Barista Express Impress vs Barista Pro

Which of these home espresso machines is better?

While the Breville / Sage Barista Pro model came out back in 2019 and quickly became a choice for many enthusiasts making coffee at home, last year we welcomed the launch of the much-talked-about Breville / Sage Barista Express Impress, equipped with some very interesting features.

Since these two home espresso machines are positioned almost at price parity, I thought I’d do a quick rundown on features, compare their capabilities and see which one might be a better fit for you. So, if at the moment you’re considering one of the two models, I hope my thoughts below can help you make a better and more informed decision. We’ll look at:

1. Dimension, water tank and bean hopper

2. Heating efficiency

3. Steam wand

4. Grinder

5. Dosing and tamping

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1. Dimension, water tank and bean hopper

As far as these aspects are concerned, the differences between the two models are very small. They both sport the same 54mm portafilter and a similar compact build, making it easy to accommodate both in small kitchens and living spaces.

2. Heating efficiency

Barista Express Impress

It features a Thermocoil heating system. This means you’ll have to give it a few minutes before it’s ready for you to start making your espresso.

Barista Pro

This one comes at the top. It’s equipped with a Thermojet system, which uses less energy and helps the machine warm up in just a few seconds after turning it on.

3. Steam wand

Barista Express Impress

It features the infamous 1-hole steam wand, the same one you’ll find on the best selling Breville / Sage Barista Express model. While capable of churning café-quality milk texture and latte art, it’s a pain for many beginner home baristas. You really need to be ready to tackle it with patience and perseverance.

Barista Pro

In comparison, the steam wand has 4-holes (similar to the one installed on the Breville / Sage Bambino Plus), which means the milk steaming process is less frustrating, easier and quicker. So, if you’re a keen milk coffee drinker and you know you’ll be mostly making cappuccinos and lattes at home, this is something to keep in mind! You’ll definitely find the Barista Pro more pleasant to work with.

4. Grinder

In the grinding compartment things are relatively close too, with 25 grind settings on the Barista Express Impress compared with 30 on the Barista Pro. They’re both capable of doing a good job, especially if you’re using medium roasted coffee beans (which I actually recommend, given the built-in grinder).

However, at least on paper, the Barista Pro does give you a slight advantage, with a little more room to tweak the grind size during the espresso dial in process.

5. Dosing and tamping

This is where things get interesting.

Barista Express Impress

This model is designed to automate and simplify the task of making espresso at home.

• Once you’ve figured out the best grind size for the coffee beans you’re using, the Intelligent Dosing feature helps you achieve a consistent amount of ground coffee in the portafilter without the use of a scale.

• Manual tamping is replaced by Assisted Tamping via a side lever, with the purpose to deliver a more even tamping repeatedly.

• The dose level light indicators are helpful feedback. It does require getting used to it, but I found the process fairly intuitive. Based on my first trials, to get to a decent tasting brew ratio on the Auto mode, this machine does seem to favor over-dosing (it’ll hover around 19 grams) and pulling a slightly under-extracted shot.

• Everything happens behind the tamp cover, which means you can’t use a WDT tool or a coffee distribution tool unless you grind separately into a dosing cup. But, that would defeat the purpose of the features of this machine.

All in all, you have to make a few compromises, but in return you do get a simplified experience, especially when it comes to espresso puck prep flow.

Barista Pro

The workflow is pretty straightforward, although it implies a bit more manual work, since this machine allows for more control over the puck prep flow and overall espresso brewing experience. You can tamp by using the classic tamper and you can adjust the dose via the “Grind Amount” front dial. Working with a coffee scale makes the process quicker and easier.

Barista Express Impress vs Barista Pro, which one is better?

If you prefer convenience and more automation, the Barista Express Impress is for you.

For this reason, I can totally see its charm. It doesn’t require you to invest in upgrades for additional home barista accessories. You’re certainly capable of making espresso straight out of the box with this home espresso machine, although it does help to understand the basics of espresso making.

If you’re a coffee enthusiast who would like to be more hands-on during the entire process of making espresso at home, the Barista Pro is the way to go!

The Thermojet heating, improved steam wand and 30 grind settings make it a solid entry-level home espresso machine for anyone looking to enter the world of making espresso at home.

I hope you find these tips helpful and, if you’d like to dive deeper, you may consider our espresso and latte art home barista workshops. Happy brewing!

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this, you might find this blogpost here interesting too – A quick look at the Barista Express Impress