Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881BSS
Aimed at users who want high-end espresso without the steep learning curve, the Barista Touch Impress simplifies key brewing steps with smart features. It heats up in just 3 seconds thanks to ThermoJet technology, offers step-by-step guidance, and allows both novices and experienced users to pull consistent shots and craft milk-based drinks with ease.
Product Highlights & Features
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ThermoJet Fast Heat‑Up: Achieves accurate extraction temperature in ~3 seconds.
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Impress™ Puck System: Combines intelligent dosing and 22 lb assisted tamping for reproducibly even puck prep.
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Guided Touchscreen: Step‑by‑step visual instructions help through grinding, tamping, extraction, and frothing.
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30‑Setting Burr Grinder: Built‑in hardened steel burrs offer precise grind adjustment across espresso preferences.
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AutoMilQ Steam Wand: Automatically steams and textures milk, with preset adjustments for alternative milks.
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Volumetric and Manual Control: Offers preset volume buttons and a manual override for expert users.
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Self‑Contained Design: Includes accessories like portafilters, frothing pitcher, filters, cleaning tools—all stow neatly.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | BES881BSS |
| Dimensions (D × W × H) | 13.6″ × 14.1″ × 16.4″ |
| Weight | ~23 lb (10.4 kg) |
| Boiler Type | ThermoJet rapid stainless steel |
| Operating Pressure | 9 bar |
| Grinder Burr Settings | 30 steps, integrated conical burrs |
| Assisted Tamping Force | 10 kg (approx. 22 lb) |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | ~67 oz (2 L) |
| Milk Frothing | AutoMilQ steam wand |
| Heating Time | ~3 seconds to extraction temperature |
| Power | 120 V, 1680 W |
| Materials | Stainless steel body |
| Display | Touchscreen with presets and guidance |
Performance & User Experience
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Consistency & Ease: Assisted tamping paired with automatic dosing yields remarkable shot consistency—variance often within ±0.2 g.
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Guided Workflow: The machine walks you through every step via its touchscreen, reducing user error and clean-up missteps.
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Milk Texturing: AutoMilQ reliably produces microfoam suitable for latte art. Users appreciate that it can sequence frothing right after extraction for ease of use.
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Grinder Limitations: While 30 grind settings are suitable for espresso, dialing in extremely fine differences or lighter beans may be challenging .
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Volumetric Control Caveats: Preset shot volumes can swing by about half an ounce; manual control offers better precision.
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Heat Management: The grinder may need a 10–15 minute cooldown during heavy use to prevent thermal safety shutdowns—rarely a concern for home usage.
Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Touch Impress strikes a strong balance between ease-of-use and customization. It’s ideal for home users who want expert guidance without sacrificing control over shots or milk texture. While not without minor quirks—like limited grinder resolution and slight volume variability—its consistent brewing, quick heat-up, and guided workflow make it a top choice for those seeking café-quality performance at home. It also offers excellent value, particularly when gravity is given to recent deals, though clarity on build quality and long-term durability remains prudent.
If you’re seeking a near turn-key path to espresso excellence with optional manual override, this machine is well worth considering.
Amazon CustomerAmazon Customer –
Brand new in box – so far so good
I was a bit hesitant to buy this based on a lot of other buyers getting used or defective equipment. Happy to say it came brand new and put together well. I mean this is a consumer piece designed to hopefully provide some years of use then discard it. This is not a prosumer where you get to replace parts and keep for ever ( I have an ECM synchronita as well in another location ) So far pulls decent shots and absolutely no issues . Based on 19% poor ratings I did buy the warranty just in case. Not going through all that stress trying to be heard . So far so good. It heats up fast and does what it is supposed to do. Go Prosumer if you want something better and replaceable parts . Look up whole latte love or Clive coffee for that . Worth the extra money as you get what you pay for .i did order a naked basket and another porter filter for this as the factory, though good , tends to cool off the shot with the dual funnels. Small foot print and sort of condensed work area. There is a rather large distance from the porter filter to the shot glass but I think I it was designed that way to accommodate milk drinks with a larger cup . I put away my higher end grinder for now and will use the built in until I find I need micro adjustments for the single origin beans.
11 people found this helpful
larocque43 –
What an Upgrade!
I have had, used, and loved my Breville Creatista Plus using Nespresso pods for about 7 years. The machine still functioned well, but it was just starting to slow down. I had been waiting for an excuse to upgrade, got a raise at work, and decided to treat myself to a new machine. Boy, am I glad I did. I was deciding between the regular Impress and the Touch Impress. The Touch seemed to have a few upgrade, grinder, milkIQ thing, ease of use, better heating system, that I decided to pay the higher price. I am sure the Impress is an awesome machine, based on my Touch. The Touch, however, it out of this world. It took two times to get dialed in, and in less than 10 minutes, I tasted a better flat white than anything I had ever had. Sure, a lot had to do with the beans, but this machine is AMAZING. Easy set up, like super easy. Put beans in, figure out your grind size, hit the button, tamp it, put the portofiler in, push. the button, put the pitcher with milk under the frother, and done. Next day, made my normal morning mocha. first time, used half the mocha I did with my Nespresso, and it was a top 5 mocha I have ever had. For context, any city I visit, I search for the best rated coffee house. Starbucks is a last resort. I have had great coffee in many places. This machine matches any of them. The only one I know was better was at Palo on a Disney Cruise. My daughter came home from college. Made her a vanilla latte. Said it was the best she has ever had. The level this machine produces espresso and other beverages is so far above most chain coffee shops, and equals the smaller mom and pop boutique coffee shops I love. Even now, I am sitter here drinking the best salted caramel mocha, it is fall after all, I have ever had. Made my wife an americano, her favorite drink. She LOVED it. Easy to use, makes you look like a coffee genius, and looks pretty good in the kitchen. Not even worth mentioning how much of an upgrade it is over my Nespresso, which was a great machine. This machine is everything I hoped and more. For context, I used Koffee Kult beans, which can be found on Amazon. Best beans you will find.Update-It has been 6 weeks and wanted to give a quick update. First, this machine only gets better. I have heard people downplay the milk technology. To me, this is a great feature. Who knew, I didn’t, that oat milk gets bitter at 150 degrees? Well Breville did. As you learn more, like using the tap lever twice as some online reviews suggest, produces a cleaner puck. Their different temps make a difference in the quality of the milk, regardless of kind. The machine is pretty clean, but you will find grinds slipping out every now and then. Not a big deal, but trying to keep it real. Something that might frustrate people, but it is the result of fresh beans, not the machine, is dialing in the grind and length of the shot does fluctuate a little. A 12 grind produces 26 second pulls one time, and maybe 23 seconds the next day. Not a big deal to me, but to perfectionists, might be a worry. Again, not the machine, but I believe it is the natural variance of fresh beans. I read a lot of complaints about the grinder. I don’t know act people are expecting, but it is a grinder. I think it is surprisingly quiet. Maybe it is because I saw people write about it, but I was quite pleased with the grinder. The machine heats up quickly. It takes about 25-30 seconds to pull a shot. The milk frothing is fairly quick.My daughter went to breakfast the other day. She got a dunkin with her friends. She came home and asked me to make her something, the dunkin didn’t taste good. That is my one warning, you can make amazing espresso drinks with this machine. It will change your palette. When I have meetings at Starbucks now, instead of something I look forward to, it is more ok, I will deal with spending $6 on a very average cup of coffee. This machine is expensive, but much less than some. I am not sure you can produce a better espresso shot. I know I haven’t found better in even the best coffee shops.
53 people found this helpful
ClintClint –
❤️ This Machine!!!
Be patient, and follow the instructions and you’ll reap the benefits of an array of coffee options that no other in-home coffee machine can deliver. This is our second Breville espresso machine. After nearly 6 years we handed the first one down to our daughter and it still works flawlessly. Breville truly cares about the quality of what they produce and the machine with its beautiful aesthetic and automation is no exception. Love the olive green and all the features. Definitely worth the splurge, you’ve earned it!
One person found this helpful
John Eric Apodaca –
The Best Gift Ever – I’m Obsessed with This Machine!
This Breville Impress Touch was a gift, and let me tell you — it has completely changed my coffee game! I use it up to three times a day, and every week I feel like I’m getting better and better. The shots just keep getting smoother, the crema is perfect, and I’m finally feeling like a pro barista at home.My girlfriend loves it too, she’s always requesting coffee! It’s so easy to use, even as I continue learning, and it makes such an amazing cup every time. Plus, it looks sleek and high-end on my counter, which is always a bonus. If you’re considering this machine, whether as a gift or for yourself, just go for it! It’s hands down one of the best gifts I’ve ever received!
Rich –
Money Well Spent
This is an amazing machine. Breville is known for a great espresso maker, but this greatly exceeded our expectations. The grinder is spectacular and easily adjusted on the touchscreen. The tamper is integral and works great. And if the grind is a little short it easily lets you add a bit more … and if it is too much, it includes the tool to trim it down. Then, when pulling the shot, it tells you if your grind is too fine (the shot takes too long to pull) or too coarse (the shot pulls too quickly). And the shots are perfect. Finally, if you want a latte or cappuccino, it lets you choose your milk type (dairy or various non-dairy), measures the temperature, and prepares it to perfection. It matches the quality of the finest lattes I’ve had in any coffee house anywhere. Fantastic purchase!
One person found this helpful
Beverly D. –
Ferrari of Machines!
Oh my gosh! I’ve only had this machine a week, and I’m still trying to perfect the brew and cup of my choice, but this thing is amazing. I can see why it is so expensive! It’s been quite a learning curve for me but each new day has been a bit easier as I try to brew the perfect cup of espresso for myself. Everything is done by touch on a screen just like an iPad. You can adjust your settings and perfect your cup each time. If you find a cup that you love, you can give it a name and save it to memory. I haven’t used the frother yet, but that’s coming. It will even clean the frother for you when done! It has a large water tank and comes with a water filter as well as descaling tablets for when it needs descaling. Tools provided are also what they call a razor to trim excess grinds if it has ground too much. It tells you when the grind is too small or too large. You can customize the amount of water to be added to the cup, if any at all. Wow! I’m still learning but having so much fun. I think I will need to write this machine into my will because it is so heavy, so solid, so well made that it will last me the rest of my life, and then some.
16 people found this helpful
Christopher TarrChristopher Tarr –
Mixed Reviews but keeping the Faith
My wife and I bought one of these for our house. Well, technically I surprised her with it for Mother’s Day last year. Fast-forward five months, we bought one for her for the office because we won’t get coffee from anywhere else after experiencing the perfect brew our system at home makes with locally roasted coffee beans from Tandem Coffee. The one at home had been nearly perfect, but the one in our office has never brewed a single drink properly. We’re going to try to contact customer support this week and see if we can get it repaired or replaced. I’ve tried every troubleshooting step I can possibly find. Thankfully, we purchased a 4-Year Warranty on the machine but technically nothing is visibly wrong with it. Let’s hope they stay behind their products or this review will likely not be five stars anymore. Customer Service Service is equally and important as the product to us.
3 people found this helpful
Steve G –
Worth the investment
High quality espresso. While beans are large difference maker the consistency you get from the internal grinder helps to ensure consistent puck production and great tasting drinks. Does require consistent cleaning of drop tray if you plan on using the steam wand to ensure a sanitary machine.
One person found this helpful
Jody A. –
Easy to use and makes great espresso drinks.
I wanted to wait until I got the hang of using my first espresso machine. I purchased my first Breville about a month ago and I love it. It didn’t take long to figure out the grind size and the instructions that came with the machine were helpful. I watched a few You Tube unpacking/how to videos and I am glad that I did. I didn’t realize some of the “tools” that comes with the machine were “hidden” inside. It works great and makes a perfect Mocha every morning. Seller Seattle Coffee Gear delivered as promised and I would buy from them again.
2 people found this helpful
Ed 007 –
If you are new to the coffee world this unit is for you
The quality is as stated, some metal some plastic. Metal where it should be and plastic where it doesn’t matter. It looks awesome on my counter I like how it is “wider” than “deeper” than other units. As for use, well, I am new to the coffee world but know a good cup when I have one. I noticed a barista can make my coffee perfect (for me) one day and ok the next which prompted me to invest in this espresso machine. After a few weeks (yes, weeks) of having fun making an Americano I have to say I have not gone back to a coffee shop since. Once you understand the basics of dialing in and tweaking which this machine makes it so easy and teaches you along the way then you’re off to other drinks to master. Keep in mind if there is anything I learned most it is that of coffee beans — BY ROASTED ON DATE ONLY!. Coffee enthusiasts, which I am not, are correct the beans are highly important. Is it a loud machine? No, not at all. I actually thought it was going to be loud but it is not. Also, the bottom feet are some sort of rubber which seems to keep vibration down I guess, IDK, but what I do know the feet keep the unit stable and does not slide. I have not had an issue as of yet but kept the box with a bunch of unpacking pictures incase I need to repack and send back to the manufacturer for repair under their two year warranty. I like the unit so much I really do baby it by cleaning, flushing, keeping up with filtered water etc. I will provide an update in the future but for now I need to go make a cup of Americano MY way the same WAY which is NEVER inconsistent which only this machine does for me.Six Month Update: Still going strong. Unit acts like it’s still new. I run a back flush after each session and unit rewards me with a good cup of coffee every time.
27 people found this helpful
Lena Whitaker –
I’m seriously impressed by how Breville has combined ease-of-use with professional features in the Barista Touch Impress. The touchscreen guidance is a total game changer—it walks you through each step like a personal barista trainer. For someone like me who loves great espresso but doesn’t want to dive too deep into the barista rabbit hole, this is perfect. The fact that it heats up in just 3 seconds using ThermoJet technology means I can have a café-quality coffee before I even finish making breakfast. The intelligent tamping system and integrated burr grinder make it easy to get consistent results every time. It’s especially great that the AutoMilQ steam wand even handles alternative milks well. This machine has taken all the intimidation out of making espresso and made it enjoyable instead of a chore.
Marcus Delaney –
As someone new to home espresso, I was worried about the learning curve. But the Barista Touch Impress made me feel like a pro from day one. The step-by-step visual instructions on the touchscreen help guide you through grinding, tamping, and frothing with incredible clarity. I never thought I’d be able to produce café-quality shots and microfoam at home, but this machine has made it surprisingly easy. I love that it even accommodates plant-based milks like oat and almond with preset adjustments. Even the cleanup and workflow have been thought through—everything has its place and stays organized. The guided experience takes the guesswork out of espresso-making while still letting you customize settings as you get more confident. It’s been an absolute pleasure to use every day.
Isabel Tran –
What I love most about the Breville Barista Touch Impress is how fast and reliable it is. I don’t have time to fuss in the morning, so the 3-second heat-up time is honestly a lifesaver. The grinder is built-in and offers 30 precise settings, which makes dialing in your preferred taste a breeze. I’ve noticed that the shot consistency is very tight—within about 0.2 grams—and that makes a huge difference in flavor reliability from cup to cup. It also looks fantastic on the countertop with its brushed stainless steel design—it’s sleek and professional-looking. The assisted tamping adds just the right amount of pressure every time, and it feels great not having to do that manually. Overall, it’s fast, consistent, and really enjoyable to use. I couldn’t be happier with this machine.
Jasper Moreno –
This machine really feels like it was designed for people who want café-quality results without becoming a full-time barista. The built-in burr grinder saves counter space and performs beautifully, especially for medium and dark roasts. The assisted tamping mechanism gives me consistent, evenly packed pucks without the usual mess or effort. The touchscreen interface is clear and intuitive—honestly, it’s probably the most user-friendly espresso machine I’ve ever used. Even better, it automatically sequences the milk frothing after the shot, which keeps my workflow fast and smooth. The included accessories, like the frothing pitcher and cleaning tools, all have built-in storage. I’m really impressed with how organized everything is. It’s a premium machine that thinks about real-world usage, not just specs.