The coffee quality is slightly more reliable compared to the standard Barista Touch, as it minimizes inconsistent tamping and dosing issues.
• For experienced users, the Impress model might feel less hands-on, but it still allows customization of grind size and shot volume.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins (for Consistency)

Both machines can produce high-quality espresso, but the Barista Touch Impress ensures more consistent results thanks to automatic tamping and adaptive dosing. If you’re skilled at tamping and don’t mind manually adjusting your grind, the Barista Touch offers the same potential for excellent espresso.

2. Grinder Performance & Dose Consistency

A high-quality grinder is essential for making great espresso. Both machines feature Breville’s built-in conical burr grinder, but their dosing method differs.

Breville Barista Touch:

• The built-in grinder provides 30 grind size settings, allowing precise adjustments.
• The user must manually control the dose and tamp it properly, which can lead to inconsistencies if not done correctly.
• No automatic dose correction, meaning if the grind is too fine or coarse, the user must manually adjust.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Uses the same conical burr grinder, but with intelligent dose adjustment based on previous extractions.
• If the grind size is too fine or too coarse, the machine automatically adjusts the dose for the next shot.
• The grinder retains its 30 settings, allowing customization but with added automation for convenience.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins

The intelligent dosing system in the Impress model reduces the need for guesswork, making it easier for beginners to achieve optimal extraction. The Barista Touch requires more manual adjustments, which can be a learning curve.

3. Tamping: Manual vs. Assisted Precision

Tamping is one of the most critical steps in making espresso. Uneven or improper tamping can lead to channeling, where water flows unevenly through the coffee puck, leading to weak, watery, or bitter espresso.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Requires manual tamping, meaning the user must apply even pressure (usually around 30 lbs of force).
• This allows full control but introduces inconsistencies, especially for beginners.
• Improper tamping can lead to uneven extraction, impacting taste and crema quality.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Features automatic assisted tamping, applying 10 kg (22 lbs) of pressure followed by a 7-degree twist to polish the puck.
• This ensures a perfectly even coffee bed every time, improving extraction consistency.
• Eliminates user error, meaning even beginners can achieve a professional tamp.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins

The assisted tamping system in the Impress model significantly improves consistency and eliminates a major variable in espresso quality. Manual tamping can be rewarding, but it requires more skill and experience.

4. Extraction Quality & Pressure Stability

Both machines use Breville’s 15-bar pump system and a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature controller, ensuring stable pressure and temperature for extraction.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Uses pre-infusion technology, which gradually increases pressure at the start of extraction, allowing the coffee puck to expand evenly.
• The PID temperature control maintains water temperature, preventing fluctuations that can ruin extraction.
• Pressure is generally consistent, but tamping inconsistencies can affect how the water flows through the puck.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Uses the same pre-infusion and PID temperature control, ensuring even extraction.
• The assisted tamping helps maintain a more even puck, leading to better and more consistent pressure distribution.
• The adaptive dose correction improves shot consistency, preventing problems from incorrect dosing.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins Slightly

While both machines deliver excellent espresso quality, the Impress model’s improved tamping and dosing adjustment lead to fewer extraction inconsistencies.

5. Crema Quality & Flavor Extraction

A well-extracted espresso shot should have a rich, thick crema and balanced flavor.

Breville Barista Touch:

• If properly tamped and dialed in, it produces excellent crema with a full-bodied taste.
• If the user is inconsistent with tamping, the crema may be thin or uneven.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Produces more consistent crema due to precise tamping and intelligent dosing adjustments.
• The crema tends to be thicker and richer since there is less chance of uneven extraction.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins (for Beginners & Consistency)

If tamping is done well, both machines can produce amazing crema. However, the Impress model ensures more consistent results, especially for beginners.

Final Verdict: Which Machine Produces Better Espresso?

Both the Barista Touch and Barista Touch Impress are capable of making café-quality espresso, but the Impress model delivers more consistent results due to its automation features.

Choose the Barista Touch If:

✅ You enjoy full manual control and want to develop barista skills.
✅ You already have experience with espresso machines and can tamp properly.
✅ You don’t mind tweaking grind size, dose, and tamping manually.

Choose the Barista Touch Impress If:

✅ You want consistent, high-quality espresso without the hassle of manual tamping.
✅ You’re a beginner or intermediate user who wants better results with less trial and error.
✅ You prefer automation to eliminate common espresso-making mistakes.

Overall Winner: Breville Barista Touch Impress

While both machines can make exceptional espresso, the Impress model ensures greater shot consistency due to automated tamping and adaptive dosing corrections. If you want a more hands-on approach, the original Barista Touch is still a fantastic choice.

Grinder Features & Performance

A high-quality espresso grinder is just as important as the espresso machine itself. Without consistent, evenly ground coffee, even the most advanced espresso machine will struggle to produce a great shot. Both the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress feature built-in conical burr grinders, which ensure freshly ground coffee for every shot.

While both machines use the same core grinding technology, the Impress model introduces automation and adaptive dosing adjustments that improve usability and consistency. In this section, we’ll compare their grind settings, dosing accuracy, consistency, user experience, and overall grinder performance to determine which machine has the superior grinder.

1. Grinder Type & Build Quality

Both the Barista Touch and Barista Touch Impress come with a high-quality, built-in conical burr grinder. Conical burr grinders are superior to blade grinders because they grind coffee beans evenly, preventing over-extraction (bitterness) or under-extraction (sourness) in espresso shots.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Features a stainless steel conical burr grinder, which provides consistent grinding for espresso.
• The grinder is integrated directly into the machine, reducing the need for a separate grinder and saving counter space.
• Grind settings are manually adjustable, giving the user complete control over grind size for different espresso styles.
• The build quality is solid, but the burr grinder does require occasional cleaning to prevent buildup.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Uses the same conical burr grinder, but integrates an intelligent dosing and tamping system for added precision.
• The grinder is still manually adjustable, but the Impress model has automated dose corrections, ensuring a more consistent amount of coffee for each shot.
• The added automation makes the grinder more user-friendly for beginners, reducing the amount of guesswork involved in dialing in the perfect espresso.

Verdict: Tie

Both machines have the same core grinder technology, meaning they offer similar grinding performance. However, the Impress model has additional automation features that improve the overall experience, particularly for beginners.

2. Grind Size Adjustability

The ability to adjust grind size is essential for achieving the perfect espresso shot. Grind size affects extraction time, flavor balance, and crema quality, so having precise control over it is crucial.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Offers 30 grind size settings, allowing users to fine-tune the grind for different types of beans.
• Adjustments must be made manually using a dial on the side of the machine.
• The machine does not provide feedback on whether the grind size is correct, meaning users must experiment through trial and error.
• Best suited for users who want full control over grind size and are willing to fine-tune their settings manually.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Also offers 30 grind size settings, meaning users still have full control over grind fineness.
• Integrates adaptive dosing, meaning if the grind size results in an under-extracted or over-extracted shot, the machine will adjust the dose to compensate.
• The grind size itself still needs to be adjusted manually, but the automated dosing correction helps improve consistency.
• More forgiving for beginners, as it reduces the impact of minor mistakes in grind size selection.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins (for Convenience)

Both machines provide the same number of grind settings, but the Impress model is more forgiving because it compensates for dosing inconsistencies. This makes it easier for beginners while still allowing advanced users to fine-tune grind size manually.

3. Dosing Precision & Consistency

Proper dosing is one of the most critical aspects of making a good espresso. If too much or too little coffee is used, it can result in over-extraction (bitter) or under-extraction (sour).

Breville Barista Touch:

• The user must manually dose the coffee, meaning they need to grind the correct amount and level it properly in the portafilter.
• The machine does not provide feedback on whether the dose is correct, so users must rely on experience or a coffee scale.
• If the dose is inconsistent, shot quality can vary significantly.
• This setup is better for experienced baristas who prefer full control over the process.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Features an adaptive dosing system, which automatically adjusts the coffee dose based on previous extractions.
• If the machine detects that the last shot was under- or over-extracted, it automatically changes the amount of coffee in the next dose to improve consistency.
• Integrated assisted tamping ensures that each dose is properly compressed, reducing inconsistencies caused by human error.
• Ideal for beginners who want a more hands-off approach while still being able to fine-tune settings as needed.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins

The Impress model’s adaptive dosing system and assisted tamping significantly improve dosing accuracy, making it easier to achieve consistent shots. The Barista Touch requires more manual input and trial and error.

4. User Experience: Ease of Grinding & Workflow

Breville Barista Touch:

• Manual dosing and tamping require more involvement from the user.
• The touchscreen interface guides the user, but there are no automatic adjustments for grind amount or tamping pressure.
• This machine is great for those who enjoy the hands-on espresso-making experience but requires more skill and effort.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• The intelligent dosing and assisted tamping make grinding and preparing espresso much easier.
• The machine removes guesswork by automatically adjusting dose size based on previous extractions.
• Better for busy users who want quick, consistent espresso without the hassle of fine-tuning every shot.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins

For ease of use, the Barista Touch Impress is the clear winner, as it automates two of the most common problem areas—dosing and tamping.

Final Verdict: Which Machine Has the Better Grinder Performance?

Both the Breville Barista Touch and Barista Touch Impress share the same high-quality conical burr grinder, but their approach to dosing and consistency differs significantly.

Choose the Barista Touch If:

✅ You prefer full manual control over grind size and dosing.
✅ You already have espresso-making experience and enjoy fine-tuning each shot.
✅ You don’t mind manually tamping and making adjustments through trial and error.

Choose the Barista Touch Impress If:

✅ You want automated dosing adjustments for more consistent extractions.
✅ You prefer an easier workflow with less guesswork.
✅ You like the idea of assisted tamping, ensuring perfect pressure every time.

Overall Winner: Breville Barista Touch Impress

While both machines have the same burr grinder technology, the Impress model offers superior usability, consistency, and ease of use. The automated dosing and tamping features eliminate common espresso-making mistakes, making it the better choice for most home baristas. However, if you prefer more manual control, the original Barista Touch still provides an excellent experience.

Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks

Milk frothing is a critical aspect of any home espresso machine, especially for those who enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. Both the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress feature automatic milk frothing wands, which simplify the process of steaming milk while still allowing for manual control.

In this section, we’ll analyze and compare their milk frothing capabilities, ease of use, steam wand performance, milk texture quality, customization, and suitability for specialty drinks to determine which machine performs better.

1. Steam Wand Type & Automation

Breville is known for equipping its espresso machines with high-quality steam wands, and both the Barista Touch and Barista Touch Impress are no exception. These machines come with automatic steam wands, meaning they can froth milk with minimal effort while allowing customization for different textures and temperatures.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Features an automatic steam wand that froths milk hands-free.
• The touchscreen allows users to adjust milk temperature (ranging from 104°F to 167°F) and foam texture (light to thick microfoam).
• The wand automatically purges after each use, reducing the need for manual cleaning.
• Users can manually steam milk by adjusting the milk jug position, but the wand does most of the work.
• Produces silky microfoam, suitable for latte art.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Uses the same automatic steam wand as the Barista Touch, offering identical temperature and foam settings.
• Also auto-purges after steaming to prevent clogging.
• No major upgrades in the steam wand, as the Impress model focuses more on espresso extraction improvements rather than milk frothing.
• Delivers the same high-quality microfoam as the Barista Touch, making it ideal for creamy lattes and airy cappuccinos.

Verdict: Tie

Since both machines use the same steam wand technology, their milk frothing performance is nearly identical. They both provide automatic frothing while allowing for some manual control, making them versatile for all types of users.

2. Ease of Use: How User-Friendly is the Milk Frothing Process?

Both machines simplify milk frothing by allowing users to set their desired milk temperature and foam texture via the touchscreen. The automation removes the need for barista skills, making these machines excellent choices for beginners.

Breville Barista Touch:

✅ Select a preset drink (latte, cappuccino, flat white, etc.) and the machine will guide you through the milk frothing process.
✅ Once the milk jug is placed under the wand, it automatically steams and froths to the selected settings.
✅ Users can adjust foam texture and temperature easily via the touchscreen.
✅ Auto-purge function makes cleaning simple, but the steam wand still needs occasional wiping.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

✅ The process is identical to the Barista Touch.
✅ Select a drink, place the jug under the wand, and the machine automatically textures the milk.
✅ Still allows for manual adjustments to temperature and texture via the touchscreen.
✅ Auto-purges after frothing, just like the standard Barista Touch.

Verdict: Tie

Since the milk frothing process is identical in both machines, neither has an advantage in terms of ease of use. Both models automate the steaming process, making it simple for beginners while still offering control for those who want to tweak their milk texture.

3. Milk Texture & Quality for Different Drinks

Microfoam texture is crucial for latte art, mouthfeel, and overall drink quality. Both machines produce high-quality steamed milk, but their effectiveness depends on the drink type.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Can produce thick, airy froth for cappuccinos or smooth, silky microfoam for lattes and flat whites.
• The automatic steam wand ensures consistency, but manual steaming allows for more control over milk texture.
• Works well for latte art, as the microfoam has fine bubbles and a glossy finish.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Delivers the same high-quality microfoam as the standard Barista Touch.
• Automatic frothing ensures uniform results, reducing variability between drinks.
• Produces milk with a velvety texture, making it ideal for latte art and creamy cappuccinos.

Verdict: Tie

Both machines create exceptional microfoam for all types of milk-based espresso drinks. The Barista Touch and Impress models perform equally well in terms of milk texture and quality.

4. Specialty Drinks: How Well Do These Machines Handle Different Milk-Based Beverages?

A major advantage of both machines is their ability to automatically adjust milk texture based on the selected drink. This feature makes it easy to create a variety of specialty drinks without needing barista skills.

Cappuccino

• Both machines create light, airy foam for a classic cappuccino.
• The preset cappuccino setting automatically adjusts the froth to be thicker.

Latte & Flat White

• Both machines produce silky, smooth milk with microfoam, perfect for lattes and flat whites.
• The adjustable milk texture allows users to create the ideal consistency.

Macchiato & Cortado

• Since the foam texture is customizable, both machines can make drier or wetter macchiatos.
• Cortados require less froth, and both machines handle this easily.

Iced Lattes & Cold Foam

• Neither machine offers a cold frothing option, meaning users must steam milk and let it cool for iced drinks.
• Cold foam enthusiasts might need a separate frother.

Alternative Milks (Oat, Almond, Soy, etc.)

• Both machines work well with alternative milks, but results vary depending on brand and ingredients.
• Oat milk generally produces the best microfoam, while almond milk may need extra frothing.

Verdict: Tie

Both machines offer customization for different milk-based drinks, making them excellent choices for specialty coffee lovers.

5. Cleaning & Maintenance of the Steam Wand

Maintaining the steam wand is essential to prevent milk residue buildup, which can affect performance over time.

Breville Barista Touch:

• The automatic steam wand purges itself after use, preventing milk from clogging the nozzle.
• The wand still requires manual wiping to remove milk residue.
• Occasionally needs deep cleaning by soaking the wand tip in a milk cleaner solution.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• Uses the same auto-purge feature, ensuring the steam wand stays clean.
• Requires the same manual wiping after use.
• No additional cleaning steps compared to the original Barista Touch.

Verdict: Tie

Both machines have identical steam wand maintenance requirements. Cleaning is simple and automated, but users must still wipe the wand after each use.

Final Verdict: Which Machine is Better for Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks?

Since both machines use the same steam wand technology and offer identical milk frothing performance, this category is a tie.

Choose the Breville Barista Touch If:

✅ You want full control over manual milk steaming.
✅ You enjoy latte art and want to fine-tune microfoam manually.

Choose the Breville Barista Touch Impress If:

✅ You want a consistent, automated milk frothing experience.
✅ You plan to make milk-based drinks frequently and prefer hands-free steaming.

Overall Verdict: Tie

Since both machines produce identical milk froth, have the same steam wand, and offer the same customization options, there is no clear winner. Both are excellent for milk-based drinks, making them great choices for latte and cappuccino lovers.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

When choosing a home espresso machine, energy efficiency and noise levels play an important role, especially for those who make coffee early in the morning or in shared living spaces. Both the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress use Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which is designed for fast heat-up times and reduced energy consumption. However, the Impress model introduces an additional tamping mechanism, which slightly impacts noise levels.

1. Energy Efficiency: Which Machine Uses Less Power?

Both machines feature Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which is significantly more energy-efficient than traditional thermoblock or boiler systems.

Key Energy-Saving Features (Both Machines):

✅ ThermoJet Heating System:

• Reaches operating temperature in 3 seconds, reducing idle power consumption.
• Consumes less electricity than traditional espresso machines with large boilers.

✅ Auto Shut-Off & Sleep Mode:

• Both machines automatically enter sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity.
• They shut off completely after 30 minutes, reducing energy waste.

Verdict: Tie

Since both machines use the same heating system and energy-saving features, their energy efficiency is identical.

2. Noise Levels: Which Machine is Quieter?

Espresso machines can be noisy due to the grinder, pump, and steam wand operation.

Breville Barista Touch:

• The conical burr grinder produces moderate noise but is quieter than many standalone grinders.
• The vibration pump is relatively quiet during extraction.
• The steam wand emits some noise, but it’s not excessive.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• The grinder and pump produce the same level of noise as the standard Barista Touch.
• However, the automatic tamping mechanism adds a noticeable clicking sound, making it slightly louder overall.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins (Slightly Quieter)

While both machines are relatively quiet for home espresso machines, the Impress model’s automatic tamping adds extra noise, making the standard Barista Touch slightly quieter overall.

Final Verdict: Which Machine is More Energy Efficient & Quieter?

🏆 Energy Efficiency: Tie (both use the same ThermoJet system).
🏆 Noise Levels: Barista Touch wins (Impress model’s tamping mechanism adds extra noise).

If you value a quieter machine, the Barista Touch is the better option. However, if noise isn’t a major concern, the Impress model’s additional automation may be worth the trade-off.

Value for Money

When investing in an espresso machine, value for money goes beyond just the price tag. It includes build quality, features, automation, ease of use, long-term performance, and maintenance costs. Both the Breville Barista Touch and Breville Barista Touch Impress are premium home espresso machines that offer a balance of convenience and performance. However, the additional automation in the Impress model means it comes at a higher price point.

To determine which machine offers better value, we’ll compare pricing, features, automation, durability, ongoing costs, and who each machine is best suited for.

1. Pricing & Cost Differences

Breville Barista Touch

💲 Priced at $999 – $1,099, depending on retailer and promotions.

Breville Barista Touch Impress

💲 Priced at $1,199 – $1,299, making it about $200–$300 more expensive than the Barista Touch.

The price difference is mainly due to the additional automation features in the Impress model, including:
✅ Assisted tamping (which ensures consistent puck compression).
✅ Intelligent dosing adjustment (which corrects for dosing inconsistencies).
✅ More automation in workflow, making it more beginner-friendly.

While the Impress model is more expensive, it justifies the extra cost for users who want an easier, more automated experience. However, for those who don’t mind manual tamping, the standard Barista Touch may offer better value.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins (More Affordable)

The Barista Touch costs less and still provides the same core espresso-making functionality. However, the Impress model is worth the extra cost for those who want automation and consistency.

2. Features vs. Cost: Are You Getting What You Pay For?

Both machines share many of the same high-end features, including:
✅ ThermoJet heating system (3-second heat-up time).
✅ Built-in conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings.
✅ Automatic milk frothing with customizable temperature & texture control.
✅ 4-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation.
✅ PID temperature control for stable extraction.
✅ Pre-infusion system to improve espresso extraction.

What You’re Paying Extra for in the Impress Model

🔹 Intelligent Dosing & Assisted Tamping → Ensures consistent espresso pucks with minimal effort.
🔹 Adaptive Dose Correction → Adjusts the grind dose based on previous extractions.
🔹 More Beginner-Friendly → Reduces trial and error for less experienced users.

For someone who values convenience and consistency, the additional features of the Impress model justify the extra cost. However, for those who enjoy the traditional espresso-making process, the extra automation may not be necessary.

Verdict: Barista Touch Impress Wins (More Features for the Price)

While it’s more expensive, the Barista Touch Impress offers better consistency and ease of use, making it worth the premium for those who want automation without sacrificing espresso quality.

3. Long-Term Durability & Maintenance Costs

One of the biggest factors in value for money is how well a machine holds up over time and what ongoing costs are involved.

Breville Barista Touch:

• Built with more stainless steel components, making it feel slightly more premium.
• No additional moving parts beyond the grinder and steam wand, meaning fewer things can go wrong.
• Less complex design may lead to fewer repair needs in the long run.

Breville Barista Touch Impress:

• The added automatic tamping mechanism introduces extra moving parts, which could require maintenance or replacement after years of use.
• Still built with quality materials, but has more plastic components than the standard Barista Touch.
• The intelligent dosing system relies on sensors, which means potential future repair costs.

Both machines require regular cleaning and descaling, but the Impress model’s tamping system adds an extra cleaning step to ensure coffee grounds don’t clog the mechanism.

Verdict: Barista Touch Wins (Fewer Parts to Maintain)

While the Impress model’s automation is convenient, more moving parts mean more potential maintenance costs over time. The Barista Touch is simpler, with fewer things that can go wrong, making it a better long-term investment for durability.

4. Who Should Buy Each Machine?

Choosing between these two models depends on your priorities, skill level, and how much convenience matters to you.

Buy the Breville Barista Touch If You:

✅ Want a high-quality espresso machine at a lower cost.
✅ Enjoy the hands-on process of making espresso and don’t mind manual tamping.
✅ Are willing to fine-tune grind size, dose, and tamping for the best shot.
✅ Want a machine with fewer moving parts for long-term reliability.

Buy the Breville Barista Touch Impress If You:

✅ Prefer automation for a more consistent espresso experience.
✅ Are a beginner who wants to eliminate tamping mistakes.
✅ Want a machine that adapts to your shots and corrects dosing errors.
✅ Are willing to pay $200–$300 more for added convenience.

Final Verdict: Which Machine Offers Better Value?

Breville Barista Touch – Pros & Cons

✅ More affordable than the Impress model.
✅ Fewer moving parts to maintain over time.
✅ Provides full manual control for coffee enthusiasts.
❌ Requires manual tamping, which can lead to inconsistencies.
❌ More trial and error for beginners to get the perfect shot.

Breville Barista Touch Impress – Pros & Cons

✅ Assisted tamping & adaptive dosing ensure better shot consistency.
✅ Easier to use for beginners, reducing mistakes.
✅ Still customizable for those who want to tweak settings.
❌ Costs $200–$300 more than the standard Barista Touch.
❌ More moving parts, increasing potential maintenance needs.

Overall Winner: Breville Barista Touch (Best Value for Manual Users)

If you’re comfortable with manual tamping and dialing in shots, the Barista Touch provides the best value for your money. It’s cheaper, more durable, and still offers excellent coffee quality.

Alternative Winner: Breville Barista Touch Impress (Best Value for Convenience Seekers)

If you prioritize ease of use and automation, the Impress model justifies its higher price by delivering better shot consistency with less effort. It’s the better choice for those who want premium espresso without a learning curve.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

• If you’re an espresso enthusiast who enjoys manual control, go with the Barista Touch.
• If you want automation and consistency with minimal effort, the Barista Touch Impress is worth the extra investment.

Both machines are excellent choices, but your decision should be based on whether you value control or convenience more.