I modded this impressive (heh) machine by ordering the 4 hole steam wand tip as spare part, it helps a lot and basically eradicates the (to me) only downside of the device.
Let me know if you have any questions! A note: I was really congested during this shoot, and sorry if I sound off. When I said the Barista Pro was “dialed in finer” I meant I ground finer, which explains the shot time and taste differences. The espresso is surprisingly similar to these models. Also, you're wondering about the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I'm fairly certain it's quite good, as I’ve used the Barista Touch, Pro, and Express Impress models. If your budget is >$1k or you’re comparing super-automatic espresso machines, I’d consider the Barista Touch Impress. You can find it here: amzn.to/46l3OSg (affiliate link)
Thank you for going into so much detail! It was really helpful in deciding which way to go. The Impress is on sale again so will probably go with that one. I was also comparing the Impress Express vs the Impress Touch and there seemed to be more glitches on the Impress Touch with reviewers after having it for a few weeks. Analog is the way to go with the Impress - less mess!
I'm buying my first espresso machine and your videos are the best! -They're very informative and cover a lot of features / benefits that I wouldn't have considered. Thanks!
Really good video, I like the approach you took with testing with a 3rd pressure gauge. I was thinking my Impress is broken..but now I know it's not and that's good that it stays at max 9 bars. (4th tick mark on the gauge dial) I guess Brevile might've decided to just keep the pressure at 9bar max, so it won't even try any harder as they think it'll make bad coffee.. essentially a little too fine of a grind and it will drip or completely stop flowing. Interesting!
So continuing on my thoughts here, is it true that Breville Express is relying on the grind to slow down the pump as it has a higher OPV relief setpoint vs. Impress pre-emptively doesn't even go that high?
@@DJfarhangj step back - these machines all use virbatory pumps, which are effective but cheap and almost always operate at 15 bars. The OPV reduces that pressure, but calibrating an OPV is tricky and most manufacturers don't get it right. When the Barista Express was first released, Breville didn't get it right (remember that was 2011!), but they updated the Barista Pro to 10 bars and another update to Barista Impress. It takes time to get right. So, yes Breville pre-emptively set the OPV different at a lower pressure. The grinder is the exact same. There's been more "espresso science" to also show the impact of 9 bars is better and more forgiving.
This was a wonderful video and one of the best I’ve seen! 😀 I recently bought the Impress and I’m so glad that I did based off your explanation! 🎉 Thank you! I pray you get MANY more subscribers!! 🙌 May Jesus bless you abundantly!✝️
This is the third time I’ve watched this video for my new machine. Really great video. I know you aren’t tech support but maybe someone can chime in…my hopper keeps having the beans stuck and the machine says it’s out of beans. I’ve been tapping the hopper pretty solidly as it grinds. It seems like something I shouldn’t have to do. I am looking at a baffle. Is that my solution? Seems a shame on a new machine. Next I’m going to look how to get rid of the watery pucks that are hard to knock. Cheers. Thanks everyone.
I’ve heard of this happening and my concern is - what beans are you using? Are they really oily? Don’t get the darkest roast because oily beans will clog it. Also, a bellow will help. I like bellows regardless because they push out those old grounds (anyone on Amazon will do).
And don’t hesitate to comment. Some really smart people have replied and are supportive. It’s helped me a ton. Appreciate the support from you, and everyone.
Great video. I’ve had the “Impress” for almost a year now and love it. It’s so easy to use and consistent. Random question though, what is the black riser thing you are using under your cup? I’m looking for something similar to keep it from splattering.
Thanks for Excellent video with great details. Just side question if Impress grinder capable grind coarse level for pour over? If yes after Grind is there possibility to move powder in less messy way ?😅
@@celinaprince9510 I wouldn’t use the grinder for pour over. We’ve reviewed better options here: craftcoffeespot.com/grinder/best-coffee-grinder-for-pour-over-coffee/
I tested the Bambino, and it runs at 10 bars just like the Barista Pro. I’m doing some more testing on the Bambino, and it’s a great model (especially for the price).
@@thematrix7225 yes, I’ve opened up the Bambino and it has the same internal OPV design as the other Brevilles. You can see the “Barista Express OPV mod” video I did. Also, the pressure gauge I use only builds pressure, and it still doesn’t go over 10 bars.
I’m around a 10 grind size on the Pro. But your best size depends on coffee beans and inner burr alignment. I recommend you grind finer and finer, until it literally won’t flow. That marks the “zero point” (my rough term) for your machine…your best settings will typically be 3-4 settings up from there. Yes, you should set aside a bag of coffee for this process, and not your favorite coffee beans either! But my guess is you’re already close. Longer answer - hope that helps.
@@craftcoffeespot Yes that does answer the question. I'm pretty dialed in finally!!!! I was curious what you use for grind size. Thank you for your time today. keep them coming.. If you ever decide in the future to sell any of your Breville's hit me up please. 🙂
Awesome video !!! I have the breville barista express.... I have an issue though. The pressure is perfect but it's only pulling for about 14 seconds & maybe pulling about 24 grams of espresso. Any tips to help this !? Thank you
You can change the inner burr on the grinder, so in reality you have many more settings, seems like just a game of numbers. You can also do a longer pre-infusion on the Express/Express impress, you don't mention this in any of your videos when you compare the Express machines with pro!
Fair point on pre-infusion. Probably right on grind sizes too. Over time, I think the OPV change on pressure is the biggest difference between Express Impress, Pro, and Express. The thermojet makes a difference. I spoke to a Breville engineer who was saying their upcoming dual ThermoJet is more temp stable than the Dual Boiler! Anyway, the logic has changed some since filming, but pressure and heating system are very important and very different. I recommend the Express Impress mostly, because self-tamping is just so easy. I also like the Pro if you don’t mind the work and want to steam milk. And budget option is Breville Bambino + DF64 --> that’s what I use now.
We just filmed the mod video for the legacy barista express. It helps a lot for that model. I’m not following the blowoff valve…you mean another outlet to flow espresso at 9 bars and release water through another channel? (Apologies for not following) My goal was just to make a simple manometer for the Pro; nothing crazy. Open to better ideas!
I like the "less mess" of the Impress model during tamping. I just received my unit today and the pressure gauge needle does not move during brewing. Any ideas?
Do someone understands filter button on Sage? You can choose berween small and big cup, but it has nothing to do with choosing between big or small filter, but between single or dual wall filter. But knowing which is which is very weird. Anyone lost about that?
Breville for sure. I’d consider the Breville Touch Impress, as it has the automatic milk frother that is better than DeLonghi Soul. You can find it here: amzn.to/44cOqHt
Ok actually I was thinking in a portafilter that lets the coffee goes, and measures the pressure. But obviously it doesnt make sense, since the pressure will drop there. We need a builturself gauge in the pro. The only thing I dont know where, without cracking the machine.😂
@@Clamaran1Agree it should be a proper scace but those are very expensive and none are for 54mm. The next best thing is this crude device, which measures the max pressure from the OPV. It was revealing about the differences between machines (at least to me). Clearly, the BBE is set higher than other machines, and Impress a little lower. It gets more nuanced, because I notice the pressure increases on the Pro after 10-15 seconds. Meanwhile, the Impress tends to drop which makes the flow rate more consistent. Overall, it's all imperfect science by a guy on the internet, but it says something about the Impress and doubt it's random.
Tough timing with the Impress just on sale 😅. I’m more optimistic on BBE after learning seeing the pressure. I think that can be modified. Also, BBE have good resale value. Check FB marketplace or OfferUp if you want to trade in.
