Sage (Breville) Barista Express Impress Vs Barista Express

[@John-boy]

I’m on my 2nd barista express. The first one with the square hoppers died after about 5 years. The 2nd I’ve have for around 3 years. My main complaint was always coffee wastage on a double shot as it heaps up high and spills over the porta filter. I changed method to doing 2 single doses with a very light tamp after the first dose with a little less spillage. The new machine looks like they’ve solved that with the dose cover and tamp lever.

[@ageary]

You get serious bang for your buck with Sage , they perform really well and are serious good quality.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Sage are fantastic machines!

[@donutchoi]

I have the barista pro and have been wanting to get my mom a machine but thought she needed the Oracle for the tamping functions. Just saw this on a US retailer online store for $899+tax and this looks like the right buy for her!!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi, I think its such a great machine for those who just want great coffee without all the faff, Let me know what your mom thinks of it if she gets one :-)

[@donutchoi]

@@Coffee_Kev The Barista Touch is now on sale and now costs same as the Barista Impress, each at $899+tax… what do you think is a better buy as a gift? Automated tamping (with a lever) - Barista Impress; or automated milk frother - Barista Touch?

[@publicname515]

@@donutchoi I like my impress to dial it in. However, for some reason it's not as clean as the videos it still gets some grinds places. But I think it's because of the stumptown beans I'm using. The Starbucks beans were relatively clean.

[@donutchoi]

@@publicname515 thanks! Sounds like impress is an easier machine

[@zoeyzhang9115]

Thank you for the thorough demonstration! I think I’ve decided to get the Barista Express Impress!

[@Coffee_Kev]

I'm glad you found my post helpful Zoey :-)

[@SeeYouOnTheSea]

Hey Kev, thanks for the video. Do I understand right that you are starting to count extraction time when the preinfusion starts? My Sage takes around 10-12 seconds for this. Does this mean you suggest to have „only“ another 15-20 seconds for the phase where coffee pours through? Best, Daniel

[@Tomokiinlondon]

The mess of the express when grinding is no big deal. I just put a small bowl under mine and it catches it. Job done.

[@Christian-cy2pn]

Great video! I'm gonna preorder impress tomorrow and can't wait to try it out👍 After failed attempt with bambino plus and Eureka mignon specialita, i hope i wil fare better with this.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Cheers Christian. What was the issue with your previous setup? Ta, Kev.

[@Christian-cy2pn]

@@Coffee_Kev I just didn't have the necessary skills,time and patient sadly,and therefore i look forward to try this out later today👍

[@blingjug]

Great video. Though the Puck prep made me cringe a little. I suppose the water distribution isn't stellar from either of these anyway but it would have been great to compare the Puck from the impress vs an express where things like distribution tools had been used to really give it the best possible opportunity for an even extraction. Maybe even comparing with bottomless portafilters for extra visibility

[@Coffee_Kev]

Thanks Jesse, That gives me an idea for a future video :-)

[@mmarusia8002]

Hey Kev. I almost decided to buy two separate devices (Lelit Grace + Eureka Mignon grinder). After watching your video, I seriously considered going for Barista Impress. Do you think it's worth the extra effort to buy two separate devices? Will these two devices give me a noticeable opportunity to get a better espresso?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi, That depends on what you are looking for in your coffee experience, I personally prefer the separate grinder and machine combo as it gives me more options and control, the Impress is a fantastic machine for people who don't want/have time to develop their home baristering skills, who want a great quality coffee quick and easily. So, I guess you have to ask yourself where do you see yourself going on your coffee journey? Ta Kev

[@tom3314]

Hi Kev - Love the video. Super helpful. In your opinion is the espresso from the Impress better than from a superautomatic? Currently have the Delonghi ECAM22110 and the espresso is just OK. Been looking at the Phillips Lattego machines or a newer Delonghi, but worry that they will also produce mediocre espresso, when compared to espresso from a really good coffee shop. I'm not interested in going full manual. Thanks!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Better is a subjective word, but for any one who appreciates "true" espresso, I would say absolutely. Cheers Kev

[@gailoakley4010]

This was a great review! I gave a question, I was trying to decide between the Oracle and now the Express Impress. Between the original Oracle and the Breastia Express, which one do you prefer?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Gail, thanks :-). It's a tricky one, ultimately they both achieve a very similar end, but the Oracle does it faster as you can steam milk and pull the shot at the same time, and the oracle has the auto steaming while it's manual only on the Impress, and of course the Impress is much more affordable. The Oracle is a much more premium machine, with the dual boiler at its core so serious temp stability and precision, but then it has the same integrated grinder, more settings (26 vs 40) so slightly finer adjustment, but same grind quality, and the grinder is key to espresso of course, so in my humble opinion the main difference between the two isn't in espresso quality, but in the convenience of the auto steaming and being able to have that going on while the shot is pulling. Comparison video coming soon. Cheers, Kev.

[@gailoakley4010]

Thank you so much for such a quick response. I can’t wait for the comparison video. All of your videos are so helpful.

[@Coffee_Kev]

@@gailoakley4010 Thanks Gail 🙂

[@g2m4]

Hey Kev , I have got the impress system and I see that the puck is not perfect . I could also see that on your video at 16:25. There is extra grind on the back edge of the portafilter wall. Should we directly go ahead and extract or should we trim that excess grind on the wall of portafilter and then make a shot ? Please advice

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Glen, yeah this can happen, it's really not a big deal though. If the portafilter is nice and dry, just gently shake it and the grounds will fall off the portafilter wall and be a light covering on top of the puck, and then a second tamp will resolve it, if a light shake doesn't move it the portafilter is probably slightly wet. If you just ignore it and pull the shot it's very unlikely that it'll impact on the shot. Ta, Kev.

[@AzuraProductions]

Coming from using a one button Nespresso machine, I am slightly worried about the time it takes to make a latte. How long would you say it will take from turning on the machine to finish cleaning up for a cup of latte using the impress machine? Thanks

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi, Obviously its going to take longer that the Nespresso, But the Impress heats up really quickly, its easy to use and the more you get use to using it the faster you are going to get to that Latte :-)

[@normrubio]

Considering the market with profitec, rocket, and others, can these units really compete in espresso quality?

[@ivorproblem1332]

I can make coffee all week with my Express and not drop that much coffee. I do weight out the coffee each time before it goes in the hopper (18g) and no collar.

[@jwijnands1583]

No idea what I’m doing wrong with the impress but I’m not capable to get more than 15gram inside the the double portafilter with auto dose. With 16grams it says overdose. Grind size is 4. After using this the portafilter looks like a swamp. When dosing manually 19gram the machine works as expected.

[@Coffee_Kev]

When you have 16g in the basket at grind size 4, and it says overdosed, how far from the rim is the puck? If it's closer than about 7mm I would recommend getting in touch with Sage Support, as I's suspect there's a fault with the sensor. Cheers, Kev.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi, Please watch this series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5KcoX1uZc-dd8k Than should help you understand dialling in Cheers Kev

[@MikeBookham]

Kev, if you have the opportunity it would be great to see dose consistency between the Barista Express Impress & the Oracle Touch because I find that the Oracle has very variable dosing, usually within 1g but it can be as much as over 2g between doses; I know because I weigh the portafilter every dose. This variation means that I have to weight every shot output, whereas if I use my Niche grinder with a fixed amount I can brew a consistently on a 30 seconds shot. The Impress appears to be a better solution over the Oracle (standard or touch), other than having dual boilers. therefore able to brew & steam concurrently & I cannot see why anyone would buy Oracle now that the Impress is available unless this is essential.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Mike, I will be doing a review comparison with the Impress and Oracle soon, Watch this space!! With regards to the dose consistency, are you referring to the dose changing without changing the grind size or when the grind has been adjusted? Cheers Kev

[@MikeBookham]

@@Coffee_Kev I mean the dose weight is variable without changing the grind size & using the same batch of beans.

[@charles-etiennemoreau-talb5349]

Hey Kev, nice video! I’m looking for a new machine and I hesitate between the Barista Pro or the Impress, witch one do you suggest ?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Charles, I suppose it would depend on how hands on you really want to be whilst making your coffee, The Impress is for someone who doesn't want the faff of home baristaring and can make a decent coffee quickly without much learning involved. The Pro is more of a home baristaring machine, so more hands on with no assistance. I will be doing a comparison video very soon. Cheers Kev

[@charles-etiennemoreau-talb5349]

@@Coffee_Kev thanks for your answer. I’m looking forward for the next video.

[@AmiAki]

I’m currently eyeing the barista impress and pro but I can’t choose between the two! I need your thoughts

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi I am doing a comparison video very soon, This should help you decide. Cheers Kev

[@AmiAki]

@@Coffee_Kev good to know, thanks 😊

[@tannerroberts90]

Hey kev, I've never owned an espresso machine and I'm looking to get into the art and gain skills, I'm not sure which machine to get between the express, the express impress, or the barista pro. Which one would be good for someone brand new?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Tanner, It depends on how hands on you want to be with your coffee making, The impress is for someone who doesn't want the faff of being a barista where as the express is more hands on. Cheers Kev

[@paulwestcott8171]

Great video, I think the impress is the type of machine that would suit me for what I'm after, although I would love the oracle I can't justify nearly 2k to make a coffee and the Impress seems a fair comprimise. Just wondered about the hot water outlet, would the water come out hot enough to make a cup of tea, or does anyone use it for that? This would be a plus to help convince the wife 😁.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Paul, It would depend on how hot you like your tea, If you are using a speciality tea that requires a lower temperature such as Darjeeling then I am sure it would be ok I have just tried it out on the impress, In my opinion its hot enough to brew tea and after 3 minutes brewing and adding a drop of milk it is slightly cooler but perfectly drinkable. Cheers Kev

[@paulwestcott8446]

@@Coffee_Kev Hi Kev, thanks for the reply and even testing it out much appreciated.

[@joegillum]

Can you use an aftermarket portfilter setup with the Impress? For example a Crema bottomless setup? Or are you forced to only use the Breville ones?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Joe, yeah you can use aftermarket PFs but they have to be made specifically to fit Sage machines. Cheers, Kev

[@ramzez_uk]

any chance you can review Solis Perfetta Plus ? Would be very interesting to know your opinion. Thanks.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Roman, I have heard of it but haven't tried one as yet, I will let you know if I get hold of one. Cheers Kev

[@davidd.6448]

Hey Kev, I've been watching your videos for a while. Great review as always. I'm looking to buy something in the Barista Express range. I've narrowed it down to Barista Express or La Specialista Arte. La Specialista Arte is cheaper by about 100 euros (450 vs. 550 for the Sage), but I've watched your review and am familiar with your complaints, especially about the grinder. Do you reckon I should go with Sage? I do have a decent hand grinder for espresso.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi David, yeah I wasn't a fan of the 8 grind settings on the Arte, or the way there seems to be little difference in the adjustment until you get to the last couple of settings, and the fact that the burrs aren't removable. If you're talking about using a hand grinder though and not the integrated grinder, it would make a lot more sense to look at stand alone espresso machines. Cheers, Kev.

[@mikeaddison-saipe5820]

I looked at the same options but instead went with Barista Pro 878. I think overall it's a better machine (3 second warm up) - but it is more expensive.

[@Christian-cy2pn]

I served my wife my best cappuccino ever she said,and that's just after a few tries. The amount of coffee i got in 25sec didn't add up,so i started to tinker with grind size and portafilters, and everything went bad😐 I bought fresh roasted coffee beans that where roasted 09.08,so i thought I needed dual walled basket. Need to buy a new bag of coffee and practice. But it is positive that i managed to make a good cappuccino with minimal knowledge and experience.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Bravo :-). No need to use the dual walled baskets if you're using freshly roasted coffee, even if you're using them 4-6 weeks from roast date you should be fine with the standard baskets, it may not taste as great as it did at 2 weeks from roast date for example, but should pull fine. Cheers, Kev.

[@brhoom2013]

Thank you so much. Please help me out I really don’t know which better this or pro

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi, I will be filming a comparison video soon which will hopefully help you decide :-) Cheers Kev

[@Christian-cy2pn]

One more thing. I experienced often that the puck wasnt that smooth and often had to remove coffee from the edges. Sometimes some coffee would kind of stick to the tamper witch lead to uneven puck. Maybe oily beans?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Christian, sorry are you referring to using your previous setup or with the Impress? Cheers

[@Christian-cy2pn]

@@Coffee_Kev With the sage impress. Its not a deal breaker,nice machine.

[@g2m4]

@@Christian-cy2pn I am having the same issue . Wondering if it’s suggested that we trim those edges or directly go ahead with the extraction ? I use fresh roasted beans and it still happens.

[@Coffee_Kev]

@@Christian-cy2pn OK I know what you mean. If you have a nice dry portafilter, if you have a slither of coffee up the side you can just give it a gentle shake to remove it from the edge and then give it another tamp. If you didn't dry the portafilter well (and I'm guilty of that quite often) this doesn't tend to work quite as well, but in all probability this isn't going to cause any issues with the shot. Ta, Kev.

[@Coffee_Kev]

@@g2m4 if the portafilter is dry just gently shake the portafilter, the loose coffee ends up on top of the puck, and another tamp sorts it. Cheers :-), Kev.

[@frazfisher1968]

Just watched my first video of yours 👏👏👏 so glad I have found your page as my current machine is really not well and I’m on borrowed time with it. Leaning towards the Impress now

[@Coffee_Kev]

Welcome Fraser :-)

[@olivertaylor6455]

Express Impress or Barista Pro? What would you go for/recommend?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Oliver, It depends on what you are looking for in a machine, I will be filming a comparison in the next few weeks. Watch this space! Cheers Kev

[@HUGHInc]

​@@Coffee_Kev Hi Kev, just also wondering when you would be working with the Leverpresso. We hope to see it in a review on your channel too. :)

[@Coffee_Kev]

@@HUGHInc Apologies for the delay, I will be reviewing it soon :-)

[@georgeaperkins]

Another bump for comparing the Pro to the Impress. I'm undecided between the Improved thermojet heater on the pro Vs neat tamp assist on the Impress. ..... Can't help thinking that an impress version of the pro would be the ideal machine for me. Looking forward to your review!

[@klaymoon1]

Great detailed comparison! A little too long perhaps..

[@kakaocoffee5366]

what is grinder size?

[@publicname515]

I think you should remake this video you left out another key point of the impress--it can be programmed for how long to pull the double shot so you can get 36g without having to use the scale. That's a big plus!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi, this is a comparison video, I discuss that feature in some of the other videos I've done on this machine. Both these machines have that feature. Thanks :-), Kev.

[@publicname515]

@@Coffee_Kev Awesome thank you.... One other question. I programmed the machine for a 30second shot, but the next time I pulled it, it only went for 15 seconds. What gives? I have double shot selected.

[@MaruelZain]

Out of curiosity, do any of these machines have a heated group? i.e does the portafilter get hot by being locked in the group? If not, can you realistically heat up the portafilter enough to actually brew at the set temp in a stable-y way?

[@GinolasVideos]

yes they do, it heats up on its own (warms cups on the top) 15mins ish to warm up.. or to speed it up flow a couple of blank shots through it and let it stand for a min or two.. very quick to use,.the groupe warms up to a nice heat after 15 or so if left alone.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Maruel, the Barista express and Express impress don't have heated groups (the dual boiler does), Purging water through the portafilter before you start is the best way to get everything warmed up. Cheers.

[@riki5733]

Can someone tell me if the internal setting needs to be set to 6 as he mentions around the third minute? Thank you

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Riki, 6 is the factory preset internal setting. In theory you don't have to touch that, the main idea of it is that after a few years the burrs may have worn and you may need to adjust them finer. Some people find that setting is a bit coarse, and they end up close to the finest setting straight away, so if that's the case you can adjust the internal setting a notch finer. Ta, Kev.

[@riki5733]

@@Coffee_Kev Thank you for a fast reply. I did try it with 5 an hour ago keeping the same lvl on the side. It looks better now but still got some channeling :) Now I need to solve that problem.

[@savi099]

Is the steamer better on the impress ?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Savi, They are exactly the same. Cheers Kev

[@Paul_1927]

Would you buy the impress for 500 €?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi, It depends on what you are looking for in your coffee experience, Do you want a machine that takes all the faff out of making a coffee like the impress does, or are you looking to learn a new skill as a home barista. Cheers Kev

[@abdolreza82]

The same grinder is disappointing

[@schmuppetify]

I have the Impress and in manual mode it grinds a ridiculous amount of coffee regardless of the setting, anyone else have this problem?

[@Coffee_Kev]

In manual mode you should be able to change the amount ground with the grind selection dial, isn't that working? Cheers.

[@schmuppetify]

@@Coffee_Kev Yep but even on the lowest setting it overfills the portafilter.

[@asiangrl88]

Anyone have any input on either the Pro or Impress? Which to get?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Jody, The impress is for someone who doesn't want the faff of manually making their coffee and just wants a really good coffee without the hassle, The Pro is more hands on and is for some one who wants to learn or improve their coffee making skills/ barista skills. So it depends really on where you see yourself at. Cheers Kev

[@zacerwill6318]

Weldone

[@anassessabbar3918]

-Sage (bareville) baresita express impress.

[@SeanyMacHimself]

This video could have been 9 minutes. 🙄

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yes, sorry it's a bit on the long side!

[@plusforce]

You did not show the actual grinding step with the new machine. Terrible!