What To Know
- Join us as we delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Breville Barista Pro vs Touch espresso machines, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that ultimately determine the best choice for your espresso cravings.
- The Touch, on the other hand, features a more modern design with a touchscreen display and a sleek black finish.
- The Touch, on the other hand, features an automatic milk frother that simplifies the process, delivering consistent and perfectly frothed milk with the press of a button.
In the pursuit of barista-quality espresso at home, the Breville Barista Pro and Touch espresso machines emerge as contenders. Both machines boast impressive features and promise to elevate your home brewing experience. However, discerning the subtle differences between these two models can be crucial for making an informed decision. Join us as we delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Breville Barista Pro vs Touch espresso machines, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that ultimately determine the best choice for your espresso cravings.
Design and Aesthetics
The Breville Barista Pro exudes a sleek and professional aesthetic, with a brushed stainless steel body and intuitive controls. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. The Touch, on the other hand, features a more modern design with a touchscreen display and a sleek black finish. Its larger size provides ample space for accessories and a built-in burr grinder.
Grinding Capabilities
Both the Barista Pro and Touch feature integrated conical burr grinders, a key factor for achieving consistent and flavorful espresso. The Barista Pro offers 30 grind settings, while the Touch boasts 60, providing greater precision for dialing in your preferred grind size. Additionally, the Touch’s grinder is faster and quieter than the Barista Pro’s.
Espresso Extraction
At the heart of any espresso machine lies its extraction capabilities. The Barista Pro utilizes a 15-bar pump to generate the necessary pressure for optimal extraction. The Touch, however, steps up with a 19-bar pump, delivering even more pressure for a richer and more intense espresso. Both machines feature a portafilter with a double-walled filter basket, ensuring consistency and ease of use.
Milk Frothing
For those who enjoy a creamy cappuccino or latte, milk frothing capabilities are essential. The Barista Pro comes equipped with a steam wand that allows for manual frothing, giving you complete control over the texture and temperature of your milk. The Touch, on the other hand, features an automatic milk frother that simplifies the process, delivering consistent and perfectly frothed milk with the press of a button.
User Interface and Convenience
The Barista Pro’s intuitive controls and LCD display make it easy to operate. The Touch, however, takes convenience a step further with its touchscreen interface. The touchscreen allows for quick access to various settings and provides real-time feedback during the brewing process. Additionally, the Touch’s built-in timer ensures precise extraction times for a consistent espresso every time.
Customization and Features
For coffee enthusiasts who appreciate personalization, the Barista Pro offers a range of customization options. It allows you to adjust the temperature, pre-infusion time, and flow rate, giving you the power to create your ideal espresso profile. The Touch, on the other hand, features a more limited range of customization options, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.
Price and Value
The Breville Barista Pro typically retails for around $700, while the Touch commands a higher price point of around $1,000. The price difference reflects the additional features and convenience offered by the Touch, such as the automatic milk frother and touchscreen interface. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your budget and the level of customization and convenience you desire.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Machine
The decision between the Breville Barista Pro and Touch espresso machines hinges on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize customization and control over your espresso brewing, the Barista Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you value convenience, ease of use, and a more modern design, the Touch is the better option.
What You Need to Know
1. Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Barista Pro is a great choice for beginners due to its intuitive controls and ease of use.
2. Which machine produces a stronger espresso?
The Breville Touch‘s 19-bar pump generates higher pressure, resulting in a richer and more intense espresso.
3. Is the automatic milk frother worth it?
If you enjoy frothed milk drinks and value convenience, the Touch’s automatic milk frother is a worthwhile feature.
4. Can I use pre-ground coffee with these machines?
Yes, both the Barista Pro and Touch allow you to use pre-ground coffee, but freshly ground coffee will always yield a better-tasting espresso.
5. How often should I clean my espresso machine?
Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your espresso machine. It is recommended to clean the machine after every use and descale it every 2-3 months.
