Barista Express Impress レビュー：アップグレードする価値はある？

The Barista Express Impress has generated a lot of buzz in the home espresso community. It promises to simplify the espresso-making process with its integrated grinder and assisted tamping, but does it live up to the hype? In this review, we'll break down its features, compare it to older models, and help you decide if it's the right upgrade for your kitchen.

Whether you're a beginner looking to make café-quality shots at home or a seasoned enthusiast considering an upgrade, understanding the Impress's capabilities is crucial. We'll also touch on how it fits into the broader landscape of home espresso machines, including options from specialty roasters like Onyx Coffee Lab.

Key Features of the Barista Express Impress

The Barista Express Impress stands out with its integrated grinder and the Impress Puck System, which automatically tamps the coffee grounds to a consistent pressure. This removes one of the most variable steps in espresso preparation, making it easier for beginners to achieve balanced shots. The machine also features a digital temperature control system and a steam wand for milk frothing.

Another notable feature is the assisted grinding and dosing: the machine measures the dose and adjusts the grind time to hit the target weight, reducing waste and improving consistency. The intuitive interface guides you through each step, making the process less intimidating.

• Integrated grinder with 30 grind settings
• Automatic tamping with adjustable pressure
• Digital temperature control for optimal extraction
• Steam wand for microfoam milk texturing

Barista Express Impress vs. Older Models

Compared to the original Barista Express, the Impress adds the automatic tamping feature, which is a significant upgrade. The original required manual tamping, which can be inconsistent for beginners. The Impress also improves the grinder's dosing accuracy, ensuring you get the right amount of coffee each time.

However, the Impress is priced higher than the older model. If you're already comfortable with manual tamping and have a good technique, the upgrade may not be essential. But for those who struggle with consistency, the Impress can be a game-changer.

• Consider your skill level: beginners benefit most from the Impress's automation.
• Budget check: the Impress costs more, but saves time and reduces waste.
• If you already own a Barista Express, the upgrade is worth it only if you value consistency.

Performance and Espresso Quality

In our testing, the Barista Express Impress produced consistently well-extracted shots with a good crema. The automatic tamping ensures even pressure, and the temperature control helps avoid over-extraction. The grinder, while not on par with high-end standalone grinders, is more than adequate for most home users.

The steam wand performs well for milk-based drinks, creating microfoam suitable for latte art. However, the machine has a learning curve for steaming, and the single boiler means you need to wait between brewing and steaming.

• Use freshly roasted beans for best results; try 'Southern Weather' from Onyx Coffee Lab for a balanced espresso.



• Grind size adjustments are key: start with the recommended settings and tweak based on taste.
• Clean the machine regularly to maintain performance.

Who Should Buy the Barista Express Impress?

The Barista Express Impress is ideal for home baristas who want a more automated experience without sacrificing quality. It's also great for small offices or households where multiple people use the machine, as it reduces the learning curve.

If you're a purist who enjoys the ritual of manual espresso making, you might prefer a traditional machine. But if you value convenience and consistency, the Impress is a solid investment. For those on a budget, consider the older Barista Express or explore other options in the market.

• Great for beginners and intermediate users.
• Not for those who want full manual control.
• Consider pairing with quality beans like 'Colombia El Tambo-AMACA' for a fruity, balanced cup.

The Barista Express Impress is a well-designed home espresso machine that successfully bridges the gap between beginner and enthusiast. Its assisted tamping and dosing features make it easier to achieve consistent results, and the overall build quality is solid. While it's not a professional-grade machine, it offers excellent value for its price. If you're looking to up your home espresso game, the Impress is worth considering. For coffee beans, don't forget to explore Onyx Coffee Lab's offerings to get the most out of your new machine.