Sage (Breville) Barista Comparison - Express, Express Impress, Touch Impress

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for watching, comments welcome! Which machine do you guys think offers the best value for its features? Check prices here: geni.us/BrevilleEspressoMach (Breville/Sage affiliate link)

[@juniorhemelaer1115]

I’m considering the Barista Touch Impress to replace my Nespresso machine. Want to get more flavor & quality.

[@golrizpajand4894]

I would say Brista Express.

[@kirasays4838]

I would say Barista Express Impress. That integrated Tamper is a lifesaver for me and is not that much different than the touch, especially for the price difference. I also mostly drink iced lattes so the steamer isn’t a big deal for me.

[@PatriotoftheUSA]

Is there a way to heat the brew group on the Touch Impress, maybe by running heated water without grounds? I want the Touch Impress but un-heated brew group is big fail.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, you can run a couple of blank shots to help out.@@PatriotoftheUSA

[@caffeinefix2751]

I sell these for a living and everything Tom said was on point! I'd add some niche points: The Express/Express Impress Thermoblock also makes slightly hotter espresso and americano water output as a result of having the older slower aluminium block design, and also allows for unlimited pre-infusion and unlimited steaming! Thermojet can preinfuse for only 8s and steam for 90s AFAIK. Not many people will access those two features, most people don't mess with pre infusion and most steaming sessions for 1-2 coffee's milk would be done by the 60s mark anyway. Very nice comparison! I'll be sending it to any customers who want to know the differences between the two

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Awesome - thanks for that! I will have to remember to experiment with the unlimited pre-infusion a bit on my Impress. Cheers!

[@CoHuTo]

Tom, I've gone through the process of buying the old Barista Express after watching quite a bit of your videos on these all-in-one machines this summer. I bought mine second hand, had it decalcified and have been enjoying nice coffee ever since. I even bought the IMS Nanocoat basket to improve the extraction and it is true that these baskets enhance the taste of coffee in interesting ways. The only thing I haven't had the courage to do is disassemble it and try to adjust the OPV. Your videos are much appreciated! Danke!

[@yosefmoisesl.rodriguez5311]

I love your videos, they have helped me considerably in choosing my first Barista Express, after a while to be able to pay, I needed to choose reasonably, thank you really, you are incredible with your reviews.

[@charito-solano]

Thoughtful review!!! Makes me happy that i did spend the extra $400 for the touch impress over the touch without tamper

[@KlausTinos]

Thank you Tom, i started watching your videos last month since i wanted to move from the "Capsule" experience to the real barista experience (i had a Lavazza Modo mio...). I believe the home barista experience is better and rewarding so I started looking the fully automatic machines (Saeco etc.) but i ended up on your reviews around the Barista Express Impress which i bought 2 weeks ago and I am super happy. Still trying different beans, blends and tastes and i am super happy for my choice. I love traditional cappuccino and i am still learning milk steaming (and improving) so for the time being i am preparing my milk on a Lavazza Milk frother (makes it a lot more thick and creamy). Hopefully will master the steaming soon!

[@theresesmith8714]

So informative Tom. Your demonstration on this machine was so helpful. I'm so pleased I scrolled to find your review. Loved the way you gave every detail & close up shots on this machine while explaining it's every feature. Well done to "YOU" !!!!! 👏👏👏👏 I'm feeling way more confident on making my cappuccino's now. Your video was so more informative then everyone else's on this machine. Thankyou so very much for sharing this.......brilliant work 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@YTEugenie]

Tom, this is very helpful information for someone like me who has been going back and forth between the express impress or the touch impress. Your review is ON POINT. Thank you for making this video.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Glad it was helpful! Have fun with your decision!

[@nguye1971]

Thank you for sharing. Although the touch would looks nicer and fancier, but I would prefer the analog one for simplicity and maintainability - anything to avoid "touch" algorithm due to possible buggy controller

[@sherbdeloote7119]

Tom thanks for all your video`s ive just bought an Express Impress and I really feel like thanks to you I bought the right machine for me. Regards Paul.

[@wydrzan1]

Dziękuję za profesjonalną recenzje, właśnie zamierzałem kupić ekspress Sage.

[@Cyberdactyl]

I have the original. I have been caught with low water/no water maybe twice in three years. One just gets used to taking a quick peek before starting. Not a big deal to me.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It's a problem for me, because I simply forget to check it, lol. Cheers!

[@paniccoffee]

I just got the Express Impress and I think it has the best value here with the puck tamper as well as a few design upgrade from the Express such as a higher clearance from the tabletop surface (which could explain why it's less noisy, less vibrations on the tabletop and easy to move for cleaning) and much sleeker front panel which is easy to clean. The only thing I was weirded is about is that there is no mention at all about the pressure gauge in the manual. I understand that the shot time can also an indication of optimal extraction, which they mention in the manual; but I just found it strange they completely omitted any reference to the pressure gauge. Perhaps part of the instruction here was copied and pasted from an LCD based model. Touch controls are nice, but I think the large jump in pricing for touch controls is a bit much. The steam wand upgrade is nice though.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for your comment! I feel like Breville puts a lot of thought into their products. I think if the manometer is missing from the manual, then it was a deliberate omission. Maybe they don't want people to focus too much on that, and call customer service to ask why their pressure is too high or too low...

[@nicklatronica8190]

Thanks for making me spend an extra $700 lol. The deciding factor was one of your other videos where you mentioned that your wife rated it a 10 because she was not a barista. Love the fact that I will not have to be making the coffee every single time myself :-) great videos.

[@Petercoffeee]

I prefer the simpler edition , screens are not for me. Instead of simplifying things they make them more complicated by adding screens and electronics on them. Great review though !

[@LoganScottY]

Each to their own. For me all the buttons and switches intimidate the heck out of me on the non-touch machines lol

[@IchsehmirFilmean]

Thanks for your great videos, Tom.

[@omidtoloui3538]

Excellent comparison. Thank you.

[@timothyhestand9439]

Great comparison and a lot of good info. I think you are the only one that calls the Touch Impress Grinder "Stepless" (which it is). Also, I think you could have made a bigger deal about the new Baratza M2 burrs. They really make a very big difference especially in the Espresso range. One thing that most don't bring up is that while the new Thermojet is really fast, It does not keep up with a continuous water flow for say a large Americano (45 seconds of water). The drink temp will drop by a few degrees towards the end.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for those observations! I'd have to do a blind test test between the older Etzinger burrs, and the newer M2 Baratza burrs. I do know that the newer M2 burrs with the 6 blades are slower, but I didn't notice a veritable difference in taste. Maybe I'll have to come back to that. Cheers!

[@riki5733]

It's true that the water temperature will drop by a few degrees, but if I'm not mistaken, Touch Impress has an option in the settings where you can set the initial water temperature, where at the highest level it starts at about 94 degrees Celsius. According to some logic, this option should solve that problem as well as create another one if the coffee is roasted more strongly. Maybe I'm wrong...

[@KK-ku5zv]

Excellent review even though we didn't see the coffee colour but we know it from your other videos!

[@FrancoCastro]

Have the express and it has been amazing for 7 years. Decided to get a touch since it apparently was faster to warm up and simpler to use (click and done) I have had it for 18 months and went back to the express. The display failed after 2 months while still was under warranty, the quality of coffee never felt right. I ended up selling the touch one. If you are new to coffee machines and can afford probably the touch is going to be your best option since makes things super simple and you won't get dissapointed that your shoots don't taste right

[@Gary_OC]

Nice review. Thank you.

[@mikeyang3684]

The impress touch does not make sense at current price point for sure. The express is $600ish, express impress $720ish, and express impress touch $1400ish.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think Breville was aiming to compete with the super automatic market with the Touch Impress. People will pay up to $2000 for the super automatic.

[@ackattacker]

The touch Impress is currently $1200 at most retailers in the US. I went with it for the newer grinder, the newer steam system, and for the WAF. It really simplifies the workflow, especially if you are making a series of milk drinks, having a computer interface and a steam system which heats in seconds. Similar to a double boiler, you can basically work continuously and are almost never waiting for the machine, because you can prep the milk and hit the button and the machine will froth the milk unattended after it is done brewing. Meanwhile you are cleaning and grinding for the next drink already. Also there is basically no wait for the machine to heat up. So our morning routing, from stumbling into the kitchen to having two flat whites, is significantly faster and slightly more foolproof than with other machines. I’m coming from a super-auto (Saeco which lasted 9000 cups), and the overall convenience factor is actually higher with this, because or the combination of faster warmup, faster switch to steam mode, and easier cleaning. And the quality of the coffee is notably better.

[@2006mrderrickh]

Current prices as of 10/9/2023: Express is $559, Express Impress $799, Touch Impress 1,199.

[@2006mrderrickh]

​@ackattacker Thank you. Now I want a Touch after this video review.

[@ao7594]

@@2006mrderrickhwhere

[@sofiad9775]

The middle is perfect,more clasic plus the tamp After all what is the most important is WHAT coffee you use . Is like 📷 ,you take the photo not the 📷

[@tillschanz7890]

Was looking for a video on how to fix a flow issue on my older breville and saw your video. I follow you on instagram for your Germany videos and was like “wait a minute I know that guys!!” 🤣🤣.

[@fudge9262]

Thank you very informative helped me

[@arelyholman8247]

Thank you for this video Is really informative ❤

[@goldfish8196]

Another excellent video - Thank you !

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thethirdman225]

3:55 Breville now benefiting from their 2020 acquisition of Baratza.

[@isabellemos4969]

Great video, thank you!

[@shahrin861]

thank u for this comparison video. ive decided to get the impress!!

[@mackymac3479]

Which one

[@shahrin861]

@@mackymac3479 express impress!

[@enkeierick]

Hi Tom! I’m thinking of getting the touch impress but can decide on the colour. I am between the stainless the white and the almond. Are those colours on the units in your video the same white and almond?

[@allmtbnzscottbrownhill2896]

I really like these videos they are really informative, well presented. One thing not covered and overlooked because I’m sure it’s frowned upon is can you pull a shot straight into a tall travel mug with the drip tray removed?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well you could, but the issue is that after the shot some water will exit out of the bottom, as the pressure is released off the puck. So, you will have some water to wipe up if you remove the drip tray.

[@allmtbnzscottbrownhill2896]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks for prompt reply. I ended up buying the Barista Touch Impress as it seemed like the best option for a newbie upgrading from a Pod machine which did me well with 8 years of service. My review in brief, Out of the box the grind was perfect for my local sourced freshly roasted beens using the double basket resulting in a 29 second pull. In search of more crema my setting changes only made things worse so I’m going to try different beans. One disappointing thing to note is you can’t switch between a single and double basket with out a grind change so it would be good if the machine stored grind size per basket. For single shots we will just use 2 cups one per spout. If needing a mix of decaf and regular beans you really do need a seperate grinder swapping beans is easy but still a little wasteful. Slight oversight on my part. Overall I’m happy enjoying the new hobby of trying to perfect coffee.

[@sergio09p]

Hi Tom thanks for all your help in your videos! After 2 nice years with the dedica, I am looking for an upgrade, however I'm not being able to find the best fit to my necessities. Perhaps with your knowledge you can guide me. I would like an espresso machine that can help em brew better espresso shots than with the dedica: A plus: Analog display Can brew and steam at the same time. Can show me the bars being used. Any idea? Is the barista express a worthy updade from the dedica? Thank you in advance and congratulations for your content!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Sergio, if you want to brew and steam at the same time, you'll need a dual boiler. How about the BDB?

[@trey9128]

We have a two year old Barista Touch machine and have been quite happy with it. We are re-researching machines to buy one for a family member. The Express Impress seems very nice, but for $100 more, the Barista Touch model has the better steamer, and we really like having the touch screen. The screen guides you through the periodic maintenance tasks (and there are quite a few of those) quickly and easily, keeping track of when it's time to clean the steamer wand, fill the water tank, change the filter, clean the group head, etc. Plus it looks cool. The Touch Impress would seem to offer the best of both worlds, but it is currently a whopping $500 more than the Touch, and $600 more than the non-Touch Impress. So while I was initially attracted to the built in tamper of the Express Impress, I'll probably go with the tried and true Barista Touch, as I value the Touch screen more than the built in tamper/dose control.

[@langleyj8199]

Thanks

[@AlexZero11]

Hello Tom. Can you tell me what's better? An RM-BES870XL-w Breville Barista Express or a combination of BES840XL Breville Infuser Espresso Machine and BCG820BSSXL Breville Pro Coffee Beans Grinder?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

That's essentially the same. The BBE is a marriage of the Infuser and SGP together. Cheers!

[@AlexZero11]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you very much!

[@aannn16]

Hi Tom! I'm wondering which coffee machine to buy. Express Impress or Touch Impress. My husband wants Touch Impress but I don't trust the display. If you had to choose which one would you buy? Which one makes the best coffee? Budget doesn't matter. Thank you and greetings from Nuremberg!😊

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Servus! Honestly, I'd go for the Express Impress for espresso, since you still have some normal buttons to press, and it's cheaper. The Touch Impress has the much better steam wand, but if you're not making milk drinks, that's negligible. By the way, the Express Impress is my wife's favorite machine, of all that we own. Cheers!

[@alexandrelefebvre5960]

​@TomsCoffeeCorner does the new grinder in the touch impress help makes better quality espresso? Is it even noticeable? From this video I got the idea that the express impress does better espresso (then the touch) even with the older grinder. Thank you!

[@fantalefm]

Hi Tom, which of these is better at frothing milk? I could only see the time it takes to steam in the video. thanks!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The Touch Impress is the best. The other two are about the same. Cheers!

[@elke1972]

Hello, I also tested both machines, I noticed that the coffee on the Sage Barista Touch Impress is about 8 degrees colder than on the Sage Barista express impress? Maybe this is due to the passively heated brewing group? Is the water temperature (I measured without coffee) also colder with the Touch impress?, thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Shoot, I gave the Impress back, so I cannot measure it. I don't recall it being cooler though than the other models. In fact, you can increase it up to 97 degrees, I believe.

[@Ramesh-fg9xv]

I saw a few reviews stating temperature is cold in touch. I am keen to buy one but not sure whether it’s do with adjusting to right temperature or indeed Touch produces less temperature. I like my coffee hot and want to have hot water to make Tea as well. Any thoughts? Thank you .

[@petermalasavanh8802]

Barista Express or Bambino Plus? Mostly with Milk drinks.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

If you already have a grinder, then you may as well save a little and go for the BP. Else, go for the BBE. Cheers!

[@ferrangracia8343]

Is it preinfussion possible in the touch model?? Thaanks a lot for your video

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, it always does a steam pre-infusion. I think it tries to emulate what a La Pavoni does.

[@MrSlowestD16]

There's also the regular touch (minus the impress tamper), which is very close in price to the express impress, so you can do different combinations of features. Also, the touch has that auto steamer + temp sensor. You just put the milk thing in there and it steams to the desired temp automatically without touching it. They also claim adjustments for oat and soy milk. Surprised you didn't mention the auto frother in the "touch" models. Any thoughts on them compared to the normal express/express impress?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The auto frother is ok, but I find it spotty. I can get super nice milk texture while steaming manually, but automatically is not as good. Thanks for bringing it up, though!

[@MrSlowestD16]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner What about the avg Joe who isn't a hobbyist per-se? Is it one of those things that takes a while to perfect manually? Or would the auto be better for those people?

[@jean-marcbeaudoin5579]

With kitchen’s newer desing their is less space of counter top. Can you or have already review a machine with minimal footprint and with side water tank?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hmm, maybe the Gaggia Espresso?

[@XxxgunzixxX]

You dont have a video for the barista touch?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No, I haven't had that one yet. Sorry!

[@j.t.1215]

Thanks Tom!!!!🍮

[@frankcolumbo4481]

Whats the best espresso machine on the market?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Oh my gosh, that's totally subjective. Of all of them I've tried, I like the Breville Dual Boiler the most. If money was no option, maybe a La Marzocco, just because I like their aesthetics.

[@antiqas]

How come my express turns in like 7 seconds? I'll double check, but it really seems way faster than yours

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hello there! Yes, your beans are probably too old - or in other words roasted too long ago. These videos may help: How to extract the perfect espresso: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppqyZ5ZsbpqCppo How to Get Crema: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGxhHpvaZpsl5o Why Supermarket Coffee Beans are RUINING your Espresso! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3PKfn6nqp2ZgKs

[@RuinThatDay]

I’m not very happy with my new dedica 685.. I follow all your explanations :) but the extraction on the machine is too quick. Do I have an option to reduce it ? thanks

[@Phantoma3]

Grind the beans finer so that the extraction is slower. That's why I prefer a machine with a brew pressure gauge to let you know if the grind is too coarse or too fine.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hello there! Yes, your beans are probably too old - or in other words roasted too long ago. These videos may help: How to extract the perfect espresso: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppqyZ5ZsbpqCppo How to Get Crema: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGxhHpvaZpsl5o Why Supermarket Coffee Beans are RUINING your Espresso! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3PKfn6nqp2ZgKs

[@brianjackson4576]

Thanks for the great video Tom. A newbie question. When you say the expresses facilitates passive heating of the brew group, but it takes a long time, what does a 'long time' mean? Do I just leave the machine heating up for awhile, or is it saying after a couple pulls, then it is better for extraction? Thanks.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The Express and Express Impress heat up their brew groups, and therefore portafilters if left on for 30 minutes or more. They must however be fiddled with a little to not go into standby mode in that time. Like a quick pulse of a brew button for example. Cheers!

[@AllChad]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner - Wake up, Turn on, go Shower, then come back and Extract 💯

[@Z7faion]

What about barista max ?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

That’s actually from a different manufacturer. Maybe I should do a review on that one.

[@knightone57]

Yeah it is so annoying to look to see how much water is in the tank.Not.

[@Maciej_Rajewski]

I think compared to Sage Barista Pro

[@solomonshv]

i don't trust anything with a touch screen. and no, i'm not a "boomer", i'm in my early 30s. anything with a touch screen seems to die fast. i have a barista express. looking for a second machine for my second home and can't decide between the original express and the impress version. i like the extra grind settings but i don't like that stupid funnel they put under the grinder. i wish they just updated the old machine with a better grinder. my current express is about 8 year old, still works like the day i bought it.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The Impress tamper is actually quite enjoyable to use, though. They did a good job on designing it. The grinder also has 25 vs 16 clicks. Cheers!

[@solomonshv]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner i caved and bought a Touch Impress. got it for $1100 at best buy. this is your fault. i hope you're happy

[@cmys001]

Honestly the thought of making espresso at home seemed very daunting. so we went the automatic route.... with a Delongi Eletta Explore fully automatic... the coffee was a little bit better than nice but the price dropped by $700 and amazon refused to price match and we werent fully happy with it so returned it.... then waiting for the Terra Kaffe TK02 but the reviews seem below average especially for the price.... and its not free returns... so now I am thinking breville... just dont know which one yet.... i know complete 180 from fully automatic to semi automatic....

[@AllChad]

We've had the Barista Express for multiple years and I had no idea how to use one - it's fun and you'll get the hang of it in no time. The key is finding local beans that have the date on the package so you know when it was made and just use them up in 30 days or so. Also beware that grocery stores/shops will sell old or undated beans, but yeah just reference KZbin video tips and you'll be good to go it's worth it!

[@JonathonBartsch]

For a 2-3 person work place would you recommend touch impress or oracle? Does the lack of heated group head have much impact on coffee quality?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, the Oracle has a dual thermocoil system, that that would be better for making multiple drinks. And yes for me the heated brew group makes a notable difference.

[@NaNaDjDj]

I found myself here as I am currently debating which one to get. I have zero patience and have double espresso with steamed milk Which one do I get ?!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, patience might be necessary for good espresso. I honestly think the best value of these 3 is the Express Impress. Cheers!

[@beozzie690]

Tom, if money was no factor, I’d like to see what machine you’d choose. Like a ultimate home setup

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Oh, I'd for sure get a dual boiler. And I'd like one with a rotary pump, so that sounds nicer. I don't like E61 very well. Maybe a La Marzocco Linea Mini.

[@robertsmith2956]

buy starbucks, and have manager deliver your morning coffee.

[@CaroAbebe]

@@robertsmith2956 Is that even coffee?

[@robertsmith2956]

@@CaroAbebe I doubt it. I drink a pot a day, and couldn't finish 1 cup of it. maybe if you put all the junk in it they do it is drinkable.

[@bananzwykly0]

Niestety nie polecam tego expresu. Po dwóch latach użytkowania pękła uszczelka grupy-czyli znajdująca się pod kolbą. Niestety element nie jest dostępny w sprzedaży w żadnym serwisie, kontaktowałem się również z breville polska i potwierdzili że nie ma tego elementu w sprzedaży. Zatem brak dostępności podstawowych części eksploatacyjnych. Jedyne rozwiązanie to ekspres za 2tys wyrzucić i kupić nowy - na pewno nie od tego producenta. Nie polecam.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, I am afraid you didn't buy one of these machines above, but rather a knock off machine, made by the Sunbeam brand. Sorry to hear about it though!

[@Renato-bg7hw]

MOLTO MEGLIO LA DE LONGHI PRIMADONNA SOUL COSTO $ 1.500/2.500/6.000.

[@Renato-bg7hw]

E POI ...CHE NE SAPETE VOI AMERICANI DI CAFFÈ CON LE SCHIFEZZE CHE BEVETE ??? SALUTI DALL'ITALIA.