FOOL-PROOF ESPRESSO MACHINE: Breville Barista Touch Impress Review
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
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TIME CUES
0:00- Intro
1:45- No Scale, No Problem
6:00- Grinder Upgrade!
7:43- Razor
8:29- Hopper and Exchange
9:18- Touch
14:28- Potential Bias
14:48- Milk Testing
21:22- Thermal Testing
27:38- Bye - Zábava
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I don't know a ton about coffee yet, but the eloquence of this presentation is astounding. Just non-stop high quality information, well done.
One tonne of coffee.
Now you know a ton
Probably the best video I've seen this year: informative, well-edited, honest, and importantly, not pretentious at all.
Undoubtedly the best review of this product on CZcams. Great analysis. Treated how you would a La Marzocco…
Thanks for this review. I’m often asked by friends who want to “start” getting into coffee/espresso and want some thing good/better, but don’t want to faff about- what machine/setup should they get. I think this guy here checks many boxes.
I've been watching a lot of CZcams videos on this machine and others and trying to learn more about them. This is the level of nerd I've been looking for. I'm thrilled to have found your channel. What I've learned is there is so much that goes into the perfect shot of espresso. Finding thorough instructions on perfecting the perfect shot has been a challenge.
I'm still shopping for a "first machine," and so far, this is at the top of the list. I think. That said, I am the type of person who, when I take on something new, will fully immerse myself and try my best to master it. I am not thrilled about the idea of an automatic machine that I will never learn how to properly pull a great shot without using its features. But I also don't know where to start with machines and the techniques for pulling espressos. And while the budget is always a consideration, I don't mind spending the money on a good machine the first time if it will last me.
All this said, is this the machine you'd recommend for someone like me or is there something else I should also consider?
What you end up getting?
If you already say that you want to learn more about machines and techniques you'll likely get bored with this device quickly. It probably is better than any normal "all-rounder" but still limits you in a thousand ways and personally, I think it looks a little generic too.
@@Kimba33 Do you have a recommendation?
@@pilotbum I'm by no means someone to give out recommendations. It depends a lot on your budget and preferences. You should primarily focus on a good grinder, get one at 300€ or more. I have the niche zero which is very popular and I love it. My first espresso machine was a thermoblock, the ascaso dream PID. It's alright, but I wanted a lever machine, so now I have an Odyssey Argos. There is a huge variety in machines
@@Kimba33 Thanks. I have a Breville grinder, which I believe is a good grinder. But your first comment was what I really needed to hear. I appreciate the feedback.
I'm definitely getting one! I've heard positive things from others, and your insights steered me away from more traditional options like Rocket or Profitec. The user-friendly aspect is a huge plus, especially when my mother-in-law visits us in Tuscany. I can show her once, and she'll be able to make any coffee she fancies.
Thanks Lance for the great review, love your videos❤️, just broke down and bought one and we are thrilled 😊
Really enjoy your style of review. You clearly know way more than me in the coffee sector however you dont make me feel like a total idiot while explaining it. Well done.
Lance, as always. Love your format. I always appreciate that, like your other product reviews, this is much more than a review. It's a lesson in espresso as well.
Have a fantastic day!
just an amazing video. Lance your mastery is sublime!
Hi Lance, great to see that you're supporting the great coffee for everyone mission (not only snobbish enthusiasts)❤
Obviously you are a coffee aficionado coupled with your knowledge on the mechanisms of coffee equipment is so impressive and intimidating accolades and thanks for the excellent content
Bought this machine a few weeks ago…my first espresso machine and I love it! So easy and makes great drinks.
Brilliant review, demo and information ! Best video on barista touch that I have seen ! Thanks
This is what I have been looking at, super helpful thank you a bunch.
Sage are really doing really well at providing super machines that allows both auto modes and the chance to go deep into the coffee world 🤗
Thanks Lance! Enjoyed your review. Will definitely consider this machine ❤
Great, I've been waiting for this review. Thanks
2:32 It's actually the other way around - light roasts weigh more (for a given volume). 18g of a light roast would take up less volume then 18g of a dark roast.
Yep. Mess up there
Big up for just owning it!@@LanceHedrick
@@NAAjine😂 obviously anyone would
Awesome informative review. Many thanks.
Excellent review and walk-through. Thanks...convinced me to buy one.
Hey Lance ,loving the sage/breville products for the price ,good to hear that they have improved the burrs,was the only weak link (I had a dose control pro,struggled at times dialling in)
Only have a bambino + and a niche zero
Really happy with them 🙏🏼
Thanks! I went with this one over the Pro and others; this helped with my decision making.
Another in depth review Lance 👍
Texture test is not what I needed with headphones on before my morning coffee 😂🙃
For real though, amazing review! Super detailed in all the right areas
Appreciated this thorough demonstration
Ok your review convinced me to buy the Barista Touch Impress.
Couldn’t buy on Amazon as the extended warranty is by Assure. So I went directly to Breville so I could get their 3 year extended warranty. Sorry as you convinced me! Will keep my Bambino Plus until I’m sure I didn’t get one of duds from reviews on Amazon. Thank you so much !! Hope I can use your ArtPresso open bottom portafilter.
I love your videos as you are super knowledgable and honest!❤
I have this machine, too - only for about a week. The "dud" things seem to have been easy fixes (read: generally user error/oversight) so far. The Error09 complaint seems to occur when there's insufficient water level in the tank (frothing), or, when the machine shares a power outlet with something else (USA situation). I've also had a couple "!" warnings onscreen when the frothing mug vibrated itself off the temperature sensor - replacing it stopped the warning. All of those were during automatic frothing. I encountered only one concerning issue during manual frothing: I think I accidentally made contact between the wand and the wall of the frothing mug and received a small shock/zap (and dropped the whole mug - oops!). That probably isn't supposed to happen. No intention of trying to replicate that experience. Not sure what to do next, because this machine suits my curious-beginner skill level.
Fantastic review as always 👊🏽
Thoughts on the Profitec Go?
I have the non touch barista impress, and its good to see they fixed the fact that you cannot use the dosing funnel with there portafilter.. I used a bottemless one now because the standerd one doesnt fit with the dosing funnel.
Thanks, Lance. A thorough review as always. 👌🏼
Very cool. I bought an Oracle Touch about 3 years ago and this seems much more advanced. Breville is doing a great job in the market between super automatic and prosumer
Awesome video. i just bought this. Can't wait to get it.
Dang Lance, your automatically steamed milk looked really good, better than I've got on most attempts. What milk are you using? It also helps to pour into another pitcher to incorporate the milk top to bottom. I'm sure this'll be a go to video for lots of people, so kudos to you for covering it. Cheers!
Ha! I wonder if it has to do with spout location?
Awesome machine for those who don’t want the hassle but do want the taste. Thanks for the video 👍🏻 Now I just need some more money 😅
Lance, just love your channel - have learned a ton! Definitely subscribed. :-)
I have a new Breville Express Impress - you mentioned in the video the pre-infusion on that machine. I am curious - when timing your shot do you include the pre-infusion time or start timing when the machine goes to full pressure?
Lance, First... Great review. At about 6:40 you say it has 30 options (steps) for grinding. When you adjust grind you find that it does change from say upper 12 to mid 12 and lower 12 so basically this is stepless. Is it as fine a change as a high end grinder? No, but it does increase the grind adjustment.
At 9:40, the Cafe Creme isn't on the US model.
A11:00 you talk about saving grind size. You can not save a different grind size for a single or double shot basket. Also saving a drink will not save the single or double size basket. If my wife has made a single shot drink and I choose my saved "double Shot" Americano, I will have to change the basket size because it doesn't change.
Running a FB Page for this machine and numerous contacts with Breville Techs has taught me a lot about it.
Yes I'll be honest. In my time using it, performance was my main target. I always manually pull my shots. And Lindsey always makes a flat white. So I didn't do due diligence with the programs.
As for the machine's capabilities, I've got about 4 months of experience with it and stand by those assertions hahaha
@@LanceHedrick I love the machine! I've had mine since late July.
Not my cup, but nonetheless quite excited to see this new trend growing within manufacturers to make quality extraction accessible to all users. The absence of it made my wife go back to pods, I am sure history could have been different with these new concepts. Thinking also of the new Eureka UI on their future grinders.
Great to see Breville implementing better burrs as well!
On a personal note, very excited to see where your project with them will be going! Would be awesome if it could be an affordable Slayer dual boiler. Even better if you could setup profile (like a decent).
I dialed in my Niche for the rather quite good Guatemalan peaberry medium roast from Trader Joes, and my wife made a really good coffee at first attempt from a Flair 58. I have a Normcore tamp which is bullet proof, and a thin screen which extracts nicely with a wide variety of doses.
Having upgraded from sage barista pro to lelit mara x last year - the difference is incredible especially around consistency! On the sage it’s a guessing game.
I was waiting for you review on this unit, but I’ve couldn’t wait 😂
The question I have is my wife like the cafe Crema and I love espresso And there is a big difference between grind settings. What would you suggest is the best way to keep both of us happy to get the best drink possible.
Hey Lance thanks for the info that this channel provides, really helpful. A Question if I may: After using a Sage (Breville) Oracle for the last 8 years (and after a few repairs!) I think it's time to move on. After looking at your content, I am unsure as to whether to go for The Sage Dynamic Duo or the new Sage Barista Touch Impress. Both here in the UK are similar in price £1200-£1300. Your thoughts and any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work. Best J
wow I never saw this coming! nice review
Thanks for the video! Not sure if you guys have it or not but a polarizer on the lens can help prevent reflections on instrument gauges!
I think that will just kill the image on the screen as well..
Great detailed review, you just got a sub
My barista express I bought last month has the exact same burr in the grinder as the one shown in this video. Also, if youre getting tossed up between the 16 settings of grind on tue express and the 30 settings on brevilles stand alone or higher end units just know that you can still do half settings and get the exact same results as having 30 settings. The end points are literally exactly the same, and you have full control over all spots between.
Great review, thanks!
I have the Barista Touch now and want a new machine, just because. NOT thinking bout price just what I want. Looking at this one for sure AND the Oracle and Oracle Touch. My brother has had the Oracle for a long time and really likes it so, I'm watching a lot of tutorials.
great video. just got this machine and brought a few extras, but i am not skilled in grinding and time but wanted to play with it. i think the auto mode is doing a better job than me. haha. but at least i have the option to play with manual mode as well.
Lance. I spot a Unica pro to your left. I cannot wait for your review. I am in contact with Markus but still sitting on the fence. So so looking forward to it.
Lance. Wonderfull video as always! Just love your content and have watched you vids for over a year now. Now my question. I have been using Sage Barrista Pro for a year now. Now its broken and i got a full refound from Sage and are now in a crossroad. Should i buy the Barrista Pro once again (yes i love it, it just gave up) or Breville/Sage Barista Touch Impress. I am thanks to you, confident with grind settings and dial´ins. I have all the side tools to make a beautiful shots. But still, i am in the crossroad. Barrista Pro or Barista Touch Impress. So, lovely Lance, what do u sugest to calm my lost espresso head. Best regards Michael (you are the best!) =)
Impressive review 😉
Great points about basket volume variations by type of bean / roast level
This is an amazing review! Thank you so much. I actually just picked up this machine. Is it possible to get that true silky milky texture from the automatic setting or would that need to be achieved through manual steaming? Lets use 3% dairy milk as an example.
Would be interested in your thoughts as to why thermoblocks haven't been widely adopted in the prosumer space yet. For heat up time, footprint and standyby energy usage you'd think it would be an obvious choice. Or maybe an e61 single boiler wirh thermoblock steam wand? Strange to me that only Ascaso seem to be pushing it
I had this machine for a while but had to return in the end after getting frustrated with shot inconsistency. Every time, I got the green (proper volume) feedback from the machine upon tamping, but shot times varied significantly each time. Suspecting a bad dose sensor, I even got the unit replaced by Breville, but not much changed with the replacement machine as well. I had this behavior with a variety of medium roast coffees.
For anyone who cares enough about good espresso, I'd say the Impress system is not the magic bullet. It may get close enough for some, but certainly doesn't completely replicate proper weighing and puck prep processes IMO.
Did you shake the portafilter to settle grounds? There is a reason I show this technique.
@@LanceHedrick Yes, I tried shaking. I also got Breville’s dosing funnel, you also pointed out, to do proper WDT before tamping.
I think the issue is with the resolution of dosing sensor more than puck prep. I had nearly 1 gram variation between grinds from same coffee that showed green mark. If volumetric dosing would’ve been more accurate (~0.2 grams variability), then the machine could’ve gotten away with lacking of proper puck prep. But inconsistent dosing kills it.
I've had the same issue. I haven't been shaking the portafilter though, hopefully that will solve the issue and save my sanity. Although it also doesn't seem to remember grind volume... I have to grind and tamp 4 or 5 times minimum every brew. That doesn't bother me unless it isn't normal behaviour.
I've been considering getting a WDT and cone myself, but if I have to prep the puck myself then why did I buy this machine?
OK, I came back because I thought an update was only fair. I contacted Sage support about this and they sent an engineer out to look at my machine... it turns out there was a problem with the outer burr, after replacement it works exactly as in this and other videos and is an actual joy to use. Instead of grinding and tamping half a dozen times and having all manner of consistency issues like floating pucks and agressive channeling, I grind once, WDT tamp and get a pretty much perfect shot every time.
If you are having to grind and tamp over and over despite dialling in properly or experiencing grind times that are very slow (about .5g/s) you should contact support. I've seen a few others with this issue across the web, and suspect they had a bad batch of upper burrs.
Hey Lance, great videos loves the work. I’m looking at upgrading from the Nespresso pod machine and have been looking at this machine for awhile. Would it be better going this one or the Brevell barista touch? Thanks
Interesting comments about head space. Would you say that the correct dose amount is whatever results in the right head space for the basket? Is there a different desired head space for different roast levels?
Great video! Thanks for all the information Lance!
I've had this machine for about a month now and I'm seeing some significant inconsistencies with it. The machine is supposed to remember your grind amount from the last time, yet when I extract, sometimes it'll do 25 seconds, the next time it'll do 35 seconds! I also notice that my shower screen is almost always dirty with coffee grounds after extraction. Am I not putting in enough coffee into the basket? Or is there too much space between the coffee bed and the shower screen? Regardless, I would have thought the automatic tamping system would take care of that and leave me with the necessary amount in my basket each time! Any ideas what could be causing this? I also find that after tamping, the coffee bed is not perfectly flat. There is coffee coming up the sides of the bed in the basket. I almost want to use another tamper to fix it before going to extract.
I fear this machine is trying to do a lot of things automatically and it's missing the mark... or needs further refinement (ie. a Gen2).
The milk frothing system has been great so far. No concerns there.
After having used various manual options; AeroPress, Moka pot, Hario V60 switch, V60 dripper, etc., I am soon going for the Touch Impress, easier, consistent and less fuss......
Breville incorporating the Etzinger designed burrs from Baratza has been a long long time coming. I wish they'd put the M2 burrs in the barista express as well though. Then maybe they can even use the Sette's S2 burrs in these more high end models to differentiate the products.
A sette with weight in a Breville could be a Jura competitor.
Bought an express a few weeks back and it has the exact same burr as the one shown in this video. Would I be able to tell by eye if it is the old one or the bratza one?
@@sethfrancissimracing7558yep, 5 vs 6 spikes - pentagonal vs hexagonal
Next Breville machine, 2 Thermojets (brew and steam), integrated scales for grind and brew, adjustable tamp weight, WiFi for updates? 😉
Hey man, I have the Barista Pro… I’m getting 30 second pull on medium roast, lots of crema but only 28g of coffee from 18g. I’m on grind setting 3. Do I need to make it more coarse ? Confused! Love the channel ☕️
I miss the summary/wrap up section that is normally at the end of videos. I would have been interested in hearing your closing remarks on how you felt about the setup overall.
Hi I'm just curious whether you're able to get the right amount of coffee into the portafilter first go or is it always low/trim? I've yet to have one on my machine where it's ready to just pull a shot. Only had the machine for 4 days but I thought it would have auto adjusted by now. It's always needing me to trim.
Hopefully it's not to late to get a response, I know there are alot of variables but I am realy struggling to manually dial in my machine "identical sage" I want to use scales and not rely on the auto mode "please". Did you change the inner griner from the standard 6? If so, did you make it finer? Love your videos, and that is helpfully Unfortunately, I am still having issues. (Possbly because I am trying with multiple darker roasted beans).
The best I could get it was when I ground at 11 for 14 seconds and I got a not so great 22 second extraction time "inner grind was on 7".
I watched this video right before going to bed last night... found the machine on marketplace and picked it up today - almost half of retail price if you include tax. Super exciting! If only I remembered to get some beans too..
this looks spectacularly contrived
I bought the impress touch and after 1 week and a half of intense dialing with different coffees and following the guidance of the machine, I returned it as all the coffee were sour. All of them. I think due to the lack of temperature that it was 168 F while in the barista pro that I have is 202 F. I will probably order the Oracle as the milk system is very important to me. The milk system in the impress touch was working quite well. Hope this comment will help. Maybe it was a problem in the unit I got and not in all the impress barista line.
Did you try adjusting the water temperature? The machine has (I think) 5 settings, but they're not specific numeric temperatures.
Thanks Richard. I tried but didn’t work. I returned it and now I am using ECM machine. E61 type and a LX grinder. Super happy and super good coffee with the challenges that you always have as a coffee lover but with good results. The Barista Pro that I have at the office is working very well. So maybe this model is not as good as others or maybe the one that I got from Breville was not working well. Maybe the thermocoil was not working well.
FYI, Breville's website lists the "default" water temp as 93 (to confirm your temp readings).
2:32 Light roasted beans are denser than dark roasted beans. Therefore, light roast should be heavier than dark roast if they are the same volume instead of what you mentioned.
@@LanceHedricklight roasts take up less space in the basket than an equivalent weight of dark roasts because they are denser. 17g of each roast type will result in a fuller basket for dark, less full for light.
Switched from light to dark last week and the basket was nearly overflowing at the same weight.
Yep. Idk what I was thinking. Apologies for the faux pas!
When will you get your paws on a Odyssey Argos to review?! Can't wait for that one
Okay should I upgrade from my gaggia classic? My wife doesn’t use it cuz of the hassle this seems like it would just be perfect
@lance - quick question: On this machine, are you able to start a shot with full pressure, and then “pause” (bloom) and then resume again?
Do you reckon there's ever going to be a software update for original Barista Touch machines to update the user interface? I would love to be able to configure the pre-infusion. It's configurable on the Barista Pro but not the Touch yet they have the same heating system. That's my one major gripe with the machine, but I don't think it would be worth it for me to upgrade to the Touch Impress given how similar the machines are.
Thanks for your videos!! Love your tech smarts and funny!!
I bought breville touch not impress a month ago and when I add water..drip tray gets full too. Is this normal?
I fill the tank every other day but we make 2 or 3 espresso daily.
Please help! 🙏
Do you think it would be feasible to use the built in grinder to grind for pourover as well, for example using the adapter you showed and then grinding directly into a V60 on a scale? Would eliminate the need for an extra grinder if the range is similarily easy to set as the Encore ESP itself.
The M2 burrs themselves are a solid conical for pourover, the issue would be more how much of a pain it would be to adjust it for pourover and then adjusting it back for espresso. But if you can get coarse enough on just the dial without any other adjustments, you might be able to overlap with finer pourover settings for things like low agitation or low flow pour structures!
i usually do acupuncture right before making a coffee. Now I can do it next to my Sage.
Thanks!
If when changing grind size you have to purge such a large amount of coffee, does this mean that all this coffee remains ground and exposed to the air between the preparation of one cup of coffee to another?
I think I watched a video on the Encore that found that a central part of the grinder was plastic, which wore down very quickly.
Would like to know about longevity for this machine.
Hey Lance you said there are aftermarket hoppers with bellows can you let us know which one works with the touch impress as I have one for the smart grinder pro but it does not fit the touch impress thanks
Does this mean, that we can change the old burrs of a sage barista pro/express, and replace it with the baratza burrs? And if yes, is it worth the investment?
Thanks!
Hey Lance, thanks for your very good review. I'm looking for a bottomless portafilter for my machine. Do you know a bottomless portafilter which works/fits with that sage/breville dosing funnel? the 54mm normcore stucks :( and other dosing rings are problematic too. thnx a lot in Advance
Hi Lance, does the new burrs fit the older models like the barista express? best wishes dapper shaves
Can you look at the Profitec Go and the Barista & Co grinder?
Thanks for mentioning Café Crema. Thats literally only the second time I hear someone talking about it in an english video. The last time was Whole Latte Love about 10 years ago. Would love to see a video only about Café Crema
I have videos on it! Check out coffee shots and sprover videos
do you reckon you could just upgrade the burrs on say a barista express with these better ones?
Hi Laance, I've this machine for about a month now, I'm still experimenting trough the features. I have some trouble getting a real good milk texture with the autosteaming; I can do it manually no problem but when I autosteam I'm getting big bubbles and not silky smooth at all. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong, do you have any tips? Grazie
what do you think? is this machine ok to use for a small coffee shop? I am planning to open one.
How long does this machine last? I have seen reviews about screen errors, fuses blowing after descaling, not brewing, etc.
I'm throwing a bottle in the sea here hoping for an answer, I have a bought a bottemless portafilter from Normcore for this machine and it came out with it's own basket, son what do you recommend, should I keep using the default Sage basket or the normcore one ? For a light roast coffee I can go to grind setting 8 with the normcore basket to have a decent shot but with the default one, same coffee I need to go up to 11 to get a good shot, I'm a bit confused !
Lance, since Breville isn’t discontinuing the BDB, do you know if they’re going to make any changes to the current model since is like 10 years old?
I've had this cheap 5-bar almost-espresso machine I bought a few months ago while looking for something to heat and froth milk to accompany my moka pot drinks. I found this machine for cheaper than any actual milk frother, and it had a steam wand built in. So, if the coffee sucks, I still managed to get a milk steamer.
I'd never gotten along with home cappuccino set-ups. Particularly on my budget.
This particular machine was made by Salter, of all brands, and it is the only thing that really hits the spot and has allowed me to truly save my money and avoid buying coffee out.
It is super cheap, like GBP 35, but I am really impressed. I'd love to see your review if you'd ever consider it!
Perhaps a stupid question…. But phone home coffee machines is it OK to wipe the steam ones with a paper kitchen towel instead of the usual towel? I don’t think it’s ideal to use a cloth towel and wash only after a couple uses, right?
Hello @LanceHedrick Thank you for another amazing video. Your content continues to enrich my espresso experience. The ceramic coffee cup in your video is beautiful (approx timestamp 18:46). Please share a link where we can buy them. 😊 Have a great day! Jon
Is it possible to use an IMS triple basket with your open bottom 54mm open bottom Portafilter on this machine? Love a strong triple and use it on my Bambino +
Hi lance, I am trying to find the ultimate sub 1000$ (usd) expresso machine for coffee enthusiast/nerd. I keep seeing the Profitec Go being mentioned at that price point, but no great review of it exist. I see this machine as a fully modded GCP with a better/bigger boiler, but I would love your opinion on this machine!
Which milk pitchers do you like to use for latte art?
Do you have to use the included water filter? Can I instead use profiled water such as Third Wave Espresso Machine without the included filter?
i have this thing and i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!
Nice Video, I have the BE Pro and I can only get 10 - 12 seconds of pre infusion so wonder if the ThemoJet limits the pre infusion ?
No. Because same system is in the express and it's unlimited there.
Breville Express on Breville web page shows it uses a themocoil ?@@LanceHedrick
For those of us who just want to hit a button and have a good espresso or a good American style brewed coffee come out of the machine, how does this compare to the Jura E4?