Choosing between the Breville Barista Express and Impress can feel tough at first. Both have strong parts, but each one fits a different need. One gives smart tools for quick use, while the other keeps a low cost and steady power.
I have used both in my own kitchen, so I know how they act each day. My aim is to share clear pros and cons in a simple way. By the end, you will know which one fits your pace at home.
Is the Breville Barista Express BES870XL Good?
I’ve been using the Breville Barista Express BES870XL for a long time, and it has been a joy. It grinds fast, warms up quick, and makes smooth shots with no stress. I like how it fits into my day and helps me start with a calm cup. It feels simple, warm, and fun to use.
The 1600-watt heat system and the large 67-oz tank make each brew fast and easy. The built-in grinder keeps things clean, and the controls stay clear for new users. It works well in small spaces and suits busy people who still want good coffee. For me, it is a solid pick, and I suggest reading more if you want to see how it can fit your home.
What I Like
I’ve used the Breville Barista Express for years. I know the little wins and the bumps. Here I share what I love and why it helps me as a home barista.
- The Integrated Conical Burr Grinder grinds fresh beans fast. Fresh grind = brighter shots.
- The dose control makes each shot repeatable. I press and feel confident.
- Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion wakes the grounds gently. It brings out even flavor.
- The Steam Wand textures milk well for lattes at home. I get silky foam.
- The metal finish looks clean on my counter. The Brushed Stainless Steel ages well.
- The pressure gauge helps me learn Espresso Extraction Pressure. I watch it like a tutor.
- It fits my rhythm as a Home Barista. It feels like a small cafe in my kitchen.
What Could Be Better
I like this brand a lot. I also see small ways it could get even better. I write these notes to help you decide with a clear view.
- The grinder can be fussy with oily beans. Clean it more often. A simpler clean path would help.
- Some parts feel plastic under the hood. Sturdier bits would boost long-term trust.
- Water hardness affects the machine. A better in-box filter or clearer descale tips would help.
- The learning curve can feel steep at first. Short how-to cards would save time.
- A longer warranty would calm new buyers. It shows a brand stands behind its kit.
Recommendation
If you want to make great coffee at home, the Breville Barista Express with grinder is a strong pick. It blends fresh grinding and smooth brewing in one easy setup. The 54mm portafilter gives each shot a rich feel, and the grind size dial makes it simple to tune your taste.
I find it works well for new home brewers and for people who want to learn real barista skills. The brand has a steady record of making tools that help you grow with your craft. It does need light care, but that is part of the fun when you enjoy fresh shots. If you want a machine that turns your kitchen into a small café, this one fits that role with ease.
Is Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BSS Good?
Here’s what I learned after using the Breville Barista Express Impress BES876BSS each day. It made my morning drinks calm and easy, and I loved how the soft tamp and clean puck saved me time. The warm taste felt rich, and the grinder gave fresh flavor with little work. It fit right into my routine and made each cup feel like a small treat.
The 1600-watt heat system, the 2-liter tank, and the steady Thermocoil setup kept each shot warm and smooth. The built-in grinder and assisted tamping helped me brew fast, even on busy days. It also fits small spaces well, which is great for tight kitchens. For me, it is a solid pick, and you can keep reading my full review to see if it fits your style too.
What I Like
I’ve used the Breville Barista Express Impress for a while now, and it feels like a friend in my kitchen. I enjoy how it simplifies my routine yet still gives me the joy of hands-on brewing. Here’s what stood out for me in day-to-day use.
- The Impress Puck System saves time. It keeps each dose even, so I get a clean puck with less mess.
- The Assisted Tamping feels smooth. It gives the right pressure, so my shots stay steady.
- The Conical Burr Grinder helps me get a fresh taste. The grind stays fine and clear.
- The Thermocoil Heating System with PID Control keeps the heat stable. My shots taste warm and rich.
- The 54mm stainless steel portafilter feels firm in my hand. It gives that café feel at home.
- The machine helps me hit a good extraction time with little effort. My coffee tastes bold but still sweet.
- As a semi-automatic espresso machine, it lets me stay in control but never lost. It guides me without taking over.
What Could Be Better
I like this brand a lot, and I trust it. Still, there are a few small things that could be smoother. None are deal-breakers, but they are worth sharing so you get the full picture.
- The water tank has no sensor. A small alert would help on busy days.
- The tamping arm works well, but it means you cannot check the puck mid-way. A small design tweak could fix that.
- The steam wand warms up fine, but a bit more speed would be nice for fast mornings.
- It shuts off after a set time. A longer timer option would help when I pause between cups.
- The adaptive dose learns fast, but it still needs a few shots to dial in new beans. A “quick adjust” mode would help beginners.
Recommendation
The Breville Barista Express Impress is a great pick if you love easy lattes at home. The smart dose and soft tamp help improve espresso flavor with less work. The built-in grinder and 54mm portafilter make each cup taste fresh and warm.
It fits new home brewers who want clear steps and simple care. There are small quirks, but they fade fast once you learn the flow. For me, this semi-automatic machine is a calm and steady choice.
Breville Barista Express vs Impress: Details Comparison
I’ve been testing both machines side by side for a while now. Each one has a warm charm that fits well in a home kitchen. Here is what I found in a simple and clear way to help you see which one suits your style.
Brewing Speed
Both machines warm up fast, but the Impress trims a few steps with its dose and tamp help.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Warm-up Time | Fast | Fast |
| Prep Steps | Full manual | Short steps |
| Shot Speed | Steady | A bit quicker |
Rating:
- Express 8/10
- Impress 9/10
Coffee Temperature
Both hold heat well, but the Impress has a slight edge due to the tight dose and tamp.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Heating System | Thermocoil | Thermocoil |
| PID Action | Yes | Yes |
| Shot Warmth | Warm | Warm and even |
Rating:
- Express 8.5/10
- Impress 9/10
Brew Quality
Both make rich shots, but the Impress gives more control with its clean puck and smooth tamp.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Shot Flow | Good | More even |
| Flavor | Full | Full and sweet |
| Crema | Good | Thick |
Rating:
- Express 8/10
- Impress 9/10
Water Tank Capacity & Placement
Both tanks sit at the back, but the Impress has a larger size.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Size | 67 oz (2 Liters) | 2 liters (2 Liters) |
| Ease of Reach | Good | Good |
| Low Water Alert | No | No |
Rating:
- Express 9/10
- Impress 9/10
Filter System & Quality
The filters work the same, and both machines give clean water for brewing.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Filter Type | Same style | Same style |
| Water Flow | Smooth | Smooth |
| Portafilter Size | 54mm | 54mm |
Rating:
- Express 8.5/10
- Impress 8.5/10
Noise Level During Brewing
Both stay quiet for home use, but the Impress grinder is softer.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Grinder Noise | Moderate | Quiet |
| Pump Noise | Low | Low |
| Steam Noise | Low | Low |
Rating:
- Express 8/10
- Impress 9/10
Maintenance & Cleaning
Both need simple care, but the Impress helps keep the puck area cleaner.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Drip Tray Care | Easy | Easy |
| Puck Clean | Messy at times | Very clean |
| Daily Cleaning | Easy | Easy |
Rating:
- Express 8.5/10
- Impress 8.5/10
User Interface & Controls
Both use clear dials, but the Impress adds soft buttons and smart dose help.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Grind Control | Dial (16 settings) | Dial (25 settings) |
| Dose Help | Manual | Auto assist |
| Use Flow | Hands-on | Guided |
Rating:
- Express 8/10
- Impress 9/10
Footprint & Design
Both look sharp on a counter. The Impress feels a bit more modern and smooth.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Size | Medium | A bit taller |
| Style | Brushed Stainless Steel | Modern, rounded edges |
| Counter Fit | Easy | Easy |
Rating:
- Express 8/10
- Impress 9/10
Build Quality & Materials
Both use steel and feel solid. The Impress has smoother parts and tight build.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Primary Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Feel | Durable, robust | Durable, refined |
| Longevity | Proven over many years | High-quality construction |
Rating:
- Express 9/10
- Impress 9/10
Included Accessories
Both include full tools, but the Impress kit feels more complete.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Milk Jug | Yes | Yes |
| Baskets | Full set | Full set |
| Cleaning Kit | Full set | Full set |
Rating:
- Express 9/10
- Impress 9/10
Value for Money
Both offer strong value. The Express suits hands-on users, while the Impress adds smart help that boosts ease and taste.
| Feature | Barista Express | Barista Express Impress |
| Best For | Manual lovers | Simple start |
| Help Features | Low | High |
| Taste Gain | Great | Greater ease |
Rating:
- Express 8/10
- Impress 9/10
My Final Opinion
If you want a hands-on feel and a lower cost, the Breville Barista Express is a great pick. It suits people who enjoy full control and do not mind a few extra steps.
If you want fast help with dose and tamp, the Impress makes each cup easy and clean. It fits busy users who want great drinks with less work. Both are strong choices, so pick the one that matches your pace at home.
FAQ’s About Breville Barista Express vs Impress
Is the Breville Barista Express good for beginners?
Yes — the Barista Express gives a solid built-in grinder and simple controls. It takes some practice, but it’s a very good start for home espresso.
What are the common problems with the Barista Express?
Some users face leaks, low pressure or erratic shot timing. Regular cleaning and correct grind size help avoid these issues.
What’s the difference between the Breville Barista Express and Impress?
The Impress adds smart dose control and assisted tamping so the machine guides you more. The Express gives more manual feel and lower cost.
Which machine is better for a tight kitchen counter space?
Both are compact, but the Barista Express Impress is slightly taller and wider — measure your space before picking one.
Can I dial-in grind size easily on these machines?
Yes — both use a conical burr grinder, but the Impress offers a refined grind setting range for more control.
Which machine is better for latte or cappuccino lovers?
If you steam milk often, the Impress gives more dose and tamp control so your espresso base stays stable. The Express also works well but needs more hands-on attention.
Hi, I’m Joshua Miller, a U.S.-based food lover, review writer, and Co-founder of KitchenWink.com. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Culinary Technology, and for over five years I’ve been testing kitchen gadgets like air fryers, blenders, and other cooking tools.
I’m also a home cook, so every product I review is tried in real kitchens—not just in theory. My reviews are based on real results, simple fixes, and tips that anyone can use. With both formal training and hands-on testing, I make sure my advice is clear, honest, and practical.
My goal is simple: to help home cooks choose the right tools and make cooking easier every day.
